Serendipity

Episode #43 : You & I As In Us

SCENE 1

Abhimanyu tossed and turned in bed. His forehead was creased in sleep due to the situation going on in his dream. Suman was stuck in a room that was on fire. He was panicking, trying to get her out safely but the weird element was her smiling through the tears at him.

"Between your and mine, I will choose my death Abhi." - she said softly.

The dream Abhimanyu shook his head stubbornly but froze as in the blink of an eye, the entire room was consumed by the fire and Suman disappeared behind the flames.

"Suman!"

He sat up with a jolt, gasping. Sweat was shining on his forehead. His eyes were wide as he took in his surroundings and slowly realized that he was in bed and that was just a nightmare.

He turned to the right to hug Suman only to freeze in place at finding her side...

empty.

Already disturbed because of the nightmare, panic started to rise in him. He pushed the duvet away and switched on the lamp. That's when he saw a piece of paper under the paperweight on the nightstand. He nearly tore it in half in his hurry to read.

Meet me at the terrace when you wake up.

Love,
Your surgeon ♡

His shoulders dropped in relief. So she was fine and on terrace. Despite his anxious mind, the soft smile coming over his face was unstoppable. His surgeon...

Putting on his slippers, he stood up and walked out of his room. He ascended stairs two at a time and quickly came to the terrace.

His mouth slightly parted in surprise.

It was a cabana setup. Dim lights, mattress, pillows and blankets. The view was promising coziness yet his restless eyes searched for the person who was the guarantor of his peace.

Before he could call her out, her hands came around his chest as she placed her cheek on his back. And there was that peace enveloping his existence which he associated with her.

"I knew you won't be able to sleep as you were upset." - she spoke softly. "So I thought when you wake up, this might relax you..."

His heart dipped low then rose again with a jerk. Her acute attention on him making him emotional. No one in the house had ever bothered with his mood and feelings. Everyone always left him on his devices to cope and return to 'normal.' And now, there was suddenly a person in his life who... cared. Cared what upset him, what made him restless or happy. He still couldn't understand how did a miserable soul like him get so lucky...

Holding her hands, he pulled her forward to stand in front of him so he could see her. The thulian pink silk nighty really suited her. It had dolman sleeves and was quite loose according to her figure yet she looked radiant. But then, when did he ever find her looking dull in any colour or style ? Her hair was tied up in a loose bun, silky tendrils falling on face which kept blowing in the wind. She was stoic of every cosmetic yet looked the most beautiful version of herself. So much that he couldn't blink.

And then the image of her disappearing in the flames flashed through his mind.

His blood seized to flow in his veins. The soft smile vanished from his face and his grip on her hands tightened automatically.

"Abhi..." - her tone was cottony soft despite having the note of confusion and worry.

He tugged at her hands and engulfed her in his arms. Trying to hide her in his embrace. Her face perfectly fit under his chin.