𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐘𝐀

C H A P T E R - 17

Mayra

I was not paying any attention to the headache sitting next me. I probably would've settled in the back seat had his glares not silently conveyed do I look like a driver?

During the entire ride we stayed out of each others throat thankfully. He makes a swift right turn and there it was. The Ahilya Mansion. 

I inhale a deep breath lost in my thoughts not registering when he pulled over, Aarav doesn't waits for me and gets off the car. I too followed him without letting him know I am following him.

I enter a long circular hallway on either side of me. Sizing the hallway we filed into a lobby and then finally went into the dinning hall. All the while struggling to drag my luggage.

The hall was twice the size of ours considering the number of family members of course. "Mayra!" Moksha squeals as she practically hops onto me "Itna late kaise hogya?" (Why are you guys late) I would've answered if Aarav hadn't interfered "I was making her familiar with Mumbai's traffic" with that he throws himself on a nearby couch.

I glance around the room to find Shorbari chachi and Roop chachi engrossed in some conversation.

I leave the suitcase and head to where Ramika dadi was "Namastey dadi" she pats the space beside her and strokes my hair with soft hands "Khush raho bete. Manav ki shaadi ke baad ab mil rahi hu" (Stay blessed daughter. We're meeting after so long, last I saw you at Manav's wedding).

"Maine bhi Mayra ko tabhi dekha tha" (Yeah me too) Roop chachi comments and passes a soft smile to me. She's the most silent among the Parihaar daughter-in-laws.

"Ab dono behne saath rahengi kuch din to Iti ko bhi accha lagega" (Now both the sisters will have some time together. Good for Iti she'll feel better) Shorbari chachi leans on the handle of the sofa laughing.

Suvy maa joins us "Ap log aaram se baat kriyega pehle Mayra jao change krlo mai khana lagwati hu" (You both will have much time to talk, now Mayra go change and I'll set your plate) I swiftly nod before looking around hesitantly for Iti.

"Iti and Manav are out for a business party. She might get late" I get up from the couch avoiding any eye contact with the person sitting right in front of me. Except for Moksha I did not find any other of Iti's brother and sister-in-laws.

"Come Mayra I'll show you your room" I nod and with my suitcase I followed her "Leave your suitcase there. Aarav will help you" Suvy maa interjects from behind.

I glance him for once and his clear annoyance was itself an answer nonetheless he obeys and grabs my suitcase from my hand. He passes me the most pretentious smile he ever put on and leads the way.

I follow both of them towards a spiral stair on the left side of the hall. "Where's Adi? or Aaksha?" Moksha entwines her arms with me "My brother is a sucker for games you know. Must be locked up in his room for another battle" she makes air quotes and then rolls her eyes.

I think sucker for games is an understatement for Adi, as far as I know he's a popular e-sports player among the e-sport industry. Even though I've no interest in that field I actually visited some of his live streams.

"As for Akki she has her pre boards coming up" we finally reached for the guest room. Aarav unlocks the door and we filter in one by one.

"I'm so happy we're going to share same house same college" she makes that same gesture with her hand she use to do when she's excited.

Well me too, I thought of this for so long. We are going to share college but not the lectures considering they're all going to be my seniors. Except for Sharan who's already graduated.

"Can't say the same" a remark comes so silently from our right. I face him eyebrows raised and he simple shrugs. "Have a very good night" he tilts his head and closes the door behind him.

"Don't mind him" I never do.

"Muku can you please tell them to bring my dinner here. I feel a little dizzy" she pats my shoulder with a nod "Of course. See ya good night" I pass her a smile before she leaves.

After a quick shower I ate the food a maid left and then tucked myself in bed.

It was already midnight I'll probably get to meet Iti tomorrow morning. I try to summon some sleep. 

I twisted and turned but failed to catch any sleep.. all the while I complaint about being tired what happens to me whenever I actually try to sleep.

Sighing I remove the phone from the stand scrolling through messages from Diya I click open mumma's and reply back. 

The air from the balcony was soothing so I went for some fresh breathing. The balcony overlooked the porch and I could spot many statues in the garden. I instantly spotted a black Mclaren parked.

Suddenly my mind drifted towards a certain black head with cold brown eyes. Always glaring. He has a devil's aura around him. Whenever he looks at me like that I feel he can look past me. Or even into the deepest corners of my soul and conjures out all my secrets.

I look up at the starry night. Stargazing can be healing for me anytime. I love cosmos... it's the best thing to ever cross me.

I inhaled sharply at that swift wind when a deep hoarse voice echoes in my head "You're awake?" my lungs suddenly felt empty as if someone snatched all my air. 

I blinked twice before turning back hastily. Aarav was there. what kind of black magic is this??

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