Best Friends and Cousins? (An Indian Love Story)

Chapter 14

I woke up the next morning, and for the first time in ages, I felt happy waking up. I felt warm in someone's arms, not uncomfortable. My entire life, I felt like I did not fit anywhere, but I felt like I did, for that moment at least, that I found my place. I was wearing Nikhil's shirt, and for the first time, I wasn't afraid someone would walk out on me, leaving me in the middle of a mess they created. It is only when he wakes up and turns me around that I realize. Today might be our last day together for quite some time. I kiss him, and he kisses me back, cupping my chin. I don't want this to end.

"Babygirl, we need to leave today. Do you want to do anything special today?"

"I just want to spend time with you. No matter how, or if it is with other people. I don't want to leave your arms." I bite my lip. He just pecks me again. "This is why I love you. You notice all the small things, and it makes you the happiest person." I smile, but groan as he gets up. He notices me staring at his entirely naked glory and chuckles. 

"I know I'm hot and delicious, but we really need to get going."

"Um...Nikhil? Was I- was I not good?"

"Oh gods no! You were amazing. Not to surprise you or inflate your ego, you were my first conscious time and my second time ever. That's that. I just don't want you to overexert yourself Neha. It was your first time yesterday." He kisses my forehead. "We could always do it whenever you want though. Later in the day." He winks, rubbing his nose against my cheekbone.

"But I'm hungry!" I purr.

"I'll feed you, kitten. When we have a little more privacy. For now, get ready. We're leaving after lunch." I pout and Nikhil hands me my clothes, pushing me by my shoulders into the bathroom. I get ready quickly and go down, determined to spend my last day here in the best way possible.

 The entire day flew by, and before we knew it, Nikhil and I were loading our suitcases into the cab. Anya and Swapnil stayed back to discuss about their relationship with their respective parents, who were coming tomorrow. 

"Marry each other without me and swear you will die without being married for even one week." I threaten Anya and Swapnil, tears in my eyes. 

Nikhil, from behind me, agrees. "Man, you do not want to anger her. I swear she will keep up her promise." He chuckles, thumping Swapnil on his back. 

Nikhil gives Swapnil one of those "bro-hugs" and almost cries with relief when Anya holds her hands out for a hug. He squeezes her tightly, until Swapnil laughs and separates them both. "I need her alive at least until we have children, dude! Don't suffocate her, please." Nikhil lets go, breathing out a shaky laugh, and Anya's face is red from the tightness of the hug. 

We are saying our goodbyes, when Grandma leans in for a hug. "Tell me if he hurts you. I will make sure he apologizes," she whispers. I pull away, flushed and embarrassed. As if she was reading my mind, Grandma says, "Don't worry, you guys weren't too obvious. I just observed the two of you disappearing for a long period of time, together, and figured. I'm not blind, you see?"

She pats my back and Nikhil comes over. "Make sure I don't hear a complaint from her, young man!" He chokes on air as he turns to me, eyes questioning. I shrug and hug Grandma one last time before I pull away. We finish all our "Goodbye"s and "Take Care"s and finally set off to the airport. 

Once out of the view of the house, Nikhil turns to me. "Did you tell Grandma?"

"NO! Why would you even think I told her? Do you have any idea how embarrassing that would be? Hell no!" I almost shout. He chuckles.

"Don't worry, I don't blame you. We were pretty much observable, with all that PDA." I tuck my feet under me and lean against his shoulder. He leans his head against mine. "How much longer to the airport?"

"About 45 more minutes?" Responds our driver. Nikhil wraps an arm around my shoulders, gently rubbing his thumb in circles on my upper arm. It acts like a switch, and I can practically feel the tension oozing out of my muscles. I smile up at him, pecking his cheek. He holds my hand in his other hand and we are in a peaceful stupor like that for the rest of the drive. 

At the airport, we quickly check in, drop off our luggage and head towards our terminals, clearing all the security checks and other procedures. We are both travelling to London together, from where Nikhil would take another flight to Toronto. We buy a few books and snacks for the flight, being the hungry young adults we were. I know we are actually adults, but we still had the appearances of teenagers and the appetites too. Waiting at the terminal gates, I am debating whether I should tell Nikhil or not. 

I wasn't planning on telling him, but now, I think it shouldn't be a problem. I was scared to tell him earlier, afraid of his reaction, but I think I should let him know. "People flying with British Airways to London, at gate 23A, please proceed to board with your tickets and passports." Great! Just at the right time. Nikhil grabs my hand, and we are one of the first people to get in line, so there really is not much scope to bring up the topic.

As soon as we settle into the plane, I turn to Nikhil, determined to tell him. "Nikhil, I need to tell you something since we are parting ways." He sighs softly and kisses me.

"I wanted to talk to you too. I know we are parting, and if you don't want to do long distance, I can understand. I mean, I'd be happy if you decide we should continue, but if you find someone, just tell me. I don't want to be holding you back, but remember: whether or not we are together, I will always be here for you." He holds me in his arms, my shoulder on his chest. I pull away and he averts his gaze.

"Nikhil, that is not wha-" I am interrupted by one of the flight's attendants. They do the general safety chack and the announcements begin. I patiently wait for all the announcements, from the crew to the safety instructions to the pilot,announcements to be over, only to find a sleeping Nikhil's head on my shoulder. Sigh.

I make myself more comfortable, without waking Nikhil up. Whatever am I going to do with this idiot? Before I know it, my eyelids droop and I drift off to dreamland, with one last thought in my head - When do I break the news to him?