With Or Without You

23.

Teja's POV:

Me, Aahana and Naina had decided to visit the Pearl Harbor today. Honestly, no visit to Hawaii is ever complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor and it's not just because it's beautiful. It's also a testament to the Japanese attack that took place on December 7th, 1941 which was a transformative event, not only in US history, but in World History as well. It would truly be a shame to let go of a chance like this hence the plan.

After a quick stop at our room, heading back after breakfast, to change, hydrate and pack the car with eating supplies, we're almost out of the gates when Aahana realises she forgot her sunglasses.

I huff a little in annoyance and move to get them myself in hopes of being quicker so we don't lose time.

I'm waiting for the elevator to reach the ground floor when I see Karan walking towards me out of the corner of my eyes.

I'm guessing he just came back after swimming since he's in a robe with a towel upon his head.

And HOLY SHIT he looks hot.

I smack my head internally, scolding myself for having such thoughts about him.

I need to stay as far away from him as possible for the remaining duration of our trip. I absolutely cannot afford to get swayed in the moment and risk losing my heart in the way. Not again.

I pass a polite smile and a nod of my head, not wanting to deliberately ignore him or make him get the idea that I actually care.

Indifference is key.

He looks at me like he wants to say something but I don't give him the chance to do so as I walk into the lift only to see him follow me in.

I thought there might be people in it but to my never-ending misfortune, it's just the two of us.

Shit.

Being alone with him is the last thing I want or need right now.

Thanks a lot universe.

Consoling myself with the fact that it's just gonna be for a minute or two, I take my phone out of my pocket, pretending to be busy.

Suddenly a loud noise cuts through the air and the elevator comes to a screeching halt.

"What's happening," Karan panicks.

"I think there's something wrong with the lift," I tell him, pressing the call button. "Hello, we're stuck in the lift." I call out to the person on the other end.

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience ma'am. There's some technical difficulty and I'm afraid it's gonna take a while for us to mend it. We're trying our best to get you out of there as soon as possible. Till then, we request you to please keep calm." The call ends.

"Keep calm, my foot." Karan mutters under his breath.

He groans and drops onto the floor, bowing his head and knotting his fingers together against the back of his neck.

At least I'm not the only one panicking.

Of course, I'm freaking out about being here with him and he's freaking out because he's claustrophobic. He has been ever since he was a kid and a broken bookshelf fell on him while no one else was home. He was trapped for hours.

I clear my throat. "It's gonna be fine. We'll be out of here in no time at all, don't worry."

"Distract me," he says.

I smile a little, reminiscing over a memory from another time, another place.

I tut. "Where are the famous Karan Kundrra manners?"