Laila sat on the bench at the park with Roshni next to her. They chattered constantly, well Roshni did while Laila nervously looked around waiting for Akhil to show up. Pressing a comforting hand to her younger sister’s knee Roshni drew the girl’s attention towards her before saying,” Laila, he’ll come whenever he does but I want to make something clear. This is not me giving you permission to go against what Ammi and Baba want.”
Smiling, Laila nodded before she shifted her knee so Roshni’s hand slipped off and kept looking around. “Salaam Alaikum,” Akhil greeted them and they both stood up while Laila stood behind her big sister. It was the same for Akhil who stood behind Amir. “You must be Akhil,” Roshni said to the younger man who tore his gaze away from trying to catch Laila’s eye before stepping forward and raising his hand to shake Roshni’s.
“Uh, didi, there’s something that we have to tell you,” Laila admitted softly and Roshni raised an eyebrow while Akhil quietly explained everything that was going on: his engagement with Mehek, Rahul’s with Laila, and the fact that neither parents knew anything. By each word, Roshni’s eyes grew wider and her grip on Laila’s upper arm tightened to where it was painful.
As the story winded down there was a moment of silence before Roshni raised a hand and slapped Akhil across the face. Surprised, Akhil made no move to stop her and instead stumbled back into his brother who grabbed him and pulled him protectively behind him. “Look,” he started but was cut off by Roshni pointing an accusatory finger at him and dangerously whispering,” How dare you? They’re young and inexperienced but don't you know better? Say, for even a second, any of this got out what do you think would happen? HE would get married, as would YOUR brother, but my sister,” she turned to Laila who had tears in her eyes and shook her arm as if making a point,” she would be looked down upon. Perhaps, not even married without severe consequences.”
Akhil tried to say something but Amir raised his hand and he shut his mouth. “Look, I understand that this is troubling. I have a sister, as well. But, would it be right to keep them away from each other and force them to marry someone they don't love. That’s just as wrong as what you think this is.” Before Roshni could say anything else Laila spoke up from behind her sister with tears in her eyes,” Di, Akhil isn’t Akash. He wouldn’t hurt me like that,” cutting her off Roshni called her name but Laila continued,” Di, because of one bad experience of yours I can’t ruin the rest of my life. Akhil is not Akash and I am not you.” None of them were ready for Roshni to raise a hand and smack Laila across the face, hard enough to send her stumbling back.
Akhil rushed forward and past Roshni before pulling Laila close. Clinging to him, Akhil let Laila bury her face in his vest as he glared at Roshni. “Enough,” he said and then stood up to his full height and let his shoulders tense up before continuing,” You want to hit me and scold me, go ahead. But you will not hit Laila, do you understand?” Roshni looked at him in shock but it was Amir who shocked all of them.
“Akhil, you will not speak like that to someone who is older than you. Apologize,” he ordered and Akhil looked like he wanted to refuse but nodded anyway. Gruffly he said,” Sorry,” but Amir let it slide as he tried to rectify the situation. When Roshni still didn’t listen to him, he pulled out his wallet and handed it over to Akhil.” Why don’t you two go and enjoy the park while we, elders, talk,” he asked but it sounded like less of a suggestion and more of a warning. Nodding, Akhil waited for Laila as she slowly stepped away from her big sister and followed him.
Sliding his hand into hers, Akhil blushed but Laila just leaned against his shoulder as the two walked in silence. “Uh, can I get you something to eat,” he asked and pointed to all the food stalls set up. Nodding, Laila walked with him to the corner stall full of snacks and Akhil raised two fingers before handing over cash.
As Laila took a bit out of the small snack she almost dropped it as the spices caused her tongue to burn. Laughing, Akhil who was used to all these stalls handed her a sweet milk drink and Laila hurriedly gulped it down before glaring at Akhil who was easily popping the snacks into his mouth.
“Laila,” Akhil said as he placed the small plate on the man’s cart and followed after as she walked away, obviously upset. Stumbling a bit, he caught up to her and grabbed her arm before pulling her towards him. She had tears in her eyes from the excessive use of spice and was using her hand to fan her mouth.
Leaning down, Akhil placed both his hands on her face and pressed his lips to hers which made her eyes widen in shock before she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. The kiss lasted for a few seconds before Akhil slowly moved away and opened his eyes. “Still spicy,” he joked and Laila lightly shoved his shoulder before giving him a hug. Akhil was much taller than Laila which meant he could rest his cheek against the top of her head as his hands wrapped around her lower back.
They were broken out of their moment when a man walked by shouting about selling ice cream. “Come on,” Laila giggled as she grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her to the small stall and ordered chocolate ice cream. Akhil gave his own order before paying for the things and walking around the rest of the stalls set up.
As Laila looked at all the different jewellery set out Akhill’s eyes caught one of those cute stuffed-animals stalls and he snuck away for a second before buying the cutest one. As Laila put on the ring she just bought, she turned around to try and find Akhil who had disappeared. Getting worried, she looked around for him before he snuck up behind her and said,” Boo.” Yelling, Laila turned around before glaring at Akhil who was holding a teddy bear in front of his face.
“Akhil,” she mock-scolded before he lowered the bear with a smile on his face. He handed it over to her and the two walked in silence as they made their way back to where Amir and Roshni were talking. “Bhai,” Akhil called out and when his brother nodded stepped forward with Laila behind him. Roshni raised an eyebrow at the stuffed animal that Laila was holding close before saying,” We should get going. It’s been a long day.”
Akhil looked like he wanted to say something but stayed quiet and stepped away from Laila who was happy when her sister threw an arm over her shoulders. “He’s a nice guy,” she whispered and then couldn’t help but smile at the brightness that illuminated in her sister’s eyes as she looked back and made eye contact with Akhil before turning back around and muttering,” He is.”
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