Night of 25TH

CHAP 30: Alizeh to my Ayan

Past:

Shubman

The next day the four of us were at the airport, ready to head home after two months of touring.  As we waited for our respective flights, people passing by often approached me, Ishan, and Siraj, requesting photos and autographs. Whereas Chucky seemed distant from any kind of interaction.

Chucky remained hidden behind a magazine, her face buried in its pages. It had been an hour since she had been stuck on the same page, and I couldn't help but notice her occasional sneezes and soft nose-blowing as if she were trying to be discreet about it, even though her actions were quite evident.

I sighed, knowing the reason behind her discomfort. It had to do with her mischievous act from the night before. She had managed to sneakily drink the cold drink I had confiscated from her, a beverage I had specifically told her not to consume. I had left it behind on the grass during our stargazing session, and Chucky had seized the opportunity to indulge in it.

Throughout our journey back to the hotel, I noticed her sitting in the last seat of the car, sipping the forbidden cold drink. Each time I tried to confront her about it, she skillfully evaded my questions with excuses and deflections. Now, here at the airport, with nowhere to run, she continued her charade by hiding her face behind the magazine.

I couldn't tolerate her acting any longer and decided to confront her directly. I reached over and gently removed the magazine from her grasp. Chucky's eyes widened in surprise, and she tried to put on an innocent act.

"Stop with the act," I said sternly, looking directly into her eyes. "You haven't moved from that page for an hour."

Chucky's eyes darted around for a moment before she let out a nervous chuckle. She patted my back and coughed softly, attempting to divert my attention. "Oh, I was just admiring your new photoshoot and the intricate patterns of the clothing. You look handsome, huh?" she said, trying to change the subject.

I wasn't going to let her off the hook so easily. I scolded her, my tone firm, "Maine kaha tha na, mat pi voh cold drink. Ziddi kahi ki koi baat manti hi nahi hai." (I had clearly told you not to drink that cold drink. You're so stubborn; you don't listen to anything.)

She began to cough loudly in an attempt to interrupt my scolding. It was clear to me that she was putting on an act because, even while coughing, she kept glancing at me from the corner of her eye to gauge my reaction. That's when I shot her a disapproving look, conveying with my expression that she should cease her charade. Instantly, she stopped and settled back.

"Enough with the theatrics," I said, raising an eyebrow and folding my arms, giving her a stern look.

"Zidd nas nas mein bhari hai ab bhugto," I said in a low voice, emphasizing my authority in the conversation. However, she made it challenging.

"Gala dukh raha hai, aankh jal rahi hai, sardi bhi lag rahi hai, aur dant rahe ho tum mujhe," she pouted, wiping her nose with the back of her hand like a child, and gave me puppy dog eyes. Her eyes were red, and tears welled up, even though she was clearly putting on a show.

I could feel my frustration growing as Chucky continued with her melodramatic act. Just as I was about to express my annoyance, a loud announcement boomed through the airport, interrupting our conversation:

"Passengers travelling to Chandigarh on flight AI-267, please proceed to Gate B6 for boarding. Boarding will commence in 15 minutes."

My irritation momentarily gave way to a sense of urgency. I glanced at the departure board, confirming that it was my flight that had been announced. In a hurry, I picked up my bag and turned to Ishan and Siraj, giving each of them a quick, heartfelt hug.

Then, turning to Chucky, who had dropped her act, I spoke in a stern but concerned tone, "I have to catch my flight now. Take care of yourself, and make sure you call me once you reach home."

As I walked towards the gate, I had just taken a few steps when I heard a weak voice, filled with pain, calling my name.

"Shubmannnn," I heard Chucky's voice, and without hesitation, I quickly turned around to see her clutching her stomach and reaching out her hand towards me. I rushed back towards her, with Siraj and Ishan following closely behind, their faces filled with concern. Nearby passengers also couldn't help but watch the scene unfolding before them.

Kneeling down beside Chucky, I gently placed my hand on her cheek, my earlier anger fading into deep concern. I spoke softly, my voice laced with worry, "Hey, Hey Chucky, do you need anything?"

"Yes..." she replied, clutching my hand on her cheek while her other hand held onto the seat rest, acting as though she were in great discomfort.

"What is it?" I asked, my restlessness growing with each passing second.

"Aramm..." she said weakly, struggling to articulate the words properly.

"Aramm kya?" I panicked, my forehead starting to glisten with sweat as I noticed her eyes closed and her breathing becoming heavy.

"Aramm se jana... Aur plane mein kahi bich mein utar mat jana," she said, opening her eyes and bursting into laughter.

"Chuckkyyyyy, are you serious?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in shock. I lightly tapped her cheek with my hand, my intention not to cause any harm but to express my disbelief. However, she certainly didn't miss the opportunity to make a fuss about it.

"Oww, that hurts," she exaggerated, caressing her cheek dramatically, even though my touch had been quite gentle.

"You could have given me a heart attack," I said, my hand rubbing my face as I took a seat on the airport floor.

Suddenly, I felt arms wrap around my shoulders, and I was pulled into a tight embrace. A soft whisper brushed my ear, "I could never let you go when you're angry, and if it ever happens, we'll be separated forever."

Hearing those words, my hands trembled, and my breath caught in my throat. I held onto the hug even more tightly, my voice filled with determination, "Never say that again because I am never letting you go."

I clung to her with an intensity that revealed a deep-seated fear within me — the fear of losing her, of the day when I might never see her again. It was a fear that I didn't know existed but had taken root and grown, becoming an inseparable part of me. I hoped against hope that this fear would remain nothing more than a fear, never a reality.

As I trembled with fear in my mind, a dramatic voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

"Guys, hume bhi heart attack aa sakta tha, hume bhi hug karlo," Ishan exclaimed, leaning on Siraj's shoulder and clutching his heart dramatically. Siraj played along, moving his head in an exaggerated manner.

Chucky and I shared a chuckle, hastily wiping away our tears, and opened our arms wide. Without hesitation, both Ishan and Siraj leapt onto us, sending us all tumbling to the ground in a heap of laughter and affection. As I lay there on the ground, surrounded by laughter and affection, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Chucky. Under the weight of Ishan's playful sprawl, her face was adorably squished, and her glasses were askew. With a soft smile, I reached over to adjust her glasses, feeling the warmth of her gaze on me.

As our gazes intertwined, an overwhelming sensation washed over me. It was as though I had stumbled upon my own version of Alizeh at this moment, a confidante, a partner-in-crime, someone I could rely on unconditionally. A connection that had the power to melt hearts, heal wounds, and make life's journey a little less lonely.