Ayesha
"I still don't see why we shouldn't do a lavish wedding," Kavi Di complained as we munched on our toasts.
It had hardly been an hour before Sahil broke that jubilant news to me, and the happy me had already been bursting with enough joy to parade the news to everyone I knew. Of course, that would mean only Kavi Di, who looked positively sleep-deprived yet made no less of a reaction when I told her.
My heart still danced with the euphoria of Sahil's exultant news. We had traversed the peaks of joy, shared tears, sealing each moment with countless "I love you"'s, multiple pecks and a lot of display of affections in the last hour. He told me about the auspicious time and the perfect alignment of celestial energies when our union would be blessed.
With a very loving gaze, Sahil asked me what kind of wedding I wanted.
I thought I would ask him for some time to decide, an hour or so, but I was surprised when the answer readily rose to my lips. 'A temple wedding.' I had said. Sahil had smiled dazzlingly, bestowing me with his gaze of immense tenderness. He said that he agreed to this decision with all his heart.
"Kavi Di, you know how Ayesha and I are," Sahil responded, smiling, saving me from crafting a meticulously long answer.
Strangely, yet not so strangely, that answered every question mark in her question.
I beamed at Sahil, which didn't go unnoticed by him. He smiled back and held my hand beneath the table.
Kavi Di nodded, a thoughtful expression as she took in Sahil's words. "I understand, Sahil. Simplicity can be exquisite. But you know, Ayesha, a wedding is a memory you'll carry for a lifetime. Are you sure you don't want something grand?"
I smiled, "No, Di." I replied confidently, "A wedding, no matter how simple or grand, is supposed to reflect the love a couple share. And for me, the thought of marrying Sahil is grander than any grand wedding."
"Aww," Kavi Di cooed, looking at both of us longingly, blinking her eyes, "You guys...How cute. "
"Stop it, Di." I laughed.
"I am serious," she said gravely, "You two are ...the two most-most..." she trailed, her eyes shifting to a distant corner, "Most...What's the word I am looking for?"
"Weird?" I offered, laughing.
"Quirky," Kavi Di stressed, with a mock glare directed at me, "For the lack of a better word, quirky," she affirmed.
Sahil laughed.
"Listen that, Sahil?" I chuckled, making quotation marks in the air, "We are 'quirky'."
"Please, guys." Kavi Di said with mock annoyance but then added with a tone of sincerity, "As long as you both are happy, I don't see why you shouldn't do a temple wedding...It is interesting, yes," Di emphasised, responding to Sahil's raised eyebrow, "But when you two want it, you should do it...It is your wedding, after all."
Sahil and I exchanged happy glances.
"What are your plans for today?" Di asked, helping herself a generous heaping of butter.
"Uh-just random stuff, " I said, sensing Sahil's hand go cold in mine. I understood he didn't want me to disclose the drama at his house. "You know, now that we are getting married in a week, we thought of shopping...discussing some ideas, pre-wedding stuff," I generalised.
"Yeah," Di said thoughtfully, not discerning the thankful look Sahil held on his face and spreading the butter on her toast, "That's actually a lot of work. I wouldn't know, obviously. " she clarified courteously, "But you'll have guest lists to finalise right? The wedding attires? The photographers? The jewellery?"
Now that she said that, it is actually a lot of work.
"The venue?" Kavi Di continued, "Where are you guys getting married? Which temple?"
Again, for the second time in the day, an answer I thought would take an hour or so took just a moment to escape from my lips.
"Mahabalipuram."
And Sahil's most brilliant, handsome and dazzling smile told me I was right.
***************
At half-past eight, as Sahil's car veered towards Juhu beach instead of our usual route home, I felt a surge of excitement bubble up inside me. "Why are we here?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity as I pushed away the seatbelt, turning to face him with a beaming smile.
Oh, that smile. It seemed to have found a permanent place on my lips ever since Sahil had proposed that we were getting married in just a week.
Of course, his proposal wasn't new—he had asked me long ago, and I had joyfully said yes. But the reality of our impending wedding, the thought of becoming his wife, my best friend turning into my husband, filled me with indescribable happiness.
