25- “Since when did cliches became a reality?”

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“Pragya?”

I looked behind me but she was nowhere to be seen. Swiveled my head in all directions but no avail. I quickly reverted my attention back to the conveyer belt, just in time to see two familiar luggages and a black bag at a distance, moving my way. “Jeez, looks like I'll have to pull them all by myself.”

I was about to pull the black bag out of the conveyer belt when someone else beat me to it. Someone in peach kaftan top and black jeans.

“Sorry, nature calls,” Pragya explained herself quickly before I asked. She dropped the bag with a thump and placed a hand on her hip, “Let's carry this bag together. It will be good exercise for our hands. You take one strap while I take the other.”

I shook my head in dismay and got hold of the bag, “What's inside? It's freaking heavy.”

“A dead body cut to pieces.”

“For today's dinner?”

“For today's dinner.”

And the next instant, we laughed followed by a high five. Thus, we got moving.

We stopped after we exited the International Airport, taking a good first sight of our surroundings. Sunlight descended upon us hard and bright while the ground bore some heaps of sand. We shared a mutual look of excitement and smiled. “Quick, let's hurry to the hotel. I can barely wait.”

“Yes!”

After checking into the hotel, we brought our luggage to room number 707 at the seventh floor. It wasn't locked as someone else had already checked in before us. The door opened to reveal a small, blonde girl in brown top and bright green shorts. Her blue eyes twinkled in recognition as they found us and the smile which was already there, turned into full blown grin.

“I can't believe we are here,” Lisa said. Pragya and I shared a questionable look before our hands reached out to pinch her cheek. Hard. “Ow, ow, I get it! This is real.”

“Liz, Pragya!” I called both of them, getting emotional all of a sudden. I couldn't believe this was happening either. Couldn't believe that they were right here, in front of my eyes. I needed to feel them. “I freaking missed you guys.”

They said the same and then we were all hugging and jumping at each other. My heart was practically bouncing off the roof. This was the reality. Now that the launcher had been prepared, all we needed was to set off our energy.

“What are you doing?” Pragya asked from behind as I dashed off to the balcony.

“Living,” I answered jokingly before coming face to face with the bright scenery before me. A rectangular lawn lay below me surrounded by the boundary wall. Beyond that wall, you could view a spectacular part of the city. Hotels filled the area, left and right, built in crazy structures and themes. One could view the Eiffel Tower themed hotel as well as the Disney one from here. There were the hippies, the blondes and the blacks walking on the roads in groups. A true diversity. There was something in the air. I could feel it. I took that all in, blinked and yelled at the top of my voice—

“AHOY, LAS VEGAS!”

My voice pierced through the room like a bullet and spread like a bomb, bringing attention to my friends as well as the onlookers from below. Pragya and Lisa scurried over to my side and backed me up. “Las Vegas Ahoy!” we yelled in sync. We barely visited a place, and yet, we were going bonkers. That's exactly what this place did to people. It made them go wild.

Our trip to Las Vegas didn't happen overnight, nor in a month, or even year. It took years to bring this imagination to reality. Today was a result after many failed attempts, months of savings, passport issues and time issues. I only hoped that it was all worth it.

~

“Now this is what I call first class royalty,” Pragya commented, holding her glass of red wine.

I swiveled my head to both sides, taking a good look of the scene and propped one leg against the other, seeking comfort in my seat, “Heaven, baby.”

“Cheers!” We declared, raising our glasses against one another for a well deserved toast. We made sure to let our sips be heard as we drank. Thereafter, we started our lunch.

I looked around one more time, trying to come in terms with the reality that pretended like a dream. One wouldn't think much when they a restaurant named Chow. No, one wouldn't, unless they knew that this restaurant happened to be on the second floor of Caesars Palace. Caesars Palace, which was one of the most well-known resorts around the Sins city (aka Las Vegas). It was known for its Roman architecture. From statues, to walls, to pools, to the clothing of the employees— everything in this larger than life resort was Roman themed. Who wouldn't enjoy a sight like that?

The three of us caught up with each other's lives as we talked. As the conversation jumped from one topic to another, it reached a certain point or a person I didn't want to talk about. The girls turned towards me, hesitantly, asking about my status with Vansh.

“That's the thing. There's no status. It's been half a month since Vansh arrived in Delhi but we didn't meet. He did leave me a dreadful message saying he wanted to talk about something that happened in Boston.”

“Since April? That's like more than a month ago,” Lisa's mouth formed an O in shock. “I don't get it. You two were doing so great. He visited you at New Year's, too. How did it get so worse?”

