The storm had passed, leaving the island drenched but alive with a fresh, earthy aroma. Ria woke up to find Arun's side of the bed empty. She rubbed her eyes and looked around, spotting a note on the bedside table.
Good morning! Meet me at the beach by the big palm tree. Bring your adventurous spirit.
Curious and slightly amused, Ria got ready quickly and made her way to the beach. The morning sun was soft, and the sand still cool under her feet. Arun was waiting under the shade of a tall palm tree, holding a map in one hand and a cheeky grin on his face.
"Good morning, treasure hunter," he greeted.
"Treasure hunter?" Ria asked, raising an eyebrow.
Arun unfolded the map, revealing a hand-drawn layout of the island with several "X" marks scattered across it.
"I found this in the resort's activity center," he said. "Apparently, there's a local tradition where guests follow clues to discover hidden 'treasures' left by other visitors."
Ria couldn't help but smile. "You really went all out with these surprises, didn't you?"
He shrugged. "Well, I figured it'd be a fun way to spend the day. Plus, I thought it might give us another story to laugh about."
Their first clue led them to a small cove on the far side of the island. As they searched for the hidden item, Arun managed to trip over a root, landing in the shallow water.
"Graceful as ever," Ria teased, helping him up.
"Laugh it up," Arun said, shaking water from his hands. "At least I'm putting in the effort here."
Eventually, they uncovered a small waterproof box containing a letter from a previous couple who had done the treasure hunt years ago. The note was simple but heartfelt, wishing future seekers joy and love in their journeys.
"This is actually kind of sweet," Ria said, reading the letter aloud.
"It is," Arun agreed. "It's like a little reminder that everyone has their own adventures, but we're all connected in some way."
Their next clue led them to a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean. The view was breathtaking, and Ria paused to take it all in.
"This island has so many hidden gems," she said.
Arun leaned against the rocks, watching her. "It's not the only thing with hidden layers."
Ria turned to him, smirking. "Is that supposed to be about me?"
He laughed. "You said it, not me."
As they searched the area, they found another box tucked between the rocks. This one contained a pair of bracelets made of colorful beads.
"These must have been handmade," Ria said, running her fingers over the beads.
Arun took one and slipped it onto her wrist. "A little souvenir from our treasure hunt."
Ria smiled, fastening the other one around his wrist. "Now we match. Perfect for a team of treasure hunters."
The final clue brought them to the resort's small garden, where they found a beautifully carved wooden box hidden under a cluster of hibiscus flowers. Inside was a folded piece of paper.
"It's another letter," Arun said, opening it.
But as he read the first line, he froze, his expression shifting.
"What is it?" Ria asked, her curiosity piqued.
Arun handed her the letter, his eyes locked on hers.
It wasn't just a generic note left by strangers. It was a letter addressed to Ria, written in Arun's handwriting.
Ria,
I know this trip has been full of surprises, but I wanted to make this last one special. From the moment we met, you've brought color, adventure, and meaning to my life in ways I never expected. I know we've faced challenges, but each one has only made me more certain of what I feel for you.
You're my treasure, Ria. And today, I want to ask you something that I've been carrying in my heart for a while.
Ria looked up, her eyes wide. Arun was now kneeling in front of her, holding a small velvet box.
"Ria," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "will you marry me?"
Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at him, the weight of the moment settling over her. She thought of all the ups and downs they had been through, the laughter, the doubts, the growth.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice breaking with emotion. "Yes, I will."
Arun slipped the ring onto her finger, and they embraced, the garden around them seeming to bloom brighter in celebration.
As they stood there, holding each other, Ria couldn't help but smile. This treasure hunt had led her to more than hidden boxes and trinkets—it had led her to the certainty that Arun was her true partner in life.