© Nirvana | ✔️

Chapter 1

Radhika looked outside and gazed at her surroundings. Even after four years, she still felt as if she was trapped in this hole with no air to breathe and no reason to live. Her best friend Nivedita tapped her shoulder and looked at her inquiringly.

"What are you thinking now Radha? Please don't tell me you are thinking about.." said Nivedita trailing off, uncertain if her question would elicit tears from Radhika's delicate eyes.

"No Nivi. It's impossible to even feel any pain or grief after everything that's happened."

Nivedita rubbed Radhika's back and wrapped an arm around her. "I can't just tell you to move on Radhika. You loved him and always will no matter the circumstances in life. Your relationship with him was never tenuous"

"Thanks, Nivedita. You've been there since day one haven't you?"

Nivedita simply smiled and shook her head as she tried to brush off the sensitive topic and divert Radhika's attention. "I wonder how Shanaya's wedding is going to be."

"That's true. Shanaya has been raving about her wedding for the past six months and believe me. I can't be more ready to look at her exuberant behavior when we reach her Delhi." said Radhika laughing lightly.

"Ma'am we have reached. Shall I pull your bags out of the trunk?" questioned the driver.

"Go ahead."

Radhika tried to stave her loneliness by indulging in other activities but her mood wasn't up to it. From her vantage point, this is something she felt she would never be able to move on from. She was foreign to the idea of losing a loved one. Hence her husband's sudden demise felt like a punch in the gut.

"Radhika we have to get inside the airport before we miss our flight," said Nivedita.

'Okay. I'll grab my purse and head out."

Time to travel.

•••

"Here's your boarding pass. Have a safe flight!" said the lady at the desk.

"Thank you," said Radhika as she walked apprehensively towards the plane.

Nivedita gave her a reassuring look and encouraged her to take a step forward. Radhika nodded and walked inside the plane as she scouted for her seat. She stowed her purse underneath and fastened her seatbelt as she plugged in her headphones and listened to the song being played.

"We are ready for take-off." said the pilot over the intercom.

The plane began to accelerate and as it did it left the runway and soon the sight of the clouds came into view as Mumbai was deserted behind them.

The destination is Delhi!

•••

"You are so beautiful."

The husky voice whispered inside her ear which sent shivers down her arms and legs. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her towards him. Not that he needed to because she gravitated to him nonetheless.

"I love you Arjun," said Radhika.

He simply pressed his lips on hers and she responded with as much enthusiasm. He poured the rose petals all over her making Radhika feel as if she was the most valuable person in the world.

Arjun took her into his embrace and she clutched his shirt tightly as he began to kiss her neck. 

•••

"RADHIKA!" yelled a familiar voice in her ear. Radhika rubbed her eyes groggily and looked at her surroundings.

"Where are we?" asked Radhika still half asleep.

"We've reached Delhi. Let's go."