VEER AGNIHOTRI
Hidden in the shadows, I rise unseen,
A ghost in their army, cunning and keen.
Forming my own from the wreckage of the past,
My father's gone, but I'll find him at last.
She steps back into my life, a spark from before,
But darkness...
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Me: Where are you?
It's been half an hour, and my message hasn't been read yet. The late May sky fades to a gradient of purple and orange as the sun dips on the horizon. Lights from the dockyard turn on, reflecting on the darkening water. The evening wind sweeps my hair across my face as I stand on the deck, ignoring the ache in my feet due to the heels. My throat is dry and scratchy, and I'd love a fruity chilled drink right now.
I told him to inform me in case of an emergency, but that doesn't seem to explain his lack of punctuality.
Is he having second thoughts? Is he going to ditch me?
I'll make him regret, then.
My fingers furiously hit the keys on my phone.
Me: If you stand me up, I will come to your gym and smash your balls with the weights. Then, I will put that mangled mess in a mixer and make you a bloody protein shake, forcing it down your throat.
"Are your friends not here yet?"
Tucking my hair behind my ear, I reluctantly peel my eyes off the long stretch of deck. Randhir jumps off the last step of the ladder and jogs over. "The captain will sail the boat in ten minutes."
I turn him towards the yacht, pushing his back with both palms. "We'll be there in five."
He spins suddenly, and I would've landed face-first on the ground had he not grabbed my arm. "I'll wait with you."
I snatch my arm from his grip. "No---"
"Hiiiiii!"
Our heads whip towards the cheerful voice.
Bag straps over his shoulders, Aiden waves his hand high, approaching us with his tall, brooding best friend.
Veer's eyes latch onto mine, pulling me in like gravity, and my next breath catches in my throat. They dip to my yellow, white-checkered two-piece and long white heels with yellow bows. My stomach flutters when his magnetized gaze lifts to the similar bows attached to the thin straps over my shoulders. A ghost of a smirk flits his lips as he checks me out in front of my over-protective big brother.
Great, he's playing his role well. And he's dressed to impress, just like I instructed: a white button-down shirt with sleeves folded to the forearms, black dress pants, and polished shoes.
Aiden rubs his neck. "Sorry. Our car broke down halfway, so we took a cab here."
Lies. I would've loved to give them an earful, but we're running late, so that's on raincheck. I gesture towards Randhir, who has straightened himself, towering beside me like a knight. "My twin, Randhir Chaudhari."
Randhir's arm defensively binds around my waist, and he's scowling at Veer like the latter stole his favorite cereal. If he's judging my fake boyfriend for the tattoos, he's a hypocrite, given he has a collection of his own.
