UNLIKELY PARTNERS( Smriti & Perry)

Into the Unknown

Perry awoke to the soft light filtering through the curtains, a gentle glow casting a warm hue over the room. She turned to see Smriti sleeping peacefully beside her, looking more beautiful than ever. The strands of her hair fell delicately over her face, and without thinking, Perry reached out to tuck them behind her ear. As she did, Smriti stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

"Good morning, love," Perry whispered, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

Smriti smiled, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "Morning, Pez. What’s the plan for today?"

"I’ll make you breakfast," Perry suggested, feeling a surge of warmth at the thought of caring for her. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching.

But as she turned, Smriti caught her wrist, pulling her back gently. "Wait. Let’s go for a walk instead."

Perry raised an eyebrow, feigning hurt. "Aww, are you saying you don’t like my cooking skills?"

Smriti pouted playfully. "No, love! I just want you to relax and enjoy your time with me. I don’t know when we’ll be... together next." The way she trailed off made Perry's heart skip a beat, but she brushed it aside.

"Okay, let’s go!" Perry replied, her resolve strengthening. They quickly dressed, and as they stepped outside, the cool morning air enveloped them like a comforting embrace.

They walked hand in hand down the tree-lined streets, the world around them alive with the sounds of chirping birds and distant laughter. Perry couldn’t help but smile at Smriti’s infectious energy.

"This place is beautiful," Smriti said, glancing around at the vibrant flowers blooming in the gardens they passed. "I could get used to mornings like this."

Perry chuckled, feeling lighthearted. "You’re not just saying that because I’m here, right?"

Smriti feigned deep contemplation, then grinned. "Maybe a little, but mostly because it’s true!"

As they strolled, Smriti suddenly stopped, looking mischievous. "Hey, look at that fountain!" She dashed toward it, splashing her hands in the water.

"Smriti!" Perry laughed, trying to catch up. "You’re going to get wet!"

Smriti splashed water back at her, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Come on, live a little!"

Perry feigned outrage, hands on her hips. "You’re such a troublemaker!"

"But you love it!" Smriti shot back, her eyes dancing with joy.

After a few moments of playful splashing, Smriti stepped back, water glistening on her skin. "Alright, alright. I think I’m done being a fountain monster."

They continued walking, their fingers intertwined, when Smriti pointed ahead. "Look! That café looks perfect for breakfast."

"Race you there!" Perry exclaimed, her competitive spirit igniting.

"Whoever loses has to do whatever the other one says!" Smriti added with a teasing grin.

Perry’s heart raced with excitement. "Okay, you’re on!"

Without another word, Smriti took off running, her laughter ringing in the air. "No countdown, Ms. Pez! You’re late!"

"Wait, what? No countdown?" Perry shouted, immediately sprinting after her. "You cheater! Let me catch up!"

Smriti was already a few steps ahead, her laughter trailing behind her. The thrill of the chase ignited a playful fire in Perry, and she pushed herself harder, determined not to let Smriti win this time.

Just as Perry was gaining on her, she glanced up and her heart sank. A black van pulled up beside Smriti, the sliding door opening abruptly. Two masked men leaped out, their intentions clear.

"Smriti!" Perry screamed, her voice filled with terror as she watched in horror.

Smriti turned, confusion etched on her face as the men grabbed her arms, pulling her toward the van. "Perry!" she cried out, fear creeping into her voice.

Perry’s instincts kicked in. She sprinted toward them, adrenaline pumping through her veins. "Let her go!" she shouted, her heart racing as she lunged at the kidnappers, desperate to save her.

The men, seemingly unfazed, overpowered Smriti, yanking her towards the van. Perry could see the panic in Smriti’s eyes as she struggled against their grip.

"Stop! Help!" Smriti yelled, but her cries were muffled by the chaos.

Perry’s heart raced as she reached the van, her hands trembling with rage and fear. She grabbed at one of the masked men, but he shoved her aside, the force of his body sending her stumbling backward.

"Get in!" one of the kidnappers barked, and they shoved Smriti into the back of the van, slamming the door shut.

"No! Smriti!" Perry screamed, rushing after them as the van began to pull away. She could hardly process what was happening; all she knew was that she had to save her.

Without thinking, she dashed behind the van, her breath coming in quick gasps. "Stop!" she yelled, desperation clawing at her throat. "Somebody help!"

As the van sped away, Perry's heart sank. She could only see the silhouettes of the masked men through the tinted windows, and fear gripped her as she thought of Smriti alone in there.

In a burst of determination, she sprinted after the van, her legs pumping as she chased it down the street. "Hold on, Smriti!" she shouted, willing her feet to move faster.

The sound of the engine roared, the van picking up speed, but Perry refused to give up. She pushed herself harder, refusing to let fear dictate her actions.

The city blurred around her as she chased after them, her thoughts racing just as fast. Where were they taking Smriti? Who were those men? The questions screamed in her mind, but all she could focus on was getting to Smriti before it was too late.