Beyond The Golden Skies

♛ 02: A Handsome Stranger •

The next morning, Sakshi wore a beautiful silver anarkali for the fair. She grabbed her college bag and walked out, hoping her father wasn't around.

Her heart jolted at the sight in the parking lot. Udayveer and his men surrounded Ranveer's jeep, crossing their arms and frowning. Did he find out their plan?

She kept her gaze down and walked to the jeep, heart pounding.

"Jeetu is doing something. Keep an eye on him, son," Udayveer said.

So it wasn't about her, thankfully.

"And drop your sister at the college gate. She is trying to act smart these days," Udayveer said, glaring at Sakshi.

"I'll take of her, Babaji," Ranveer said with a confident smile.

Udayveer patted his shoulder and went away with the men.

As the jeep left the mansion, Ranveer burst into laughter. "You were so scared! I almost started laughing seeing your face."

She slapped his arm. "Stop it, Bhaiyya. I didn't want you to get into trouble because of me."

After a long drive, they finally reached the fair. The road was packed with people and vehicles as far as they could see. Ranveer parked the jeep in a corner and and got her an entry ticket.

"Here's your ticket, Saash. I have something else for you..." He pulled out a bundle of cash from his wallet. "There's ten thousand rupees."

Her eyes flickered. "I can't take it. Babaji hates it when I spend money."

"This is my gift to my little sister." He handed it to her.

Tears stung her eyes. "Thank you, Bhaiyya."

"Now go and make some memories."

Her brother's face disappeared in the sea of people as she stepped inside the fair. Her body trembled in excitement. Taking a deep breath, she dialed Vinnati's number.

"Hello, Sakshi? Let me guess. You can't make it because your dad said no," Vinnati said over the call.

"Oh really? Come see who's at the main gate."

In a few moments, a girl with bouncy curly hair ran towards her. She trapped Sakshi in a tight hug.

"Come on, girlie. I can't wait to show you my shop!"

Vinnati dragged her inside the little wooden shop. The smell of chillies and pepper wafted in the air. A gentle golden bulb glowed in the room. Glass jars with spices lined the shelves. Baskets with dry fruits were set on the table.

"Your shop feels so romantic!" Sakshi said.

"Chillies and pepper are romantic to you?"

"I mean, everything is so beautiful. I can see how hard you've worked."

Vinnati's face glowed with a proud smile. "Thanks, girlie. I was so busy that I didn't touch a bit of food."

"You need to eat, Vini!"

"I have some tomato rice in the car but I can't leave the shop now."

"I'll take care of your shop."

"Your dad will kill me if he knows this."

"Haha, that's true. But who's gonna tell him?"

"Alright, I'll be back soon." Vinnati winked and scampered away into the distance.

Sakshi settled into a plastic chair, trying to brush out the previous night's memories of Hemant.

The place filled up with locals and tourists. Loudspeakers blared songs, and shopkeepers were busy setting up their tables.