When the stars align! (5)


*Click here for the previous part(4)*


"Would you like tea or coffee Sir? And you Mam?", the airhostess brought in the refreshments. 

"I will have a coffee", Akash said. "And what about you Tara?".

"Do I need to pay?", Tara asked Akash.

"No Mam it's complimentary. If you want the snacks you'll have to pay", airhostess said pointing to the sandwiches placed in service trolley. 

"Then...I'll ...have tea", Tara said.

"Green tea or the regular tea Mam?", airhostess inquired. 

 "The regular one with milk and sugar", she elaborated, glancing at the hostess and again towards Akash.

The airhostess handed over their orders and moved on.

Akash smiled at Tara. 

"Sorry am I causing trouble to you?", Tara asked.

"No! Why would you say that? You can have the tea you like. I prefer coffee", Akash tried to mitigate. 

Tara pursed her lips and nodded. She went back to reading her book while sipping the tea. 

Akash finished his coffee and stood up to go to restroom. 

"I'll be back", he said to Tara.

"Umm? Where are you going? Is it allowed to walk in here ", Tara asked innocently. 

Akash said with a grin, "I'm going to the restroom. That's totally allowed in here".

Tara contracted her eyebrows and covered her mouth with her fist. She was embarrassed at her stupid question. 

"Akash I need to go to the restroom too. Can I?", Tara asked gesturing to follow him on his way. Tara thought it would be better to go when Akash was already going, instead of disturbing him again.

"Yes follow me", Akash nodded.

As they started to move there was a slight turbulence. Tara lost her balance and Akash swiftly caught hold of her arm tightly. Tara held his hand and they locked their gazes. Tara lowered her gaze feeling self conscious. 

The flight was now stable and they stood steady. They reached the lavatory door. Akash released his grip from her arm. 

"Sorry did it hurt?" Akash asked looking at the marks on her arm caused by his solid grip.

"It's okay. I would've fallen down if it wasn't for your reflex", Tara said as she rubbed her arm.

"You can go in first", Akash said pointing to the door.

"How do I open this?", Tara was confused looking at the door latch.

Akash called the airhostess to help Tara with the basic instructions. 

"The flush may sound jarring. As you flush unlatch the door Tara", Akash instructed. 

Tara nodded and went in. She hastily came out of the restroom. "Thankyou Akash for the prior warning, it was scary", she said exhaling, placing her hand on her chest.

Akash smiled and said, "You can return to your seat. Be careful on the way Tara".

Tara returned to her seat and put on her seat belt. She looked around. Some people were sleeping, some were enjoying their snacks, families were chit-chatting, kids were smiling. Tara took out a photograph from her bag. She gazed at it, placing her palm under her chin and got lost in her thoughts. 


*Click here for Part 6*


AUTHOR'S NOTE  : If you like the story comment and share, for more keep following!!!

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