Page 38 of The Escape

“That’s exactly what worries me,” Krish muttered.

Ayaan laughed. “Don’t worry, Krish. We’ve still got this.”

“That’s what I’m hoping.”

The score remained almost painfully close. And with every rally, the laughter grew louder, the teasing sharper, and the competition more intense. Nobody was willing to lose anymore, least of all the husbands against their wives. And definitely not Trisha, who had just remembered exactly why she had once loved volleyball so much.

“Come on, Raghav!” Siya called from the opposite side. “You were doing much better five minutes ago.”

Raghav grinned. “I was being nice to my wife.”

“Don’t use that excuse when I beat you.”

Meher laughed beside him. “She’s right. Stop making excuses.”

Raghav turned towards her with an offended expression. “You too?”

“Always with Siya.”

Raghav smirked. “Fine. Let’s win this.”

“That’s the spirit.”

The score tightened again. And at one point the game continued because the score was now tied. The next point would decide the winner. Everyone fell silent for a moment. Even the teasing stopped.

Ayaan tossed the ball lightly between his hands before serving. The ball came towards Raghav again. This time, he deliberately moved as though he was going to smash it towards the left. Ayaan and Krish both shifted in that direction. But at the last second, Raghav changed the angle of his wrist and sent the ball softly towards the opposite corner.

Trisha was already moving. She reached it before anyone else could react. Instead of sending it back across the centre, she angled her shot sharply towards the empty space behind Siya.

Siya turned, but too late.

The ball touched the water.

Trisha threw both hands into the air. “We won!”

Raghav laughed. “That’s game.”

Ayaan stared at the spot where the ball had landed before looking at Trisha.

Even Krish shook his head. “I hate playing against you.”

Trisha walked towards the edge of the pool, grinning. “You only hate losing.”

“I hate both.”

Raghav held out his hand. Trisha slapped her palm against his. “Good game.”

“Very good game.”

Siya swam towards them, laughing. “Okay, I admit it. That last move was brilliant.”

Raghav smiled. “Thank you.” He pulled his wife close and kissed her forehead. “You did great too.”

Meher happily moved towards Ayaan, who helped her climb out of the pool. “How does it feel to lose to your wife?” she asked playfully.

Ayaan immediately pulled a towel from the lounger and held it out for her. “I’m happy.” He moved closer, using it to gently wipe her hair. “Very happy.” Their noses touched.

Meher instantly pulled away, patting his arms, which had already slipped around his waist.