Closure

38. Just Us

Abhi and Akshu embarked on their journey together. The first flight, a brief one from Udaipur to Mumbai, was merely a warm-up. From Mumbai, they boarded the long haul to Hawaii, with a layover in Singapore that stretched the journey to nearly a day. Yet, the promise of their romantic getaway made every mile worth it.

At Singapore's Changi Airport, a destination in its own right, they wandered hand in hand through the serene butterfly garden. The kaleidoscope of colors and gentle flutter of wings mirrored the delicate excitement in their hearts. They lingered over lunch at a cozy restaurant, stealing moments of laughter and quiet conversation before boarding their final, longest flight.

As the hours wore on, fatigue crept in. Akshu rested her head on Abhi's shoulder, her hand entwined with his. "Abhi," she murmured, her voice soft with exhaustion, "we could have gone somewhere in India too. This journey feels endless, like we're traveling to another planet."

Abhi chuckled and kissed the top of her head tenderly. "I wanted us to escape," he said. "To go somewhere so far that no one knows us. In India, there's always a chance of bumping into someone we know. I wanted to eliminate that possibility entirely."

Akshu smiled but grew thoughtful. She hadn't yet told Abhi about Arohi's unexpected visit on their wedding day. Gathering her courage, she shared the story, her voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and relief.

Abhi listened intently, his expression darkening. "I don't trust her," he said firmly. "There has to be an ulterior motive behind this sudden kindness."

Akshu placed her hand over his, her touch reassuring. "I believe her sincerity this time, Abhi. It felt real."

Abhi sighed, his protectiveness evident. "If it makes you happy, I'll trust your judgment. But please, be careful."

"I will. Still, I wonder what triggered this change in her."

Their conversation shifted as Abhi turned to her, his gaze intense and full of longing. He drew her closer, his hand brushing softly against her cheek, his voice deep and filled with emotion. "I brought you all the way to the other side of the world so it could be just us," he murmured, his passion burning through his words, a hint of mischief glinting in his gaze. "And yet, here you are, thinking about everyone else but me."

Akshu smiled, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "Sorry," she whispered, her tone playful. "How can I make it up to you?"

"Kiss me," Abhi said, his lips curving into a teasing grin.

Her blush deepened. "Now? But there are people around us. That aunty in the corner seat keeps glancing at us!"

Abhi smirked, leaning back with mock indifference. "We're on our honeymoon. Why should it matter?"

As Abhi began to loosen his grip, assuming Akshu wouldn't take the lead, she surprised him by tugging him closer, grabbing him by the collar, and kissing him. The sudden intensity caught him off guard, but he immediately pulled her deeper into the kiss, his passion matching hers. In that moment, the world around them disappeared. They melted into each other, unaware of the hum of the plane or the curious stares from nearby passengers.

Later, they shared a quiet meal and slept for the remainder of the flight.

When they finally landed in Hawaii, the golden morning light greeted them. The air was warm and fragrant, carrying the promise of days filled with love and adventure. 

In the cab to their resort, Abhi asked, "Are you tired?"

"Not really. I slept like a baby on the flight. You?"

"I slept well too."

At the resort, they checked in, their spirits high and hearts full. Outside their room, Abhi swept Akshu into his arms, carrying her across the threshold as she giggled and held on tightly.

After freshening up, they shared a quiet breakfast. Dressed in crisp whites—Akshu in a flouncy cami mini dress and Abhi in a white shirt and light brown shorts—they looked radiant and full of energy..

Abhi put on a soft, romantic tune. Taking her hand, he pulled her close. With her feet atop his and her hands resting on his shoulders, they swayed to the melody. His arms encircled her waist as he whispered, "I love you so much," punctuating his words with a gentle kiss below her ear.

"I love you too," Akshu whispered back, her voice trembling with emotion.

They danced, their movements slow and tender, each step pulling them closer. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, intimate and fluid, with soft kisses exchanged in between, saying what words could not. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other and the quiet rhythm of their hearts.

Eventually, they sank into the plush sofa, gazing at the breathtaking view through the glass doors. Their conversation turned to plans for the days ahead, their voices a quiet murmur against the soothing rhythm of the ocean.

As the afternoon wore on, the fatigue of travel caught up with them. Wrapped in each other's warmth, they drifted into a peaceful sleep. In that quiet moment, love cradled them gently, promising beautiful days to come.