Destined

Paradiso

December 2018
Italy

The Italian countryside was beautiful beyond description. Lush rolling hills, fragrant flowers, and a calming light breeze. Shubman stretched out lazily, admiring the perfect blue sky spanning over him.

The still serenity was broken by the abrupt sound of huffing and puffing coming from behind. Shubman turned to see Sara and Alya trudging up the hill.

"Shub what were you thinking running off? We were supposed to hike together, we're not all star athletes like you," Sara groaned.

"Yeah seriously and you took the water jug too," Alya grumbled giving him a shove.

"Ek baakhi hai?" he questioned, brushing off their insults.

"Oh that fool's not even halfway here. We might as well start eating," replied Alya out of breath.

Sara began to spread out the picnic blanket and arranged the delicacies carefully. Shubman admired how she was always so organized and detailed.

He also made sure to poke her and move around the items, quickly earning a push of playful annoyance from her.

"Pagal."

"Tera pagal."

It made him happy to tease her and she knew it too.

Mid way through their meal KP finally appeared, crossing his arms.

"You people have no manners. Didn't wait for me?"

"Bhai we got here 40 minutes ago, what have you been doing?" Alya said biting into her sandwich.

"Oh just being a good friend to you ungratefuls."

KP pulled fresh oranges and peaches out of his bag, receiving a delightful cheer from the group.

"Picked it all myself. Go on, have some. I forgive you."

After the picnic the group split up; KP and Alya arguing about everything under the sun and Sara and Shubman trailing behind, walking slowly.

Shubman took the chance to intertwine their hands, the warmth uniting them.

"This all feels like a dream."

Sara nodded.

"I can't believe we pulled this off. All the planning, convincing, hiding from our parents. And the trip turned out perfect."

Their relationship was not easy to coordinate. There was schedules, long distance, time zones. And despite their high status, they were like any young Indian couple hiding from society in secrecy.

Shubman smiled at her, wistfully. She looked so pretty and petite, like an angel floating next to him. His heart swelled.

"One day we'll come here alone Sara. We won't have to worry about this and that. I promise."

She pulled him closer, resting her head on his arm.

"I know."

Back at the airbnb, Sara and KP, the cooks of the group, set out some ingredients for a pasta dish they had scoured at the farmers market.

"What's all this,"' Shubman questioned hugging Sara from the back.

"We're making fettucine pomodoro. And knowing your kitchen skills, you should stay far away," she replied hitting him with a spatula playfully.

"Okayy no idea what that is. But kyu, I want to help too," Shubman whined.

KP shook his head.

"Absolutely not, get out."

"Bro please, I'll listen and learn."

After much begging and pleading, KP relented.

Shubman eagerly started cutting a tomato, only to slice his finger after two chops.

"Aaree," KP groaned as Sara rushed to find a bandage.

"Don't yell it hurts," Shubman whimpered, burying his head in Sara's shoulder as she fixed a band aid on his pinky, holding back her laughter.

KP slapped his forehead.

"Saale I knew something like this would happen. Now get the hell out, you're officially banished."

After the delicious dinner, KP and Shubman taught the girls their favourite card game; which turned out to be loads of fun.

The four shared a bottle of wine which only heightened the frenzy, chaotic mood.

"Shubman you're the biggest cheat!" Alysha yelled throwing her cards at him.

"Jhoot, jhoot what did I do?" Shubman feigned innocently.

"Tell her na, that I always follow the rules," Shubman turned to Sara with puppy eyes.

"Aloo what did he do, he was fair only-"

"Oh no no, I don't want to hear from you. You'd defend him if he burned down this house."

"Yess that's my Sara," grinned Shubman hugging her as she laughed.

"Yuck yall are too sappy," KP said sticking out his tongue.

After many rounds the cards were packed up and Alya and KP went off to their bedrooms, exhausted from the long day.

Shubman and Sara were left alone, staring at each other with sweet smiles.

Wide, giddy smiles that only new love can bring.

The two made their way to the outdoor veranda, which had a beautifully carved wooden bench. Shubman drew Sara to sit on his lap, and she hugged him tightly to her chest. They shared the peace of the night, gazing out at the stars.

The buzz of alcohol had worn off and they were left with each other in the silence.

Shubman tipped her chin to face her.

"Tere bina meri zindangi... soona lagta hai. I don't know. I want to be with you all the time, every hour, and minute."

"Yes. I hate being away from you. I hate that I miss you more than I see you," Sara confessed.

Shubman took a deep breath.

"I didn't expect to fall so hard for you Sara. It's not like me. But I have, and it's the most blissful feeling."

He looked deep into her eyes.

"Will you be mine? Exclusively?"

Sara cupped his face gently.

"I already am."

They hugged tightly, love radiating from their hearts.

As they separated, he tucked back a strand of her hair.

"You know... the kiss at Agni's birthday was one of the best moments of my life. Seriously."

"Haan..." she looked back at him with a twinkle in her eye.

In sync, they leaned close and kissed. This time longer, more passionate and confident than the first.

He slowly moved his lips to her neck and shoulders, desire swirling in the air.

She held him tight, her entire body heated; chest rising up and down. His mouth tickled her skin pressing softly on every exposed inch.

He pulled back, his eyes full of mischief.

"I'm getting sleepy. Time for bed?" he asked with a wink.

"Fine with me," she whispered.

They closed the door behind them and entered a whole new chapter.

Please comment and vote and let me know what you think! Any scenes you would like to see?

This story is fictional and unrelated to real people or events.