Somewhere Only We Go (Editing)

Chapter 44

Kabir

I was not sure what to expect when I came back but it was definitely not what I found. I have only seen Avi drag himself out of bed to take a shower twice in the past week. And even that was because I pushed him out of the bed and he had no option. So color me surprised when I came back and my boyfriend was not just out of bed, he was cooking, he was so engrossed in whatever he was stirring in the pan that he had still not noticed me so I stood there taking him in.

Today was turning into a good day. The client I met was amazing, she agreed to the payment procedure which can be a hassle. I only take the amount that would not put me at a loss in case of a future cancellation i.e. the cost but getting Indians to pay in advance is like you have asked them for their kidneys, both of them.

I stood there watching Avi work around the kitchen for I don't know how long when he turned around and his eyes met mine.

"God don't scare me like that and how long have you been standing there?"

"I don't know. I was busy watching you."

"That doesn't sound creepy at all."

I wrap my arm around his waist from behind and rest my cheek on his shoulder blades. "How did it go?"

Avi sighs. "It went fine actually, better than I expected. I was scared that I would panic again but I didn't."

"Hmm, did he agree to your terms?"

"Yes, he did, even though I know he didn't want to."

"Must be tough to let your son do what he wants, poor him." I couldn't stop myself from saying and Avi's body shakes with silent laughter.

"And?" I ask.

"And I realized I Wouldn't have survived this without you." I am pretty sure my heart skipped a beat.

"That's not true Avi." I unwrap my arms and walk in front of him so that I can see his face. "You need to give yourself some credit, Avi. You are braver than you think you are."

"Maybe I don't...I don't know but I am not saying it lightly. I am not saying I would have killed myself or maybe I would have, you know I had tried. I...what I am trying to say is that living and having someone/something to fight for is different than just breathing and existing in the world. Till now I was existing, but I want to live and I have lived the past few months because of you. I have done things I never thought I would. And I have you to thank for. And I know you don't want my thanks or anything but I still have to show you." There are tears in both our eyes but he blinks them away and I stand there not saying anything because I'll choke on my words. "So go inside, freshen up, and get comfortable clothes because we have a date in about 30 minutes."

I wrap my hands around his neck and pull him in for a kiss. "We do?"

He nods.

I smile. "Okay let me get ready."

Later when I stepped out of the room, the living area looked so different, I wasn't sure how he had managed to pull it off in 30 minutes. The couches were still in their position but the glass table was shifted to one side, leaving the entire middle area clear. There was a white mattress covered with pillows, warm blankets, and two food trays. There was also a bottle of wine with two glasses in a basket. It was similar to my birthday on the yacht, except this time I knew Avi had done it on his own.

He was facing the home theater connecting the speaker to his phone most probably for the music. He was wearing a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants, I can't believe he had planned it to the point that he kept spare clothes out to change because I know he never entered the room. He turns around, sees me and walks towards me with the biggest smile on his face.

"Can I have your phone?" he asked.

I gave it to him. Without saying anything further he turns it off and slides it in his pocket.

"Shall we?" He put his hand forward and I slid my hand fingers in his.

When we are sitting comfortably and Avi is filling the glasses with wine I think this is the type of thank you I can appreciate. A quiet date night at home, just perfect.

"How did you manage to do this in half an hour?"

"I had everything ready, I just had to set it up. Did you like it?"

"Avi this is perfect. And you cooked. Are you feeling good enough to cook?"

"Yeah, trust me I didn't do anything I didn't want to." He brings both the glasses and hands one to me. He sits beside me with our back to the couch and I put my head on his shoulder. "After my father left, I felt the need to clean up. I don't know how to explain it, it was like I wanted to scrub away anything that had a reminder of that conversation. And I hadn't cooked for you in a while so I thought why not?"

"But–" Avi puts a finger on my mouth to shut me up.

"We can discuss everything else later, we have all the time in the world. I don't have to worry about my parents anymore. So I would like to spend the rest of the night having good food, watching a movie, cuddling, and making love to you."

My heart flutters, Raabta plays in the background and I don't think anything can make me happier than this moment.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

He kept all of his promises and that was the true start of our lives.