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After a quick car ride to the other side of the palace grounds, she was surprised to find a helicopter waiting for her. Something was different about that day, sensing that the usually calm-natured man, Jai, seemed to be preoccupied.
Even as he helped her into the back seat of the helicopter, she sensed something about him was not normal, but she didn’t know if she should ask or say something. Her internal turmoil only got deeper as the chopper lifted off the ground to an unknown destination.
She was in a daze as the chopper landed, casting a dust spell, and yet again, they got into the waiting cars. This time there seemed to be a bit more time for her to talk to him, and instead of asking the burning question of where they were headed, she asked, “Jai, is everything okay?”
He slowly turned to look at her, and for the first time ever, she saw surprise in his eyes, but it was gone as he smiled. “Why do you ask?”
Sanjana didn’t know how to tell him, but even as he maintained a casual manner, she could sense some kind of apprehension. “You… you seem a bit tense today,” she blurted.
Jai kept his eyes locked with hers before he chuckled. “It’s a big day, and you’ll see why.”
A spark of joy returned to his eyes, wiping away the strain she had seen earlier. She smiled with ease. “I can’t wait to see what this is all about.”
“You will…” he said, looking out the window and pointing to a large sign that was mounted over tall poles. “Look up there.”
She leaned closer to him, and when she processed the words and recognized the pictures of the people on the banner, she let out a gasp. “A new airport?”
He smiled like he was enjoying her delirious state. “An international airport,” he emphasized.
She was still looking up at the signs with her father’s pictures on them. “Why is Papa’s banner here?”
“The chief guest who is going to inaugurate the airport has to be welcomed warmly.” He winked.
Her chest started to heave as she processed the news. A first-ever international airport in their region, and her father was the one who was inaugurating it? “Why?” The word escaped her before she knew it.
His brow furrowed. “What do you mean why? Didn’t we say that was the only way we could have more people come to our region, so we can go through a change and increase the visibility and revenue at the same time?”
It struck her that he was referring to their first conversation when he was just a handsome stranger giving her a ride.How did he even remember that?
Later that day, she took in the greenery surrounding her inside the new airport terminal. She was in one of the quiet corners of the large construction miraculously built in a few months. She took in a deep breath of the fresh air, replaying some of the moments from a short while ago.
The joy and thrill in her father’s eyes when he arrived at the airport entrance and was requested to inaugurate the new structure. The words her husband used to describe the work her father was doing for the betterment of the region. The beautiful eco-friendly airport that was built like a sanctuary and that Jai told the reporters it was something they shared as a vision for their people.
It felt surreal.
What was overwhelming was her need to hug and hold him to her and never wanting to leave his side. The idea of being with him forever didn’t scare her anymore. As she sat in the silent corner, the loudest sound she could hear was her raging heart.
She raised her eyes, her every sense signaling his presence. Her almond eyes met the deep eyes of the man who looked stunning in the sports jacket and dark-wash jeans.
A smile formed as he walked over to where she was and sat across from her at the wooden center table like he wanted to be close to her. “Bored of everyone?”
She smiled as she shook her head before looking around the space. “I never thought it could be so peaceful inside an airport.”
One end of his mouth twisted up. “You like it?”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “I love it. It’s just beautiful.” She was thrilled about the employment opportunities the airport would create and how tourism would be boosted in the region. She held his gaze for a long moment and said, “Thank you.” Her voice wobbled as she leaned closer to him and whispered, “Can I give you a hug?”
He smiled, making her heart somersault, and he slowly stood up, giving his hand out to her. She placed her hand in his and stepped close to him to wrap an arm around him. She pressed her cheek closer to his chest and stayed still, taking in the warmth that cocooned her.
Like he did every time they were close, he kissed the top of her head, sending tremors to her core. Butterflies took off from the pit of her stomach as she clung to him, never wanting to let go of the man who was her fake husband.
Moments passed, and she slowly pulled back to look into his eyes that held an unreadable expression, but she did not avert her stare. “I… I want…” She could not find her words as she looked into his eyes. A moment passed before she went up on her toes to gently reach his cheek with her lips.
Sanjana felt him stiffen, but he only pulled her closer again. Her breath hissed against his skin as she trailed her lips lower. Just as she was wondering if she crossed a line with her behavior, she angled her face, and she felt his lips against hers.
She felt the ground under her shudder as her eyes rolled shut, and time froze. Her heart was on a rampage, and she held her breath, unable to move. She didn’t know how much time passed before there were the sounds of fireworks. Her eyes snapped open, and she pulled back on impulse, her eyes lowering as embarrassment swept over her.
Her breath was coming fast, and she couldn’t even utter the word sorry or something to save herself from the awkwardness. Like he sensed her state of mind, he leaned forward, planting a gentle kiss on her temple before stepping back from her. “Let’s go,” he said, his voice soft as he led her back to where everyone else was, his hand holding hers firmly.
