THE HONEYMOON TRYST

The envelope read: “To MY DEAR wife and my life partner.”

(The stress was on the words written in bold).

Pritish entered the room expecting an excited Leona but instead he saw her walk past him expressionlessly. She was wearing a navy blue night gown with lace work done on the sleeves with a deep neck line, only to reveal the rise of her beautiful bosoms. It had thin straps to hold on to her body and was perfect enough to make her look sexy even at this hour of the night. Her hair was let loose in a careless manner and with tired eyes she sat on the bed. Pritish found her too inviting even at this hour of the day but he chose to control his urges.

There was complete silence for seconds.

“I am not too comfortable with this idea of a honeymoon trip so soon,” Leona said worriedly.

“I love to travel and explore new places. Maldives is an amazing place to be but……,” she said stopping abruptly.

“….. but…. but what Leona? You still can’t get over Nikhil?” Pritish asked in a stern voice.

Leona looked quizzically at him. She so much wanted to tell him that she had got over Nikhil long back and from the time she had agreed to date him she had not thought of Nikhil even once..

There was silence again.

“Give it a chance dear,” Pritish said in a mellowed tone and went to sleep.

Little had he known that merely accompanying his cousin for consultation would help him find a confident, witty and a beautiful companion like Leona.

Leona pondered over this whole night. She thought, “Nikhil is a closed chapter now and I cannot dare to reopen those pages. Pritish has given me enough time when we were dating. I need time to know him too.”

She wasn’t sure if it was going to work out between them but there was a ray of hope.

Marrying an architect like Pritish Gujral, with a completely different background had been a tough choice for her. At 32 he had already taken over the reins of the Gujral Foundation in Gurgaon. The man who was always on the covers of the industrial news and also managed to make it on Page 3 had actually agreed to marry a young Psychiatrist like Leona Gupta. It was strange but true.

Dating had been easy for Leona. They spoke like friends, behaved normally but on their first night after marriage, thoughts of honeymoon made her feel jittery. Pritish, on the other hand was relaxed and poised.

It was 4 A.M; Leona was still awake. She waited for Pritish to wake up. He was getting ready when he saw his beauty walk up to him. “I just wish I could hold her tight in my arms right now,” Pritish thought.

“Pritish…………… I……. I…. will give it a try.”

There was an abrupt pause.

She smiled faintly and said, “Let’s hurry; we need to pack for the evening flight.”

They reached Malé International Airport by morning. Pritish had booked a small motor boat that took them to Paradise Island in Maldives.

“It looks exquisitely amazing Pritish,” Leona chirped out loudly.

One island only for us! Isn’t it spooky?

Breaking into a crooked smile he said, “That serves the purpose.”

Pritish was a guy who was disciplined yet cool, challenging yet generous, modest and mostly fun loving. Pritish was opiated by his work yet he made sure he arranged this trip. He wanted to make Leona feel comfortable with him in every way.

Maldives was just meant for them. Cool blue water, exotic tropical flowers around, a private villa, a private bar, sapphire lagoons, breathtakingly picturesque surroundings and a beautiful couple like Pritish and Leona. The sparks were missing though.

Pritish wanted to take Leona for some outdoor water sport as she loved it. Snorkeling could be the best of the choices made in Maldives.

Leona had a child like excitement to go dive in wearing the black outfit, long black fins and mask set ready. She looked superbly sexy in that outfit which revealed her curves and her entire figure which Pritish had seen for the first time. She looked like a modern mermaid.

Pritish was a handsome man with closely cropped, light brown hair, bushy eyebrows and strong sharp features usually sporting a calm smile. He was 5’9’’ and Leona came exactly till his shoulder.

Leona caught Pritish staring at him and asked mockingly, “I am sure I am not the first girl you have seen in a swim suit like this. This must be so common for you based on your popularity and extensive travel schedule overseas.”

“I do have seen but not someone so close to me, not someone who is mine already,” saying this he moved close to her.

His reply stunned her. For once she loved what he said.

If Pritish were given a chance he would quit Snorkeling and make love to her. She could feel his breath close to her face. A sudden surge of deep desire swept inside her but she was too stubborn to accept it.

Awkwardly she moved away from him and went for Snorkeling. She felt like a sea animal inside. They went exploring the coral reefs and the wonderful aquatic life.

A sumptuous meal and an exhausting day made them lazy. Leona lay on the hammock wearing a white linen halter top that had been tied in a single knot at the back of her neck and a blue abstract printed straight cut skirt that reached till her knee. Her small silver studded earrings were shining and that delicate silver anklet that adorned her soft feet looked perfect when teamed up with a beaded multicolored necklace. Her long slender legs were revealed slightly from one side to Pritish. He was staring at her as he stood at the entrance of the Villa having an official conversation. For a doctor, Leona was too conscious about looks and knew how to dress perfectly according to situations.

Pritish looked desirable with his six packs revealed underneath the white unbuttoned kurta. Leona thought that his grey shorts looked comfortable and his hair was just fit to be entangled in her delicate fingers. The tanned look on his face due to the day’s activity made him look breathtakingly hot.

He kept ruffling his hair each time he went out of control during the conversation looking at her. Once the conversation was done, he walked towards her and tried to engage in a conversation. She didn’t speak much.

She stood up, came close to him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek and said, “Thanks for taking me snorkeling. I loved it.”

Pritish stood still. The impact of that kiss remained. No other woman had made him feel so aroused or wanted. The sticky gloss was still there .He wished he never were to remove that from his cheek. Feeling embarrassed he wiped it. The kiss was the ice breaker.

They went out to take a look at the sunset by the beach. Pritish offered her a glass of wine while he sat with a beer can. The situation was perfect. The crimson sky with slightly cool breeze, typical of the tropical evening climate made them ease out a bit.

Pritish had already started feeling his passion bubbling inside. They sat close by and enjoyed the silence with a few conversations about the next day’s plan.

Leona’s legs were folded and she sat in a reclined posture resting her body weight on one hand. She didn't realize that Pritish was so close to her until she could feel his warm breath on her ears. He was already moving his finger slowly at each sensitive point, tracing his path from the pinna, to the nape of her neck down her arms. She quivered with excitement inside. The touch had already started affecting her. She made a low moan and removed his hand. Instead, he pulled her close wrapping her by one arm and let her weight fall on him completely. She was enveloped in his arms and didn't dare to look up. There was immense anxiousness inside her. She felt a slight discomfort but it vanished with the magic that Pritish was creating. He made her feel excited and nervous every second he touched her. He could feel her breath harder with her chest pounding. Her stomach was twisting inside . She gave out a small shriek with a shiver and looked lustfully at him. His fingers raced across her lips only to get them parted for a moist kiss. It had been their first passionate kiss.He let her hair loose that was tied in a careless knot. The perfume of her shampooed hair was intoxicating him. His fingers moved to the back of her neck where he released the knot that held her top. It came off in a jiffy. 

