Invisible String

Chapter 22: Chepda pati

Word Count: 1435

Samaira POV

I couldn't wait to drop myself into bed and finally get some rest. The chaos of the wedding was over, and although the Vidai was scheduled for the next day at 5 PM, I couldn't help but reflect on the emotional whirlwind it had been. I had cried so hard, hugging everyone tightly, especially my parents, almost choking them with my embrace.
As we left in the car, I noticed Naina and Aditya winking at each other, which made me suspicious. I knew Naina too well; she had definitely planned some mischief. However, I was too exhausted to dwell on it. I soon fell asleep, my head unintentionally resting on Kabir's shoulder. He didn't seem to mind, and I found it a surprisingly comfortable spot for a nap.
Kabir woke me up just five minutes before we reached his house-no, our house. I quickly fixed myself up, trying to shake off the exhaustion that came from not sleeping for 48 hours. The clock read 8 PM. I was too tired to keep my eyes open, but I knew a sleepy newlywed bride would leave a bad impression.
We arrived, and Kabir's mom had everything meticulously set up. A pot full of rice was placed in front of the door, and I softly kicked it as I entered the house. My feet were then covered in red alta, leaving imprints on a white cloth as a symbol of welcoming the new bride.
"Samaira and Kabir, both of you go to your room and freshen up. Get back down to have dinner, okay?" Kabir's mom said warmly, as Kabir guided me upstairs.
When we entered the room, the first thing that caught my eye was the bed covered in rose petals, candles lit around the room, and the canopy bed's curtains let loose, creating a strong romantic vibe.
"So, how do you like it?" I practically jumped as I heard Aditya's voice behind me. His face bore the same mischievous smile as Naina's. So this was their plan.
"Saale, agar main thakka nahi hota toh batata tujhe" (bastard, if I wasn't so tired, I'd show you) Kabir said as he entered his room, loosening his sherwani, making Aditya giggle and go away.
"You can go freshen up first, I don't mind," Kabir said as he headed towards his wardrobe to grab his nightwear. I moved to my luggage placed in his room, and received the biggest surprise ever.
NAINAA, I AM GOING TO KILL YOU FOR THIS.
She had packed lingeries, inappropriate ones. Leaving no space for anything other than my heavy sarees. I did ask her to pack my wedding veil in the suitcase but she had these plans? Where did she even hide my nightwear? Oh god, this is going to be so awkward. I thought to myself as I picked up a lacy red night suit which was more revealing than it should be.
"You didn't go yet?" Kabir's voice startled me as I hid the red lacy trouble behind my back.
"What is it, Samaira? Why are you so red?" he said as he headed towards me.
"Nothing, it's just..." I stopped mid-sentence. Why am I telling him about this?
"Did you get your period? Should I get you pads?" he asked, his voice showcasing concern. He took another step forward as I held my hand up to stop him, accidentally dropping the lacy item on the floor for display. Kabir was quick to notice it.
"Turn away!" I said hastily, picking it up again.
"Why should I?" he said, not even bothering to leave me alone.
"What do you mean, 'why should I'? I am shy, turn away!" I said, making a ball out of it.
"Samaira, you're being shy, so why should I turn away? And what's the problem in that?" Kabir said completely nonchalantly. Was this man being for real?
"What do you mean? Iska main karoon kya akhir?" I said, annoyed.
"Patang bana ke udaa do," he said with a serious expression.
"Sacchi? Yeh udti hai?" I asked, making an amused face, waving the piece of clothing in the air, clearly trying to be sarcastic.
"You're supposed to wear it, Samaira," he said, coming even closer, literally leaving no space between the wall and me.
"Yeh pehna ya na pehna mere upar hai, mujhe nahi pata tha tum aise chepde pati nikloge," I said, giving him a side-eye.
"Gosh, Samaira, I'm kidding. There are a few t-shirts of mine you can borrow before we get you a few proper night suits," Kabir said, emphasizing the word PROPER.
Oh god, Naina, I swear I am going to take revenge for this.
Washing up and taking a shower as quickly as possible, I looked towards Kabir's wardrobe, wondering what he wears. Opening the cupboard, I found nothing but plain neutral t-shirts. Man lives in black and white. Grabbing a black t-shirt with grey shorts, I dressed up real quick to head down for dinner.
I looked at the mirror, the tee literally swallowing me, reaching my mid-thigh. Not gonna lie, his smell on the clothes felt so good, making me feel his presence closer than ever. Kabir was quick to shower as well, and we headed down to dinner, but my phone rang.
"You go, I'll be right there," I said as I picked up the call, the contact showing Jeremy.
"Oh my god, look who is finally back from the dead," I said as the person on the other side of the phone giggled.
"Truer words have not been said," he said, and I let out a laugh.
"Itna busy ki meri shaadi pe bhi nahi aaya!" I said, clearly hinting that I was hurt from his ignorance. Jeremy was my and Naina's college friend. We used to do crazy stuff together all the time. There was this one time him and Naina planned out an impromptu trip of us four to Imagica. God, that was fun.
"Look, I apologize. It's just the raceway takes up a whole lot of my time." I fell silent hearing about it. Naina loved the race tracks. With her ex, she used to always spend her time there while me and Jeremy enjoyed seeing the couple. It was when everything was fine, but one day everything fell to shreds, and our group practically fell apart.
"Samaira, I know what happened in the past was bad, but that doesn't mean we three can't hang out anymore. Look, I'm inviting you to the festival in Rouge Raceway which is happening next month. Please be present. Consider this as a request, Samaira. I miss you two. I know convincing Naina would be hard, but if you all will be here, I would love it." As much as I didn't want to go back there again, I couldn't say no to Jeremy. I will ask Naina before answering him.
"Jeremy, my husband is waiting for me at dinner. I'll let you know soon," I said as I hung up on him and ran downstairs to get dinner.

Author POV

"Did you invite her well?" The anonymous voice echoed in Jeremy's cabin, menacing and cold. Jeremy was on the brink of falling to his knees, a gun held right next to his temple, the metal cold against his skin.
"I did a-ask her. She said she'll let me know," Jeremy's voice stuttered as he feared for his life, the weight of the situation pressing down on him
"Whatever you're doing is wrong. Pl-please don't involve the girls in this," Jeremy pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation and concern.
"Oh Jeremy, dusro ki sahayta se pehle apni kursi ki peti bandh lo." The voice was calm, almost mocking, as it issued the chilling command.
Jeremy's mind raced. He had been pulled into something far more dangerous than he had anticipated. The girls, especially Samaira and Naina, had no idea of the dark forces at play behind this seemingly innocent invitation to the raceway festival. He had to warn them, but how could he do it without putting their lives in even more danger?
The man holding the gun smirked, sensing Jeremy's internal struggle. "Remember, Jeremy, one wrong move and it's not just you who will pay the price."
With that, the man slowly withdrew the gun, leaving Jeremy to collapse into his chair, trembling. The threat was clear: comply or suffer the consequences, and more importantly, don't let Samaira or Naina suspect a thing.
Jeremy's mind raced as he tried to figure out his next move. He had to find a way to protect his friends without tipping off his dangerous new "acquaintance." He couldn't allow them to become pawns in this deadly game.