Kande Beach

7 years

Nishaan's POV:

"Yes, please!" I replied to Sarah, my coworker who had asked me for water.

She handed me a bottle, and I opened the cap, chugging down the refreshing liquid. I was dying from thirst.

"Thank you." I wiped away the remaining droplets from my mouth with the back of my hand.

I was in Africa, helping to build a school. It was a sunny day, and I looked around at the quiet, blissful afternoon. Sarah Parker, a young environmentalist and education activist with blue hair, had tattoos inspired by Indian culture. As she spoke passionately about human rights, I found her fascinating. Her eyes held stories of truth and tragedy; she had been banned from the States due to her provocative activism.

I met her here in Africa while she was working on this school-building campaign. It had been seven years since Jackson and I broke up. Since then, I spent three years in Tibet and a year in Afghanistan. This would be my third year in Africa.

I worked in refugee camps and helped with disaster relief efforts. I had truly found my purpose in helping others. I met so many incredible people, and I also worked for the Skywalker Foundation across the globe.

When I arrived in New York, I met Mr. Skywalker while working for a nonprofit organization. He took me in despite knowing about my breakup with Jackson, and suddenly, I found myself, a family. They became my new parents, and no one even mentioned Jackson. I thought it would be awkward but to be honest, they were the most nicest people I knew in my whole life. We celebrated birthdays like normal families.

"When's your flight?" Sarah asked as she poured whiskey into her coffee.

"Want some?" She offered her drink. I shot her a glare.

"I don't know why you always offer me alcohol; you know I stopped drinking a long time ago," I chuckled.

"You never know," she replied playfully, taking a sip.

"Today," I declared. "I'm leaving in the evening!"

"Do you really have to go?" She pouted. I looked down at my palms resting on my lap and nodded.

"I want to," I replied, biting my lower lip. Just thinking about it sent chills down my spine. I was planning to attend Eric's wedding.

"Okay then, adios!" she winked playfully.

At the airport, butterflies danced in my stomach. I was excited but genuinely happy to be meeting someone.

There he was, standing with a group, talking as if he were the smartest of them all. I shook my head.

"Noah!" I called. My voice echoed in the shelter.

It had been three years since we last saw each other. Noah was a pilot now, working with the U.S. Air Force. I had decided to surprise him at the airbase after seeing his update about being moved to an African base just two days ago.

He paused, turning his head toward me.

"Hi," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

It took him a moment to recognize me.

"Hey!" he exclaimed enthusiastically.

Though our professional lives kept us busy, we maintained our friendship over the phone. Our schedules rarely allowed us to meet for even a cup of coffee.

"You son of a..." he began, making his way down.

I ran toward him, screaming with joy. I was genuinely happy, and so was he. He opened his arms, and I hugged him tight. He lifted me into the air, and I giggled.

"I missed you so much!" he said, squeezing me tightly.

"I didn't want to let him go."

"How are you doing? Are you okay?" he asked, his arms still wrapped around me.

"I'm great, I really am!" I pulled away and cupped his face in my hands.

"You're taller!" I laughed. His face was more sculpted and sharp now; he looked older. That boyish charm was gone, replaced by a seriousness I found intriguing.

"You're... still the same!" He stepped back, taking me in from head to toe as if he couldn't believe his eyes.

"Very funny," I smacked his chest playfully.

I wrapped my arms around him again. He felt like home—like home, but not quite.

"You look beautiful," he said.

"Thank you," I replied.

"So... what's behind this surprise visit?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"You know me too well," I pressed my lips together, pulling my hands behind my back.

I explained everything to him, and he agreed to accompany me. Around midnight, he called a chopper for us, and we boarded the helicopter for the wedding.

"Let's get our sweet revenge!" Noah whispered, and I smiled, though a hint of sadness crept in. I turned my head toward the window, deciding to focus on the view for the rest of the ride.

Jackson's POV:

"Did you have lunch?" I asked Ryan, who was on the phone with me.

