Oneshots ft. Slayy Point (On Hold)

Trip To Miami Pt.2

The next morning, Gautami and Abhyudaya woke up refreshed and excited for their day at Everglades National Park.

Gautami, though thrilled about exploring the wild beauty of the park had one lingering concern---her fear of crocodiles. Abhyudaya, ever the attentive partner of her had noticed how she tensed up whenever crocodiles were mentioned.

"Do not worry Gautami," he said as they hopped into their driverless cab. "I am going to be with you the entire time. Nothing will happen. Besides, we will be safe with the tour guide."

She smiled nervously, nodding. "I know. It is just that….they are so big. And unpredictable."

Abhyudaya reached over and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Trust me. You have got nothing to worry about."

His reassurance worked and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. As they arrived at the park, the fresh, earthy scent of the wetlands greeted them.

They joined a group for an airboat ride, gliding over the marshes, the sound of birds filling the air. Everywhere they looked, the raw beauty of nature stretched out before them---dense greenery, wide open skies and the occasional ripple in the water from some unseen creature.

As the boat slowed near a bank, the tour guide pointed out a group of crocodiles lounging near the edge of the water. Gautami instinctively gripped Abhyudaya's arm tighter, her heart pounding.

"There they are, the giants of the Everglades," the guide said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "But no need to worry---they are not interested in us as long as we keep our distance."

Abhyudaya gave Gautami's hand a reassuring squeeze. "See? We are safe. Just look at them---they are fascinating."

Gautami stole a glance at him, her nerves settling slightly. He had been right there, watching over her, holding her hand as they floated closer to the massive reptiles.

Every time she felt her fear bubbling up, he would lean in with a soft word or gentle touch, making sure she felt secure. And with each gesture, she could not help but smile at how protective he was being.

"You are really something, you know?" She whispered to him after a while, her eyes crinkling with affection.

"What do you mean?" He asked, raising an eyebrow though the hint of a smile played on his lips.

"The way you are making sure I am okay the whole time. You did not have to but you do it anyway."

Abhyudaya shrugged, giving her a playful nudge. "Well, I could not have you jumping off the boat in terror, could I?"

She laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Maybe not. But still….thank you."

They spent the rest of the tour in peaceful awe, soaking in the sights and sounds of the park.

Abhyudaya continued to stay close and Gautami found herself admiring him even more for his quiet attentiveness.

Once their Everglades adventure was over, the next stop was Star Island. They took a boat ride that showcased the sprawling mansions of the rich and famous.

As the boat glided across the shimmering waters, the guide pointed out the homes of international celebrities.

"On your left, you can see the estate of Rihanna," the guide announced, gesturing toward a stunning modern mansion surrounded by lush trees. "And just a little further ahead is David Beckham's residence. You can even see his two yachts docked out front."

Gautami and Abhyudaya both leaned forward, marvelling at the opulence on display. "Imagine living like that," Gautami said, shaking her head in disbelief. "It is like a whole other world."

Abhyudaya nodded. "Yeah, I cannot even begin to imagine owning one yacht, let alone two. And that house…." he trailed off, taking in the view.

Their next stop was the famous mansion of Gianni Versace, the founder of Versace. As they neared the grand, Mediterranean-style estate, the guide shared stories of its history from its luxurious parties to its tragic past.

"This place is iconic," Gautami said, her eyes wide with awe as they passed by the mansion. "The history behind it is incredible but also so sad."

Abhyudaya nodded thoughtfully, his hand resting gently on hers. "Yeah. But it is amazing how much of a legacy someone can leave behind."

Their exploration of Miami was officially complete by the end of the day. They had soaked up every bit of the city's vibrant energy, from the art-filled streets of Wynwood to the serene beauty of the Everglades and the star-studded shores of Star Island.

That night, back at their hotel, they packed their bags for their early flight the next morning, both feeling exhausted but content.

The next day, the alarm rang far too early. Groggy and still half-asleep, they made their way to the airport, boarding their 6 a.m. flight back to Mumbai.

"Why did we book such an early flight?" Gautami grumbled as they settled into their seats, her eyes barely open.

"Because we are crazy," Abhyudaya replied with a tired smile, stifling a yawn.

As soon as they fastened their seatbelts, exhaustion overtook them both. Gautami, too tired to keep her eyes open, leaned her head on Abhyudaya's shoulder.

Without a second thought, she slipped her hand into his, her fingers intertwining with his as she drifted off to sleep.

Abhyudaya looked down at her, a soft smile spreading across his face. There was something so peaceful about the way she trusted him completely, resting her head on his shoulder without a second thought.

Slowly, he leaned his head against hers, his eyes closing as he felt the warmth of her beside him.

The hum of the plane, the distant conversations of passengers and the gentle rocking of the flight lulled them both into a deep, restful sleep.

For the first time in days, neither of them was thinking about what content to shoot, what place to explore, or what adventure lay ahead.

In that moment, it was just the two of them, holding hands with their heads resting against each other---content in the simple comfort of being together.

As the flight carried them back to Mumbai, they slept soundly, knowing that no matter where their travels took them, they always had each other to lean on.

The End
Thank you for reading.

-Moonlight✨