That's the question I asked myself everyday.

“You're the one for me no matter what. Remember that, always.'

“Ahana... Ahana!” Lisa called out loud, bringing me to reality. The plate before me seemed blurry for some reason. Was I shedding tears? Damn!

“Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry,” I reassured Lisa, when she asked about my well being. I quickly wiped my slightly teary eye with my finger while Lisa placed a hand on my back, muttering how she could relate to me.

“Stop, just, stop!” Pragya interrupted like a judge, commanding order. She raised her hands in exasperation, “Remember what we promised at Skype back then? No boy talk, no ex talk. And what are we doing here? If I wanted to, I could have talked about a person who almost led me on and gave me false hopes.”

“Oh, that's fresh news.”

“Exactly!” Pragya pointed out to me. “because unlike you I'm not crying about it. We aren't here to mourn our love lives, or any kind of life for that matter. This is fucking Las Vegas! Leave your shit and enjoy like it's the last day on earth.”

“You haven't been more accurate than this ever since I met you.” I patted her back. “Thanks, babe.”

“Mention not, babes.”

After devouring the Chinese lunch to our hearts content, Pragya excused herself for a washroom break. I thought about what she said back then, “Though she's right, I think deep down, she wanted to defend her boys. Our respective exes I mean.”

“Can you blame her? Those two are her oldest friends from school. Imagine how awkward it must be for her.” Lisa explained.

Lisa had a point, “But I wanted to vent out a bit. Admit it, it feels good to talk crap about our past relationships. Like I wanted to keep saying- 'Vansh, you're such a dick,' many times. And don't you dare play the innocent card, woman! You used to rant over Dhruv on Skype.”

“You evil woman!” Lisa narrowed her eyes but then her face changed as the corner of her lips lifted up, “Fine, we'll bitch about it, but this shall remain between the two of us only.”

Without wasting another second, I told her or rather, fast forwarded what transpired between Vansh and I after he went to Boston. I summarised our good times as well as the bad times that followed, all the way to the big argument we had on call.

“Honestly, I'm still mad at Vansh for not visiting me. He promised he would. What do you think is going on with him, anyway?”

I closed my palms, “I'm certain he's having an affair. No, seriously, what else can explain his lack of interest in me back then? He never did that.”

“Are you sure? I mean, you don't even know who it is. You can't assume—”

“I know!” I cut her off with a sharp breath. “It's the cryptic message he left me. What else could- something happened in Boston mean? I'm not one hundred percent sure who that butt- face is but one can make guesses, right? Vansh has been reaching out to me, but this time, I'm stalling him. I know I shouldn't, but I'm not mentally prepared for this drama. I need a break you know...”

“I do get what you mean. It's okay. You can talk to him whenever you are ready.”

By the time, our bitch talk could continue further, Pragya arrived. It hardly mattered though. I already told Lisa what I wanted to and felt a good load off my shoulders. I felt like I could finally go ahead and have a great 'me' time with my girlfriends.

“I have an idea where to go next,” Lisa announced, like it was latest gossip. She flicked her finger towards her, motioning us to draw close. “One word, six letters— Casino.”

If there was a word known as wordgasm, it was this. The look the three of us shared, made us seem like criminals before action.

Henceforth, we set out to commit our crimes for the rest of the day. Of course that also included girlish things like shopping, checking out boys, drinking and more window shopping. Our experience at the casino topped it all. It was great losing and winning all the same. I did receive some cash from it, but ended up losing my watch which I betted upon. It was okay. 

~

I stood in front of the mirror, checking my reflection. Happy with what I saw, I imitated a few model like poses by placing my hand on my hip and pouted. I cringed at my own reflection and turned to Lisa, “I can't do this.”

“Me neither.” Pragya seconded.

“Why? Just now you were posing in front of the mirror. Admit it, you want to wear this.” Lisa then turned to Pragya, pulling her skin on her waist, “And don't complain about the stretch marks. You look sexy as it is.”

“Try to understand, Liz. We never wore this outside,” Pragya reasoned. I stood in front of the mirror again. The reflection in front of me was covered in white bikini outlined in light purple lace and a light color sarong that reached to the length of the knees. Pragya opted to fit in a black bikini while Lisa chose to wear an aqua one. Both my friends looked sexy in their avatars. Lisa was right. A part of me really wanted to show this off to the world outside but the shy part of me was restraining it.

