The Ruined Rainbow

CHAPTER 71

Ayesha

Amidst the eerie silence of the saddened night, my phone began to ring. Mechanically my moist eyes travel to the illuminated screen, huddled in my palm, only to dampen a bit more. I had ignored the constant message buzzes, and so my mobile was filled with a lot of notifications. Sparing a scanning glance around; I disconnected the call. And with that, I take a minute to compose myself and then stride back to Kumar's house.

*****

I couldn't help but feel guilty when I said Sahil that I had gone for a 'necessary' long walk, for 'fresh air'.

Though Sahil was very suspicious and quite mad at my sudden absence, he settled with a 'mild' lecture before walking to interact with the other actors.

I spent the rest of the party, keeping to myself, but having a fake smile plastered throughout. Millions of thoughts were churning in my head, all in a vertiginous speed.

Sahil sensed my uncomfortableness and politely informed Kumar that he was feeling sick and he needed to go home. And with no further ado, he grabbed my hand and walked out of the door firmly.

"Are you okay?" Sahil asked gently, once the grey doors of the elevator closed.

Hastily rearranging a convincing smile, I said, "Of course, I am! Why are you asking?"

"You look very... worried." Sahil insisted, looking at me suspiciously.

"No, its nothing of that sort. " I reassured, giving an uneasy laugh.

*****

I didn't want to go back home, any sooner. So, ironically, I suggested Sahil that we go to the Queen's Necklace, Marine Drive.

"Are you really okay?" Sahil inquired, glancing at me suspiciously. "That's a first coming from your mouth. "

"Well... Mark this week as a lot of firsts, Sahil. " I said thoughtfully, peering out of the window, "It's going to be memorable." I adjoined softly.

Sahil grinned at the road.

*****

The Queen's Necklace is a long boulevard, an inverted 'C'-shaped six lanes and one of the best locations of Mumbai. And now, the sight was merely ecclesiastical. The glimmering street lights resembled a glittering necklace, giving us a picturesque view of the Arabian Sea.

Sahil and I settled on one of the benches, listening to the musical overlapping of the sea waves.

The continual night sea breezes kept ruffling Sahil's luxuriant hairs. The street lights illuminated his face with a goldish-yellow tinge, in the inky darkness, and to add to the credit, a regal smile crafted out of his lips when he smiled at the sea.

"You know... " Sahil began, looking at me, "I was nine years old. And for the first time; I was selected for a singing contest in school. I was standing in front of the stage and was very nervous. So nervous, that a word wouldn't come out of my mouth, let alone a song." He laughed. "All other children began to laugh. I was so nervous. And then, I saw my dad sitting on the frontest row. He had his hands folded and was looking at me, patiently waiting for me to start. He wasn't angry, nor was he disappointed. And that gave me a little hope... And I began to sing!" He laughed, realising the innocence he had at that age.