Samaira stared at her surroundings in wonder. She was boating through the Dubai Creek in the drink.Hundreds of skyscrapers emitted bright light,giving a soulful source of light to the people around.
The cool breeze rippled the creek water that basked in the ardent moonlight. Her face shone in delight as she felt the tranquility imparted by the captivating stillness oozing into her soul. The only sound was that of the boat's engine which however failed to disturb the peaceful silence.

As the ride went on, the atmosphere was getting cooler for her. But none of the others seemed to get uncomfortable. Kevin and Reyan was excited and looking at the huge buildings while Prarthana dozed off on Ayush's shoulder.

The boat was an open one which was regionally called Abra. She wrapped her hands around herself,trying to get some warmth.

"Hey! Are you alright? "asked Ayush, breaking the pleasant quietness.

"Yeah! Just feeling a bit cold! "she replied quickly and diverted her glance to the waters.

The ride came to an end shortly and it was time for them to go back home.
Ayush got out of the boat first and then helped Samaira who was balancing a sleeping Reyan in her arms.
They entered their car and Ayush occupied the driver's seat, getting ready to drive back home.
"I want to go home alive. Drive carefully. "Samaira cautioned from the back seat,earning a bitter glare from him.

"Fear not, my lady!I will be the most careful when you're with me."he replied dramatically before starting the car.Samaira broke into oh-really smile and looked out of the window.

They reached home after a safe drive.Samaira got out of the car with the kids. Reyan had woke up and clinging onto her right fingers.Kevin,the big boy exited on his own while Prarthana was in her hold. Ayush locked the car and joined them.

"I think we should go for picnics like these once a month or two. I understood how boring my life was today only. Thanks to you!"he said merrily.

"I made your life boring? "Samaira raised an eyebrow playfully.

"Oh! This woman! Think whatever you want! "he said and stormed away while she shook her head.

He stopped on his tracks once he was a few foots away from her and turned around to look at her. The kids were giving her a hard time. He walked back to them and picked up Reyan who was stool sleepy.

While bending down to pick him, he said loudly enough to hit Samaira's ears, "You made my life worthwhile. "She looked at his face, hoping to find his signature cheesy smile. But this time, he had a serious face, more of a genuine one. She did not answer him back but only stared at his retreating figure.
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The night passed and yet another morning acknowledged Samaira. Unlike her usual self, she felt extremely tired to get out of the bed.She was feeling very cold and hear head was bursting with pain. She understood that she was running fever, all thanks to the water fight and chilly wind of the previous day.
Nevertheless, she somehow dragged herself up and towed her feet to the kitchen.
She wanted a strong coffee to start the day and then make breakfast. She prepared coffee and pulled out her mug from shelf.She was growing more tired by passing time. Suddenly, the mug fell down from her weak hold.She could not stand anymore. Her limbs were becoming weak and she let herself land on the floor. She tried to get up, but couldn't. Her vision was getting a bit blurred.

"Ayush! "she whispered before falling into a semi conscious state.
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Ayush was half awake when heard something break. He jolted from his sleep and sat upright to listen if there was anymore sound.

No. There was only silence greeting his ears.

However,he tried to take a look in the living room and the kitchen. He also remembered that Samaira must be up already.

