Rent Free

15.First light

It was 4 am.

The day was over long back, all noises have quieted down, as a reminder that it was time to rest.

Everyone had gone to sleep, and you?

Well, you were waiting for sleep to take over you.

Counting sheep didn't work and you highly doubt its possibility now.

You continued staring at the ceiling, your vision having adjusted to the darkness.

Maybe you'll try one last time, you thought and started to count in your mind.

One sheep, two sheep, three sheep, four-

Out of the blue, a hand wrapped around yours, and you weren't interested in watching Kayako Saeki live.

You were about to scream your lungs out, because you'd binge-watched the entire Grudge franchise again, just the previous week.

However, another hand covered your mouth before you could, and you tried to make out the face in the dark.

"Shubi!" You whisper yelled, glancing at your mother who was asleep on the same bed. "Why are you- How did you get in?"

"Through the door," he answered in a hushed tone, making sure to not wake up anyone else.

He gestured for you to stay silent and get up, carefully moving to pick up your three year old daughter, who was sleeping between you and your mother.

She stirred a bit, but made herself comfortable in her father's arms, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Let's go," he said in a whisper and led the way.

You were confused, but still went on, holding Shubman's free hand as you made your way out of the resort.

"Are we running away from our own wedding?" You asked once it was safe to talk.

"Just for a while," he replied and you finally saw the car that was waiting outside.

-

"We are getting married on a beach anyway," you said once you got out of the car, and started walking across the sand.

"But we chose Maldives," Shubman still held Nini, who was starting to wake up.

You held hands as you walked closer to the waves, their sound becoming more distinct.

It felt like everything was moving with the waves, taking time to move along with them.

"Papa," your daughter was almost aware of her surroundings now, just a bit sleepy.

You both were still in your ethnic long frocks, twinning from the night before, and Shubman's kurta matched with yours.

"Almost there, honey," he said as he kissed her head, turning to you. "What's the point if we don't get married at least twice on different beaches?"

Bales of wood occupied a spot several feet away from the water, and beside them stood the closest of your friends and family.

"You guys are in this too?" You looked at them smiling proudly.

"I collected the wood," Yuzi beamed.

"You didn't even carry half of them," Siraj reminded him. "I did."

"Shh, guys," Virat shushed them. "Let them have their moment."

"And the bride and groom will take their place alongside each other," Anish announced with a sort of playful tone.

Shahneel and Ara lit the bonfire as Shubman held you close, an arm around you.

Your daughter was wide awake now, fully aware of the surprise that was being planned for her mother.

"Sneaky," you told him, turning your head to look at his eyes. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," he said back as the fire blazed, reflecting in his gaze.

"You're making me forget everything that might happen in the morning," you rested your head on his shoulder. "When people discover that we're gone."

"Ishu has let them know," Shubman informed, placing a kiss on the crown of your head. "Your parents and mine."

You looked at Ishan, who only gave you a reassuring nod, signaling you to breathe because it was clear that you weren't.

The moment was so hypnotic, surreal, making you feel like you were living a dream.

Every one of you stood facing the horizon, waiting for sunlight to invade that of the stars.

When the first ray of the sun covered the silver of the water like a film, you held your daughter's hand along with Shubman.

Sunrise is one of nature's finest moments, captivating the eyes with its innocence and glow.

Rohit walked forward with a box holding two rings, presenting it as if he were a priest, and Shreyas with garlands.

"Do you still want to get married to me?" He turned to rest his forehead against yours. "This is your last way out. After this, I'm never going to let you go."

"And I wouldn't want it any other way," you kissed his cheek. You can't separate light from the sun.

"Me?" Your three year old asked, making you both smile.

"You too, baby," Shubman kissed her hand he was holding, letting her down on the sand.

As the light spread throughout the ground, you exchanged rings, sealing a promise.

Your daughter wore a small garland of her own, identical to yours.

She held her father's hand, walking front as you both circled the bonfire.

The sunrise stole your breath. But with a soft kiss on your forehead, Shubman stole your heart again.

Its beauty, sure to stay in your memories eternally, as you step into the end of a chapter, the beginning of another.