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17

The next morning, Ishani woke up early at 6 AM. She had already packed her things, but still checked her bag again to be sure everything was fine. Then she got ready and went downstairs. Her parents and Ashirit were already sitting in the hall, dressed and ready. Ishani joined them quietly.After a while, breakfast was served. They all sat together and ate while talking about the trip.

Meanwhile, at Reyansh's house, he woke up even earlier at 5:30 AM. He had not done his packing yet, so he quickly got ready and started packing his clothes and other things. But even while packing, his mind was full of one person - Ishani. He smiled to himself thinking, "Aap kriye jitna ignore karna hai Ishani... aaj se to hum saath hi rahenge."

At 7 AM, Reyansh came downstairs. His whole family was there, except for Yuvaan who was still sleeping. After some time, Yuvaan also came and they all had breakfast together.By 8 AM, they left for Ishani's house and reached there by 8:30. Ishani and her family were already sitting in the hall, waiting.

As soon as Ishani saw them, she stood up and touched the feet of the elders. She hugged Shreya and smiled at Avyansh and Yuvaan. But... she didn't look at Reyansh. She felt awkward. She had ignored him for days and now how could she suddenly talk to him like nothing happened?

Reyansh noticed this and smiled a little. He knew exactly why Ishani was not looking at him, and that made him feel amused instead of angry.

Everyone sat for some time and started planning how they would go to the airport. Since there was a lot of luggage, they decided to go in three cars.Just then, Shreya introduced her best friend, "Aunty, Uncle... she is my best friend, Ekanshi."

Ekanshi smiled and greeted everyone. But when her eyes met Ashirit's, she suddenly looked surprised and nervous. She quickly looked at Shreya, as if asking her something with her eyes.

Before anyone could notice, Sunidhi said, "I, Abhay ji, Kirti ji, and Bhaisaab will go in one car."

She then added, "Reyansh, Ishani, Ekanshi, and Ashirit will go together in one car. Shreya, Avyansh, Yuvaan and Mummy ji (Reyansh's Dadi) will go in the third one."

After hearing this, both Ishani and Ekanshi felt a little nervous.Ishani's heart started beating fast. After ignoring Reyansh, she didn't know how she would sit next to him for hours. And Ekanshi was clearly uncomfortable being around Ashirit.But neither of them said anything. They just nodded slowly and stayed quiet, hoping the rest of the trip wouldn't feel too awkward.

Everyone was now ready to leave for the airport. Ashirit was putting his and his parents' bags in the car's trunk. Ishani stood nearby with her suitcase , waiting for her turn.

Reyansh noticed her struggling a little and walked towards her with a small smile.

"Laiye Ishani, main rakh deta hoon," he said softly.

Ishani looked at him, a little nervous."N-nahi... m-main khud rakh lungi," she replied, avoiding eye contact.

But Reyansh gently took the suitcase handle from her and said, "Aap waise bhi do din se bahut kuch kar rahi hai... thak gayi hongi na? Isliye ye mujhe karne dijiye."

He said it playfully, and Ishani immediately understood he was teasing her for ignoring him the last couple of days.She made a small pout in response, like a child, and Reyansh couldn't help but smile.

"Cute," he whispered while looking at her.

Ishani heard him clearly and quickly looked away, trying to hide her smile. Her cheeks turned a little pink.After keeping all the bags, everyone sat in their cars. Ishani's parents went with Sunidhi, Abhay, and Dadaji in one car. Shreya, Avyansh, and Yuvaan took the second car.

In the third car, Reyansh sat in the driver's seat. Ishani sat beside him in the front passenger seat. Ashirit and Ekanshi sat in the back.The car ride began.

The road was peaceful, and the weather was pleasant. Trees passed by as they drove through the quiet city streets. Music played softly in the car.

Reyansh kept glancing at Ishani from time to time. She knew he was looking at her, but she still didn't turn toward him. She stared out the window, pretending to enjoy the view, but her heart was beating fast.She could feel his eyes on her, and that made her even more nervous.

Reyansh noticed how she was acting shy. He smiled again but didn't say anything. He didn't want to push her. He knew she just needed time.

Still, the silence between them felt sweet... like something was building between them-something soft, something beautiful.Their journey had just started, and though they were quiet, their hearts were slowly getting closer than ever before.

After a smooth drive, all three cars reached the airport.As soon as they stopped, everyone started getting out and collecting their luggage.

Reyansh quickly got down and walked to the trunk. Without waiting for anyone to ask, he pulled out not just his suitcase but also Ishani's.Ishani noticed it and looked at him, surprised for a second. He didn't say anything - just gave her a small smile as he handed her the handle.

Dadi ji, with a proud smile, called out, "Ashirit beta, zara humare bags bhi nikaal do."

"Ji dadi," Ashirit replied and hurried to help. He took out the luggage belonging to himself, his parents, and also Ekanshi's bag.

Meanwhile, Avyansh took charge of his parent's bags as well as his own. Yuvaan was helping Shreya with their luggage.

Everyone worked together, calmly and with a cheerful energy, like one big happy family.

