Fanfiction:*^*Flying without Wings*^* Akya UPDATED PAGE 8 - Page 6

CHAPTER TWO

As they walked down the hotel's corridor towards the elevator, neither said a word to the other. The silence was broken when Ananya's shoe got caught in some lose threads on the carpet. Akash was quick to hold onto her before she fell.

She looked a bit out of it.

''Are you feeling fine Ananya?'' Akash asked very concerned

''I'm not so sure, I feel a bit tired and somewhat light headed''.

Akash laughed as Ananya asked ''Is it so funny?''

''My dear you've got the classic case of jet-lag, it happened because your body is yet to get accustomed to the change in time differences''.

''But don't worry; I've got just the trick to help you relax''

''Are you sure it will work?''

''Obviously, this is my 8th Visit here; it doesn't bother me at all''

''So what do you recommend?''

''Coffee for now! How about having a mocha latte?''

As they entered the lobby Akash excused himself to the front desk where the clerk informed him that his rental car was ready and waiting, he collected the keys, signed some papers and was off to rejoin Ananya who was admiring the lovely gold fountain waterfall.

''Captain...''

''You can call me Akash; we're off duty no need for the formal address''

''Also I hope you don't mind me calling you Ananya either, don't worry I'll call you first officer on the right occasions he added with a smile.

''It's alright''

They got outside to the waiting car much to Ananya's surprise.

''You're driving!!?''

''No need to so alarmed, I can drive...''

''I know, but how are you going to know the routes?''

''GPS, SAT navigation''

''Oh yes, I'm sorry''

''Shall we''? He said beckoning towards her as he opened her door. She got in and fastened her seatbelt as he closed her door. He then made his way to the driver's side.

He put the keys into ignition and started the car, driving onto the main highway out of the city it was beautiful the autumn colours being of different colours.

''So where are we headed'', she asked

''You'll see'' ''By the way Ananya what do you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian?''

''Non vegetarian is fine'' she replied

The drive around London city was very scenic, Ananya didn't know if she had enough time to see it all. The history and quaintness of the place had a sense of magic. The cobbled stoned streets with the cute little shops inspired fairy tales. She was making a mental visit of all the places she wanted to go into when they went walking tomorrow.

She had some wonderful brochures which she had picked up from the tourist table at the hotel. There was quite a lot to see and do. The ones about the country side were really getting to her. She happened to love being outdoors. The one on the English Riviera seemed to be calling her name but she doubted whether they had that much time to go exploring. Perhaps on another visit she thought.

There is Lots to eat as well according to the brochures. Akash seemed to be a big foodie. He spent a great deal of time telling her about his favourite choices. She wondered where he was taking her.

Akash really knew his way around; it was very nice of him to take her along. She thought to thank him. Ananya was soon interrupted out of her thoughts by Akash

''Enjoying the ride?''

''Yes it's quite lovely, I must thank you for taking me along with you'', answered Ananya with excitement.

''Don't mention it, besides no fun exploring all alone and I thought you would like to.''

''I love it!'' She exclaimed with a look of pure joy on her face

He saw her looking at the brochures and asked

''Found anywhere you want to go?''

''I wish I could go everywhere'', she answered with a smile.

They both laughed

Well for today there won't be much as we started out a bit late but don't worry I'll walk you out so much tomorrow you'll fall asleep by the time we get back. so be ready early tomorrow morning okay?

''Yes Sir'' she mockingly saluted him

As they both laughed

Akash pulled up at this lovely little cottage, it looked like one of those you usually see on Christmas cards. You would think it was an abandoned cottage if it wasn't for the twinkling lights and the bustle of activity going on inside. Ananya felt as if she had gone back in time.

Ananya took her time to get out; she was looking for her camera frantically hoping she hadn't forgotten it. She eventually found it as Akash enquired if she was alright.

''I'm okay; I was just looking for my camera to take some pictures. My sister Shaifu specifically told me not to forget 'she said

Akash extended towards her to link arms as they walked up the driveway. She found him very hilarious but went along with it.

It was huge inside; never take outward appearance for granted thought Ananya

It was very cosy and warm inside more like a home than a restaurant

She was already in love with the tempting cakes and pastries and was spoilt for choice. She looked like a child in a candy shop thought Akash he was waiting for her to choose what she wanted.

It was tea time and the place had quite a few patrons but not overcrowded.

Akash ordered one of each of things she liked and said they would share.

He ordered hot chocolate for both them. But before he could pay Ananya said ''let me''

''You did say next time Akash''

''Ohh Yes I did''

They got a table at the back away from most of the others and for the first time Ananya wasn't sure what they would talk about. It felt like a date, not that she ever went on one of those, mostly out with friends.

Akash seemed to pick up on her thoughts

''Don't worry it's not a date!''

''Really? So what does constitute as a first date for you Captain?''

''Candle light outdoors, dinner and dancing under the stars.''

