Back with short stories with my favourite unofficial couple Abhyudaya and Gautami from Slayy Point and if you are a Slayyfam, then this one is for you❤
Started On: September 21st 2024
Ended On: To be determined.
It was the vibrant evening of Saptami, 10th October. The streets of Kolkata were alive with the sound of conch shells and the rhythmic beats of the dhak.
The air was thick with excitement, as people filled the streets, all decked out in their finest traditional wear for the grand festival of Durga Puja.
After what seemed like ages, Abhyudaya and Gautami had finally planned to meet. The two had been so caught up in their busy lives that they hardly had time to catch up but today was different.
Abhyudaya, dressed in a crisp white panjabi with intricate embroidery, looked in the mirror one last time. His heart raced with excitement.
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He had not seen Gautami in a long time. He could already imagine her in the traditional লাল পাড়ের শাড়ি---the iconic red-bordered saree that every Bengali woman wore during Durga Puja.
As he reached the bustling street corner where they had planned to meet, his eyes lit up. There she was. Gautami stood gracefully, the red-bordered saree draped perfectly over her shoulders.
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Her hair was tied loosely, with jasmine flowers woven through and her face carried the same warm smile he remembered so well.
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"Gautami!" Abhyudaya called out, waving at her.
She turned, her eyes brightening as soon as she saw him. "Abhyudaya!" She beamed, rushing toward him.
They embraced, the warmth of their hug melting away all the months of distance between them.
The city around them blurred and for a moment, it felt like it was just the two of them, reunited in the heart of their city.
"And you look quite dashing in that panjabi," she teased, adjusting the edge of his collar.
They laughed together and began their pandal-hopping journey. The streets were packed with people but there was a joy in the crowd.
Kolkata was alive and the city seemed to welcome them with open arms. The two walked hand in hand, visiting one pandal after another, marveling at the creativity and artistry that went into each idol of Durga.
"This one is so beautiful!" Gautami said as they stood before a grand pandal near Maddox Square.
The goddess Durga was resplendent, her form towering above the crowd, as she stood victorious over the demon Mahishasura.
Abhyudaya nodded. "I love how each pandal has its own unique theme. It never gets old, no matter how many years we come."
They moved from one pandal to the next, stopping occasionally to have some snacks. Gautami insisted on having the classic Kolkata street food---puchka.
Abhyudaya could not resist either and they stood laughing, trying to catch the overflowing tamarind water as they bit into the crunchy, spicy treats.
"Alright, let's have ice cream now!" Gautami suggested as they left the puchka stall.
They made their way to a small ice cream vendor nearby, choosing cones of strawberry for Abhyudaya and chocolate for Gautami.
As they walked down the street, Gautami suddenly slowed down. She looked at Abhyudaya with a small, apologetic smile.
"What's wrong?" He asked, noticing her change in pace.
"My leg's hurting a bit," she admitted. "I think I overdid it with all the walking."
Abhyudaya chuckled softly. "Well, you know what they say, when in Kolkata during Pujo, you walk till you drop."
"Yeah well, I think I'm at that point," she laughed lightly.
Without a second thought, Abhyudaya crouched down in front of her. "Hop on," he said.
"What?" She asked, surprised.
"Come on, Gautami. You can barely walk. I will carry you on my back."
"But---"
"No buts!" he insisted, smiling up at her.
Gautami, hesitant at first, eventually agreed. She climbed onto his back, her arms around his shoulders and Abhyudaya stood up, adjusting her weight.
"Comfortable?" He asked playfully, glancing over his shoulder.
She nodded, laughing. "I feel like a child again."
"Well, Durga Puja brings out the child in all of us," he said, starting to walk through the crowded streets.
The people around them watched with smiles as Abhyudaya carried Gautami on his back, their bond evident in every step they took.
As they neared her house, the city lights twinkled above them and the sounds of Pujo filled the air but for Abhyudaya and Gautami, the night was simply perfect.
He gently let her down at the entrance of her house and they stood facing each other under the soft glow of the streetlamp.
"Thanks for carrying me," Gautami said, her eyes filled with gratitude and affection.
"Anytime," Abhyudaya smiled. "I'd even carry you through all the pandals if I had to."
They shared a quiet moment, the bustling city fading into the background.
"Next year, let us not wait so long to meet," she whispered.
"Agreed," he said softly, reaching out to hold her hand.
With a final smile, Gautami waved as she went inside and Abhyudaya made his way back home, the warmth of the evening, the memories of their laughter and the love between them still fresh in his heart.
It had been a night of joy, love and togetherness---everything that Durga Puja was meant to be.
