The Ruined Rainbow

CHAPTER 68

Ayesha

"I don't think we should be here, Sahil," I whispered, scanning the frightful darkness around me.

I instantly grasped Sahil's palm tightly, as I heard a bat howl in the distance. I glanced back once to see how far we had come, but it was of no particular use; for the moon still wasn't giving enough light to equal the darkness. Or maybe, the path through which we walked had shunned away all sorts of light.

"I don't think you should speak, Ayesha," Sahil replied seriously, not showing any signs of anxiety, as he confidently escorted me forward.

"I would have really appreciated it if you had brought me in the daylight!" I hissed vehemently.

"I would really appreciate it if you stop this unnecessary chiding!" He responded gravely.

I tried to see where we were going, but Castella de Aguada had different plans obviously! We were in this Portugal Palace, called the Castella De Aguda, known metonymy as the Bandra Fort.

Sahil had instantaneously dragged me away from the ethereal sunset to the car in quick walks, and had driven like a madman to this desolate palace; when we saw the first hue of darkness blend with the tangerine sky, for reasons, he wouldn't tell me.

"The fort closes at half-past six!" I disapproved, "And the time is almost half-past seven now! Do you realise, we might get caught by the guards, who may be roaming here?"

"And do you realise that I am not as stupid as that, and would have already taken permission from the guards?" Sahil shot back, sounding annoyed now.

I reluctantly stop my counter-questioning and begin to focus on the eerie patterns of the shadows created on the feebly-illuminated rocky pathway below. A cool breeze shoots up, right on us, and my lips curve at the refreshing treat.

At mornings, this place would have been overly crowded. The fortress offered a spectacular view of the sea line and was renowned for its natural beauty, and it's grand architecture.

Almost when we reach the end of the castle, I can smell the saltiness in the air, for the Arabian Sea is located right in the west. I automatically reach out to control my flying hairs, gathering the strands behind me in a fist, as if to tie them above before letting the black curtain fall over my shoulders again.

As we came to a halt, "Mind telling me, why are we here?" I asked Sahil.

"Well..." Sahil let go of my arm offhandedly as his pocketed mobile began to ring aloud, "Sorry, I have to take this." He said, and without waiting for a reply, he walked to the other side, in the opposite direction, holding the mobile very close to his ear, and covering his mouth as he whispered in hushed whispers in the mobile.

Sighing, I take a good outlook of the fascinating view in front of me, smiling, unaware as I did so.

The shimmering sea, and the engaging Mahim Bay, all in front of my eyes, gleamed under the dazzling resplendence of the moon. We had reached that area of the fortress that was welcoming the moonlight gloriously, and I couldn't be less pleased, by that fact. The constant overlapping of the waves gave me a captivating peace, as well as the refreshing breezes the sea granted me. I was sure my dupatta would have flown away if not pinned, and as a blessing, I had done that today...

And then I hear a cracking sound.

Surprised, I whipped my head to the black sky above.

A colourful arc cut through the sky, in one move. And then disappeared. And again, almost in no time at all, Dazzling colours came into my glimpse, as fireworks exploded above, all at once, in the dark majestic sky of Mumbai.