chapter 17

Chapter 17Magical momentsWhen they returned from the hospital after Ishiqa’a tetanus shot, Ved noticed some dancers on the beach. He grasped her hand and guided her to the beach. They sat down to enjoy the performance as native dancers of the Maldives danced around a bonfire. Wearing skirts and bikini tops, the women danced to the beat of the drums and the men performed acrobatic stunts. Ved got up. “I will be back,” and he vanished into the trees. He came back with a garland of fragrant flowers and put it around Ishiqa’s neck.  “Whaaaat?” she exclaimed startled.“Shhh...” He placed a finger on her lips. He put a flower in her hair and tied two small ones around her wrists. He bent to kiss the insides of her wrists.“You look just like them… Come, dance, my darling,” his voice caressed her.She shyly refused, but the dancers came up cheerfully and pulled her into their circle. She caught hold of his wrist and pulled him too. But he hung back, clicking pictures of her in her orange wraparound skirt and sleeveless white top. The orange and white flowers enhanced her beauty as she charmed her way stealthily into his heart. He was smitten by her, there was no denying it. He turned away, unable to bear the ache of desire.For dinner she changed into a red satin dress. The soft material revealed her slim figure. She had never worn a dress like this before, and was amazed at what good taste he had in clothes. Today, she wanted to cherish every magical moment before they returned to face reality in India. Her feet were encased in high black heels and they clicked on the floor as she walked towards the table where Ved was waiting for her.  The cool blue water of the swimming pool, reflecting the lights from the hotel, danced as the wind teased it into patterns of dazzling lights. An orchestra was playing romantic hits and a fire juggler went around showing off his skill. A strawberry scented candle placed in the centre of the table emitted a refreshing fragrance as its dancing golden flame tried to stand upright against the teasing breeze.Ved’s heart did a somersault as his eyes took in her appearance. He felt his body rock with unconsumed passion. He stood up automatically as she took a seat opposite him, and then sat down, still staring unblinkingly at her. She straightened her hair, which danced in the breeze, falling over her face; the lights from the candle lit up her dazzling dress alluringly. “You look ravishing tonight, delectable enough to eat,” he whispered throatily.Her heart missed several beats. She looked at him from under her eyelashes, trying to look nonchalant and in control. Her mind tried to conjure up smart rejoinders but only a lame, “Ved, you!” came out.He held up his hands. “I know, I promised. But scarlet is your colour. All I want to do right now is to take you in my arms and see you go wild with passion and desire. I want to see you burn for me, as I am burning for you.” She laughed in pleasure but seeing that he really meant it, kicked his leg with her heels. “Stop or I am leaving!” she exclaimed, embarrassed.“Ouch!” he said, rubbing his shin. “I get the message loud and clear, my tempting beauty,” he said but his eyes spoke a different tale. As if he could see through her shallow protests. Ved placed a hand on her palm, which was resting on the table. She gently extricated it and put her hands in her lap. She looked down, unable to look into his eyes that were burning with desire. A waiter brought them back to the present. “What will you have?” Ved asked her, clearing his throat. They placed their orders. The magic of the evening, despite the interruption, hadn’t dissolved completely. “Come let us play a game.” He smiled at her evident nervousness. He asked a passing waiter for two pens and started to draw on the paper napkins. She was relieved that it was only ‘Tic tac toe’ and she joined in enthusiastically.  Ved suddenly said that her earring was missing. Startled, she got distracted, putting her hands up to her ears, and he completed the game and won. “Why, this is cheating!” Ishiqa cried out. “Everything is fair in love and war. Haven’t you ever heard of that?” Laughing, he raised an eyebrow. “I don’t care. We are going to play this game again, this does not fetch you any points,” Ishiqa pouted. “Oh come on, be a sport!” He chuckled as she put down her pen sulkily on the table. “How cute you look, pouting like a child.”“Don’t you call me a child!” Her eyes flashed angrily. “Child, child, child,” he chanted, riling her further. She picked up her fork in her hands. “I am warning you, Ved,” she said in a menacing tone.He laughed again, “I really am scared, my temptress.” She put down the fork with a thud. “Oh, you really are impossible! And don’t look at me like that now.” He tried ineffectively to stop laughing but failed miserably. She was thankfully saved from further conversation, as the waiter arrived with their soups and starters. Polishing off the sumptuous meal they walked beside the pool under the starry night, laughing like two children, remembering their game. Before returning to the room, Ved checked at the desk about their return bookings for the morning flight.Â