Closer Than Before | 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙙 ✅

Chapter 31: Separate Rooms?

Tomorrow is a special day guys🥹gonna tell you something special. So, don't miss tomorrow's update.

Radhika's POV:

I double-checked my bag as Samar stood at the door, glancing at his watch. We were running late—not that I minded. The longer the journey, the more time I could spend with him. As I grabbed my phone, it buzzed in my hand.

"Beta, have you reached the airport yet?" my mom's voice filled my ear.

"Not yet, Maa. I just leaving for the airport now," I replied, trying to sound casual, though the butterflies in my stomach wouldn’t let me.

Going on a trip with Samar felt surreal, like I was ticking off something from a hidden list I never told anyone about.

"Okay, just be careful, okay? And call me once you reach Dubai. Don't forget to eat something, your stomach—" she continued.

"—always acts up when I skip meals, yes, I know, Maa." I smiled, glancing at Samar, who was now motioning for me to hurry. "I have to go, Maa. I'll call you later. Love you."

"Love you, beta. Take care."

I hung up and grabbed my bag, hurrying toward the door where Samar was standing, looking all calm and composed.

But I knew him better; underneath that cool exterior was excitement. We had been talking about this work trip for days, but now that it was real, the thrill of sharing it with him was overwhelming.

Check-in was a blur of bustling crowds, airport announcements, and our passports being stamped. Before I knew it, we were walking down the jet bridge, boarding the plane. My heart raced as we found our seats—together.

I tried to focus on everything but Samar, but it was impossible. Here I was, going on a trip with him — something I never imagined could happen again, not after everything. As we approached the boarding gate, my heart did a little flip.

This was it — one item ticked off my bucket list: going on a trip with Samar.

The air hostess came down the aisle with the food cart, distributing meals to passengers. As she approached, I caught her smiling at Samar. My heart sank as I watched her lean slightly forward, her gaze lingering on him just a moment too long.

Samar, completely oblivious, gave her a polite nod as she handed him his meal. Something in me snapped.

Before I could even think, I turned toward Samar, brushing his cheek with my lips in a soft kiss. His eyes widened, but before he could say anything, I nestled my head on his shoulder, staring directly at the air hostess.

He’s mine.

She blinked, her smile faltering as she quickly moved on to the next row. A satisfied grin spread across my face as I stayed where I was, feeling the steady rise and fall of Samar’s breathing.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice a mix of surprise and amusement.

“Perfectly fine,” I muttered, keeping my head on his shoulder.

*****

The warm Dubai air greeted us as we stepped out of the airport. After what felt like hours of customs, baggage claim, and navigating through the busy terminal, we finally made it to our hotel.

“Let’s check in and collapse on the bed,” Samar said, rolling his suitcase beside me. I nodded, equally exhausted yet exhilarated from the flight.