As Sahil turned off the engine, my gaze was momentarily fixed on his hands. Still, something behind him drew my attention—a glimpse of the expansive Juhu beach stretching out before us. The sight captivated me.
The sun had begun its slow ascent towards the eastern horizon in majestic splendour. Its golden rays painted the sky with a breathtaking palette of hues, casting a warm glow over the azure expanse above. Fluffy clouds, reminiscent of freshly fallen snow, floated lazily across the canvas of the sky, and the vast expanse of the beach shimmered beneath the gossamer sunlight like an infinite beach of diamonds.
No matter how many times I had beheld the sight, each moment seemed to surpass the last in its magnificence. There was something inherently majestic about the beach, something that stirred my soul and left me in awe of its grandeur.
Every single time.
Probably because this was the place where my life had changed forever.
Presumably, this was the place where life had collided with my barren soul.
Because this was where I met Sahil for the first time.
In Mumbai.
That was almost six years ago.
Five and a half years ago, to be precise.
Wow.
Time flies.
From strangers to soulmates, Juhu had seen it all.
"Are you looking at the sun?" Sahil asked.
"Uh-huh," I responded, "You should too. It is beautiful."
"It truly is," he responded quietly but made no effort to turn around.
And that is when my eyes fell on him.
With a radiant smile and shining eyes, Sahil was looking at me.
The sun shines by turning hydrogen into helium in its core.
But I needed just Sahil's radiant smile to shine brighter than the sun.
Crimson diffused my cheeks when Sahil leaned forward to give a mild peck on my mouth. The touch of his lips sent a flutter through my heart, igniting a spark of warmth that seemed to spread through every fibre of my being.
"You didn't answer my question." I said, the blush never leaving my face, "Why are we here?" My eyes scrunched slowly as the sun's direct rays began to hit my face.
"Why not?" Sahil asked playfully, an impish glint in his eyes. He rested his face on the car's window, preventing the rays from hitting my face. His hands reached to cup my face and gently pulled my face towards him.
"Why not indeed," I echoed, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I felt his breath fanning my face. As our foreheads met, Sahil closed his eyes and sighed quietly.
"I wanted to talk to you about what happened this morning with my parents, " Sahil confessed slowly. "You know? Before you meet them."
I held my palms over Sahil's cupped hands on my cheek reassuringly and nodded silently.
"I want to listen, Sahil," I said, honestly.
It would be a raw conversation layered with multiple numbing and naked emotions, exposing a vulnerable bond. I knew it would demand the strength of a mountain to hear it all.
***********
By the time Sahil finished, my face was tear-streaked.
Not tears of sadness or despair.
But tears of infinite happiness.
Sahil's face mirrored my expressions.
And in that moment, I couldn't help but feel the weight of a promise being fulfilled—a promise I had made to myself four years ago at this very location. A promise to reunite Sahil with his parents, to mend the broken bonds that had kept them apart for so long.
I wiped the saline trickles from Sahil's face and pressed my lips to his shivering forehead. I leaned ahead to hug him, wrapping him in my embrace as he buried his face in my neck.
"You know, Ayesha," Sahil said in a hoarse voice, his words tinged with emotion, "Just 24 hours ago, I would have never imagined my life steering back to one of the chapters I had considered forever closed. Just 24 hours ago, I would have been extremely mad at you for contacting my parents. Just 24 hours ago, I would have yelled at you for being crazy for going all the way to Delhi to talk to my parents, who I considered dead the minute I was asked to get out."
"But now, I can't imagine a life without them in it. Call me crazy, but this morning has made me realise all those years I missed with my parents were a huge mistake. I can never forget this magic that you have brought into my life... first you, then my parents. My life is changing, Ayesha. For the best. What else can I ask for? My life just got a million times better."
Tears flowed down my cheek to Sahil's shirt.
And just like that, Mumbai had one of its best mornings ever.
**************
When we reached Sahil's apartment, Sahil's parents were looking fresher than ever. Sahil's mother nervously straightened her saree, her eyes bright with anticipation. At the same time, his father stood tall, his demeanour exuding a newfound sense of pride.
There was a visible shift in their personalities hours before I saw them.