They were ready to strike the last chord of intimacy when Leona whispered in his ears, “Not here Pritish.”

Pritish stopped suddenly with a shocking expression that changed into a smile soon and looked at her ebony coloured eyes which had the answer that only he could understand.....

This post has also been featured in http://yourstoryclub.com/short-stories-love/honeymoon-romance-story-the-honeymoon-tryst/

That impulsive moment

This story has been published in Yourstoryclub website :  <http://yourstoryclub.com/short-stories-love/love-short-story-impulsive-moment/> "

Bangggg!! came the sound as Tina shut the door and stormed out of the car.

"Careful....", Arin shouted. 

Tina kept walking without turning back even once. 

The signal light indicated 35 seconds. 25seconds were not enough for him to get out of the car and grab her hand. She was too fast. Arin kept drumming his fingers on the steering irritatingly as he cursed the traffic and started the engine. 

Tina on the other hand was successful in holding back a few vehicles in a single file as she crossed the road hurriedly. Arin could she her figure disappearing faintly as he drove past the crossing. 

Tina reached bus and enquired about buses that would take her home. She looked nervous. Meanwhile, the traffic on the other side of the road had been cleared . Tina looked longingly at the signal just wishing Arin's car to be still there. She felt that she had taken an impulsive decision. 

The scorching sun was hammering on her head along with anger, nervousness and irritation . She stomped her aching feet twice. Her heels had started giving pain. It was for the first time she had tried pencil heel shoes only to match up to Arin's height. He soles were red. 

" Oh God!!! These pencil heels are a nuisance," Tina muttered to herself. She couldn't justify her anger. It was due to mixed reasons. One reason being Arin's attitude and her impulsive decision to walk out. She was totally out of her mind and couldn't think of anything sensible.

15 minutes went by since Arin had left Tina at the junction . He was nearing his house. He cursed the traffic at every point and also every vehicle that tried to over take him. He looked at the empty seat beside him which was now occupied by her mobile pouch alone. He so wished to be with her again. Their date wasn't complete without he expressing his feelings to her. He had planned more for the day . He just wanted to wait for the right opportunity. 

She had trampled over all his plans. This shattered him, angered him and also made him terribly upset not only with himself but also with Tina.

Tina, that one girl whom he had liked and found sensible after screening 20 good marriage prospects in the past 2 years. Finally, when he started talking to Tina he felt it could work out between them.

He felt as a failure at his very first important step when he had met her just the second time in person. Beads of perspiration trickled down his forehead as he got out of his car park and headed for his room.His mom looked worried looking at his flushed face. Arin shut the door tight and bolted it, tossed his phone on the bed only to make it perch on one corner enough to save it from falling and breaking to pieces. The A.C was switched on and he landed flat on the bed with his head facing the ceiling. 

His head was pounding out of tension. Blood gushed though his veins. He wiped the sweat beads off and closed his eyes. All he could remember was Tina walking away from him.

Tina was still struggling to get on to the right bus. She had walked 1 km by then ahead of the bus stop in search for an alternative means of transport. Haggling with the auto rickshaw drivers was another nuisance in the city. They never gave a genuine deal. 

" How could he have allowed me to walk away so easily in an unknown area like this?" Tina thought angrily. 

" He seems ill mannered and in considerate."

She walked more having just negative thoughts about Arin. Her shoes were making a creaky sound as if they weer not able bear the friction anymore. One more step of hers and there was an extended low sounds due to the friction. Her right foot scraped through a cemented drain cover, her heel got stuck in a small hole due to the loss of cement on the cover. In the event of pulling her stuck shoes out of it she twisted her ankle and fell down due to improper balance. The impact of the fall was too hard to bear. Thankfully it was the footpath and there were no vehicles near by. Her hand hit the lamp post behind shoving off the cell phone to some corner. 

She groaned in pain and her feet ached badly. She cried out in pain and screamed for help. The heat and the sharp pain took a toll upon her.

She woke up only to see herself in a nursing home with her cousin by her side. 

She had become unconscious because of the great fall she had. The auto rickshaw drivers had been kind enough to reach through her ID card and find her cousin's contact number. 

Her throat had dried making it difficult for her to speak. Indicting Anita to get her some water Tina tried to recollect the incident that had happened in the morning. Bad roads, bad shoes and an ill mannered Arin had spoilt her day.If only she was with Arin , she would  never have had to be in the current state. The city had already turned her mad due to the long distance travel, the terrible heat and hectic work schedule. It was only Arin who could have made life little simpler for her. She was too confused whether to proceed with him after just talking and chatting. Meeting him just once hadn't made much difference to her. 

Tina's ankle was wrapped with a crepe bandage tightly. Arin lay calmly on his bed wondering what had gone wrong that Tina had to leave angrily not even giving him a chance to explain.He didn't brood over the matter much. He stretched his hand, got his phone and immediately dialed her number. 

The voice said, " You are not allowed to dial this number".

" What crap!," Arin muttered. 

He tried again. 

"This call cannot be completed."

" Ugghhh......," Arin muttered again.

" This number is out of coverage area."

Arin slammed the phone down again in anger. Now how would he talk to her or contact her?

Tina's phone had been taken by some rag picker who was already celebrating by selling it off in a local mobile repair shop .

Arin tried sending her a message but it was left undelivered. 

Tina on the other hand was searching for her phone and was very upset having not found it. Her cousin immediately blocked her number and applied to for another SIM. It would take at least 2 days for the number to get activated. 

Tina was discharged immediately with some pain killers and instructions for taking care of her swollen ankle. She couldn't touch heel shoes or slippers  for the next six months until her ankle healed completely. 

Tina could remember Arin's  long face as she had attempted to leave the car. 

Arin tried calling Tina again. It was 5 hours past their meeting. There was no answer from her end again. He was irritated . He decided not to speak to her until she tried calling or messaging him. His ego was on its peak. He expected at least an explanation for her rude behavior and the reason for her anger.

