Beyond The Golden Skies

♛ 12: Sneaking Out •

The next morning in Sakshi's room, Vinnati pulled a dress from her bag and splayed it on the bed. A frilled maroon gown layered with sequins and satin flowers, glittering in the grainy sunlight.

Surprise lightened Sakshi's features.

"Wah! But why did you stuff it in that teeny bag? It will get wrinkled."

"With your family's hawk eyes watching every move, I didn't have another option. What do you think of it?"

Sakshi smiled. "It's beyond amazing. Ayush said the dress code was a formal one, and I was breaking my head on what to wear. Thank you, Vini.

"Is it about following a dress code, or looking beautiful for someone you love?"

"Obviously the first one. There will be many chief guests coming and I don't want to appear underdressed."

Vinnati rolled her eyes in a sarcastic manner. "Ohh, right. I believe you."

"Enough teasing. How are we gonna get out? Bhaiyya won't agree ever."

"I have a foolproof plan."

"I'm not able to bring myself to trust your plans," Sakshi said.

Her brows knitted. "Why not?"

"Remember when lied to the principal that your leg got fractured to attend movie? And you ended up right beside him in the theatre."

Vinnati winced with an embarrassed smile. "Stop digging last year's trash! This will surely work out."

"What's the plan?"

"I'm telling your brother that we have to submit documents in our college."

"Why would any college ask so when exams are in a week? Bhaiyya will figure out we're bluffing."

"We'll say that if we don't submit the documents, our hall ticket cannot be verified. How is my idea?"

"Seems practical, but I feel bad about lying."

"Don't overthink this, bae. If your family was open-minded, you wouldn't have to do this. Leave it to me and pack your jewellery and cosmetics."

"How will I dress up?"

"Once we reach the hotel, you can change in the washroom."

Sakshi grabbed her bag and headed downstairs with Vinnati. Ranveer paced around in the living clutching his phone between his shoulder and ear while signing a bunch of papers.

Vinnati joined her palms and dipped her head, moving her lips without noise. "Good morning."

He inclined an eyebrow and gave a half nod to acknowledge her presence.

"Bhaiyya, I want to tell you something important."

Ranveer pressed a finger to his lips with a stern frown while conversing on the phone. Sakshi sighed and grew restless, glancing frequently at her wristwatch. She leaned on the doorpost, staring at the polished tiles floor till he hung up the call.