Chapter - 5

The tent was erected under the bright sky. They had been planning for this outing for way too long now.

  Walking through the woods made them feel better. Every breath they took under those clear skies, made them more lively. It was a dream trip for Vibha. And she was very happy to have Arnav around. She thought he would finally talk to her without verbally abusing her.

  Nash and Mayank were enjoying themselves by the fire. The hiking trip was being very romantic.

  The forest chirped the voice of crickets and occasional rattling of dried leaves. The wind was cold but pleasant. It was growing dark. Vibha saw Arnav clicking pictures. She told him to follow her towards the lake. The lake was pure beauty. By the lake she had arranged table for two. Arnav was surprised at how found Vibha was of him. They sat there sipping coke and discussing their life ahead. Vibha had expectations from Arnay, that he would soon meet her parents. That he would somehow respect her and her parents.

   "I really wish my parents accept this relationship. Just can't wait to get married away with you to America!" Vibha's was way too exited .

  "I wish your father doesn't say anything wrong to my parents. If he did, my dad wouldn't care for

anything and say whatever comes to his mind." Arnav had a harsh tone.

   "What? How can you say gross things about my dad? Why would my Dad say anything wrong?" She was agitated.

   "I don't know! I can't predict your dad. He does not know what he is dealing with."

  "Why would you say that? And stop nagging about my parents!" Vibha stood up and turned towards the bour fire. Arnav caught hold of her subtle wrist and drew her closer and turned her face to kiss. She pushed him away lightly. And ran away from him. She could hear him say,  "Don't get distracted by your parents. We have to decide for ourselves."

  The evening had grown colder. They all sat around the fire with their plates. Mayank could feel the tension between Vibha and Arnav. He asked Vibha by signaling what was wrong. She just nodded her head suggesting she didn't want to tallk about it. Mayank tried to cheer up the mood by some music by the fire. He always felt Vibha as a great person. And he could not see her being sad. After all, she was his sister. Though not a real one. But, they had always had a great sibling relationship.

  Mayank stood and held out a hand for Natasha. They were having a close romantic dance. Vibha had always loved such romantic atmosphere. But she also knew Arnav would never match her feelings.

  "Fuck! Someone's there near that tree !"

Freaked Natasha and stopped her move to stand straight.

  "Where?" Mayank was alarmed and his eyes scanning the trees just few feet's before them.

  "There should be no one here. It's in middle of nowhere !" Arnav smirked.

  "Shit! I think I saw it too!" Vibha getting up.

  "Looks like some gundas have come to know camping here. I told you Vibha, not to come here. I hate this and you know it." Arnav was complaining.

  "What? That doesn't make sense?" Nash was clearly scared to death.

  A tall black figure suddenly appeared from the woods. And then another and yet another.

  "Fuck! Bears!" shouted Mayank

  "RUN!RUN! RUN!" Nash cried out as The bears came roaring behind them.