She was an excellent hiker. She held stones her legs were placed nicely. She even brought a stick. She took rest ate snacks when ever needed.
In the journey she showed him many old idols of Buddhist and pre medieval period.
He asked appropriate questions, let her talk and LISTENED.
"Listen to what she says, show genuine interest in what she does, let her initiate the proximity", his dad has taught him. " Care for her Vicky. Girls like caring and funny boys".
He remembered every teaching well.
" So did Invaders destroyed these idols", he said pointing to one without head.
" This one for sure", she said. " But the negligence of our own people caused erosion and more destruction.
" So are you looking for a museum to keep them", he asked.
" No Vicky", she sighed. " These mountains, caves, carvings in them, idols these represent evolving of our culture and art. We are looking at scientific development as early as 6th century. Instead of keeping them in museum, lets restore this place. Make it a cultural hheritage."
Vicky noticed her eyes would shine as she speaks about historical places.
" What is the problem"?
" Money of course", she said. " But history and archeological departments all over Mumbai are signing petition and asking donations to preserve this".
HISTORICAL ADVENTURE IS IT A POSSIBILITY. Anything for her he thought.
"Tea time", he said. He took out the thermos and her cup with a few snacks. He had his black coffee which was in a small thermo mug.
They joked and she clicked his pictures as he gave her a shy smile.
Swiftly they reached the canon hills.
" This is mostly British", she said. As Mumbai developed into port city, protection from pirates was needed".
" Excuse me", Vicky asked a passerby.
" Yes".
" Can you click our picture with the canon"?
" Yeah why not".
As they both held hands and smiled to the camera with the backdrop of mountains, setting sun and canon he clicked a perfect picture.
" You are a beautiful couple. Be together always".
Riya looked longingly after him as he left. MAY WHAT YOU SPOKE BE TRUE.
" Riya he doesn't know we are friends", said Vicky. If he pushes she will panic again.
" Hmm okay", she smiled.
The descent was slow. They were tired. She took frequent breaks. Damyanti had packed home made cookies on which they happily munched. As she reached the foot she was really tired.
" No more adventures", she said to him. " I want my yought here". He knew this. He had already summoned it. He showed her the yought.
" Yay", she jumped. " Piggy ride, piggy ride", she said and climbed on his back. Manav gave her these when they were young.
Vicky laughed but carried her.
The crew wished them. They sat on the deck as the boat started. The sun was immersed in the Arabian sea. The sea turned all red , orange and blue as if sky was softly kissing the water. And with that the weather changed. Breeze became wind but she remained on deck enjoying it.
" Soon seagulls began surrounding the boat.
" Here offer them leftovers and popcorns ", said Vicky.
Riya was overjoyed in feeding the birds.
They made a large noise as they circled her flapping their wings.
Hoog hoog flap flap...
" You like it", she started talking to them. " Here is more..hey hey.. there is enough for everyone. Don't fight", she scolded them like a teacher.
Vicky chuckled . No change in her.
The memories hit him again.
Gunjan feeding sparrows.
Gunjan scolding them..
" I keep separate grains for you. Why do you have to eat ours and spoil them"?
Chirp chirp
The sparrows fought back.
" And you poo all over. Now I need to clean it. Why can't you poo in the garden?"
Srikant chuckled.
She was so innocent.
Vicky remembered,
No sparrow came to their house after her death. They all sat on a nearby tree and chirped in a mournful tone.
Tears came to his eyes. She had so much love to give to others. But what did he give her? Misery.
" Vicky", she asked. " What happened "?
She was concerned.
" Dust went in my eye", he lied. " The wind is strong".
She giggled.
" Okay all done..bye", she said to the birds.
Hoog hoog
It was like they too wished her good bye and they left.
" That was wonderful ", she said to him.
She started humming a love song. He joined with whistles. It was romantic.
Swiftly they reached the beach. A light drizzle has started by then. The crew handed him a big umbrella. They both walked under it holding it.
NEITHER OF THEM WISHED TO LEAVE.
" Lets go for a bagghi(horse cart) ride", said Vicky to prolong this proximity with her.
" Okay".
" 400 bucks", she argued with the bagghi driver." Tuktuk takes me around the Marine Drive for 100".
" Madam its luxourious. Its raining and night time", argued driver
They went on and on and settled on 250.
" I saved you 150 bucks", she said happily to Vicky.