They were happier than I had ever seen them.
Of course, my familiarity with them had been less than 24 hours, but they already felt like family.
Sahil's mother took slow steps towards me, her movements filled with nervousness and gratitude. Joining her hands together, she approached me with an exuberant smile and glossy eyes.
With a whisper filled with emotion, she said, "Thank you, Beti, for reuniting us with our son. None of this would have happened if you hadn't come to meet us in Delhi yesterday. I apologise if I or my husband were rude to you yesterday. Still, I am indebted to you for returning my son to me for this lifetime."
"Aunty, please," I said, tears welling as I gently lowered her folded hands, "Please don't say that. It was my duty. I couldn't bear to see Sahil in pain, knowing that his family was so close yet so far. Bringing you all back together was the least I could do."
Her eyes softened with understanding with a tender smile. "You may see it as duty, beti, but to us, you are a blessing—a guardian angel sent to guide us back to each other. We will be forever grateful to you for bringing light back into our lives. "
Her words touched my heart deeply, and I felt a sense of warmth and gratitude wash over me.
And then, with a gentle gesture towards the shining diamond ring on my finger, she continued, "And now that you will enter our family soon, you may as well call me Ma, not Aunty."
Sahil's mother quickly brushed away a tear that escaped my eyes as I reached out to touch her feet. I also touched Sahil's father's feet, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of emotion in the room.
Taking in the scene with a beautiful smile, Sahil announced, "Ayesha and I are getting married in a week in Mahabalipuram."
My eyes widened at the sudden, unforeseen announcement, and I gaped at him for not giving a moment's notice. Sahil's mother gave an exclaim of surprise, and she slowly turned around to look at both of us. Then, with a determined look, she reached out and removed two gold bangles from her right hand, insisting on placing them on my wrists despite my protests.
"You are coming to our house, Beti," she said, her voice filled with emotion as tears glistened in her eyes. "This is the least I can give now, given that I have nothing to offer. "
Tears welled in my eyes as I looked at her, overcome by her unexpected gesture of love and acceptance. "But- but I can't accept this," I protested weakly, deeply touched by her generosity.
Sahil's mother shook her head gently, her smile shining through her tears.
"No, beti, you must. You are part of our family now, and these bangles symbolise that bond."
And with that, I got the warmest hug from a mother for the first time in years.
*******
Sahil was on his phone, sitting on the couch. His parents were asleep for their afternoon nap in the guest bedroom. I had prepared two cups of coffee and walked towards him, holding each cup in my hand. He smiled as soon as I neared him.
He reached out and deliberately took the cup from my left hand, his eyes lingering on the sparkling diamond ring adorning my finger. Before taking the cup, he gently kissed the ring and pulled my free hand to make me sit beside him. Circling his left hand around me, he kissed my temple and smiled.
"I can't wait to get married to you."
And just like that, I melted.
"Me too," I said, kissing a bristled cheek.
He smiled warmly before resuming his work on the mobile with the same hand encircled me, and he drank alternate sips of coffee from his cup. I rested my head on his shoulder.
Tracing my fingers over the cup handle, I stared into the space before us, many thoughts crowding my head.
"What are you thinking?" Sahil asked without looking at me.
"I'm not. " I replied nonchalantly.
"Oh, please."
"How do you know?" I asked, a long smile tugging across the ends of my lips.
"Because I know you," he said in a heartbeat. "You are doing that, staring into nothingness while tracing fingertips on the handle thing. Of course, you are thinking something."
A faint blush crept onto my cheeks at his observation.
"And Ayesha?" Sahil continued, reaching out to tuck a stray ringlet of hair behind my ear so he could look at my face, "Now that we are getting married, I want you to express your thoughts without worrying about what my parents or I think. Please. Okay?"
"Okay." I said, turning ever so slightly to rest my chin on his shoulder, "Have you told my parents about my cancer?"
Sahil's face slightly dimmed, but he responded immediately, "I haven't yet. I will not if you don't want me to."
My eyes widened in surprise. "No, not at all," I exclaimed, shaking my head. "On the contrary, I very much want you to tell them. They may feel—um, for lack of a better word, misled, if they are unaware of this before we marry."