Lisa didn't even bother to convince us as she grabbed our hand and dragged us outside. Pragya and I squealed, out of delight or fear, I didn't know which, but then I covered my face with my hand. I uncovered it, only to find Pragya vanished from her initial position. I turned to the direction of the pool to find her dipped in water.

“I thought you were embarrassed!”

“I am embarrassed, stupid! That's why I'm under water to cover myself.”

Lisa bursted out into fits of laughter. “I don't know about you cowards, but I'm diving in.”

“Oi, wait for me!” I shouted when Lisa leaped forward to dive. Quickly, I unwrapped my sarong and dived after her, causing the water to splash over their faces.

~

“So who's the hottest man in this beach right now?” Lisa asked Pragya and me. It was unlike Lisa to ask this question but then maybe it was in the Las Vegas air. I accessed the place before me, once again. We were in a resort pool known as the Tahiti village. Bright sunlight fell on the aqua water we were surrounded in, bounded by sand and rocks. The large amount palm trees only added to the liveliness of the pool. There were people from all age groups so it was difficult to spot a hot young man.

We whispered amongst each other, like hormonal teenagers. Pragya was the first to conclude, “Promise you won't make fun of me?”

“Promise,” Lisa and I lied.

Our innocent friend believed our lie and ushered us to steal a quick glance to the man swimming at eleven o clock. The man in answer was tall and muscular with small, dark hair. We diverted our gazes back to Pragya, aghast.

“I'm telling you Liz, she's s still suffering from the Rehan syndrome.”

Lisa shot a skeptical look, “Maybe she's into older men.”

Pragya pinched us, making us wince. “First of all, he's not that bulky. He's just tall. And Lisa, you asked who the hottest man is so I answered that. Just because he looks forty doesn't mean I want to bed him. Understood?”

But we didn't understand. Instead we teased her on and on about how it was okay to bed a forty year old man since this was *gore kalyug. The next one to answer was Lisa. Her version of the hottest guy was right behind us— a short, blonde guy with a beautiful face. Then it was my turn to answer.

I was surprised that none of them had pointed him out. He seemed like an obvious choice amongst these half naked men or maybe it was just me. I pointed my thumb backwards with a smirk, “The one with a bun.”

It wasn't hard to spot my answer. Probably he was the only one amongst the crowd who was swimming alone. His shoulder length hair was gathered to a small bun with his front bangs hanging loose. I wasn't an avid fan of long haired guys but this one made me re- consider. The facial hair on his jawline just made this specimen more mature, not to forget hotter. His eyes were narrowed but sharp, his jaw well defined. And his chest? I just caught a lucky glimpse of it when he came out of water earlier and damn, what a lovely sight. He wasn't overly muscle packed (which is good), but he definitely possessed taut muscles. If that man wasn't tagged as hot, then I don't know what was.

My friends too agreed on his sexy aspect. We made a stupid bet to strike a conversation with the men we just mentioned but that was soon forgotten between our laughs and gags.

Until the wave.

We were drowned in our own enjoyment when there was an announcement to evacuate the pool. They mentioned that the water level had gone higher than usual so the authorities needed some time to bring the level down. The sight of everyone running out of the pool was soothing to my eyes. It was cool and hilarious at the same time.

“Emergency, emergency!” I yelled while dragging myself out of the pool just for the fun of it. While I was busy exciting my eyes with the scene, my two other dhokhebaaz (betraying) friends had already evacuated the pool.

“Coming!” I yelled when they shamelessly called out to me. I could feel the water rising upto my waist as I struggled to get out. I was nearly out of the pool when something fell under my feet and I lost my balance. I was about to fall face flat when a pair of strong arms got hold of mine. Relief gushed out of me as I exhaled.

“My gosh, that was quite a catch. Thank— oh!” My words slipped, as I raised my head to the face of my life-saver.

Since when did cliches became a reality?

“It surely was,” said the guy who I just claimed as the hottest one in this pool. His deep voice startled me. He left my hand immediately and stepped aside to take a look at his surroundings. “Let's get out before another wave catches you.”

I was sure my vocal chords temporarily left my body which was why I couldn't answer like a dignified woman. He was tall. It was something I already guessed earlier, but now standing besides me, I could tell he atleast stood over six feet. I didn't know what to prioritize first. The fact that he saved me, touched me or that I could view his toned chest, right in front of my eyes. With little, light hairs on his skin, his body was literally shining in the sunlight. Fuck, I think I just spotted a mole near his belly button. Stop it, freak! Don't stare at him like a starved hoe who hasn't seen a male for a year.