" I'll buy you flowers", he smiled.
They sat together in each other's embrace as the baggi circled the lighted up Queen's Necklace around the Arabian. The rain continued its pitter patter.
Riya's heart was beating fast. Vicky my love, my soulmate. Vikram was no different. I want you my wife.
What was stopping them?
" Flowers for the pretty lady", said a street hawker.
Vikram bought a bouquet of Red roses for her.
Red symbol of life. Rose symbol of love
The love of my life
Their chemistry was so strong that it radiated in the atmosphere..the drizzle remained as it turned smoky..an incense created a magic..roses were blooming and sweet scent filled the atmosphere....
The ride ended but not the yearning.
They were not ready to say their goodbyes..
" I had a good time today. Thanks Riya", he said but refused to leave her hand.
" Me too", she said. " Best day of my life", she whispered.
" I really like you", he tried to be a little bold.
" Vicky I.I.."
She looked at him longingly with yearning in her doe eyes..
Her face was flushed. Lips parted and eyes teary.
DAMN IT DAMN IT DAMN IT..
" Bye Vicky", she said softly hugging him. Then she turned to leave.
I love you remained in her heart..
" DO HELL WITH IT", he roared.
He pulled her towards him. As they collided he slammed his lips on hers.
There was nothing soft about the kiss. He was quenching his thirst. A thirst of FOUR CENTURIES. Like a starved one he gulped her sweetness. He l*cked and softly bit her lip. Riya moaned in his mouth. She hugged him so tight even air couldn't pass between them. She was anchored to him. It was like she was lost but saved by him. Their tongues clashed as they did a m* ting dance. His hands wandered on her c*rves while hers on his strong biceps and pectorals. They were lost completely. IN EACH OTHER. It lasted for a few moments or minutes.. or this ultimate culmination of their feelings lasted a lifetime.
Who knows and who cares?
They were in their own bubble where they belonged to each other. In a distance they heard someone shouting and a hooted whstle but their mind was not on it. She was floating high in air, a feeling of belonging, a joy an ectasy out of the world a..
" RIYA"
Someone pulled her hard from Vicky's embrace and pushed him back.
" Nooooo", she protested.
" RIYA WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING", came a sharp female voice.
She looked at the other person in confusion.
" Something which you can never do Shrew", came a mocking voise. " Giving her man a p*ssionate kiss", said an amusing voice.
And the bubble burst..
" N.numan, Z.zoya", said Riya.
" Hello little one", said Numaan.
" Pleased to see that you are not Manav", Numaan said to Vikram amusingly.
Vikram was irritated by this interruption. His eyes were stormy. The weather which turned bad reflected his mood.
" No he is most certainly not Manav", shreiked Zoya. " This is Vikram Oberoi a serial womanizer and a pathetic person". She was angry. " LEAVE HER ALONE",she hissed to Vicky.
" Zoya no", said Riya weakly.
" Riya he is using you. I told you he is bad news".
" Let her decide her priorities ", said Numaan seriously.
" What's going on here", came an authoritative voice.
It was Salman. Zoya's fiance and Assistant Commissioner of Police.
"We were leaving", said Zoya pulling Riya.
" Riya come here", said Vicky.
She slowly shook her head looking down.
" Riya please".
She kept on crying.
He went and held her hands.
" Riya listen"
" Bye Vicky ", she said pathetically.
" Lets go", said Zoya as she took Riya with her.
Vicky started moving behind her.
" Back off Mr. Oberoi", said Salman standing between them. He was equally tall and well built.
" Who the f*ck are you interfering in my personal matters", screamed Vicky.
" Umm he is police", someone seperated the two men. " Brother go with Riya and the witch. I tackle matters here".
Salman glared at Vikram and left.
" Mr Oberoi", said Numaan.
" WHAT"?
" Ummm let her go now", said Numaan." She likes you but let her realise it on her own. Give her space and time".
" Thanks for your useless advice", Vikram said still looking after them.
" You are the one we all need", said Numaan. "My little Riya did good".
" She is not your anything", said Vicky angrily.
" Chill bro, my sister", said Numaan. " Take my card. Give a call. Maybe we can meet".
Then he left as Vicky absent mindedly pocketed his cads.
Once again the wotld tore them apart. What will this separation bring. Pain or something else.
Keep reading.
In my Devil's Arms..❤❤