Sahil's eyes narrowed.
He bent forward to place his cup on the small glass table ahead of us, followed by mine. His phone dropped onto the couch with a mild thud, drawing my concerned gaze. Before I could voice my worry, Sahil's palms gently enclosed my face, his touch both reassuring and tender. With an immeasurably tender gaze, he held my face in his hands, his eyes speaking volumes without uttering a word.
"Ayesha, listen," Sahil's voice resonated with immeasurable clarity, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. "I am going to marry you. And no one can stop me from doing so. Even if my parents were to object, which they never will, I will marry you. It's trivial to think that cancer could come between our marriage."
"I didn't mean it incorrectly, Sahil," I said softly, my voice tinged with sincerity, leaning on his warm palm, looking at him sideways. "I just feel you should tell them about me, my family, and my background."
"I will do that... But," Sahil promised, his voice filled with conviction, "I don't want you to worry about anything they may or will say. Eight days down the lane, you will be my wife, no matter what."
With that, Sahil pulled me into his arms, enveloping me in a soul-stirring hug. He tenderly kissed the top of my head, his lips brushing gently against my hair. Then, with a soothing rhythm, he began to pat my back, each touch like a comforting caress, as if he were consoling a child in distress.
A single tear welled in my eye; its presence could not be attributed to any concrete emotion. It wasn't sadness or joy alone that prompted its release, but rather a complex blend of love, fear, and gratitude. As the tear trailed down my cheek, I closed my eyes, burying myself in Sahil's chest, feeling immensely grateful for his presence in my life.
**********
The comforting tea aroma filled the air as I walked around the house that evening. I had just served tea to Sahil's father. Sahil's parents were accustomed to chai, but Sahil and I stayed loyal to our favourite beverage, coffee. However, Sahil's mother had still not emerged from her room, and Sahil himself had mysteriously disappeared.
Placing a lid over the remaining cups, I sat opposite Sahil's father, intending to initiate a conversation.
Before I could speak, Sahil's father broached the subject gently, his words carrying a weight of gratitude and humility. "I can never thank you enough for reuniting me with my son, Beti," he began, his voice filled with emotion. "I could never see how my ego had blinded me until you removed the blindfold off my eyes by showing how wrong I was."
"You truly are a gift to my son," he continued, resonating with reverence. "I could never thank you enough for insisting that I take that flight to Mumbai... and that I would have the opportunity to reunite with my son after 10 years."
"The last ten years have been tough... both for me and Jaya," Sahil's father began, his voice tinged with regret and relief. "It took a toll on me physically, but the mental load was worse. It was horrible to know that my son was just a flight away, and I couldn't take it..."
His words hung heavy in the air, carrying the weight of years of separation and longing. I listened in silence, my heart aching for the pain he must have endured during those lost years.
"Now that I have reunited with him," he continued, his voice trembling slightly with emotion, "I look back and find it heavily silly for not initiating a step... If you were to ask me the reason now, I don't have any explanation to justify it, but you just gave me something I thought was lost forever. And for that, I will be eternally grateful."
"Uncle," I replied softly, my voice filled with emotion, "It was my privilege to play a small part in bringing your family back together. Sahil means everything to me,"
"Blessed is our family for having you enter our life." he smiled genuinely.
I joined my palms, "Thank you, Uncle." I said, and we both resumed to take sips of our drinks.
His voice was gentle, tinged with curiosity as he asked after a minute or two, "You are Ayesha Mehra, right? The daughter of Aman Mehra... Mehra Infrastructures?"
And instantly, realisation flashed on his face, he added, "Beti, you don't have to answer if it is uncomfortable...After what happened...I read it in newspapers...I can understand. It is okay if you don't want to speak; excuse me for asking."
I took a moment to gather my thoughts before responding, offering a soft smile to ease any lingering tension. "Nothing like that, Uncle," I reassured him, surprised by the calmness in my own voice. "It was a long time ago, and yes, I am his daughter."
"Mehra Infrastructures has been doing so well recently... I have read reports, and it is the undeniable, unbeatable leader in the market," Sahil's father said genuinely, admiration evident in his tone.