Ishani quietly took her suitcase, still feeling shy around Reyansh. She gave him a small glance before looking away again.He noticed. And once again, said nothing. But inside, he was smiling because every little moment, every stolen glance, was bringing them closer. This trip was going to change everything. 

The air at the airport felt different lively and full of excitement. The sound of trolleys rolling, flight announcements in the background, and the sight of planes through the glass windows created the perfect start to a long-awaited trip. However, they were guided through a quieter, more exclusive route, towards the private terminal.

Ekanshi looked around, slightly confused. "Yeh normal airport entrance nahi lag rahi..." she murmured .

Before anyone could answer, Shreya leaned in with a grin. "We're flying in Reyansh bhaiya's private jet."

Ekanshi's eyes widened. "Private jet? Wait....seriously...?"

Shreya nodded proudly. "Agarwal family hai. Comfort and class..both."

As the group proceeded, the sleek white jet came into view, parked elegantly on the runway. The polished exterior reflected the morning light, and a small crew waited by the stairs with warm smiles and polite gestures.

Behind them, Ashirit was helping his parents with the luggage. He paused for a moment, noticing Ekanshi glance nervously at the aircraft.

"First time?" he asked gently, walking up beside her.

She nodded with a soft smile. "It looks... intimidating."

He smiled, his tone calm. "It's just like any plane just quieter, smoother... and with better seats.He hesitated for a moment and added -"I'll sit near you, if that makes you feel better." He himself don't know why he said that .

Ekanshi blushed slightly. "Thank you , That might help," she said quietly.

Reyansh, just a few steps behind, caught the exchange.

Later,  with a light smirk, he leaned towards Ishani, pulling her suitcase along.Ishani gave him a pointed glance, hiding a small smile as she looked away.

The group climbed aboard. Inside, the jet there was stunning-plush leather seats arranged in a spacious lounge-style setting, subtle gold accents, and large oval windows letting in soft light.

Everyone slowly settled in. Sunidhi and Kirti chose the elegant cream seats toward the center. Shreya sat near Yuvaan and Avyansh, while Ashirit casually took a seat next to the window leaving the spot beside him empty for Ekanshi, who joined after a slight pause.

Reyansh move to the pilot's area for a moment to greet the captain and crew, before returning and sitting near Ishani. She sat by the window, hands clasped, still unsure how to start a conversation.But Reyansh didn't press. He simply sat back, a soft smile on his lips, stealing a glance at her now and then.

And with the soft hum of engines beginning to stir, their journey to Amritsar began - wrapped in quiet glances, hidden smiles, and the promise of something beautiful.

The private jet soared smoothly into the sky, leaving behind the noise and rush of Mumbai. 

Ishani sat by the window, her face turned slightly away. Reyansh was right beside her, but she hadn't said a single word since they boarded. She kept her eyes on the clouds, pretending to be busy in the view.Reyansh noticed, of course.

He leaned back, letting out a small sigh, then looked out his own window. He didn't push her, he understood she was still feeling shy and awkward after everything.

A few rows behind, Ekanshi and Ashirit were seated next to each other. Ekanshi was nervous at first, fidgeting with her phone, but Ashirit tried to make her comfortable.

"Nervous?" he asked casually.

She looked up, surprised. "Kaise pata?"

Ashirit chuckled. "Aapke haath kaafi clearly bata rahe hain."

Ekanshi gave a nervous smile. "Thodi si bas."

"Don't worry. Once it will start you'll not feel nervous after that." he said, offering her a small chocolate from his pocket.

"Thanks," she whispered, a bit more relaxed now.

Meanwhile, Shreya, sitting with Avyansh and Yuvaan, clicked selfies and shared jokes.

Back at the front, Reyansh quietly looked at Ishani from the corner of his eye. She was scrolling her phone, not even glancing at him. He smiled faintly and muttered under his breath, "Yeh ladki sach mein ek kiss ke baad itni awkward ho gayi... Bhagwan jaane aage kya karegi."

Just then, the pilot's voice came over the intercom. "We'll be landing in Amritsar shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts."

The cabin grew was quiet again as everyone prepared to land. After 2 hours and 15 minutes, the jet landed smoothly on the private runway of Amritsar. The door opened to reveal the cool, dry breeze of Punjab. It was a beautiful morning, and the city looked calm and welcoming. Outside, their cars were already waiting.

As everyone stepped off, Reyansh helped with Ishani's luggage without saying anything. She watched him from the corner of her eye but didn't stop him either. Still, not a word passed between them.

Ashirit helped his parents and Ekanshi with their bags, making sure no one was left behind. Ekanshi gave him a small nod of thanks, still a bit quiet, but clearly appreciating his calm presence.

Sunidhi looked around and smiled. "Welcome to Amritsar, everyone!"

Reyansh looked at Ishani once more, waiting and hoping for even a single word. But she quietly walked ahead with Shreya, still too unsure of what to say.

He sighed and walked behind her.Yeh paanch din kaafi interesting hone wale hain, he thought, sliding on his sunglasses as they made their way to the cars.


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Ikaa

I write about quiet love , tender moments , and feelings that stay long after the page ends.