"Baby, just you and me, in our happily ever after."
Reaching the airport, they checked in and boarded the flight to Goa. It took them nearly two and a half hours to reach the Dabolim airport. From there, they drove to the Neo Majestic hotel in Panjim.
It looked extremely beautiful and luxurious not only from the outside but inside too. And although it was nothing new for Aahana and Atharva, for they had travelled tons of places already, this was one of the finest hotels and they couldn't help but admire the interior as they walked into the hotel room. It was spacious and nice, not too gaudy, giving a homey feeling to them.
They weren't tired much but they decided to chill for the day. Well, it was Aahana's idea which Atharva didn't quite like.
Firstly, he did not want to share a room with Aahana. Secondly, he was fed up with Aahana's nonsense.
What she'd done was not only arrange a trip for them but for all the employees working in the head office of Saxena Enterprise for 3 days and 4 nights, with all the expenses to be handled by the office. On top of that, they were staying in the same hotel. So basically, it was going to be all fun and no work as per Aahana's words.
Fantastic surprise. Atharva thought bitterly.
"C'mon Atharva, don't be so selfish. They need a day off too. Do you know how happy they were whe-"
"I am not being selfish." He cut her off. "It's... it's just the office will be closed."
Aahana waved him off with the gesture of her hand. "There won't be any loss if that's what you're worried about."
Groaning in frustration, Atharva decided to keep quiet. He didn't want to go on arguing with a stubborn Aahana. He already was feeling a headache form at the back of his eyes. So all he wanted to do was take a shower and rest for a bit, away from Aahana obviously.
"So what are you thinking?" Aahana questioned, sliding beside him on the sofa.
He tensed and immediately stood up. "I'll take a shower," said Atharva as he flung open his suitcase and grabbed his towel and shower gel.
He halted mid-way and turned to look at her. "And yeah make sure to close the door on your way out."
"What d-" Aahana couldn't finish her sentence as Atharva slammed the door shut with a loud noise.
Huffing and puffing in anger, Aahana left the room, deciding to take a little tour of the hotel.
Atharva having taken the shower, came inside the room to find it empty. He was instantly relieved. Pulling on his grey sweatpants and a white V- Neck T-shirt, he went to the bed.
He hadn't even closed his eyes properly when he felt the bed dip and then he heard her. His eyes fluttered wide open and nearly popped out of his head at what he saw. His eyes landed on Aahana right beside him, singing "la la la la" and jumping like a kid.
She gave him a huge grin and threw a pillow on his face. "Did you sleep well?"
He glared at her and smacked her in the face with the pillow.
Her stunned expression brought a chuckle out of Atharva. Seeing him, Aahana smiled and ended up laughing as well.
"Y'know this is the first time you look so relaxed and happy," Aahana stated, staring at him with a contagious smile.
He smiled back. "All because of you." He admitted looking into her eyes for a second before averting his gaze away. "But I have one final wish."
"Okay, what is it?" Aahana immediately asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"You and I," She nodded, "will not share a room."
"But Atharva I wasn't lying when I said the hotel is overbooked."
He scoffed. "Aahana look around you and speak. They won't have an extra room?"
"Nope. If you have um... forgotten, our staff is staying here too. "
"What about beds?"
"They had an option to bring someone with them. So, uh-er- those are occupied as well."
To say Atharva looked miserable would be an understatement.
"But you don't have to worry. You can sleep on the couch." Aahana said him gesturing to the couch which was way too tiny for Atharva's 6'1". He narrowed his eyes at her, knowing full well she was teasing him.
"Why don't you? 5'10" is perfect."
Aahana inched towards him and pinched his cheeks. "Aw thank you. But I really have no problem sleeping with you." She even had the audacity to wink. His face flushed involuntarily.
"Shut up." He muttered and looked away.
"Okay fine. We'll see what to do, but first, let's have dinner."
Atharva nodded and after changing, they walked down, Aahana's hand holding his in a gentle grip. He made an attempt to free his hand, but gave up and let out a sigh. "You shouldn't get so comfortable with me."
"It is the other way around if you haven't noticed," Aahana said, her eyes dancing with mirth.
"Don't remind me."
"Oh, so you agree?"
"Of course not." He snapped, feeling tired of feeling the way she made him feel.
"Ah, so now you're gonna outright deny. " She said as they sat across each other.
"Look, what you're trying won't ever work. I get that you love me and all, but it's better for you if you stay away from me." He squeezed his eyes shut and let out a shaky breath.
Aahana went silent and stared at him, trying to gauge his actions. Sure enough, he looked uncomfortable sitting there with her but things had changed drastically and Aahana found a different Atharva. He wasn't shy and closed off anymore. He was able to express himself and he was doing so much better.
And then, a slow smile spread on her lips. "I'm not trying anything Atharva. It's just a trip to relax, meet, greet and enjoy."
Atharva shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. The waiter came and placed two menu cards on the table and walked away.
Everything sounded delicious, making Aahana's stomach growl. She couldn't decide what she wanted, really. Then there was Atharva who didn't even glance at the menu.
As the waiter came back, Atharva was the first to place his order and when Aahana heard him say chicken biryani, cheese naan, dal makhani, and butter paneer, she couldn't help but want the same.
Atharva saw her staring at him, "For both of us." He added.
"Will that be all, sir?"
Atharva glanced at Aahana and she nodded, smiling a little. "Yes, thank you." He said.
The waiter nodded and stepped back. "Right back in few mins."
"You have a good choice." She commented.
"And you don't." He countered back.
"Huh? You were sure about that? You aren't bad at all." She smirked.
"I shouldn't have agreed to come with you." He grumbled to himself. Unmistakably, Aahana was hurt at his words, having heard him clearly. Swallowing the lump formed in her throat, she looked down and calmed herself. She wasn't going to let his words toy with her. She knew what he said was never from his heart.
The waiter came back and placed their food on the table.
"I'll do it." Aahana stopped him when he was about to serve them.
"Okay, ma'am. Enjoy your meal."
No more words were exchanged as they ate in peaceful silence. The food was indeed delicious, coating their taste buds with different flavors and in no time, they were full, their plates empty as new.
Aahana and Atharva headed up and into their room. But none of them made a move towards the bed. They stood still, looking at each other and then at the single bed.
Sleeping together sure was a bad idea, even Aahana realized it now. He didn't love her, so sleeping with him will not be her best choice. But then, it wasn't like they were going to do something.
"Okay, okay. I think I know what to do." Aahana broke the tension and walked to the cupboard from where she grabbed 6 pillows. She made a pillow wall, parting the bed into two halves which was kinda childish but they didn't really move in their sleep so it would definitely keep them away from each other.
"This will work?"
"Obviously, unless you can't keep your hands off me."
"Ha- Ha." Atharva rolled his eyes and took the left side while Aahana occupied the right. Lights were switched off and they were soon pulled into a deep slumber.
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