Forever: The phone call | Part 2 | Complete

Chapter 27

“Shall we?" He asked me. And then we got into the car.

It was THE first Saturday after a long long time when Abhaas was with us. Such an opportunity and I didn't expect my friends to miss it so easily. They had planned a 2 day trip in a bungalow in Pachgani, a hill station at around 250kms from Mumbai. Ulka's dad owned it and he offered it to us because he'd rather let us live there where his house keeper could keep an eye on us than we living in some hotel. Yash, Ishaan and Nupur were already there, so I was told.

Snehal and Kunal took the front seats and Ulka and I took the middle seats. Nihav, Abhaas and took the rear seats in this 8 seater car.

The journey started and I could already feel Abhaas’ eyes behind me. Yes, I get it that he wants things to get back to normal but give me some time dude. I didn't run away, you did.
Yet, it's not that he's saying anything or complaining, he's just sitting behind and playing telepathy telepathy.
Out of the blue, he asked,
“Ulka, how are the things with your dad?"

Oh right! I'd almost forgotten about that. Why didn't she say anything?
I asked,“You didn't mention anything for a long time now, is everything okay?”
Snehal turned back and I saw Kunal grow tensed as he drove the car.

From behind her, Nihav's hand cropped up and held her shoulder tight. If something has happened, why am I oblivious to it?
“I'm sorry I didn't mention this before,"

She started speaking,
" Dad had a minor heart ailment recently. It isn't that serious but it left us all shook. Especially dad, he saw his whole life pass from infront of his eyes in a blink. I'm glad I was there with him when this happened.

All the way to the hospital, he held my hand tight. He was scared, really scared. But I saw some hope in his eyes when I said I'm there and everything is going to be fine. He was discharged the same day, the very same day that changed the whole dynamics back home. He's so caring towards us now, both mom and me. It looks like he's planning on giving me equal share of the firm.”

Snehal reached for Ulka's hand and squeezed it tight. This young lady has a habit of suffering all alone and doesn't take help until it is forced down her throat.

“But you know what?" Ulka continued,
“I don't even care for the firm now. I just want him to be healthy and happy. I can't lose him or mom. I- it is just that, though I was assuring dad everything was fine, I was indeed scared. I can't imagine my life without them. I hate them but I can't stop loving them.”

Nihave reached for Ulka's cheek and landed a small peck on it. Ulka smiled and reciprocated the gesture. I can't tell how happy I am that Nihav is there for her.

“It is good to hear that everything is fine after a long time. Maybe life is being a little easy on us for a while. Let's enjoy it till it lasts!” Kunal said as he sped a little on the highway.

The wind running fast bounced on my face. The window was half open, yet enough to pat me to sleep.

It was such a beautiful day, a sunny morning with lots of sunlight. I ran to the house from my backyard. I think I left the gas on and the cutlets were about to burn. As good a cook as I try and be, my clumsiness will always follow me!
In an instant, I was sweeped off my feet and carried to the dining table chair.
I screamed,“My god, what are you doing!!”
Yet I couldn't help but enjoy the bliss that was my married life. I was smiling from the bottom of my heart and I just couldn't help but smile more. He kneeled infront of me and presented a diamond studded gold ring.
“Another! But I'm already wearing one!!"
I complained as I looked at the engagement ring sitting elegantly on my finger. Nothing in this world could make me remove it, not even a new ring. It was so special, it was the witness of our enless love, of the day that we were bound by the threads of marriage, of the day we kissed for the first time, of the day when we roamed the streets of Mumbai as a married couple. This ring wasn't going anywhere.
“But it is our first marriage anniversary, I  wanted it to be special.” He said.
As he inserted the ring in my first finger, I saw two names carved on it's side. It read

Abhaas Ahana

Abhaas!! Abhaas!!
I turned back to the face and it was him, it was Abhaas, but when did I marry him? OhGod OhGod OhGod what's happening???
I leaned in to kiss me and I let out a tiny scream, Abhaas!!!

I was up! The whole car was staring at me. I turned towards my right and saw Nihav looking at me all weird and shocked. I turned further and saw HIM. Okay. It was just a dream. A dream, just that. Phew!
But these people are staring at me. Why? What on Earth did I do now?

“What happened?" I asked.
“Nothing." Abhaas replied.
I looked at others and they just nodded their heads. Kunal resumed driving. We were half and hour away, it was holiday time!!

As soon as we reached the bungalow, we got our bags out of the car. Abhaas had two bags and they looked quite heavy. Especially when his wounds were still healing. I went forth and took one bag.
“Hey, it's okay, I'll take it." He said still holding the bag.
" Abhaas, I can see how difficult it is. It's okay to ask for help, remember, I'm angry but still your friend.” I replied.

He just gave me an awkward nod and walked towards the door. I followed suit. I took the bedroom that Ulka asked me to. She said we girls will live together. I was happy. Until I entered the room and saw Tara standing there. She looked at me with guilt ridden eyes and said,
“I was waiting for you."

Damn this is going to be an interesting holiday!