Wow!!, you're fast wooer, ever heard of taking it slow?''

''Slow isn't for me Ananya, if I see something I want I try to get it, in the most humane way possible'' he laughed as he finished

''But love is serious business for me, I won't take it lightly.''

What about you First officer?

''I though no formalities''

He laughed ''you did call me captain a minute ago''

Yes!''

Well what can I say, conservative family but they'll let me choose who I marry. Guess I haven't found the right guy as yet''.

Or probably he's right in front you''

Righttt... ''she said taking a sip of her hot chocolate to avoid his stare, those eyes made her thoughts muddled at times.

''These are really good'' she said as she ate her blueberry muffin

Hey! You're having the whole thing I thought we were sharing'', he said with a pout on his face which made Ananya almost choke on laughter,

''We can get another or here'', she said offering him the half bitten muffin which he took without hesitation.

''So any decision yet on the Paris trip?'' he asked her while having a piece of cake.

''I'm not sure''

''What about the logistics?''

''Not much, we can go there and be back in a day''

Your choice of train or I can drive''

I think the train would be better

So that's a yes, I take it? He said looking at her intently

''Yes''

''Who knows you might find your prince charming, it is after all the city of love'', said Akash

''So it's settled then day after tomorrow!''

''The time is just passing by so quickly''

''Time tends to pass by very fast when you're having fun'' he replied

''Although I consider Italy to be more romantic, you've got to visit Venice and Florence it's just beautiful but the whole world is. Traveling the canals on the gondolas is a great experience. I've always wanted to travel, trekking through South America is on my bucket list.'' said Akash as an afterthought

''Sounds like you fly a lot to those places.'' asked Ananya

Not with inde airs''

''I travel on my own or with friends and family, there are all personal visits. I go during my time off and holidays. Usually I'm off for a month at a time.'' he said feeling like he said too much

''That's really great, one day I hope I can do the same.''

You're a really great traveling companion'' she said

''Well you've already started, and thanks said Akash with a slight blush creeping up in his cheeks

They chatted for an hour more before getting up to leave. The conversation consisted of where they grew up, schools they attended, hobbies and other interests.

It was 6:00 pm when they left.

He opened all the doors for her, which Ananya thought funny. She wasn't used to having her doors opened.

After getting into the car, Akash took her on another long drive, the city looked so much better at night with all the different lights. He took her to the big giant wheel thing the London eye. They saw the whole of London city from there. They went to a couple of the other major tourist sites including Trafalgar square and Piccadilly station.

''So how are you feeling now? The jetlag?'' he enquired to her

''Much better now thanks, I don't feel any way now''

They had dinner at a restaurant and went walking around Hyde Park. Ananya was having a wonderful time but she didn't want these times to end.

She was so much fun to be around, Akash loved being in her company. I'm going to miss her when my investigation gets over and I have to leave, he thought a bit forlornly

It was late by the time they got back to the hotel. Both were yawning as they walked together their shoulders bumping into each other every now and again. Many times they were mistaken for a couple

''What a lovely couple'' was heard several times during their outing. Both looked a bit uncomfortable by it but didn't say anything and just smiled.

They had stopped talking and the ride up the elevator was mostly in Silence even small talk wasn't working. It was as if there was some unresolved tension in the air.

Ananya couldn't wait to get into her room; the walk down the corridor seemed so long. She just needed time away from Akash. And she was regretting agreeing to go to Paris with him but couldn't back out now.

They each bided each other a good night and made plans to meet together at 7:00am for breakfast.

After she got into her room, she just sat in her chair feeling lonely after spending a great evening with Akash. She was reflecting on the afternoon's events before getting up to get ready for bed. Tiredness soon took over as she headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. She quickly brushed her teeth and removed her makeup before changing into her pajamas. She then remembered the book she had bought the morning at the book store in the duty free concessions at the airport. It was called 'The Talisman' by Lynda La Plante.

She was reading for 5 minutes when she heard the phone ring.

Who could be calling at this untimely hour it was 11:30 pm she thought as she glanced at the clock on the wall.

She hesitated to pick up the phone but did so anyway. It could be important she thought.

Hello?'

''Thought you had slept already, she heard Akash on the other side.

She felt pleasantly irritated at his response and laughed

''What do I owe the pleasure to Akash?

Oh I don't know. I'm tired but sleep isn't coming might have to pop a sleeping pill.'

How about you?'

A glass of milk does the trick'

I'm not 4 Ananya.'

So...I drink it why can't you?'

Okay I'll see well good night then.'

And that ended the very short phone call.

Ananya was out cold before she hit the pillows ...she snuggled up for warmth.

Akash was up for a bit more time. He was making a few transatlantic phone calls concerning his current mission. He was yet to get in touch with the two agents stationed in London. The package he had received had to be given to them. The box was unopened; Akash was curious to know its contents but decided against it. He didn't want to break protocols. He was in enough trouble as it was already. He now had a personal mission to catch the perpetrators who killed Mahima. He couldn't quite believe that had happened right under his nose. He felt disappointed that Mahima didn't feel well enough to trust him to divulge whatever it was that was bothering her.