Tina's parents were informed and they also felt relieved after speaking to her. As Tina lay on the bed sipping hot coffee she started wondering as to how she would contact Arin. She felt that he certainly had deserved some time to explain . It was wrong on her part to have left like that.

Noticing the worried look on her face Anita asked her patting on her shoulder, " Anything else that is troubling you?"

" Ummmmm... Nothing much. Just worried about retrieving all contacts that I had lost with my phone," Tina said casually.

" Worried about all or only one such contact ?", Anita asked playfully.

" Well........ Yes ...... and...... No also, " Tina said with a faint smile.

" So how was your date with Arin. At least talk about that. It'll make you feel better ," Anita said excitedly.

" Oh, don't even ask how it was. The whole day was spoilt because of him, " Tina said in a very shattered tone. 

" It wasn't after all a date. It seemed like a confused trip with us going around from one destination to the other, looking for some place to talk. He was not sure where we were going. He seemed too preoccupied with office calls each second . We spent 2 hours just in deciding the place for lunch. I thought he would have planned something for the day in stead of just making me go merry go round. Neither did I have breakfast nor lunch and there was no further scope for him to continue the conversation and he couldn't talk more that where- to-go or what-do- you- want- to- do. I gave him few choices like a mall or some restaurant with a large area to sit and talk comfortably but he still couldn't decide. It was not like we were meeting for the first time. He seemed so unplanned and stupid." Tina blurted out everything at once.

Anita looked at her in amazement and said," You have immense capacity to talk even after being in pain."

"Yes, I just needed to say everything as I can't hold this anger anymore. I walked out of the car without explaining him to him the reason."Tina's voice became soft as she completed the sentence. She could feel that her decision had been wrong.

"That was certainly wrong on your part Tina. You should have explained to him the discomfort . It could have helped him. May be he was really nervous and didn't know what to do," Anita said in a concerned tone. 

" In fact I tried expressing my discomfort by telling him that he should have planned well before in stead of roaming around the city and wasting time."

" Okay, what is done is done. At least talk to him now. Take my cell and call him," Anita said trying to provide a reasonable solution. 

" I don't remember his mobile number," Tina said innocently.

"I need to check my mail and find out from old chats where he had shared his mobile number with me. I am too tired now . I need some rest. I shall message him later," saying this Tina went to sleep. The pain killers were doing their job.

Arin was walking up and down in his room trying to re collect as to what exactly would have made her so furious . Was it not planning the day properly, making her go here and there or not talking about the exact reason they were meeting ? He wondered if it could be any of these. He had planned the later half but he didn't know what to do till lunch time. The evening was booked at a roof top restaurant where he could express his desire to proceed with the relationship further as he had started liking her and she fit really well with his choice. 

It was 8 :00 PM Arin, tried calling her again but no use. He had luckily got her cousin's address. 

He rushed out with his car keys , put the engine on ignition and off he went speeding towards her cousin place. He was determined to talk to her openly and also apologize to her. The day was not over and he was not a person who would let go a great match like Tina. 

He reached Anita's apartment. Finding their house wasn't difficult as Anita was a very old resident and the guard knew their house number. 

Arin was welcomed inside by a very surprised Anita. She took him to Tina's room.

He stood there at the door in shock looking at her bandaged ankle. 

She went pale seeing  Arin standing at her doorstep . Before she could say anything more, Arin cut her short.

" Please listen to what I have been wanting to say from morning," Arin said in a pleading tone.

A faint smile cut across Tina's face. 

.

A walk to remember........

“Hello….. ummmm ….. errrrr……. Janvi….?”Satish fumbled for words.

“Yes, Satish what’s up with you? How did you manage to wake up so early on a Sunday morning?”

Janvi kept asking questions before Satish could even say a word more. She paused after seconds and then allowed him to speak.

“Actually………. (pause), the weather is good and it doesn’t look like it’s going to rain. If…. you areeee…. free I thought we could just go for a walk to the hills nearby. Provided you are free…. I hope it’s not a trouble for you,” Satish heaved a sigh of relief after saying this.

Janvi thought for a while before saying anything. She smiled to herself and then replied to him.

“Ummmmm…. Hmmmmmmmm I guess I am . I haven’t really thought about my day’s plan but I think I have no important work or pre-planned shopping or lunch plans with anyone. Hills…. Which one? As in… where is it? How will we go?”

Janvi’s questions were never ending.

Once she stopped asking question Satish chose to reply, “Everything will be told to you once you come to meet me. Don’t worry I am not going to kidnap you.”

Janvi smirked. She opened her mouth again to ask something else but Satish stopped her immediately.

“No more questions. We are meeting at 12 pm outside Ispahani Mall. See you there and please don’t be late. Bye now. Your time starts now,” Satish said this and kept the phone.

He just needed to escape from all those questions that she asked. He was too scared to answer anything because he didn’t want to show her his mental as well as emotional turmoil.

Janvi on the other hand frowned when she put down the phone. Questions kept running in her mind again. Why has be called me to some unknown place? Why can’t we meet in a mall? Why was he hesitating? What sorts of a place will it be? What should I wear( jeans, shirt, t- shirt, skirt or a suit or a kurti or just tights and kurti)? Should I wear shoes or chappals or sandals? Heels or flats? Make up or no makeup? Which bag should I take? Back pack or hand bag or a jute bag? What about accessories?? Do I need them for a walk to the hills? Should I take an umbrella? What if it rains? Monsoon season and rain is unpredictable.

Having so many questions in mind Janvi stood still in front of her cupboard and admired all her clothes. She went near the mirror and admired herself. She looked at her hair if she needed to wash it, looked at her face if she needed a cleanup and kept thinking about all the other possible things. It’s called the confused mental state of a woman plus she was nervous. She had butterflies, goose bumps and every possible weird feeling. While doing all this she had already lost 45 minutes.

She looked at her watch suddenly and exclaimed, “Oh God!! Its 10am already. I have just 2 more hours to get ready and reach there.”

She looked flushed. She gulped down some water and went for a shower. There also she didn’t stop thinking and finally she rounded off to what she was going to wear.

Satish on the other hand was a little relaxed after he took the first step of even calling her outside. He just took few minutes to think on his dress code of the day. He took out his black jeans, blue checked crushed cotton shirt, his aviators, wore his woodland sandals( which had purchased just yesterday for his Sunday plan), brushed his hair first with a comb and then ruffled it up only to set it which his hand. He wore his aviators, had a look in front of the mirror and smiled. He put the glasses down and again looked at his side manes and his hair.