The bun guy did me a huge favor by leaving on his own. I followed behind him, to the hall where everyone was.

“You wouldn't fuckin' believe what just occurred to me, a few minutes ago,” I announced to Lisa and Pragya dramatically. Thereafter I recited every second of my encounter with that hottie. It was my lucky day. 

~

“Go, talk to him.”

“But...”

Before I could protest any further, Pragya pushed me from behind, bringing me under the radar of the hottie I just encountered. Recognization feigned his features as his gaze locked on me. Knowing there was no escape, I curled my lips up, shooting a plastic smile.

“Hi, the girl who I saved from falling.”

Way to be cocky about it. “Well, savior boy, that girl also goes by the name of Ahana.”

“Okay then. Hi, Ahana.” The skin around his eyes crinkled a bit as he smiled.

Swoon.

Turns out, I was right. He was on a solo trip. Infact, he had been traveling for quite a while now, visiting countries in North America. It was his passion. We briefly spoke about Las Vegas, America and our jobs. He sounded both casual and humorous from the way he spoke. Though I didn't show it, but deep down, I was awestruck. Who wouldn't be, after encountering a handsome hunk like that.

A few minutes later, there was another announcement informing that the water level had been regulated and we could swim now. We exited the hall together. While gauging the bright surroundings around me, my crazy mind suddenly unlocked something from time immemorial. That something included a bucket list.

A kiss from a hot, beach guy.

Let's see...

A beach- Tahiti Village was a man-made beach but oh, well— Checked.

Relationship status- Vansh and I weren't in a relationship right now so yeah, single— Checked.

A hot beach, guy- Check, check and CHECKED!

Oh my sweet heavens, I never knew I was in- this- situation all along. The guy standing next to me was everything I wanted in a beach guy. In fact, he turned out slightly better than my fantasies. This was perfect! Now all I needed was a giant smooch under the sun.

Ha, as if!

It felt good to dream for a while. To actually imagine the scenario in my head. Sadly we were inside a three dimensional space known as reality. Soon, I left him to join my girlfriends for the rest of the day.

~

The next morning, the three of us set off to the well known place in Las Vegas— The great grand Canyon. We had booked three bus tickets for the same.

I've been to many places throughout my life but the sight of the great canyon, cutting through the river was unlike any other. It was a rarity to witness the forests on the upper plateau, in contrast with the deserted basins below. And a rarity to be closer to the clouds. The cool winds outside the window slapped my face as the bus moved. For a while, I couldn't care whom I was with. It was just me and the wild landscape around me. My friends were quiet too, probably for the very same reason.

The bus made a stop at some intervals to let the tourists enjoy the view. I suddenly found myself feeling very small as compared to the red canyons stretched over a million acres. Even standing on the top of a skyscraper couldn't compare to the level of depth I witnessed as I peered down. It was straight out of the National Geographic channel. Like I was on top of the world. I had an urge to go on a hike, along the depths of the canyon that only few people dared to risk. Maybe some other time.

With Vansh you mean.

I rolled my eyes at my inner voice.

Later, the bus stopped at the Grand Canyon Skywalk which was four thousand feet above the ground. We were just touring around when Lisa hissed, making us stop.

“Look! Isn't that the same hottie Ahana talked to yesterday?”

“Oh, please...!” I trailed off, my gaze narrowing at the crowd of tourists around me. There, just ten feet behind I recognized the man in sunglasses, who was busy making a video from his video camera. “You got to be kidding me!”

Holy moses, he was the hot/ savior/ traveler guy from yesterday. This time he was sporting a bandana that pushed his long hair back, a white poster tee and red half jeans. There were more than ten lakh people in this city. How was it possible for such a bizarre coincidence to happen? Like where was the physics?

Pragya gave a pat on my back, “This must be fate.”

I was contemplating between greeting him and ignoring him, when he made the decision for me. A frown marred his features for a second, before they rose up in recognition, at the sight of me. He took slow, casual steps towards me and lifted his dark sunglasses.

“Sorry, but are you stalking me?”

My mouth dropped open. I couldn't decipher whether he was teasing because of his serious face. These men, I tell you.

“Sorry, but you misunderstood something.” I shot back. Hot or not, no one could accuse me like that.

“Really?” His brow rose again in question. “If you rewind yesterday, you'll remember me telling you about my plans for today.”

I placed a hand on my hip, “Well, if you rewind deeper, you'll also remember me saying, 'Oh my God, what a coincidence! I'm going to the same place as well'.”