"That is kind, but all the credit goes to my sister," I smiled, feeling a surge of pride for my sibling. "She has worked ages to bring the company to where it is today."
"Sahil said you do donation drives," Sahil's father remarked, his tone filled with interest and curiosity.
"Yes, that's right," I replied, smiling warmly. "But it's more than just donation drives. I have this dream of reaching out to the unrecognised orphanages, the ones that often go unnoticed and unsupported. I identify these orphanages and provide them with the funds they require. It's a very personal dream of mine... to give back to people in need. God willing, I continue to do so."
I have always felt that a smile with emotions is sometimes better than a speech of words.
The apt moment for that feeling would be now.
Adesh smiled, his expression speaking volumes without the need for words. It was a smile filled with understanding, appreciation, and perhaps a touch of admiration.
He didn't say anything.
He needn't say anything.
"I'll check on them, " he said kindly, gesturing to the two filled cups on the tray.
I nodded.
I watch Sahil's father take the tray with two cups towards the guest bedroom. I hear him knock, then a distinct murmur of conversation between Sahil and his mother, and the door gently slammed shut again.
No footsteps were retracing back, indicating that Sahil's father had also stepped inside the bedroom. I couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing inside. Perhaps Sahil was having the conversation I had asked him to have earlier during the day.
I proceeded to the kitchen with the two empty cups and washed them in the sink. As the water cascaded over the dishes, I couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts of Sahil's conversation with his parents.
As Sahil's words echoed in my mind, I couldn't help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions. On the one hand, his unwavering determination to marry me, despite everything, filled me with immense happiness and gratitude.
Yet, on the other hand, I couldn't shake off the nagging doubt and worry about how Sahil's parents would react to the news. No parent would want their child to marry someone who was suffering from a severe ailment, and I couldn't help but fear that they might not accept me wholeheartedly.
What would be their reaction once Sahil told them? Would they accept me? Of course, no parent would want their child to marry someone who was suffering from an ailment.
But Sahil had made it clear that nothing, literally nothing, would change his mind. Should that thought bring me immense happiness or a sigh of acceptance over Sahil's determined nature?
Even if we marry against all odds, will that bring me happiness?
Will that bring him any happiness?
Will that get us any happiness?
Pushing aside my curiosity, I focused on the task at hand.
Once the cups were clean and gleaming, I dried my hands and went to the dining table. Drawing a chair, I settled down with my mobile and opened the notes section. With a clear objective, I labelled the pressing matters to be done immediately: Attire and Photographs.
I realised I may be unable to finalise either the former or the latter without Sahil's help. So, my mind hovers around the prospect of people at our wedding.
Even before I could say a word, Sahil had promised that the wedding would be a quiet and peaceful affair. Though he couldn't guarantee the media would get to know about the marriage, he would strive to keep it under the folds. But when I told him I didn't bother if the media finally came to know, he said he wanted this to be a quiet celebration for himself, too. Sahil said he wanted a very intimate wedding, away from the people, the media, and everything.
And this was one of the few moments where I wondered if the glitz and glamour of stardom had robbed him of something unspeakable?
While many admired his fame and success from afar, few could understand the sacrifices and challenges that came with it. The realisation that Sahil could no longer afford the luxury of privacy was eerily sad. It highlighted the inherent paradox of fame – the more adored and celebrated one became, the more isolated and vulnerable one often felt.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realise the time was flying away. Soon, an hour had almost slipped away, and the clock struck seven, yet none had emerged from the room.
Now, I am curious.
Laboriously curious.
Despite my internal debate, I could not resist the pull of curiosity. I weighed the reasons against venturing towards the guest bedroom. Still, the desire to know what was happening inside overpowered them all. I also rationalised the decision mentally. I could just happen to stand outside and accidentally overhear the conversation. Or could be wanting to use the bathroom and accidentally overhear them.
I tiptoe to the entrance.
Surprisingly, I didn't need much effort to hear their voices. Though not distinctly clear, they were audible enough to catch fragments of their conversation.