Well who said men are not concerned about their looks. They take less time compared to what women do but looking good is important at least when it’s a matter of meeting someone special. He roamed around his house for a while reading the newspaper and looking at few things, went online and typed something on Google maps to find out the location of some place, took a small piece of paper and noted something down. He switched of his laptop and went to have water. His throat was drying. Reason was unknown and he was wondering at this fact. He didn’t think much on this though. He was ready for the most desired outing.

It was 12:05pm and Satish was already on time, in fact before time. He kept rubbing his hand together but still kept that mesmerizing smile on his face intact.

Janvi was late but just by 15 minutes which was very early according to her normal schedule. Satish knew what reason she would cook up each time she was late. She would either complain about the traffic or about someone coming home last moment as she was leaving. Things were different that day. He saw Janvi coming from the far end of the road walking fast and continuously looking at her watch and simultaneously fiddling with her hair and letting it fly each time from one side to the other. He peeped from the entrance and then went inside to show as if he wasn’t waiting. He couldn’t observe her dress much and he didn’t bother also. She walked into him in a hurry without realizing he would be there. She was actually shocked to see him standing there. She had actually put his name on the dialing list so that she could locate him.

“Oh! Sorry. It’s you!!! Sorry again... I got late…,” she said in an embarrassed tone. Her face was flushed red because of the adrenaline rush. “Actually I got late because……..,” she continued with her sheepish innocent smile.

Satish continued instead, “Same old reasons or something new??”

“Well I took time to get ready today. I wasn’t really mentally prepared for the outing plan.”

“Did you wait for long?”

“Not really. I think 15 minutes.” Satish replied and went a little ahead of her. He actually didn’t notice how she was dressed. He was feeling little conscious to look at her like that because he never did and he didn’t want to make things very obvious at the very start.

“Why don’t you pay attention to her a bit? She has taken time to get ready there must be something extra that you need to notice,” his inner voice screamed. He ignored it and went ahead to a shop outside the mall to buy some mint chocolates. She followed just one step behind and she concentrated on his shirt first. It looked nice with the bright weather and also his jeans and then his hair that was set. She went a little to his right and looked at him from the corner of her eyes and then casually asked him to buy her Cadbury dairy milk.

She wanted to be normal too so in her same inquisitive tone she asked him tapping on his shoulder, “Mr. Satish, will you tell me now at least when we are going or still it’s some kidnap plan?”

Satish smiled seeing her act little normal. “Yes, Miss. Janvi. We are going to a place which is 10 km from this shopping mall. We’ll take an auto for about 5 km till where we can expect a transport facility but after that we need to walk. It’s a small hill that I found out recently. Some of my friends had been there for a trip from office. I had asked few of other colleagues to join too but they refused to come out and you happen to the only other friend whom I could call so I just tried. I thought of coming by myself if you had also refused. It seems to be a good place and we can walk as the distance seems a lot but the roads are good. It’s a small hilly area in the outskirts of the city. Are you okay with this information?”

He spoke for 5 minutes and then asked her to talk.

“Perfectly okay, “Janvi said with a big smile.

“Well, he didn’t call be specifically. I was just another option so it’s okay. I needn’t worry, “Janvi mumbled to herself.

“You said something?”Satish asked in a puzzled voice.

“If you are not comfortable please feel free to tell me Janvi.”

“Sure,” she replied.

They sat in the auto and started talking about casual things. Mostly about office and some common friends they had at work place.

Janvi had known Satish from the past 1 year. They had been working in the same company but in different departments. Janvi was into HR and Satish was in charge of the finance. They could only catch up during the snack time and also sometimes on weekends. Their group had formed when they had joined the company as trainees and had then split up into different areas. Even weekends either of them had to be engaged for some or the other work. Both were beginners and being single they had an advantage to concentrate on the career. They used to hang out as a bunch of 6 when it came to watching movies or going out to new places.

This time the rest of the group wasn’t so interested to move out anywhere and 2 girls had gone home so Satish had kept in mind this opportunity. He had liked Janvi as a very friendly colleague and a hardworking employee but he never had any thoughts beyond that. This was the first time he took a chance to even talk to her beyond his imagination. He wanted to make it as a little personal affair. Janvi also had kept the same chemistry intact. Things were same either ways but Janvi thought about him sometimes more than normal but that perfectly fine because he was the sensible guy among the lot according to her.

After talking for a while in the auto they both were silent for quite some time. They kept looking at the greenery on either sides and felt the rain drops falling slowly. It was drizzling.

“Oh!!! This rain is a party spoiler,” Janvi cribbed.

That was the first time Satish dared to look at her properly. He saw her earring, something like a black crystal drop which he couldn’t make out at one glance but he had to spend 3 minutes to understand what it was. He looked at her dress. It was top or a t- shirt but he was confused because he didn’t know what to classify it as. All he could understand was that it was black and white mixed shade. She had worn light blue denims and had left her hair open. It was partially wet and one or two strand used to fly onto his face in the auto which irritated him a bit but he couldn’t tell her anything because it would be rude to tell a girl like that.

Her bag a denim side sling and it looked stuffed. He wondered what she would have bought. He was gazing at all this while she suddenly turned to him.

“What?” she asked.

“Umm… nothing. I was just looking at your bag. What have you stuffed inside?” he asked hiding the shock.

“Oh, this one. I have stuffed a small bottle of water, an umbrella, a chips packet, my wallet, and a few things which you don’t need to know,” she said with a grin on her face.

The auto came to a halt as she finished telling him. The topic was diverted and they got down. There was a small argument as to who was supposed to pay. Finally they decided to share the fare because Janvi was insisting on it.

The rain had stopped and Janvi took a sip of water as she fidgeted with her bag to search for her comb.

Satish was least interested but he kept wondering as to how conscious girls were about their looks. She adjusted her top, put her hair properly and again waved her fingers over them only to let the strands fall on her face.

She bent down to keep the things back. Satish notices her hair then. It was slightly brown and black but suited her complexion. The strands were straight and slightly wavy at the ends and some were covering face and only one side of her cheeks and eyes could be seen as she bent her head down. Hey eyes were lines with kajal and some blue pencil and her cheeks were having a slight pink tinge.

“I guess this is why you get late always and you cook up reasons,” Satish said.

“You can think so,” Janvi said looking up.

“Her lips, they shine so much but mine do not. Is it something that has got to do with XX chromosome? Her nails also shine but mine don’t. Do I have vitamin deficiency?” his mind questioned him.

