chapter 14

Chapter 14A taste of MaldivesThey got ready and reached the bustling market, which had colourful stalls selling a variety of beachwear, beautiful shells and knick-knacks made from shells. She bought a toy made of shells for her niece, a pair of fine looking sunglasses for her brother and shell combs for his wife. Ved wondered what she would buy for herself, but she announced that her shopping was over. “That is it? You have not bought anything for yourself?” He stared at her surprised. The girl standing beside him was all about giving and caring, so selfless, so different from all the others he knew. Any other woman he knew would have picked up armloads of clothes and accessories by now – and he would have been carrying some for her too! He picked up one shell comb and wedged it into her hair. “There, that completes your ensemble,” he declared, paid for all her purchases and ushered her out of the shop. He ignored her protests and walked on. They stopped by their hotel room to drop off her purchases and then went to the beach. Ishiqa felt out of place as it seemed to be filled with romantic couples. The beach was lined with swaying coconut trees and yachts bobbed on the sea. Couples, completely oblivious to others, snuggled up to each other, or walked hand in hand enjoying the cool breeze. “Do you want to try sailing a yacht?” Ved asked, touching her elbow. She nodded.After almost half an hour, the yacht returned to the shore. Ishiqa had absolutely loved feeling the sea breeze on her face and in her hair. She had clutched Ved’s arm as the vessel picked up speed, but did not seem afraid at all. Watching her, Ved couldn’t help admire her sporting spirit and enthusiasm. “Marvellous,” Ishiqa sighed with pleasure as the yacht trip came to an end.It was getting dark as the sun set, dipping into the ocean in flames of gold. Ved and Ishiqa sat down companionably, drawing circles on the wet sand and quietly watching others around them building castles and chatting. As the night approached, the two headed back. A few dim lights filtered on to the beach from a nearby hut that served as a restaurant and soothing soft music played into the stillness of the night. To her utter surprise, Ved suddenly stepped in front of her, dropped down to his knees, and asked chivalrously, “May I have the pleasure of a dance?” She raised an eyebrow and giggled, then pressed her hand into his. He raised it to his lips and kissed it. He stood up, and they faced each other in the blissful night, the moon and the stars their only lights. Entwined in each other’s arms, their bodies moved to a slow hypnotic rhythm, his hand resting on her waist and hers on his shoulder. He started to hum the song, “I’ve… had… the time of my life” and then put his arms around her waist, holding her against him, her head on his chest. Ved pushed her hair back planted a soft kiss on the nape of her neck. She shivered with excitement. She felt his magnetism pull her to him, and felt helpless in the face of her strong attraction to him. She had no will of her own as she turned to jelly in his arms, the exotic atmosphere around them further enhancing the romance. He bent low, his cheek touching hers and they danced thus, the sand sifting through their toes, making her feel unstable. She rested on him for support. He seemed so strong and sure of himself.He lifted her up in his arms and gazed at her. Without warning, he increased the tempo of the dancing, and she waltzed around him. He held her by her finger and she twirled around him. They were breathing hard, and suddenly, she slithered down in a heap on the sand.She looked up, her eyes shining, her cheeks glowing. He leaned forward. She grinned at him. “Say what? Let us race to that restaurant out there.” Before he could reply, she leapt up and ran. “That is not fair,” he gasped and ran after her. He caught up with her just as she was about to reach the restaurant, picked her up, twirled her in a circle and then dropped her onto the sand. He made headway this time and she laughed and shouted, “Hey, that’s cheating!” When they finally returned to their room, exhausted but happy, the reality of their being alone hit her afresh and she escaped to the bathroom on the pretext of changing. When she came out dressed in a cute teddy night suit, his heart lurched to see her slim, vulnerable form.“What now?” she demanded as he continued drinking in her beauty. “You are giving me ideas,” he whispered huskily. Her heart completely melted when he looked at her like that. But she said firmly. “You are giving me ideas too, Ved. I don’t need to tell you where the sofa is. Good night. ” He laughed softly and went to change. When he returned, she was already asleep. He covered her with the sheet and dropped a soft kiss on her forehead.