The Desert Lily

Chapter 17

The flight landed at the Dubai Airport.Jet lagged crowd descended the huge aeroplane and thronged to the way out.

Samaira held a sleeping Prarthana on her shoulder while Kevin was clinging onto her fingers. Ayush has Reyan in his arms,throwing tantrums every now and then. The babies were not at at peace until the plane landed. They were crying and screaming throughout the flight. The mother and father, who were tired themselves had a hard time pacifying the kids.

It was Prarthana's first flight and she was obviously upset. But Reyan was angry as he wanted undivided attention from his mother. His mom looking after another baby irritated him and he could only make loud noise in protest.

His eyes and nose were red due to constant crying and Samaira was fed up. He was calmer now and the family paced slowly to get a taxi as they came out of the airport.

Soon they got a cab and stuffed all their luggage in the dickey.The car started moving and Ayush was totally blown away by the skyscrapers. Everything seemed really different. There were crowds in most of the streets and there was no space left vacant. Clusters of small and large buildings were lined up. The road had numerous streetlights and signboards on the sides. The vehicles on the road seemed infinite and traffic blocks appeared to be a constant scenario.

After a short contemplation, he realized that,considering his withdrawn self and abundant love for greenery,life was not going to be easy. Not at all.

He looked at Samaira through the corner of his eyes. Her face looked tired and sleep deprived. She was staring out of the window with all the three kids clinging onto her. He shifted in his seat and placed Kevin on his lap as the latter gladly obliged. Samaira smiled at the duo and looked out yet again.

Ayush has been noticing something unusual in her smile these days. It seemed genuine and right form the deepest part of heart. When she had returned from Dubai, her smile was different. It looked like she smiled for the sake of it. But when she had Prarthana in her arms, he had seen her lips curve blissfuly. He felt that she smiled wholeheartedly only when she was with the three chubs. But now, when he helps her with the smallest of things, she smiles.

Brushing off the thoughts, he cuddled the child in his lap, showering him with love and care.

The car pulled off in front of giant building which was three times the flats that Ayush has seen in India.He helped the kids and his wife out of the car. They picked up their luggage and walked towards an elevator. He pulled of his shades and tucked one arm in his pocket.The other hand had Kevin's fingers wrapped around it.

They entered the elevator and was soon taken to the tenth floor.

Samaira unlocked the door of their apartment and pushed it open.They entered the living room and a homely feeling had the family engulfing in it. Though it was not so posh and luxurious, it was cozy and warm.

Ayush drew in a large amount of air and exhaled it. The room had numerous pictures hanging in its walls. Some were of Kevin's, of Reyan's,his and.. Praniti's...

He lowered his eyes to calm a storm that was erupting within him.

"This is your...I mean my room and the one in the opposite side is always left vacant. So maybe you can stay there."

"Okay!"he was about to open the room she was pointing at.

"Hey stop! Let me finish. It's not cleaned.We never open it. So you'll have to use my room,but only if you wish.Uhhh...No need... I'll just clean it now. "Samaira unlocked the room hastily.

"No. It's okay.I don't have a problem with using your room.There were days when I used to hide in your toilet. You'll have to take some rest. "

Samaira's lips curved upwards as she remembered those good old days. It was the time when they had just become doctors. The four friends would meet up at Samaira's place. At that time, Praniti's parents did not like her company with Ayush. They always made sure that they don't meet often. So they always dropped Praniti and made sure that Ayush was not with them. But actually, Ayush would hide in a toilet until they are gone.

"Those days were so much fun and you were the funniest. Hiding in a toilet, afraid of your girlfriend's parents. "Samaira giggled and opened the door for him as he reciprocated with a toothy grin,which was soon replaced by a sad face.

All those moments came back to his vision and he could feel his eyes sting.

He blinked away his tears and started unpacking his luggage.

Samaira knew he would be sad but he'll have to move on.

"Ayush,I know you're not well. At all.I know how it feels but that doesn't mean you should mourn forever. Will Praniti ever want you to shed tears when someone takes her name? Do you really think so? Please live the way she wanted you to. I'm trying my best. Remember, she loved you so much... more than me.So think...very well. "Samaira paused and looked at his face, trying to read it. She could see a smile intermixed with tears and a smirk forming in it. She knew very well, what each of the actions. Smiled for the way she's trying to help him,shedded tears as Praniti's memories had took over him and the smirk on himself, feeling bad about failing Praniti by crying for her.

He slowly stood up and walked out. A portrait of Praniti lay inside a cardboard, in his suitcase.

..................
A short update... I know it won't be enough. I just wanna start their life together as an entirely new chapter. Hope all of you can understand. It's like a new phase of their life 😊.

Do leave ur valuable votes and comments...

Next update will be long.. Pakkaa