They looked beautiful and well shaped and little pouted. They were attractive and when she spoke the way they went up and down made him just loose his senses.

Janvi sensed the look on his face and still ignored that for a while thinking it was just fine to be so inquisitive for him as they had never met each other personally.

Janvi kept walking slowly beside him but kept a distance. He explained to her the route and asked her to be careful because the road was a little slippery. Lots of private 4 wheelers were passing by so they had to walk in one file. The road was a meander but it looked good. There was greenery everywhere and the route they took smelt of eucalyptus oil.

“There was lot of herbs around that give this an aesthetic ambience,” Janvi said.

She looked very happy and relaxed. “It’s a nice place. I like the journey and I hope the destination is also good.”

“Trust me Janvi, this is nothing compared to what you will see. I was so amazed seeing the pictures that my friends had taken.”

They kept walking and also talking about school days and family in between. That was the first time they had opened up. It was 3pm already.

“Janvi, I guess you need to walk a little fast because if we reach there by 3:30, we can leave by 4 and then come back to the city by 5pm so that we get some means of transport. It’s raining and it gets dark soon,” Satish said in a concerned tone.

Janvi was following his pace now and concentrated on her speed more than the surrounding. Her feet started aching but she was too shy to tell. She didn’t want to show that she was weak. She took a little speed because of which a stone that was by her side made her stumble a bit.

“Careful,” Satish shouted and put her hands slightly around her shoulder to give her balance.

Janvi felt that her heart was burning. She forgot the slip she was about to have and stood quiet for 5 minutes stunned. Satish also realized what he did but he thought she was really shocked because of the slip but there was something else going on in her mind or rather in her heart and her senses. She felt something fluttering inside. What was it that made her feel that way with just one touch?

She got back to her senses and assured Satish that she was fine and kept walking. She walked a little close to him but there was still some distance. As they walked up and reached the meandering roads the distance lessened and they became little closer and by then all that could be heard were their strong breaths.

Finally they reached the top of that hill. It was a small picnic spot, an edge of a hill and it looked down into a valley that was full of greenery. The sky looked white and little bit of grey covered areas were also seen. Janvi was just amazed at the sight.

Satish was also enjoying the view and took a few snaps on her cell phone. He also captured one of Janvi’s pic on the pretext of the scenic beauty. Well, she did look a bit like a scenic beauty. He hadn’t concentrated on her intricate looks so far. He just found her pleasant and smart.

Janvi on the other hand couldn’t understand what to feel. She was amazed at the beauty of the place and also what happened minutes ago. Sometimes, one small spark is enough to start a fire.

Both of them walked around the place, sat down for a while and spoke to each other. The topics now were diverted to their interests and also their likes and dislikes. They spoke about their ambition and about the plans they had to spend the next month salary that was due in another 5 days.

They kept talking when Satish noticed her smile. It looked so pleasant and bended well with the environment. It was a candid smile full of mirth.

He was getting little distracted and stopped the conversation for a while. He told her looking at his watch, “Let’s go Janvi, we need to reach there by 5 so that we are not late. I don’t want you hurrying again and getting yourself hurt.”

Janvi followed suit and this time she came close to him, her hands brushed past him sometimes and he felt the difference but he kept quiet. He had actually not told her about the purpose of asking her to come out with him. The main purpose of knowing her little more was accomplished but what about his genuine liking for her nature. If not anything he could ask her for future prospects.

Janvi also felt the same. She thought, “If he had to call me out like this he should have had something in mind but it doesn’t seem so but at least I got to know about him. I can tell him that he is a nice guy and it’s good to hand around with him and they can look forward for more outings like this.”

They had walked half way on their return journey when it started drizzling. Janvi opened her umbrella immediately. She was very particular about her dress getting wet and hair getting spoilt. It was blue n white umbrella with some abstract patterns on it.

“ Ewww, what a girly umbrella…,”Satish exclaimed.

“I don’t want to carry this or be under this”.

“Okay, doesn’t be who’s asking you to?” Janvi frowned as she said this.

It started raining a little more heavily and the drops had become big and Satish had no other option but to come under umbrella. They were so close and he was a little wet. His hair was moist and his hands were also little sticks. He looked at Janvi and they both stopped for a while.

Janvi spoke up, “I want to thank you for bringing me here and trying to give a nice outing this Sunday.”

“I am glad that you liked this small trip. It was a different experience going out with you and talking to you things apart from office work. You are an interesting person not only at work but also casually as a friend.” Satish replied with little confidence.

“Oh, that’s nice to know. I also have the same opinion but I also want to add on saying that I….. that I … ummm … like you,” Janvi said hesitating a bit also studied his expressions.

Satish smiled as if he had completed his mission. He smiled again and said, “That’s why I called you out Janvi. I didn’t know what to tell you but I wanted to know you better. I was hesitant to call you out like this as we have never interacted on a personal basis.”

Janvi smiled and kept smiling.

“Now let’s walk,” she said feeling a little embarrassed.

“You look nice today actually, “Satish said.

“Thanks”, she replied.

“What!! All she has to say is only thanks?” his brain questioned.

They walked together but his hands kept nudging her bag and she felt uncomfortable. He put his hand around her slightly and asked her, “Is it okay this way? I am with my guy friends like this.”

“Ya, I am comfortable with it, “Janvi replied.

His hand was around her shoulder and he made sure it was a light touch.

The rain stopped and he moved a bit away to make her comfortable. He held her hand and just asked her one thing, “I just need to ask you one thing.”

“What is that?” Janvi asked in a tensed voice.

“ Well, can you just give me a chance to know you better and can we both try to meet this way often, as in, alone?”

He looked into her eyes. She smiled and asked, “Why so?”

“Huh! You and your never ending questions. Why because I really want to kidnap you next time.”

They both started laughing.

Why because Miss. Question Bank, I like you and I want to know you better to move ahead.”

“Okay, that’s an interesting fact,” Janvi smiled. It was a child like innocent yet naughty smile.

They took an auto and went back near the mall.

They didn’t talk much on the way back in the auto. After getting down near the mall she bade good bye to him. Her house was near the mall and his was a little far from there so he continued in the same auto.

They just shook hands.

“I had a nice time Satish. Thanks for inviting me. Oh yes… I forgot to tell you, this shirt looks nice on you. It’s the first time I have seen you wearing this kind of causal shirt,” Janvi left saying this.

