Beyond The Golden Skies

♛ 19: Lights, Camera, Love - 2 •

Smoky clouds layered the morning skies. Like the previous day, Ranveer dropped Sakshi at Vinnati's home and left in his jeep. Lining her eyes with dark kohl, Sakshi glimpsed at the packed bags and luggage trolleys in the bedroom.

"What's all this for, Vini?"

Vinnati's lips flattened into a thin line. "We are leaving tonight."

Sakshi's hands weighed down, smudging the kohl above her eyelids. "You didn't tell me a word!"

"I wanted to inform you yesterday, but I couldn't," she said.

"When will you return?"

"Maybe within a couple of months."

"Oh Vini, how am I going to pull through two months without you?"

Vinnati stared at the cement floor, shoulders drooping. "You have your Ayush. He'll take care of you, bae."

She dropped to the bed beside Vinnati, hands on her shoulders. "How can you think like that? The reason I met Ayush is because of your spice stall. You've helped us so much. Even today, there's no way I could've sneaked out without your help. You are an important part of my life . . ."

Vinnati burst out laughing. "My dear overthinker, you misunderstood my words. I meant that till I return, Ayush will support you. I'm happy that someone cares about my best friend."

"Oh, I get it," Sakshi said with an abashed grin.

"I know how much you care about me, bae. I'll never feel jealous of my friend finding true love."

"Sorry, Vini. But I'm still not happy you're leaving!"

"You and Ayush ditch everything and join me," Vinnati said.

"Ah! I wish we could do that."

"Leave that aside. You said you'll share pictures from the shooting."

"I completely forgot." She fished out her phone and clicked on the photos taken yesterday. "No teasing!"

"Can't promise that!" Vinnati snatched the phone and swiped through the gallery. The amused expression on her face progressed into that of awe. Her silence deepened with every swipe.

"What a surprise! Vini is viewing the pictures without passing comments," Sakshi said, nudging her ribs.

Her eyes dazzled with fondness and sisterly love. "You two are such a beautiful couple. I feel like you're wedding is already over and I missed it."

"Nonsense! When I do get married, you have to be with me every step of the way."

Vinnati hugged her out of the blue. "I will be."

After a while, Sakshi rose up and grabbed her handbag with a sigh. "I will take leave now."

"Take care, text me after reaching."

"Sure, Vini."

Sakshi followed yesterday's pattern- waiting at Chocobar Café, riding pillion with Ayush, makeup and food at Darshak's house, and a journey up the Aakhya hills. This time her costume included a purple nauvari saree with gold borders, matching Ayush's purple sherwani and gold dhoti.