He took long strides to the kitchen as he didn't find anything doubtful in the living room. As he reached the kitchen, the most terrifying sight met his line of vision.
Samaira was down on the floor, shivering lightly and trying to get up. His heart palpitated in a wild rhythm as the same image of Praniti, laying dead appeared before his eyes.
He rushed to her and stooped down to lift her up softly. He could feel her relax in his hold. She was burning hot and her eyes were closed.
He patted her cheeks, calling out for her but she didn't reply. He quickly scooped her up in his arms and proceeded to her room. Luckily, Kevin and Reyan was sleeping inside Ayush's room.
He felt her clutching onto his shirt tightly and seeing her so weak only added more to his worries. She snuggled closer to him,feeling cold.
He slowly placed her on the bed and covered her with a quilt.
His eyes had already welled up. He couldn't let anything bad happen to her. If something happens to her like Praniti, he will not be able to survive.
At the moment, he was sure that he wanted nothing else but Samaira's well being and he was ready to go till any extent for that.
He turned around to go out and get medicines for her but a firm grip on his palm stopped him. He looked there, to see her delicate fingers clasped around his long, hard ones.
He looked at her face and she slowly pulled him closer to her. He sat down on the bed and neared her face.
"It's just a fever. I won't leave... So.. Soon. "she murmured in her once firm voice which was frail and shaky now.
"I won't let you even. "he whispered gently and inched closer to her forehead to place a light kiss there. But he saw her grasping the bed cover and clenching it into a fist. He thought that she was not ready for any sort of closeness and withdrew without uttering a word.
He wiped away a solitary tear that raced down his dewy eyes and went out to get medicines.

After a short while, he came back and made her have the medicines. He also made sure that she was asleep.

He then prepared a simple breakfast and also readied the kids for school as it was Monday. He also left some breakfast for her to eat when she felt better. Every part of him wanted to stay with her but there was an important surgery fixed today and the patient was very much weak. So there was no discussion of talking a leave. Therefore, he decided to come back home right after the surgery.

With an uncertain mind, he left her on her own and went to the hospital, taking Prarthana with him.
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Ayush returned from hospital only to find out that Samaira was fast asleep and the breakfast was untouched.
"I knew it! "he sighed and took the plate of food in his hands.
He calmly woke her up and fed her forcefully. He was aware of her intent stare on him all the way, but he didn't budge. All he wanted was her to eat well and get back to a healthy self.

After lunch, he checked her temperature and was relieved that it had lessened. He then made her lay back and left the room.

•
Samaira stared at Ayush who was leaving the room with her half open eyes.
She understood one thing, he loved her enough to tear up when all she had was a fever. He respected her enough to withdraw from a simple kiss on the forehead, with which all he wanted to show was concern, when he sensed her discomfort.
She closed her eyes, falling to sleep.
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Samaira stirred in her sleep with a creased forehead. She felt as if she heard the calling bell ring. She woke up and got out of the bed. Two days had passed and now she was stable enough to walk.She reached the door and unlocked it, then opened it wide.

She felt shivers running down her spine when she saw the visitor. Her eyes welled up instantly. At the moment, the rate of heart was unmatchable. Her dry lips quivered involuntarily.

"Praniti! "she whimpered out,tears leaking from her eyes. Praniti smiled sardonically, crossing her hands across her chest.

"Won't you let me in, Sam? "she asked, tilting her head, taking a good look at Samaira.

"Ye....Yes! "Samaira said and moved aside,leaving enough space for her friend to get in.

Praniti got inside and got herself seated on a couch without being acknowledged.

"Praniti..you... "Samaira could not form words.

"I considered you my best friend. But what did you do? Huh?"Praniti seethed and Samaira could feel earth shattering under her feet.

"You married my husband. My child thinks you're her mother. Why did you do this, my friend? "

"But.. You... Diary.. "Samaira stuttered.

"I was pregnant. I had mood swings. And whatever I had written can't be taken seriously. "Praniti said, gritting her teeth.

"What.. But you...gave it to... Me.. After.. "

"Stop defending yourself, beloved friend.You took away everything that was mine. My husband has forgotten me and he now loves you. My daughter doesn't know me. You'll pay for this Samaira. I will make you. You were so wrong. "Praniti screamed as tears rolled down her cheeks.

                                 ...........
Here's the picnic in a nutshell.

I want to know if you like this video, else no update for a year 😑(Just kidding! 😜But I would like to know. 😊)
*Drumrolls*
Me and dearo ChinmayeeGutta have planned to write a collab. It's titled Take Me Back. For the same reason, we've created a new account, The_Assassins33
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The Desert Lily is slowly nearing its end. Can't thank you guys enough for the love and support you have showed. *Happy tears*