Satish kept wondering at the last statement she made. She had actually noticed him all this while. He just bent his head and smiled thinking that it was certainly a walk to remember……..

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Wasn’t Darwin right when he used the phrase “Survival of the Fittest?” Leaving apart the theory that he gave regarding the origin of species we can take some time out to think about the practicality in this phrase. If we just consider man as the protagonist here and just follow the journey he has to take to survive till the end.

It all begins from the time a sperm tries to struggle. Out of the millions of them only 1 is able to fertilize; the one that is considered to be the fastest and chemically, the strongest to cross the barrier. The fetus needs oxygen, blood supply and adequate nutrients. When the child is born, there comes a series of responsibilities on that tiny head. Parents always there to teach us values, education that begins from kindergarten and doesn’t seem to end. It’s take a lot to be jelling among the peer group, get on with the happening life and yet retain the values, to excel in the field we have taken, to shoulder responsibilities, to maintain relationships, to fight with our own thoughts and ambition and to survive this whole system. It’s a roller coaster ride that doesn’t seem to end so soon. In the end we struggle to even die at peace.

Every living being need to struggle and the fittest one survives.

Great expectations

Discussion between Arun and Deepika.

Deepika: Have you started reading the book, " Men are from mars and Women from Venus" Arun?

Arun : Pause.

Scratching his head, " No."

("Phool aur kaante"- Picture courtesy - Ydntn photography)

"I knew you wouldn't have; but just asked," Deepika frowned.

Deepika turned her face towards the balcony and said scornfully, " Okay! Don't read. Do what you want to. "

A minute silence....... this silence prevailed a bit longer than usual. Deepika could never remain silent for more than 5 minutes but it was a miracle and Arun certainly had to question this miracle.

Normal Deepika would ask within 1 minute of making the above statement, "When will you read Arun?"

It was not the same case today. He snatched the book from her hand and looked at it. Flipped through the pages and made certain amusing sounds just to grab her look. She didn't bother.

He took the book. Went to some random page and started reading out aloud.

Arun: Opening with the quote by Dr. John Gray-----

"All men and women have an equal need for love. When these needs are not fulfilled it is easy to have our feelings hurt, for which we blame our partner. "

"So true right!"he said out aloud near Deepika's ears.

"Do you feel so dear?"

Deepika looked at him scornfully again but this time there was a lesser extent of disgust.

She said, " How does it matter what I think?Anyway you will get bored of my talks."

She moved away from him and sat on a cane chair facing him.

He smiled again and continued reading.

She stopped him in the middle and asked, " What's the point in reading this when you don't understand what he is saying in this book? Do you realize what is being told?"

Arun looked very innocently at her. He put the book away for a moment and then kneeled on the floor in order to meet her eyes.

He looked straight into her eyes that were shying away and said, " Look, my dear princess, I understand each and every word that has been written here. I want to tell you something today. Just listen to me. I will drive away your misconceptions."

She blinked her eyes which gave him a signal to proceed. he took the book and went on the opposite cane chair and relaxed himself.

There have been so many instances where you might feel that I have not been up to your expectations. It is quite possible. Not just with you, but with anyone. Nobody is perfect but we just compliment each other.

These are certain things, I want you to understand.

Deepika had never heard Arun talk this way. he was always playful and never actually showed this advising side of his. He looked so mature than her and today she felt that he was certain elder to him in age as well as experience.

Our love has got its beautiful as well as ugly side. It has to be there otherwise we aren't normal. What I want you to do is that you live those instances happily. Try making yourself feel lively despite those horrible feelings.

I might be unknowingly hurting you at times when I don't realize about my acts. It a guy mentality. We are just careless and we don't bother about what others think with small things. Until things are very harshly said we don't realize it is meant to do any harm to someone. Our hearts are not as delicate as you think but we aren't heartless too. Emotions, pain, fear, anger, despair, resentment , ego, everything resides but all I need you to do is just realize the simple fact that I might be from a different planet but I am also like you.

It was long lecture so Arun decided to stop for a while and wait for to speak but Deepika was still as dumb as 30 minutes back. She had a frown on her face and there were lot of things running in her tiny brain( considering that the female brain is a little smaller in size than the mail brain).

Arun wanted some positive reply but he chose to continue further without that too.

There's something which I have found out from your previous complaints that you seem to have a problem with my communicating less with you. Is it still troubling you?

He asked a question expecting an answer but there wasn't.

He said to her, " Do you want to say something?"

" No", she replied sternly.

" You are angry?" Arun asked.

" No", she replied.

" You can continue, " she added.

Arun heaved a sigh of relief and said, " Okay, so you are understanding my point of view?"

" Yes".

That was something affirmative enough for him to proceed.

"Why do you have such high expectations from me when you know I am not that type to come up to those specific expectations? Do you feel that they realistic?"

She gave a horrible look.

He looked pissed off and asked, " What do you want to say? Just say it."

" Look here, I have certain expectations which I can't bring down as they are the basic expectations which any girl has. I will try to at least look for those in you, " Deepika finally spoke up after 45 minutes of silence.

"What if you don't find them in me ever?" Arun asked her seriously.

Deepika kept blinking and then said, " I don't know. I will be upset. I will tell you that I am not happy about it and ask you to help me out ."

Arun, " Uh!! again the same thing."

" Will you ever accept me Deepika?" Arun asked desperately.

" What's wrong with you Arun? I have accept you as my life partner 3 years back. What sort of a question is that?" Deepika said.

" I have always loved you and accepted you."

" That's not what I am talking about. I want you to accept that there are certain things in me which you can't expect to change overnight. I need to be accepted to feel the change coming easily, " Arun said in a soft tone.

" I don't know what you mean Arun but it is upsetting to know this from you. Why do you feel I shouldn't have any expectations from you? We all have it in us. These are not something which cannot happen. Everyone is like this, " Deepika said still sticking to her point of view.

Actually Deepika was blinded by her own ideas and fact. She never thought through Arun's point of view. She had this feeling withing her that hurt her ego which said, " Why can't he do this little thing for me ? It's not something great to be asked for."

She actually didn't realize that these changes were bound to happen only with time and freedom. Only if she gave him the freedom to change, will he change feeling happy to do something for her.

Things don't come by force or by complaining. They have to be left free.

Men need lot of acceptance and women need love.

It's difficult to strike a balance here because men know how to give acceptance easily. This includes, freedom as well and trust but for them giving out love in the form of expressions is a little slow. Women, on the other hand are very comfortable giving love but the ability to accept their man takes time.