"...So, this is how we are here. In this place," I could hear Sahil say, "Despite all the things that we have faced, Ayesha is the one person who has taught me how to love, how to live. And her cancer is not going to be the reason I am going to deny her happiness...She deserves much more than I can ever say and more than she ever wants...And before you voice your opinion on our marriage, I must say, under no reason will I change my mind...I am marrying Ayesha Mehra, and that will be the happiest day of my life...I am insanely in love with her...and nothing will reverse that..."
Tears well through my eyes, and I place a palm over my mouth to strangle all the sobs that were about to escape my mouth. I push back to the wall as happy tears trickle down my cheeks.
And then, seconds trickle.
Minutes.
But there is no response from his parents.
As I strained my ears to catch any response from Sahil's parents, the silence that followed his heartfelt declaration echoed in the room. I couldn't discern if they spoke in hushed tones or were simply too stunned to respond.
The absence of immediate reaction left me with a flurry of questions. Were they struggling to process Sahil's words? Or were they grappling with their own conflicting emotions about our impending marriage?
Despite my curiosity, I knew it wasn't my place to intrude on their private conversation. Instead, I remained rooted to the spot, anxiously awaiting their thoughts or feelings.
Though Sahil said their affirmation didn't matter, for me, it did.
And somewhere, it did for Sahil, too.
He just wouldn't admit it.
And then, very slowly, I hear Jaya speak.
She is crying.
My heart sinks.
"You love her so much, son."
Those are the first words that she says.
"You love her so much. She has changed you into this one beautiful person. So much love, so much gratitude...this is simply beautiful. "She has also been through a lot. You have seen it on a personal level. I know it is nowhere in comparison when you speak about things than face it, but-"
She pauses.
My heart sinks further.
She didn't have to say anything. That 'but' explained itself in all ways. Everyone wants a happy ending. Of course, she wanted her son to not commit to something called marriage when there was a huge question mark lingering over my fate. She'll want him to postpone the marriage and wait...Of course, I know what she is thinking. And it wouldn't be wrong if those exact words came out of her mouth.
"But as a-"
Sahil would have felt the exact same thing.
So, he interrupts.
"Ma," he says warningly, "Don't get me wrong but listen-"
"No, son. You listen. " she interrupts him, "I know you both have been through a lot. Alone. And you may be able to forgive us for not being here for the past ten years in your successes and failures. And though all I seek from you is forgiveness, as a mother, I wish you to always stay happy, away from heartbreaks and pain."
My heart shattered into a million pieces.
Tears cascaded down my cheeks, landing softly on the gold bangles adorning my wrists for less than a few hours.
I pressed the hand to my mouth, unable to stifle the sobs that threatened to escape.
Sahil interrupts again.
But she speaks in a raised voice. "But as your mother, son, if you do not give her the magic she deserves, I will never forgive you."
The world around me stops.
"Ayesha's scars run way deep. Deeper than we all could have thought of...her pain, her sorrow, her tears...we can never fully comprehend what she has endured. It is simply unfathomable. And to give her the magic that she deserves is the least that we can do."
Her deep empathy renders me speechless.
"And after listening to her story, I want nothing more than to see her smile and find peace and happiness in your arms," she continued, "And if you can give her that if you can be the source of her joy and the strength of her soul, then I will consider myself blessed to call you my son."
And then, I hear Sahil crying.
And then his father.
I hear all three of them crying silently.
"Show her the magic that she deserves, son. " Adesh said, his voice unwavering despite the sniffs and tears from his mouth. "Get her the magic that she deserves. Be that magic that she deserves."
Tears tracing a silent path down my cheeks, I retreated from outside the guest bedroom, utterly overwhelmed by what had just happened.
I had always dreamt of a house away from everything when I was a little girl.
Little did I know I would be blessed enough to get a home.
********
As soon as Sahil emerged from the guest bedroom, he rushed towards me and gave me a massive hug without delay. As his hands wrapped around my torso, his head buried in the crook of my neck, I placed my head over his chest, listening to the most musical sound; his heartbeat.
"What's wrong, Sahil?" I asked, stroking his voluminous hair as tears clouded my eyes.
"Nothing," he sniffed, pulling me impossibly closer, his hands tightening around my waist, his warmth enveloping me into a cocoon; I would trade my soul over and over again to experience it.
