Under the Covers

Chapter 7

"Mr. Abhimanyu has left for Mumbai on the 7:00 PM flight, Miss Anamika," said the receptionist, checking her computer.

"When? Why?" Anamika questioned, her mind filled with a mix of confusion and concern. He hadn't mentioned anything to her.

Before the receptionist could respond, Anamika abruptly walked away. Glancing at her watch, she realized it was already 6:00 PM. The airport was a 40-minute drive away. Could she make it in time? Should she go?

Without wasting a moment, she hailed a cab and raced towards the airport. Her thoughts raced alongside her. What was she doing? Nothing seemed clear anymore. She simply needed to see Abhimanyu.

Upon reaching London Heathrow Airport, Anamika hurried towards the terminal. Boarding had already begun. Thankfully, the reception had managed to book her on the same flight and arrange for her belongings to be packed and sent to her Mumbai address.

Entering the aircraft, she anxiously searched for Abhimanyu. She couldn't spot him anywhere, causing her stress to intensify. Then, she noticed a figure with their head bowed. It couldn't be him, could it? But it was! It was Abhimanyu, adopting the same posture he would assume whenever he felt sad or disappointed. He would lie with his head in Anamika's lap.

Approaching him, she gently touched his shoulder. "Abhi," her voice quivered, reminiscent of how Anamika sounded when she was on the verge of tears. Abhimanyu raised his head, meeting her gaze. In her teary eyes, he saw an abundance of love.

The air hostesses began their announcement, requesting everyone to take their seats and fasten their seat belts. This meant they couldn't be together. Business class seats were partitioned and solitary. Abhimanyu swiftly stood up, made his way to the economy section, and traded seats with an older couple who gladly obliged.

This exchange allowed Anamika and Abhimanyu to sit together. Abhimanyu gestured for her to take the window seat, as he had always done. His focus wasn't on the sky or the clouds; his world was right beside him. They didn't need words to communicate. Their tears spoke volumes on their behalf.

Fifteen years had passed since they last laid eyes on each other, touched each other, embraced each other, or kissed each other. Anamika's eyes conveyed one message: "I forgive you." Abhimanyu's eyes echoed another: "I love you." Floating high in the sky, they reveled in each other's silent confessions.

As the seat belt sign turned off, Abhimanyu knelt down on one knee and pulled out a ring. "Anu, you are my everything. I am so, so sorry for all the pain I caused you. I will spend my entire life making it up to you. Will you please, please marry me and be my wife?"

Anu was rendered speechless. Had he carried this ring with him all along? Since the day he returned to India? Such details didn't matter anymore. Nothing did.

She drew his face closer to hers and bestowed a deep, lingering kiss on his lips. There was no need for words. He knew her answer the moment she stepped onto the plane. Her answer was yes, yes, and a thousand times yes!

The following year, they married with grandeur and celebration. Undercover magazine flourished in the global market, becoming a resounding success. The employees at Undercover were pleasantly surprised to witness a happy, lively, and affable Anamika - the true Anamika. Abhimanyu spent the rest of his life making it up to her, ensuring she remained his top priority.

Together, they aged gracefully, their hair turning gray. They stayed true to the promises and vows they made as children: "I will love you until all your teeth fall out, I will love you until you jiggle everywhere, I will love you when you can no longer move, I will love you when you can't hear anymore, I will love you until the day I die and beyond!"

**********************************************THE END***************************************