"I did. I went to church today with Uncle Larry."

Ryan had exams, so he couldn't join me, and I had to leave him behind, even though I didn't want to. I worried about him every second; he was my life now. Larry and his wife were our neighbors, and I trusted them.

"Good. Call me when you go to sleep, okay?"

"Yeah, love you."

"I love you too."

We hung up, and I made my way to the ceremony area. The weather was windy, and the sky was clear. I spotted Nicole at the bar, so I headed over.

"Hey," she smiled.

"Hey," I replied, returning her smile warmly.

"This was your fifth call of the day. Can you please stop worrying about him?" she laughed.

"I can't help it," I shrugged.

Suddenly, a helicopter hovered over our cruise, circling us. Everyone became curious about who might be arriving in such a dramatic fashion, as to my knowledge, all the guests had already arrived, including the VIPs.

I glanced at Eric, who was waving at the chopper.

What a fancy guest, I thought, but I didn't care. I turned back to my drink, drowning myself in alcohol. I heard the chopper approach the helipad and land smoothly. Nicole tapped my shoulder.

"You need to see this."

I turned around, feigning boredom.

The bodyguard opened the gates, and a man in a black suit stepped out—he looked familiar.

My eyes widened as I saw a figure emerge from the helicopter. Noah.

"Noah Kennedy," I murmured.

Noah stepped aside, extending his hand to help someone else out. A slim, feminine hand reached for his.

My heart raced, and my grip on my glass loosened.

A tall, graceful figure stepped out of the chopper, and everyone in the vicinity fell silent, their attention fixed on her.

She slowly descended, and my heart ached at the sight. Eric turned to me, confused.

"Please don't let it be her. I won't be able to handle it," I whispered to myself.

It felt surreal, like a scene from a movie. I could literally hear my heart throbbing against my ribcage. And then I saw her—Nishaan.

No, really, it was Nishaan stepping out of that chopper.

She looked breathtaking, like an angel who had fallen from the sky, wearing a light blue silk gown and silver stilettos.

The sun shone upon her, as if honoring her presence. Her long brunette hair fluttered in the breeze as she smiled softly at the crowd.

My eyes couldn't believe it. After all these years, she was standing before me like a vision.

She had kept her hair natural—no more vibrant colors.

The light blue gown hugged her form like water, making me want to wrap my jacket around her to protect such beauty.

She took Noah's hand, and together they walked down the steps, greeting everyone as if they were old friends.

Everyone wanted to be acknowledged by her.

As she moved closer, Eric made his way toward her.

I was frozen. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe, how to walk—everything.

I forced myself to look away, grabbing a wine glass from a passing waiter and downing it in one go.

"Are you okay?" Nicole asked, resting a hand on my chest, concern etched on her face.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I laughed nervously.

I heard a loud laugh and couldn't resist turning around.

Eric hugged her and lifted her off the ground, and I felt a strange mix of emotions stirring within me. The crowd began to dance again.

I turned back to the bar.

"Bourbon, please," I ordered.

Nicole wrapped her arms around me, resting her head on my shoulder. I caressed her hand softly.

It felt like a scene from a movie, everything collapsing inside me.

"Jackson, Jackson!" Eric called breathlessly.

"I didn't know she was coming, I swear!" He leaned in closer.

"It's okay, don't worry!" I replied, trying to remain calm.

"Are you sure?" he asked again. The bartender slid my bourbon across the counter, and I grabbed it.

"Totally," I said, leaning back against the bar.

"How is she?" I asked, curiosity bubbling within me.

"She's amazing," he said, and we glanced over at her.

"I mean, she was amazing, and now she's even more amazing!" he added.

"She apologized to me in an email a year ago, and we became friends again. I invited her, but she said she wouldn't be able to make it."

"It's okay," I said, trying to sound indifferent.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you."

I nodded, knowing I had never stopped him from being close to her. I understood Nishaan was important to Eric too.