Is't Called Destiny

AN UNPLANNED ESCAPE

Part 42

The atmosphere at the Singhal mansion was heavy with tension and unspoken words. The recent events had left everyone on edge, especially Darsh and Kanishka. The kidnapping incident orchestrated by Ayan had shaken Kanishka to her core, and the household was still reeling from the aftermath.

Darsh's mother, Mrs. Singhal, observed the strained expressions and the palpable discomfort between her son and daughter-in-law. She knew something had to be done to ease the situation, to provide them with a reprieve from the chaos that had engulfed their lives.

One afternoon, as the family sat in the living room, Mrs. Singhal decided to voice her thoughts. "Darsh, Kanishka, I've been thinking..." she began, her tone gentle yet firm, "you both need a break from all this madness."

Kanishka looked up from her tea, her eyes still haunted from the recent trauma. Darsh, sitting beside her, glanced at his mother with curiosity. "What do you mean, Mom?" he asked.

"I think it would be good for both of you to get away for a while," Mrs. Singhal suggested. "Go out of the country, take some time to yourselves. You two haven't even had a proper honeymoon yet."

The mention of a honeymoon made Darsh and Kanishka exchange awkward glances. The very idea of a honeymoon felt foreign to them given the current state of their relationship.

"Honeymoon?" Kanishka echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," Mrs. Singhal affirmed, nodding. "A honeymoon. It doesn't have to be a traditional one, but a trip away from all this can help you both clear your minds and perhaps...start anew."

Darsh ran a hand through his hair, clearly conflicted. "I don't know, Mom. With everything going on, it feels...wrong to just leave."

"Sometimes stepping away is the best way to find clarity," Mrs. Singhal replied wisely. "You both need to heal, and staying here with all these reminders isn't helping."

Kanishka felt a wave of gratitude towards her mother-in-law. Despite everything, Mrs. Singhal had been nothing but supportive and kind. "Where do you suggest we go?" she asked tentatively.

"Somewhere peaceful," Mrs. Singhal suggested. "Maybe Europe? Italy is beautiful this time of year. Or perhaps a quiet beach resort. The important thing is that you both get some time away from the pressures here."

Darsh turned to Kanishka, his expression softening. "What do you think, Kanishka?"

She hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I think...I think it could be good for us."

"Good," Mrs. Singhal said, smiling warmly. "I'll help you both make the arrangements. Just focus on each other and try to find some peace."

---

The next few days were a whirlwind of preparations. With Mrs. Singhal's help, they planned a two-week trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. The thought of leaving the country and everything behind was both daunting and a relief.

As they packed their bags, Darsh tried to break the ice. "I hear the Amalfi Coast is beautiful," he said, folding a shirt and placing it in his suitcase.

Kanishka smiled faintly. "I've always wanted to see Italy," she admitted.

"Then it's settled," Darsh said with a small grin. "We'll make the most of it."

---

The flight to Italy was long, but it gave Darsh and Kanishka time to reflect on everything that had happened. As the plane touched down in Naples, they were both filled with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

Their villa in Positano was breathtaking, perched on a cliff with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The serene environment was a stark contrast to the turmoil they had left behind.

On their first night, they stood on the balcony, looking out at the twinkling lights of the town below. "It's beautiful here," Kanishka murmured.

"It is," Darsh agreed, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I'm glad we came."

There was a comfortable silence between them, a sign that perhaps this trip was the right decision. They had a long way to go in rebuilding their relationship, but this was a start.

Over the next few days, they explored the charming streets of Positano, indulged in Italian cuisine, and took boat trips along the coast. The beauty of their surroundings gradually began to work its magic, helping them to relax and open up to each other.

One evening, as they sat by the beach watching the sunset, Darsh turned to Kanishka. "I know things have been incredibly hard," he said softly. "But I want you to know that I'm committed to making this work. For us."

Kanishka looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "I want that too," she replied. "I know it's going to take time, but I believe we can get through this."

Darsh reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Together," he said.

"Together," Kanishka echoed, feeling a flicker of hope for the first time in a long while.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sea, they both felt a sense of peace and renewal. It was just the beginning, but it was a beginning nonetheless. And for now, that was enough.