Coming to London was anything but lying low. But he needed to get away for a bit. He was hoping for a breakthrough in the case. He didn't know why he was getting himself involved with Ananya but he enjoyed her company. She too needed to unwind. Ever since she began working, she was doing so without a break.

Morning was hazy as both had overslept. Akash was first to get up and made a mad scramble for the bathroom after he saw the clock.

There was no time for a long bath as he usually liked to dabble in whenever he was on holiday. He made a special effort to shave today his stubble had grown too much. He wanted to impress Ananya not that she complained much. H got dressed in black dress pants with a white long sleeved shirt and had a black jacket on hand if it got colder. He checked his wallet and picked up the keys.

He was dreading facing Ananya. He was picturing her already dressed tapping her fingers away impatiently at him.

He walked across to her door and rapped 3 times. There was no response. Akash was wondering whether she had already left. But she wouldn't leave without him. Ananya wasn't that sort of girl. He rang the doorbell again. He heard something fell loudly and broke like a flower vase. The door opened to reveal Ananya in her pajamas her eyes still full of sleep. She looked at him groggily.

Akash looked at her with eyes wide open. She just left the door open and went back to bed. This made him laugh as he got in and closed the door behind him. Today was going to be fun he laughed more as he called up room service for breakfast. It was probably time for brunch anyway.

After 5 minutes had elapsed Ananya now fully awake and aware of her surroundings was feeling slightly ashamed. She couldn't do much now but walked to her bathroom she came back soon after to gather her clothes. It was a quick selection of black leggings and a long blue blouse with a wide gold belt and booties.

Akash had taken the kind liberty of calling housekeeping as well to clean the broken vase and dirt that was spilled across the floor.

She did her makeup quickly in the bathroom.

Breakfast had arrived by the time she stepped out of the bathroom all ready. Akash was buttering toast and pouring the tea. Ananya muttered thanks to the housekeeper and tipped her before saying sorry to Akash for getting up so late but he shrugged off her apology as he handed her a cup of tea.

''No need to apologise Ananya, this will be our little secret alright''

''So we need to discuss today's itinerary before we leave.'' said Akash before taking a bite of his strawberry muffin.

''Thanks Akash for everything you've done for me today'' I have no idea how I slept so much. There was something smelling funny when I got in last night. Akash was suddenly very suspicious and got up to investigate around. He found a canister of sleeping gas under the foot of her bed but hid it quickly. He didn't want to alarm her but figured something was definitely wrong.

''Did you notice anything else?''

''Well my bag was on the bed, I remember leaving it in the closet but it's probably just my imagination.''

''Akash was suddenly very alarmed but didn't show it. He knew they had managed to track him down but why did they target Ananya. He certainly didn't want this to happen. He had to change location, without her suspecting anything. It was getting dangerous for both of them.

He excused himself. He had to make a few calls. She said okay. He told her to call him if anything seemed strange. He'll be back in half hour.

He dialed a number;

Hey Arun'','' hey buddy nice to hear from you. I tracked you down yesterday. Staying at the regency right?''

Yes, but I've got a serious problem. It's big. ''

The warthog has tracked me down''...Warthog was code for the enemy.

Ok tell me what happened.'' questioned Arun

Akash explained everything including what happened to Ananya.

''Buddy you got real trouble there, you've gotten a civilian involved. You've jeopardized her safety by fraternizing with her. But you're both in deep now. You can't just ditch her. They obviously presume she means much to you. ''

Bottom line Akash get off radar immediately.''

''I don't know how you're going to explain things to your woman but that's your problem. I'll gather some info and meet you at ham's inn at 4:00... .'' ''That's ham and cheese country inn in North Yorkshire, you'll have to take a train''

By the way what weapons do you have?''

The usual 38 caliber revolver''

Lie low Akash, really low''

Over and out!'

Akash hung up and began thinking

My woman? Since when ...goodness these guys have some really strange terminology sometimes...

But he decided the less Ananya knew the better. He would see to carry on things as normal as he possibly could. He knew very little of how this could come back and bite him. He was ignoring Arun's suggestion completely. He had to find an excuse to tell Ananya or it's probably better if she went with him since they were already targeting her.

Akash looked with quiet indignance as the photos of the suspects were sent to his phone. He had asked Arun to forward them to him. Arun was staying in North Yorkshire at the moment. It was a quiet little place to avoid the usual hustle and bustle. But mostly it was to avoid being tracked down. Akash was using his special phone for those top secret phone calls.

The plan was that they would both go to North Yorkshire. Akash would meet Arun quickly before him and Ananya went off together.

He got back to Ananya's room to see her reading her novel.

''You ready?''

She looked at him '' yes let's go''

Together they headed out into the bright yet somewhat hazy sunshine.