The Ruined Rainbow

CHAPTER 80

Dedicated to @xxBluexxflyxx

Happiest Eighteen!

(P.S. I know another 22 hours are remaining, but...)

Sahil

My eyes travel across the vacant garden and impatiently roam toward the stairs. I tap my feet precipitously, and unconsciously my knuckles pat the thick brown bark of a fully blossomed tree in the garden that connects the hall and the gravel stairs.

A few minutes later, a fragile figure appeared gingerly from the stairs through the tree's foliage and the luminous artificial lighting.

She looked around with bright eyes but then slumped, disillusioned. With a heavy sigh, she set towards the now beautifully lit hall, holding a large white flower in one hand and the other holding a frill of her dress.

Then, I moved behind the tree slightly, my body partially hidden, my eyes traversing till her receded figure entered the hall's back doors and followed another gravel footpath leading to the hall's entrance.

******

"Hey! Sahil!" A feminine voice echoed for the second time.

I halt in my movement and look behind.

One figure I vaguely remembered was one of the volunteers I had met the morning, her name being Avanti, "Hi!" She said, her voice glued with heavy breaths.

"Hey," I replied.

"Aren't you staying back?"

"For?"

"The event? The minister must be on his way; it's quarter past seven already. The event is merely for an hour and a half maximum. And we have a campfire afterwards. " she revealed.

"Oh. As much as I want to stay, I am afraid I must go. I am slightly unwell."

"All okay?" she asked instantly, visibly petrified.

After a brief pause, I reply, "Yes, "

"Okay then. " Avanti said, not fully convinced, "I am looking forward to tomorrow. I am sure it's going to be a blast. Isn't it?"

"I should hope so." I smiled uncomfortably.

*****

Ayesha

I smiled vacantly as I stood behind the dias. My eyes searched for an empty figure through the rows despite Ahalya telling me he had left early.

"Why?" I had asked.

"Eh, how can we ask that?"

"But, why wouldn't he stay back for the event? It's atypical of him to leave things midway."

"Well. You both were close friends. Not us. If you do get an answer, inform us. Now, we have the campfire in a few minutes. Will you?"

******

The fire crackled periodically amidst the velvety serenity and against the ruffling breeze, composing an eerie melody. Ruddy tips of the fire arose, rubbing each other, competitive and energetic. Grey smoke, visible and apparent, swam across the raven sky, printing patterns as it made its way to the enigma of the monochromic night.