Shattered Desires

Chapter Twelve

Maya's POV

"Toiletries?"

"Check."

"Dress for reunion?"

"Check."

"I think that's all we need." Priyanka said as she zipped up my suitcase. The apartment was being rented out and the new tenants were moving in this weekend. I looked around the apartment one last time. It had all my memories in it.

"Hey, I know you are sad to leave this place but you can come back anytime!" Vikram said from behind as we looked at the Toronto horizon from the huge glass window. When I first moved in here five years ago, I was skeptical about the window because I thought it would be unsafe but Vikram never left anything half finished so he got the whole window bulletproof and all other kinds of proof.

I was to search for an apartment there after staying at my parent's house for a few days. Vikram and Priyanka would also visit their families and get some unfinished errands there and come back here after they were convinced that I was ok.

Like I said, they were the overprotective parent type.

"Let's hit the hay for tonight. Our flight is early tomorrow so we need to get some sleep." Priyanka said. We went to our respective rooms and fell asleep.

Or tried to.

I could hear Vikram's soft snores from the next room as I tossed and turned in my own bed. The feeling of dread filled me up to the brim and I was feeling nervous and jittery. The reunion was tomorrow.

Yes, it was Vikram's brilliant idea to get the cheapest priced tickets just a few hours away from the reunion. Even Priyanka couldn't change his mind. We were landing in Seattle at 2 and the reunion was at 7, at Four Seasons, the fanciest hotel in Seattle. Just the thought of it sent me into a flurry of jitters.

I reached over and picked up the chest, a Pandora's box of sorts and opened it. I reached inside and pulled out the photo that I was looking at earlier this week. I studied Ved's face, tracing the sharp jawline, his twinkling eyes and his smiling mouth. I memorized every curve and hollow of his face, tearing up at the thought that after six years, I would see him.

I would see my worst nightmare.

After finally falling asleep, the next morning, I packed away the chest in one of my suitcases and loaded everything in the rental car we were taking to the airport. I looked out at the peeking sun across the skyline and let the cold wind whip at my face.

"Mayo, get inside! You'll catch cold!" Vikram said.

"Vikky! Calm down." I said, calling him by the nickname that he hated so much.

"Do not call me that." he growled.

"Oh calm down Ikky!"Priyanka joined in the teasing. We continued our cheerful banter until we reached the airport. After checking in and a long security check, we had breakfast and boarded the plane.

The long plane later, I stepped down in Seattle, the jitters back and fiercer than ever. Then Vikram and Priyanka took each of my arms. I took a deep breath.

"You are going to be fine." Vikram reassured. We hailed a cab and drove to Priyanka's house first.

"Bye Pri. See you at 5." I said, giving her a hug.

"Take care." Vikram said and kissed the side of her head before she left the car. After she took her bags, the driver drove to the familiar neighborhood Vikram and I grew up in.

"Are you ready for this?" Vikram asked.

"I think so." I said, giving his hand a squeeze. We got off the cab and Vikram helped me with my bags. I rang the doorbell and the door flew open to see an ecstatic Paati.