I buried my face against his chest, inhaling his most unique cologne, and allowed myself to be consumed by the pure, unadulterated love between us. Consumed by the faith that I loved and was loved to an unbelievable extent. Consumed by an insane, impossible love that ricocheted life to every vein in my body.
"Are you free now?" I asked, and we released each other.
"Freer than I could have ever imagined to be," Sahil replied in a heartbeat, and I smiled, knowing the reason for that response. "Why?" he asked.
"I wanted to finish my painting," I said quietly. My gaze met Sahil's. "The eyes," I murmured, feeling the warmth of his presence enveloping me, as I move my thumb below his right eye, "need their final touch before I can dare to call it the best masterpiece of my life."
Sahil's smile blossomed in response, a soft glow illuminating his features as he tenderly brushed his thumb against the corner of my lips. In that gentle caress, he unwittingly wiped away a stray tear that I didn't know had traversed down my cheek.
"Let's go," he said, his eyes sparkling with an effervescent warmth that could rival the sun's embrace, the best brown-blended black pair of eyes I had ever seen, ever known.
Sahil pulls me by hand slightly to the main bedroom and locks the door behind us. He extracts that painting from the corner of the room, holding it as if it were the most precious thing in the universe, and places it on the easel. Meanwhile, I yank the brushes and the paints required.
Sahil had seen this painting long ago in Lucknow. The painting was done, bathed in shades of raspberry red and dandelion yellow, except for the eyes. I had thought I had done the eyes justice, until I saw him after ages, in Varanasi.
With a graceful fluidity, Sahil draws a nearby chair and settles into it. His hands delicately wrap around the back of the chair, fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched into the wood as he gazes upon the painting before him. A proud smile births from the depth of him.
He then meets my gaze with a tender yet passionate intensity, posing for the masterpiece I will complete in minutes or hours. As he sits in quiet contemplation, the soft golden glow from the cityscape, filters from the curtains of the room and casts a gentle halo around him, illuminating the features that I've come to know and love so intimately. Almost complete except for the eyes, the painting rests on the easel, waiting for me to bathe it into life.
As I dip the brush into the rich hues of the palette, I can't help but marvel at the way his eyes mirror the depth of a roasted coffee bean—dark and alluring, yet warm and comforting. I also realise this is the first time I am painting him live. Like I have always wanted to.
Like the deepest shade of roasted coffee beans, his Brown-black eyes hold a universe of emotions. In their depths, one can glimpse the warmth of caramelised amber and the intensity of midnight shadows. They possess a mesmerising quality, drawing me in with their enigmatic allure and captivating gaze.
In the room's soft light, Sahil's eyes take on a rich, velvety hue sparkling with flecks of gold and hints of mahogany. They possess an exquisite richness, like fine cocoa tinged with golden flecks, exuding warmth and intrigue in equal measure.
With each delicate stroke, I strive to capture the essence of those eyes and immortalise the soulful gaze that has time and again enraptured me. The gaze that has had my soul jubilant. The gaze that has breathed life into me.
Sahil remains perfectly motionless, his eyes springing with never-ending love, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine and has me curling my toes. Like pools of brown-black velvet, his eyes reflect the flickering candlelight, revealing depths of emotion that words could never capture.
As I meticulously paint the final details, I find myself lost in the absurdity of trying to capture his eyes without his presence. My imagination falters, unable to replicate the intensity he gazes at me now.
And at that pristine moment, as I finally breathe life into the eyes of the painting, immortalising him with colours that do justice to the person he is, I realise that this timeless masterpiece that I have painted will forever be one of the best moments in my life, cherished in the depths of my soul forevermore.
**********
A/N: Funny how writing some chapters ruin the emotional hell out of you. I can only think. On a personal and a very unnecessary note, when people ask me, what defines your life, except for people, I have two answers; colours and words. Both of equal precedence. Probably, that'll explain a bit on why Ayesha's painting here is paramount. Uh, the other unnecessary stuff about me, will come up in further chapters, lol. Also, hope you liked the chapter. (*Blinking eyes*)
I hope all of you are doing wonderful and great. <3
Loads of love and a little more.