Chapter 01

Aira

Smiles are deceptive, and today I could feel it.

There were excitement and joy everywhere, emotions and feelings occupying every ounce of air but I felt the void inside of me.

My mother would peep at me every now and then, her eyes moistening with painful happiness each time.

Dad would often brush his hand on my hair, smiling at me vividly.

And my brother would care for me like never before. He wouldn't fight, he wouldn't argue but just yield to my desire easily.

He was ready to give me anything but of course he couldn't give me what I really longed for.

I was overwhelmed with all the love. I felt so filled and full yet so empty and incomplete.

Tears whirled in my eyes but I bit them bitterly, with the smile on my lips only widening.

I got up, excusing myself politely.

Being with people, seeing their rejoiced faces, soothed me. It basically hurdled me with the external thoughts, worldly affairs that I had given up lately but at the same time, it suffocated me because somewhere I blamed them for the heartbreak I was going through.

But being alone couldn't be my option. It only homed my silent cries, my shattered will, my heart that was morphing into nothingness and the fading memories my life depended on.

Solitary nourished nightmares that were gradually decorating the path of my life.

I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror. I appeared lost in the wilderness of the world.

My face glowed like any other bride to be, it was fair, speckless with the perfect shade of pink; thanks to Mumma. But my eyes screamed of the tsunami and turmoil I felt within.

It didn't matter though, he wasn't there to read, to understand what I was going through. He wasn't there to pacify me as much as I wasn't there to be with him. And for the rest of the mob, I was a flawless actor.

I took kohl, applying it finely on my eyes followed by an eyeliner and mascara. And a bit of nude lip balm did work for my lips.

"Aira, you are height! Last minute delay is your habit. Why is your makeup kit still out?" She shrieked with panic.

I gave her a stare. It was just a few items that I kept in my handbag. I rolled my eyes, knowing I couldn't do anything.

My luggage was long packed and ready. I could see four huge bags settled on the bed, holding anything and everything a bride could ever need.

" Mrs Sharma." Dad piped in, gathering her attention. " Stop scolding her and care to explain why aren't you ready? We have a flight next hour."

I passed a smirk to Papa and Ma went inside without a word.

I knew why she was so worked up and vulnerable. It was simple, her daughter was getting married and she didn't know how to manage her haphazard emotions along with the numerous responsibilities.

My phone rang, breaking the scene.

" Hello, to the soon gonna be the bride." A vigilant voice broke through the phone, making me smile. Her voice was a evidence of how cheered up she was.

" Hello." I casually replied, collecting my last stuff.

" Come on, show me some excitement. You always wanted to marry, right?" She giggled.

" Please, don't start that. I'm in no mood." I answered curtly.

" Oops." She spoke lazily, pausing for a second. " Tell me, what if I bring my new boyfriend along?"

I laughed. " I'd throw you two out of the hotel."

" How rude? Just look at him once, and I dare if you could keep your eyes off him." She challenged me smugly.

" He is the demigod." She took a breath seductively.

" Are you drunk again Miss Esha?" I inquired, doubting her rightfully.

" Ah." She hissed. " Mood kharab karti hai." She continued in her American desi accent. " Why so shaki always? I'm well sober."

" You call me only when either you are drunk or when you get ditched!" I chuckled. I was being too brusque and I knew.

" Mean." She ignored the rest of my shit. She was my best friend after all. " Let me send you his picture."

"No." I almost shouted. I wasn't interested honestly. Our choices were completely different if she was north than I was south. We were bipolar.

" I don't wanna see. Don't forget I haven't seen any of your boyfriends for the last two years. You change them every month."

" Okay, stay shitty. You don't deserve a best friend like me. Tell me what fucked your ass?"

If only I could tell.

" I'm sorry. Everybody is too delighted and pumped up and that's annoying." I half lied.

" Oh, I so much miss the irritation. Thank you for marrying Aira."

" Welcome."

" Okay, I gotta go. My flight is ready. I'll be there soon babyyyyy..take care, love you."

" Esha? I'm sorry and I love you too, so much." I said hurriedly and she hung up laughing.

I took my handbag, walking out of the room but my phone rang again before I could take any countable steps.

I stole a glance at it and my heart fluttered. It felt ripped but badly happy. It was almost after two days that he had called.

"Asher?" My voice could crack, had I said more.

" Hii." His throat sounded thick and troubled.

" You haven't taken any medicine?"

" Don't feel like." He responded, feebly.

I could picture his deep, excruciated eyes; I could feel how hurt his heart was.

" Aira Di, don't waste time. We gotta click some pictures. You are home for the last time. Next time you'd be married. Come soon please, please jaldi.." My cousin, Ridhima called for me urgently, breaking my trance.

" Go." He told me with a straight intention.

" Sorry." Was all I said and the call ended.

I felt like crying.

I felt broken and lost.

I felt the desperate need of him..