“You might have made that plan right there and then.”

“Or I might have pre-planned it with my friends, in my smartphone. Now before you accuse me of the same, let me show you the exact notes—”

He placed a hand on my hand for a split second to stop me. “Hey, no, it's fine. I was just pulling your leg, no worries.”

I felt my lips twitch, “I never said I was serious, either.”

The serious demeanor on his face finally broke, replaced by a boisterous laugh, “You're hilarious.”

And that was how I won the match, folks.

We only ended up talking for a minute or two, before going off to join my friends. Instead of bidding goodbye, he parted with the possibility of coming across me yet again. Somehow he was sure of it. The rest of the day went in hiking around the rims, clicking dozens of pictures, holding hands with my girlfriends and falling in love with the Great Canyon all over again.

When we arrived at the bus station to leave the place, there was already a surprise waiting for me. It wasn't even surprising anymore.

“What if you were the one stalking me all along?” I accused when the words of the hot/ savior/ traveler guy came true as we encountered again.

“I rarely stalk anyone, love. It simply means our timings matched,” Saying that his expression somewhat changed to that of realization. He went for a handshake. “Oh, excuse my manners. We met three times, yet I forget to introduce myself. Kunal Avasthii, here.”

So he turned out to be an Indian after all. Trying not to smile like an maniac, I shook his hand, feeling the grip of his strong fingers. “No, it's okay. I'm Ahana Mishra, in case you forgot.”

I swear I could hear my mind screaming why when he drew his hand away. “No, I happen to possess a good memory when it comes to beautiful girls with lovely names. So, Ahana, I have a request to make. Since we met three times in a row, I want to take advantage of it by requesting you to join me on this journey. We are heading towards the same destination anyway, so I hardly think its an issue for you and your friends. I believe we can pass our time very effectively.”

I felt my cheeks flush. “Sure, um, let me just go over and uh, inform my friends first?” I replied hesitantly, pointing my finger behind me and fled away, grinning. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God... Could my luck turn any luckier?

The three hours bus ride that followed was probably the best one I had. Most of the ride was spent in talking about different places we visited and the small incidents that occurred with it. Kunal had certainly been to more places around the globe than me but that didn't mean I toured any less. He talked about his previous profession as a cabin crew while I talked about my former profession as a graphic designer. It was adventurous knowing about a stranger on a different land. Though he talked in a respectable manner, he was more about himself than me. A little cocky I would say. Who knows, deep down, he needed a company to travel with.

A part of me felt bad for ditching my friends (even though they were sitting on a row, opposite mine) but looks like I was worried for nothing. They were getting along just fine with a group of young men, seated in front of them. They were a group of six who had visited here, to celebrate their friend's bachelor party. Surprisingly enough, two of them happened to be Indians. When the chance came upon me, I introduced myself as well. A scenario was formed where all of us— the girls, the boys and the solo traveler were talking amongst each other. Kunal was the least involved but still made his presence known in small bursts. Knowing that this kind of scenario would hardly knock my door again, I suggested them to sing. Different voices filled the silence of the bus, bringing happiness to our faces.

“You really are something, Ahana.” Kunal complimented me after the journey. His dark eyes accessed me— in mild curiosity. Although by this time, it was my bed that awaited me in the hotel room. I stifled back a yawn when he walked near my side, radiating the kind of tension that escalated my heart beat. My gaze betrayed me by landing on his dark pink lips before looking elsewhere. Perhaps he caught me as he smiled. Slyly. He tore a note from his notepad, giving it to me. “Here's my number. I might catch you later on, so watch your back.”

I didn't know what atma (ghost) came over but then I said something I wouldn't normally say to a two day old stranger. “Don't disappoint me, then.”

“I never did.”

Crap, I had a feeling that our holiday was going to be a lot more than a girls hangout.

⚫ ⚪ ⚫ ⚪ ⚫

A u t h o r s    N o t e

So finally, an Ahana chapter. 🙌 Did you expect this? (I think not) I hope you liked the chapter enough (I even put pictures lol). I know you were expecting a Vansh- Ahana scene in Delhi but that will have to wait a bit. It's not far I tell you. 😏

Were you happy seeing Ahana, Lisa, Pragya and all that girl love again? What do you think about the hot beach guy Ahana came across? What should she do about him? 😉 I was hoping this to be a one chapter arc but it was way too long so I divided into two parts. I'll try to update the next part soon. Meanwhile,

Vote and comment your thoughts.

Till next time. ☺