Page 18 of The Escape

Siya nodded. “Exactly. That’s why I didn’t either.”

“You know what surprised me?” Simran cut in. “Vishnu. He was more emotional than I was, missing the kids so much. I guess that’s because we talked about them too much when we were at the beach last night. At one point, I was wondering if he was going to book our next flights back to India.”

“Aww,” Meher smiled. “My brother is tough only on the outside. He’s a softie otherwise. Especially his heart. Always a little too emotional for his loved ones.”

“That I agree,” Simran blushed.

“It’s only four days,” Siya reminded them. “And then we’ll see them all again.”

“Yes,” Meher muttered. “But four very long days.”

“So be it.” Simran lifted her coffee cup. “But until then, let’s enjoy this time with our husbands. What say?”

“Totally.” Meher finally smiled.

Siya raised her juice glass. “To four days of freedom.”

They clinked their glasses together and smiled. Then Simran suddenly glanced around the table.

“Speaking of freedom…” She frowned. “Where is Trisha? Why isn’t she here for breakfast yet?”

Siya’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “She messaged me before she went for a run.”

“Run?” Meher blinked. “On the first morning of our holiday?”

Siya nodded. “She went with the boys.”

Simran rolled her eyes. “Of course she did.”

“I know.” Meher laughed. “She really is one of them.”

“She said she couldn’t miss her morning run.” Siya shrugged.

“Typical GLEN agent.” Meher added. “Even a leisurely holiday isn’t enough to stop her fitness routine.”

“So while our men and Trisha enjoy their run...” Simran lifted her coffee cup. “We’re going to enjoy breakfast like normal people.”

“Right.” Meher shook her head, smiling. “In fact, I’m glad that at least someone is there with the boys to keep a check on them.”

The three women laughed heartily, agreeing, before heading to the buffet counters to fill their plates.

****************

At the Beach

Trisha was already several metres ahead of the men, running with effortless ease while Ayaan, Raghav, Vishnu, and Krish pushed themselves to keep up with her pace. The early morning run had clearly done nothing to diminish their usual arrogance. If anything, the sight of four gorgeous men along the beach was enough to make several people turn heads.

All of them were in their running attire, though Ayaan and Krish had decided shirts were entirely unnecessary. Their bare, athletic torsos glistened faintly with sweat as they ran, their muscles tightening with every stride. Vishnu and Raghav had opted for sleeveless vests over their shorts, but the loose, open fabric did little to hide their broad shoulders and powerful physiques.

Between their athletic builds, sweat-dampened hair and the easy confidence with which they ran, they looked less like four men out for a morning jog and more like a scene deliberately designed to make every woman on the beach look twice.

Trisha eventually slowed down, bringing one hand to her EarPods as she spoke to her father-in-law, Ratan Rajvanshi, over the call.

“Yes, Dad, we are all doing fine here,” she said, her breathing only slightly heavier. “What did Prisha have for breakfast today?”

She listened for a moment.

“Okay. Good.” A small smile appeared on her face. “Tell her I’ll call her later. And don’t let her convince you to give her chocolate before lunch.”