Under the Covers

Chapter 4

The 10-hour flight from Mumbai to London passed without eventful conversation between them. Abhimanyu cursed the partitions in their business class seats, which hindered any opportunity for meaningful interaction. Stepping out of the chartered flight, they were greeted by a waiting limousine. Anamika remained engrossed in her laptop, making small talk while they headed to the hotel. Abhimanyu couldn't help but notice how lightly she had packed, considering her numerous business engagements.

Abhimanyu hurriedly followed, determined not to miss another chance to engage with her. Clearing his throat, he mustered the courage to ask her out for lunch. Without hesitation, she replied with a dismissive "I'm ordering room service." Undeterred, he tried his luck again, suggesting dinner. Anamika started to make an excuse but reconsidered upon seeing the expression on Abhimanyu's face. Relenting, she agreed to dinner, but he made it clear that no laptops were to be involved.

They met for dinner later that evening. Anamika appeared radiant in an elegant maxi dress adorned with simple jewelry, while Abhimanyu sported a casual blazer that accentuated his muscular frame. "So we finally meet," he remarked. Anamika wore a puzzled expression, prompting him to elaborate. "Yes, we've traveled together and we work together, but we rarely have a conversation," he explained. She sighed, feeling the weight of her responsibilities. Abhimanyu insisted that she relax for a while, reminding her that they were a thousand miles away from home. He offered to buy her a drink, emphasizing that it was merely as friends.

Anamika had been waiting for this moment, not for romantic joy, but so she could finally bring him down. She had dressed impeccably, elegantly strutting through the hotel lobby to catch Abhimanyu's gaze - a carefully orchestrated entrance. Both harbored the same intention: to uncover each other's vulnerabilities, to shatter one another into fragments. However, the timing was not yet right.

Lost in her thoughts, Anamika felt a gentle yet firm hand on her bare shoulders. It belonged to Aniketh Yashaswi, her classmate from London Business School. Anamika's eyes sparkled with a newfound light, one that Abhimanyu had never witnessed before. Aniketh coyly asked if he was interrupting something.

Anamika was the first to respond, inviting him to join them. Abhimanyu felt dismissed, but he was not entirely surprised by her actions.

"If it isn't Abhimanyu Rai. I'm a huge fan!" Aniketh exclaimed, shaking hands with Abhimanyu.

Anamika blushed, adding to Abhimanyu's annoyance. "What brings you here?" she asked, shifting the spotlight away from Abhimanyu.

"I came here to ask for your hand in marriage," Aniketh said, looking into Anamika's eyes with seriousness.

Abhimanyu's teeth clenched, and Anamika couldn't help but laugh, further frustrating Abhimanyu. "Ha! You know me so well!" she exclaimed, laughing along. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm here to receive an award. These Londoners are quite liberal when it comes to their localities," she joked.

"Stop kidding, Ani. I know how strict these award delegations can be. I wasn't even sure if I would win an award myself," she boasted, unable to contain her pride.

This revelation took Abhimanyu by surprise. Why was Anamika trying to impress this man? And why did she call him Ani?

"Oh, how I have missed you, Anu. Can I have this dance?" Aniketh asked, extending his hand.

"Gladly!" Anamika replied, and they glided away to the dance floor.

"But she hates being called Anu," Abhimanyu thought, feeling the weight of her journal in his pocket. "Why is she acting so out of character?" His unease grew. "Or is this a trap?" Only time would reveal the truth, he concluded, leaving for his room with an empty stomach.

The following hours were torturous for Abhimanyu, as he anxiously awaited his opportunity for revenge. Patience wore thin after years of waiting, and he had meticulously set his trap for that night. This time, she wouldn't escape. The next day, he mustered the courage to ask her out to dinner once again. It was the night of the award ceremony, an event she would have attended with him regardless. Anamika nodded slightly, unaware that the night held significance for both of them.