Kismat

Chapter 18: Road Trip

At The Rao's House.

"Neel ne bola tha ki who log 6 baje tak pohunch jaaynege. Bata raha tha ki bus book ki hai, saab saath jayenge" Suraj tells his wife as they get ready. Everyone was ready, with their bags packed, just waiting on Meera.

(Neel has said they'll be here by 6. He was telling me that they've booked a bus, we'll all go together.)

Upstairs, Meera stood in front of the mirror, fixing her braid. She wanted to look pretty. It had been two weeks since the engagement and she hadn't seen him since then. She had changed her working schedule from full-time to casual, where she would only go to fill in for an absent teacher. She didn't like that but knew she had to make that change for now, and once she was settled after getting married, she would go back to full-time.

That's what Shourya suggested, especially since the pandit ji had said the 7th of December was a perfect date for the two to get married. Considering that was just shy of one month, the preparations were in full swing. Aarav, Riya and Muskaan had taken over the decoration and entertainment department. Shourya told them not to worry about expenses, and just go with what they like.

Meera heard the door open downstairs, she grabbed her dupatta and rushed down. They're here! The families had decided to go to Rajasthan, where their village was. Suman wanted for her son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law to visit the prestige temples before getting married. The families would also like them to get married there, where they originate from; the Singhania's want to bring their daughter-in-law back to their haveli after getting married. The Rao's live across the road from their haveli. Their house there was much bigger than the one they have here, they had a big veranda, and it was a double storey, with a larger rooftop too.

"Namaste Suman aunty," Meera says as she reaches the bus. All their bags had been put on the bus and Meera was the last one to get to the bus.

"Ab maa bolne ki aadat dallo beta."

(My child, you should start getting into to habit of calling me maa.)

Meera turns beet red as she helps Suman into the bus. Everyone was already seated, she brushes past everyone to get to the back, saying her greetings as she passes. Once she gets to the back, she sits near the window and opens her novel. It would take 24 hours on road to get to their destinations, so they had decided to leave early, take turns in driving and take breaks whenever needed. Aarav and Riya were super excited about this road trip, they had never really experienced anything like it. It was always private planes and expensive cars.

They stopped for breakfast and grabbed some snacks for on their way and soon they were 12 hours into their drive. They had stopped a couple more times for lunch and stretch breaks. The sun was setting, and Meera's thick novel had come to an end. Looking at everyone's condition, Raj decided to book a hotel for the night.

They managed to find a lounge big enough to have rooms and beds for everyone. Over dinner, they decided to leave early again around 5 if possible, and soon everyone was asleep. Just as Meera was about to lie down, she got a message on her phone. It was her fiancé.

I'm waiting outside your door.

She makes sure everyone is asleep before grabbing her dupatta and quietly opening her door and there he was, standing with his hands crossed a small frown on his face.

"J-ji?"

(y-yes?)

"Chalo."

(Come.)

From his tone she decides not to question him, she gently closes her door and steps next to him. He leads her to a backdoor, which takes them to a small garden. They sit on the bench.

It's quiet for a minute before Shourya speaks up.

"Tum kal mere paas betho gi."

(Tomorrow you'll sit next to me.)

"Ji?"

(Pardon?)

"Kal, bus mein mere paas bethna. Thik hai?"
"hmm, th-thik hai."

(Tomorrow, on the bus, sit with me. Okay?)

(Hmm, o-okay.)

That's all he said before he grabs her left hand, gives her a kiss on her ring finger and walks her back to her room. "Remember what I said."

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The next morning, Meera chose to wear a red-light green palazzo suit with gotta patti work. She didn't spend pay too much attention to getting ready today, her mind was preoccupied. Why did he say that? We meet after two weeks and that's what he says! No complimenting me, no asking if I'm alright after travelling for so long! Just gave me an instruction!

As they pile into the bus, Meera looks over at him. He was waiting at the back, saving the window seat for her. She moves makes her way over and doesn't spare him another glance as she slides past him to the window seat.

"Meera." No response.

"Meera." No response.

He glances around, everyone busy with their own conversations, except he seemed to be struggling to hold one with his own fiancée.

"Meera." He tried again to no avail.

"Naraz ho? Hmmm?" Nope

(Are you upset? Hmmmmm?)

"Meri taraf dekho to sahi." He waited a minute before trying again.

(At least look at me.)

"Kal bohot sundar lag rahi thi. Aaj bhi bahot pyaari lag rahi ho." She just won't budge.

(You were looking really beautiful yesterday. and you look really lovely today too.)

"Acha, kal thodi gusse se baat ki isliye naraz ho?" She turns to face him but doesn't look up.

(Oh okay, yesterday I was a little angry when I spoke to you. That's why your mad?)

"Mere kuch kaaran hai. I promise I'll tell you why, but not now. But please don't be upset with me." She peeks up, and all she sees is sincerity. She nods, "okay."

(I had some reasons.)

"I'm sorry." He whispers. "I'm sorry too." She whispers.

"Toh ek raang yeh bhi hai aapka," he teases.

(So this is also one of your colours?)

"I told you not to think about what she said to you," Meera mumbles.

He puts his arm around her seat and points out the window to show her things passing by.

They enjoy each other's company, laughing at the youngsters' antics, shying away when they were teased, sneaking glances at each other, sharing snacks and drinks and just doing what felt right.

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