More than all the stars in the sky - An Addicted Prequel

The trip - 1

Manvi:

I was putting together a small travel bag for a day trip to 'somewhere'. Virat has been very tight lipped about what and where we were going. Three days ago he calls me apologizing that he had been busy and he would make it up to me by taking me on a work trip with him. He said his boss last minute decided to send him to a conference in Barcelona.  He asked me to come along so that we could squeeze some time together.

This obviously has me intrigued. I mean he is asking me to skip classes a week before finals. Its not like I mind it - I would miss the entire week for 5 min with him! But, he is not like that. He would never ever let me miss a class unless someone is dying!! Its crazy irresponsible by his standards. Something is up; I can tell.

I look in the mirror at my new hair style. Its kinda cute, right? I thought I would do something new for my trip with Virat. Not like he would know the difference between a bob and fringe to save his life. Boys! A big smile cuts through my face thinking about some time alone with him. Maybe he really misses me. Yep, that must be it. I miss you too Jaan! Like the desert misses rain! I sigh.

The next day morning, I get a text from Virat.

I wont be able to pick you up. Karan will pick you up and get you to the airport.

Not the ride I was expecting this morning. Too busy to pick me up, boyfriend? I message Virat as if mad.

...was running late baby. Karan seemed jobless enough. I will see you at the airport.

Huh? Karan is being a good friend and you are being mean. And I thought Virat Vadhera didn't do late.

He owes me - comes an immediate response making me smile at his entitlement.

Long story. I will explain on board. Can't wait to see you. He adds.

"Do you know whats going on with Virat these days? I hardly hear from him." Karan asks on the way to the airport. Ride with him was awkward enough without him asking me personal questions about Virat. Karan and Virat always have a strange relation. They are hyper competitive with each other and also best friends. They share highly confidential future business plans and talk about them for hours but I have never seen them talk about anything remotely personal. I never get that.

"Oh. He has been very busy. Probably his work." I respond vaguely. Not that I had much more of an insight into the matter anyway.

"He said he is leaving the job soon. I don't understand why you would be so busy working for a job that you are leaving soon." he asks, more like comments, as if extremely puzzled.

~~~

I check in and go to my gate as Virat asked me to. He taps on my shoulder while speaking with someone of the phone. He was rolling his eyes and signally me to wait for a moment. I sigh and stare at him, taking his image of him in front of me after all this time. He was dressed for travel - his white shirt was untucked over casual jeans. Although he looked just as handsome with that twinkle in his yes, there was an overriding gloss of tiredness as if he hadnt  slept well for some time. Gosh, I missed him so much.

"Yes Karan. It is a work trip." he explains patiently on the phone.

"What do you mean what work? I have an important conference there."

"YES! Now, if you are done with your questions, I would like to board my flight with my girlfriend."

"Thank you!"

"Jeez... this dude has not boundaries." He hangs up shaking his head annoyed.

"Hi sunshine" he smiles at me sweetly.