Reo and Me

Nine {Kyū}

Aisha's POV

The wedding was a success. We all stood around the mandap as we cheered.

The couple were taking the rounds around the holy fire as we threw flower petals at them. All of them looked so happy.

June stood at the opposite side with Karan, while I stood here, Sameer at my side.

"They look so happy." Sameer said.

"I know. Getting married is like some other kind of happiness." Although I didn't want to get married as such, it looked happy.

"It does." I could feel Sameer staring at me, as I threw the flowers.

It was finally over. My cousin was married, not Ms. Naina but a Mrs. Naina.

I could feel tears in my eyes as we bade goodbye to Naina, a customary thing at the end of the wedding.

She hugged each of one us before sitting in the sleek black Honda as she drove off to her new home after marriage.

We were seeing her tomorrow afternoon though for the reception lunch.

Me and Sameer stood in front of the stage as we looked at things being wrapped up.

"How's life?" Sameer asked me.

"Good. What about you?" I asked just out of courtesy.

"Nice. Work's getting better. I just got myself a better apartment in Manchester-"

"You live in Manchester? The last time I checked you were in Manhattan." I asked.

"Yeah, I moved. I was getting too bored of America, but I like Manchester. You live in London, right?" He questioned.

"Yes! If I knew I would have contacted you." As soon as I said this, June came up behind me.

"Let's go, Karan's waiting in the car. Sameer we'll drop you?" She asked.

"No, I'm okay. Lindsey's coming to pick me up, she went to drop the girls. I guess I'll see you tomorrow, at the lunch?" He said hopefully.

"Yeah but we leave immediately. So it'll be for a short while. Good night Sameer." I smiled.

"Night Aisha." He smiled back.

—— end of reception lunch ——

"Come to London sometime soon Mom." I hugged her tightly at the airport.

"Dad you too." I bent down to touch both of their feet when I saw Naina (who had left her lunch to come drop me off, I have the best sister ever).

"Naina. I going to miss you so much. I love you." We both hugged for a few minutes as the realisation that I was leaving finally hit me.

My parents were busy talking with June and Naina when I saw Sameer bringing out our last bag from the car.

"It was great seeing you too Sameer." I put my hand out when he grabbed onto it and pulled me tightly against him.

"I'm going to miss you Aisha." His placed his chin onto my head.

I apprehensively put my arms around his waist. "You live in Manchester- we can always meet for drinks." I whispered.

"Something tells me we won't. It was great seeing you too Aisha." He finally let go of me.

I nodded silently as I turned to walk away. These stupid tears were stinging my eyes again. It was not that I was leaving Sameer, but more the thought that I wouldn't see my parents or Naina for some time.

Naina has a later flight to Los Angeles for her honeymoon. She would have loved to stop by but I would be in Japan when her trip ended.

"We need to go June." I blinked my eyes furiously. June nodded as we dragged our bags inside the airport. I looked behind once to see Mom crying and Naina smiling sadly. Sameer stood behind them while dad had an arm around mom, consoling her.

——— London, few weeks later

I was packing, yet again. But this time, it was finally Japan. I put away all my winter clothes and shoes, although it was just a week long trip.

I was so excited, but every time I thought that it was only 7 days long, made me depressed. But 7 days are 168 hours and gosh, a lot can be done in that time.

I sipped on my hot chocolate as I ticked off things from my list. My flight left in 8 hours and I was packing late, as usual.

I took out my clothes- a white t-shirt with a black hoodie and my dark blue jeans. Standard. I looked at myself in the mirror.

Those bags under the eyes were not good. Hopefully, this trip full of hot springs and relaxation would be a retreat.

I sighed as I got out my Korean face mask and placed one on my face, staring at my old worn pajamas- those same blue polka dotted shorts and white hello kitty t-shirt. I also had a cardigan on, because the heating wasn't working very well.

I sat down on the bed, putting some music on. After about 15 minutes, I took of the face as I already felt my skin slowly glow. These face masks were the best thing were- June gave these to me on my birthday.

I printed the hotel booking and flight tickets, checked if I had my passport and the visa in it and stuffed everything into my handbag.

I wheeled my suitcase into the living room and placed it next to the door. I sat down on the bed, looking around my bedroom as I thought around for something I had forgotten.

Fortunately I had everything packed and I went into the bathroom to take a shower.

After half an hour and some vanilla shampoo later, I stood in front of my closet, deciding what to wear even though I had already taken out my clothes.

Last minute decisions.

I decided on the jeans but with a powder pink GAP sweatshirt and white sneakers.

I already had my overcoat so I didn't have to wear anything under the sweatshirt but I still had a thin camisole under.

I changed into the outfit and brushed my wet hair. I blow dried it carefully, setting it in place. Which wouldn't be very useful as it was gonna get tied into a messy bun during the flight.

I did my light makeup, just eyeliner mascara and some lip gloss.

I plugged my phone into charge as I wondered what to do for the next 4 and a half hours. I decided to watch Bollywood movies cause why not.

———

It was almost time to go when my movie ended.

I turned the tv off, got my keys, handbag and phone. I turned the lights off and went outside the apartment. I looked at the evening London skyline for the last time in a week as I locked the door behind me.

I dropped the keys in my handbag and called for an Uber to the airport. I had just reached downstairs when the Uber arrived. I hopped in the car, the warm air hitting me like ice hits cola on a hot day.

Wow, what a sucky analogy.

The drive to the airport was short, or atleast seemed short as I looked at the bustling London passing by. I loved London and I hated leaving it whenever I went anywhere.

"It's just a week in Japan, your favourite destination in the world after London!" I thought to myself as I stood in front of the departures gate.

———

I guess that marks the end of chapter 9, it was so visible that I had literally no ideas for the chapter.

*face palm*

Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed!

Love,
Shambhavi 💋