NIGHT
Ishana:
(After a while, everyone started heading to their rooms. I followed quietly. Honestly, I'm kind of relieved. Some space away from Abhi is exactly what I need right now. Maybe with some peace and quiet, I'll finally be able to gather my thoughts and figure out if I'm really ready to marry him… or just run. Yeah, run sounds easier right now...)
Abhi:
(I watched Ishana walk off to her room. I still don't understand why my friends threw this bachelor party. But maybe it's a good thing. We haven't had a single moment to breathe since this marriage madness started. A break might do us both some good. Two days apart—maybe she'll finally feel like she doesn't have to be polite or pressured. I know she won't call me... and that's okay. Honestly? I'll probably still call her. Even if she doesn't answer. Because... I don't know. Just because.)
Mark:
"Guys, I'm off to sleep."
(I left with Khushi. Ishana had already gone to her room, and Abhi… he looked lost. No idea what's running through his head.)
Ishana's Father:
"Abhi, I think you should get some rest too. You have your trip tomorrow."
Abhi:
"Yes, Uncle. I was just heading up."
(I walked to my room upstairs. Her room was on the ground floor. For a second, I almost stopped by her door… but nah. Bad idea. I just went to my room and collapsed on the bed. My brain's a tangled mess about this trip... and about her.)
MORNING
Ishana:
(I woke up early and packed my stuff. Ugh, finally. A little time to myself. No forced smiles, no awkward silence. Just me, my thoughts, and—oh yes—a cup of morning tea.)
(Steps into the kitchen.)
Ishana's Mom:
"Well, well! Look who beat the sunrise. What's the occasion? The apocalypse?"
Ishana:
"Mom, just... give me some tea, please."
Abhi:
(I came down after a quick shower and spotted Ishana already sipping her tea on the porch. Huh. Up early? That's new.)
"Well well, someone's unusually peppy today."
Ishana:
(I was having a moment. Tea. Peace. Birds chirping. And then... his voice.)
"Yeah, people do get excited... when they're about to leave stress, pressure, and annoying company behind for a few days."
Abhi:
"Oh? So you're saying you're thrilled to leave me behind and go enjoy yourself?"
(laughs slightly)
"Cool. Cool."
(pauses)
"But hey... can I ask you something?"
Ishana:
"Sure…"
(Let me guess—he's going to ask about the party. Probably wondering if there'll be guys there. Or maybe strippers. Should I tell him my friends are bringing strippers just to mess with him? Tempting.)
Abhi:
"Are you going to call me while you're gone? Or at least... will you pick up if I call?"
Ishana:
"What?? That's what you want to ask?"
Abhi:
"Yeah."
Ishana:
(smirks) "I don't know… Depends on my mood. And whether I'm too busy sipping cocktails by the beach while being wooed by handsome strangers."
Abhi:
"Right… sounds about right."
(grins)
"Should I drop you off at the airport, then? Since I'm going that way too?"
Ishana:
"I can go on my own."
Ishana's Mom:
"No way. Abhi will drop you. I'll feel better knowing you got there safe."
Ishana:
(rolls her eyes) "Fine."
Ishana's Mom:
"And Ishana, just remember—you're getting married soon. Don't get too friendly with any guys there."
Ishana:
"I'm not married yet, Mom."
Ishana's Mom:
"Well, you will be. And Abhi's being sweet, offering to drop you, and you're talking like that?"
Abhi:
(teasing) "Wow. You haven't even gone on the trip yet, and I already feel like the ex-husband."
Ishana:
(teasing) "Well, since you already have that feeling... maybe it will come true."
Abhi:
"We'll see about that later. Now, get your stuff together and get ready."
(Mark enters)
Mark:
"Hey, guys! What's up?"
Ishana:
"Why are you all dressed up this early? Where are you going?"
Mark:
"Well, I've got a business meeting, so I'll be flying out today. But don't worry, I'll be back before you get back from your bachelor party."
Ishana:
"Ohh, is your wife going with you?"
Mark:
"Nope, she's just coming with me to the airport to get the car back."
Ishana:
"Ahh, got it."
Abhi:
"So, when are you leaving?"
Mark:
"In about an hour."
Abhi:
"Oh, looks like we're leaving around the same time. We should head out together."
Mark:
"Sure, but we'll be in different cars."
Abhi:
"Yep, of course."
(I went upstairs to change, got my luggage, and headed downstairs. I was about to knock on Ishana's room door, but she came out just before I could.)
Abhi
(She was wearing a sky-blue dress, the hem reaching just above her knees, paired with simple white shoes. Her earrings, though modest, swung gently with each movement. She held her luggage in one hand, looking ready to go.)
Ishana:
"Abhi, I'm ready. Let's go."
Abhi: "Yeh." (I nodded and we made our way to the parking area. As we approached the car, I took her luggage from her hand, effortlessly carrying both our bags. I opened the car door for Ishana, making sure she got in first before loading our luggage into the trunk. After everything was settled, I got into the driver's seat.)