The Story of us

Chapter 19:- The Lonely Moon

Chand Tanha hai, Aasma Tanha
Dil Mila hai kahan kahan Tanha

Zindagi kya isi ko kahte hain?
Jism Tanha hai aur jaan Tanha
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HM: Shall we move?
KS: chaliye, what's next?
HM: You'll see.

They both split the bill and head to the parking.

KS: You know the more I know you, the more I admire you. There is so much to learn. You make me want to appreciate fine things that were neglected for far too long. I am glad that I met you.

Haseena smiled and opened the passenger door for the fellow. Both sat in the car. Haseena was about to hit the road.

KS: Rukiye! Aap firse kuch bhul gayi
HM confusingly: kya?

Karishma leaned in deliberately. This made Haseena recall the earlier deed of the devil. A red colour clouded her face.

"Hum...Hum lga lenge." Haseena said while instantly putting the seatbelt on.

Karishma laughed at her reaction. She was loving this side of Haseena. She has always seen the latter as strong and confident. This fumbling Haseena was something new and she enjoyed it.

HM: Kuch zayda hi tez ni ho rahi app?
KS: I have never seen this shade of yours. I am liking it.
HM in her head: Aur appke liking ke chakar mein humari lagi padi hai
KS: Vaisee bta toh de Hum ja kahan rahe hain?
HM: oh! Utawali Karishma! Now, I am liking it.

Karishma's POV

After an hour's drive, we reached a small deserted beach. Haseena told me that she has been here before but never at this hour. I got out of the car to find the most splendid view I have ever seen.
The nautical twilight enveloped the sky. Moonlight is slowly coming to life. And the evening star is mocking the darkness brought by the night.

KS: What is this place?
HM: You will see. But we need to change first.

She fetched some clothes from the car. I was confused but she convinced me that I am in for once in a lifetime treat. Soon we were in our comfort fittings.
She took me to the other side of the beach where one kayak was waiting for us.

Ks: are you serious? We are here for this? I'm not doing it.Zindagi se samband kharab nahi hai humare. Abhi jeena hai humko.
She grabbed 2 life jackets which were lying on the side of the pedals and said, "Do you trust me?"

My fear and discomfort's reflex answer was 'no', but there was something about the way she looked at me holding my arm. The 'No' refused to escape from my mouth. She took my arm and made me wear the life jacket.

"Trust me. You will not regret this." She said while buckling my vest. Then she tightened the straps to adjust the jacket. Her force pulled me closer and we were inches apart. Once again, I was standing motionless like an idiot. She checked the straps for a snug fit, pulled me closer and whispered, "Aur Bhaukali Karishma Singh Pani se darti hain?"

"Hum kisi see nahi darte woh toh bas humne kabhi kiya nahi hai ye."

HM: That's fine. Aap bas baith jaye. I have done kayaking a couple of times. I'll handle it.

I am not gonna lie. I was shitting my pants but maybe it was Haseena's assurance and her way of handling my fear without acknowledging it, that gave me the courage to step into the boat-like thing. I closed my eyes and stepped into it. Haseena didn't leave my hand until I was fully seated. Then she seated herself behind me and started paddling.

HM: Let yourself lose Karishma. Look around you. Look at those emerging stars in the sky, Challenging the brightness of the moon. Listen to the sound of water, singing the song of nature's glory. Look beyond and tell me what you see.