All women are in a fantasy land.

It's those romantic movies, books, gossips or those numerous stories that inspires them to dream this way. This is somehow driving them away from reality and to take a woman out of the dream land, is a man's toughest job. This takes time and this time is not fixed. It's the man who has to take the initiative to explain to his woman that it is high time they start looking at reality.

This process is just like removing knots from a long string. We don't want the string to break but we want to remove those knots.

Arun told Deepika, " Just because I am not reading stuff on relationships doesn't mean that I don't know about them. We guys don't talk about all this but its an understanding that develops automatically. In fact, I have learnt a lot about effective communication from you. "

Someone has said, "Because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have."

" In the same way, I love you a Deepika but my way of showing love is different than you expect. Of course I realize what you like and dislike but I need that freedom and happiness to show you my love the way i can, " Arun said holding her hands tightly.

Deepika had a feeble expression on her face. She looked sad after listening to all that and she was lost in thoughts already. Arun had spoken so much and it did affect her . She managed to hold back her tears as she was realizing that she had also done a mistake. She was also very immature to understand about her relationship.

Arun felt that she was upset because what he had told and he was regretting for telling her all that. He didn't know that she was not upset with what he had told. She was upset with her own self. Complicated as women are. It's difficult to understand this until men are told about it.

Deepika was quite lost but Arun made it a point to bring her back to the normal self. He took few small beautiful flowers from a flower pot, collected them together and gave it to her and said, " Will you accept me?"

It was a surprise gesture from Arun. Deepika smiled with her heart full of mirth and alacrity. She felt so happy and surprised to see that sweet action.

It was enough for Arun. He felt relieved.

She held his hand tightly and said, " Don't worry. I am not upset with what you told me. I understand your point of view."

A drop of tear trickled from the corner of her eyes.

Love is sometimes denied, sometimes lost, sometimes unrecognized, but in the end, always found with no regrets, forever valued and kept treasured.

With you....

Courtesy- Ydntn( Vaidyanathan.S)

I look at your quizzical eyes,

I wonder what is in your mind my little one.

Is it fear, question, anxiousness, surprise or innocence?

Why do you look at me and wonder?

This is not the time for you to ponder;

I stand there thinking.... Life is going to be so wonderful with you.

The Road Trip

Courtesy - Ydntn( for the above picture)

They say that in this journey of love, one has to travel through those deserted, mist covered roads, those paths that have never been taken by anyone, the paths that pave the way for a brighter future and an endearing life ahead. Sometimes, one has to travel those paths which inspire others to follow. Those mist covered roads look beautiful but they have an emotion to convey. One has to tread on such roads and make life worth living in the name of love.

“Pass me the helmet please,” Aditya said.

She didn’t listen to him of course and was busy admiring something in his bike.

Aditya called out again but she didn’t listen. He got down from his bike to see his girl bent down and admiring the rim of the wheel behind. He questioned in his mind, “What is she finding so interested about the wheel suddenly when it’s time to leave?”

He held the handle of his bike, bent close to her and tickled at the back of her neck and ruffling her hair with his leather glove covered hand.

She got up with start as she felt tickled. There was a gleam in her eyes as she turned towards Aditya. She looked as if something important had happened.

“What sweets?” Aditya asked her.

“Do you know how to change a bike’s tyre?” she asked innocently.

“I think I know but I haven’t done it practically. I never got a chance though.”

He paused and thought for a while whether he actually knew it or not but it was of course obvious that an adventure and bike freak like him would know.

“Why are you asking me this now? We are getting late. We need to travel a lot, you know that,” he said looking at her.

Aishwarya still seemed to be in her happy world. She didn’t react to what he said.

“It’s interesting,” she said.

“What’s interesting? Getting late?” he asked in a confused tone.

He was certainly not getting what she wanted to say.

She was back to her senses then. She hit on his arm and said, “ Stupid, I am telling about the changing- the tyre- thing.”

“I know it,” she said triumphantly.

“Oh, really!!”Aditya said.

“You must be kidding.”

“No my dear, I learnt this through a website and a demonstration to change a punctured bike’s tyre. It’s interesting but I haven’t tried it personally. Look I have this instruction panel also. I just took down some points,” she said handing over few sheets of paper where she had scribbled.

“Impressive,” Aditya said.

He thought, “I never knew my girl will read about all this too, apart from those fashion and gossip magazines.”

He smiled at her while she still seemed so excited about it.

He handed over the papers to her and said, “Keep this, at least when my bike gets punctured I won’t need a mechanic.”

Aishwarya felt a great responsibility on her shoulder. She was a little cautious and she said, “You have to help me. I can’t do it alone.”

Aditya came forward, cupped his hands around her cheeks and then nudged her head with his head.

“No, I am not going to help you; I’ll just watch you Miss Mechanic.”

She was smiling innocently but she had no clue what was going on in Aditya’s mind.

“Take the helmet. We have to reach there on time before others can,” she said.

Aditya thought, “Thank God she realized it soon.”

Off they went on narrow lanes, crowded roads, busy squares, honking the horn each time stopping at signals and ready to leave the city to unravel a photo adventure story which was the topic of this competition.

“Just note down the kilometer reading in your phone, we’ll need this for documentation,” Aditya said removing the front cover of his helmet.

“Okay”, Aishwarya shouted back.

She was busy behind, holding the camera which hung around her neck, adjusting the focus so as to capture all those important landmarks which they could document. Her mind was in full action. She let Aditya do his driving comfortably without talking to him much. She had to handle his tripod behind which kept moving from one side to the other at the same time manage the heavy bag on her shoulder, take care of her hair which was already flying in the air and had entangled badly. She managed to take out a pen from her pocket and jotted down the important details on her travel guide book. They certainly had to stick to the plan they had made or else they would lose track of their route. Their aim was to write about a travel experience they had while visiting a place not known to many and had to document it with pictures.

“Adi I am not able to take good pictures, my hands are not being steady. How to change to speed mode? I don’t know anything dear. I think I’ll spoil all the important pictures. Can you slow down a bit? Can you please tell me?” Aishwarya went on and on.

Adi was smiling to himself which was certainly not visible because of the front cover. He was enjoying the confusion she was going through. He did slow down and explained things to her and she did as told. She was feeling triumphant at those small instances where she could capture what she wanted to. She kept thinking and imagining about the story as she was going to write the story with Adi’s help of course. She had her job to do. Aditya kept talking to her and asked her about which route to take which not to. They got confused and she kept blinking thinking what to do. Nevertheless, there’s always an option to ask people. When one can communicate well, there’s no problem in finding out routes.

They had chosen to go to a place which was 20 km out of the city and they had chosen a small village which was near Kananbera. It was supposed to be famous for its paddy and miller crops as well as the scenic beauty.

Aishwarya had always wanted to look at a day in the life of a villager and had wanted to experience the joy of being so close to the essence of being an India. Aditya of course had his reason which was to go on a drive as well as take his girl along.

People kept staring at them as they entered into the rural areas where the roads were proper but narrow. The municipality had taken good care of the connectivity.

“What’s the plan of action now?” Aditya asked her.

“Let’s have breakfast somewhere here. I am very hungry.”

They got down from the bike and went to a small roadside tea shop that had only one wooden bench enough for 3 people to sit. They had no other option but stick to homemade ‘tava dosa’ with a white blob of butter on top. It was served with coconut chutney and to add on there was chilly bajji with it. Aditya was so lost in his food that he had no count of the number of dosas he had consumed. Aishwarya was enjoying her coffee sipping it from a small earthen cup and looking at the paddy fields that extended quite far.

They were near their destination but there was so much to do before that. Aditya got recharged after that amazing breakfast and took a few snapshots of the scenic beauty around.

The golden sunlight and the blue sky seemed to be a description that had come alive out of those travel guide books. This was worth their visit.

The smell of the soil which was drying slowly in the sun was something which one could experience just once in such trips. The dried soil had already covered their shoes by then.

Aishwarya tried to climb on some trees which were easy to reach and half the time was spent posing for pictures that Adi took.

They didn’t talk much but they seemed to enjoy each other’s company. They had learnt to enjoy with each other’s happiness.

Aishwarya was really interested in what Aditya liked. The path ahead was not as smooth as expected. Taking note of all the places they crossed and the lanes they were entering into, Aishwarya could figure out they were just nearing that village. Aditya kept driving and they went inside. The rural part of India was unleashed. The same description that was there in books was still alive. That was the exciting part. They kept moving ahead slowly and finally found out a place where they could keep the bike, lock it and then explore the village. There happened to be a helpful fellow in whose shop that massive bike stood.

Aishwarya had already worn her cap as it was getting hotter and hotter. Aditya kept wiping the perspiration on his head and adjusted his camera to do his job. Aishwarya was relieved that finally she didn’t have to adjust the setting so much. She was happily roaming around looking at everyone. There were kids playing near a hand pump. Splashes of water were flying in the air. She could see that innocence and sense of freedom in the eyes of those kids.

She looked at Aditya clicking some candid pictures and said putting her hand on his shoulders, “I wish I could just forget the world and enter into that pool of water. Girls have to be so conscious about things. Huh!”

Aditya took his eyes from the camera and look at her. He said with a big grin rolling his eyes and copying Aishwarya’s gesture, “Here comes your next dialogue: You lucky guys.”

He said this and started laughing. She glared at him and put her hands around her waist.

“We lucky guys- The losers,” he continued.

She heard this and frowned as he was still laughing. She made a face and turned around and walked off throwing the bag on the ground.

Aditya was still smiling at her. He dusted the bag and called her out in a very sweet tone. In his hearts of hearts he knew she’ll smile.

His camera was ready and as she turned there was that same smile that he always got flattered with.

There went the camera. Aishwarya could just see the wide smile as his face was covered by the camera.

She said, “Enough of photography. Let’s go to some of the houses here and ask them where we can get a nice staple diet of the villagers.

The shady place, the hot sun, the itchy grass didn’t seem to irritate her then. She took out her diary and started jotting down some points which she could mention in that coverage story.

Aishwarya thought, “I don’t feel poetic but I feel like a writer today.”

“I am enjoying this, “she said with a contented look on her face.

“So am I,” Aditya said.

They found some helpful villagers who showed the way to the paddy fields and they managed to go half way but Aishwarya was scared of insects biting her so she walked back.

Some of the helpful women were kind enough to let her into their houses and let her have a look at the lifestyle. She explained to them in the local language that she was taking all the information for a cover story. She boasted a lot just to get enough matter to write an amazing story.

Aditya said, “This is not done. Cheating!”

Sticking out her tongue at him she said, “Everything is fair.”

They continued this session for a while and had a typical lunch what the villagers had.

Boiled rice, dal, vegetables, cool water from a mud pot, few chapati’s and to end with, there was butter milk. Nothing could beat the homely food and the cool place. The best thing to do was to sit on the floor and eat in those huge round steel thalis. It seemed so much like a travel and living episode.

When Aishwarya’s mind worked more she spoke less and Aditya was spared this time with her non- stop talks.

They went back to the place where the bike was kept. The seat wasn’t hot, thanks to that shopkeeper, it received enough shade.

They moved a bit ahead. Aditya was a little slow this time while driving as the roads were not laid down properly. There were huge stones jutting out so every now and then he was losing balance. They managed to move ahead. It was time for rest. They found a huge banyan tree where they could sit under the shade.

It was certainly the time to relax and talk. Aishwarya was fully equipped with a small blanket to sit on and a packet of jiggery coated groundnut. They spoke for some time, closed their eyes and dosed off resting their head on each other’s shoulders and the back on the tree trunk.

Aishwarya was woken up because an ant bit her on her hand.

“Ouch!” she screeched.

They woke up with a start and there was a red eruption on her hand.

They had no idea that it was half an hour that they were still sitting there.

It was time to head back because their idea was to reach home before it was dark.

There was nothing much to explore while going back and they had no energy left to stop and look around. Aishwarya was doing her job well and while returning she held Aditya tightly as he rode and fell asleep while he was driving.

It happened so that Aditya spoke about his bike and the mileage for 5 minutes and this girl was already taking her nap resting on his back and holding him tight.

He realized that and said, “Girl, you are sleeping? Open your eyes and look around.”

“Dude, I am bored. Let’s just go back home,” she said in a desperate tone.

“I can’t sit on this bike anymore.”

She giggled and giggled saying this and in another 1 hour they were back home. Aditya could feel the tiredness once he got fresh and fell flat on the bed.

Aishwarya was full charged up after a hot water shower.

She sat down with her hair tied in a neat knot. Wore her glasses, took out the notepad, opened a new page on Microsoft Word and wrote: The Road Trip.