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Her legs were slightly shaky. She stayed in the water for a few more moments, once again feeling oddly confused. And then, sucking a deep breath, she swam to join him.
He had already dried his body and pulled up his shorts. Slipping on his t-shirt, he handed her his towel with an unreadable look. Her cheeks heated as she pulled up her bra and fastened it. She then dried herself with the towel before wearing back her dress.
“Let’s go,” he said.
It took two hours to head back. She still felt confused about his behavior.
When they reached the bike, they didn’t stay at the beach. He asked her to get on the bike before taking them to a different place.
The beach had a few people, who looked more like the island locals than the tourists. He stopped the bike at a shack that was situated right on the beach. It was a small local seafood restaurant called Mumu’s Café.
The restaurant owner received them warmly, especially because Riya, who had recommended the place, had called and told her sister beforehand.
They were seated on one of the wooden benches that had an uninterrupted view of the ocean. Only a few children could be seen at a distance flying kites on the beach. Sitara smiled when one of them waved at her. She waved back.
When she turned, she caught Aarav watching her.
“What?” she asked.
His mouth twisted. “You remind me of a girl I used to know,” he said.
She knew he was referring to how she used to be seven years ago, before events in her life had changed her. First it was her parents and brother dying. And then, it was leaving him after he shattered her heart. And then, it was losing Dheeraj in a shocking way.
There wasn’t much spirit left inside her when she left him and got married. Although she loved her profession and was considered successful in her professional life, there hadn’t been a whole lot to smile about in her personal life.
The food arrived a few minutes later. Aarav had nearly ordered everything on the menu. But shockingly, they finished all of it. The trek had increased her appetite and the food tasted amazing.
“These are the best crab cakes I’ve eaten, Mrs. Fernandes,” Sitara said with a smile. “I love the prawn and fish curry too. And your coconut cake dessert is to die for.”
The woman’s face lit up with pleasure. “Thank you, Mrs. Rathod.”
The restaurant owner suggested a local market that was nearby to shop.
The market was bustling, but Aarav didn’t object to the crowd since all of them were locals.
Her eyes fell on a necklace made of colorful shells along with a matching bracelet. She loved it and wore the set right away. But since she only had credit cards and didn’t have enough cash, Aarav paid for it. It felt odd, but she made a note to remember to pay him back.
It was late afternoon when they began heading back. She held on to Aarav as the powerful bike raced through the roads by the beaches.
Knowing she might never get the chance to go on another bike ride again, she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
It was evening and the sun had begun to set by the time they reached the store where they had rented the bike earlier that day. Dropping the bike off, they walked back to the cruise ship.
They were greeted by the cruise ship staff.
“Welcome back to Symphony, sir, madam. Hope you had a wonderful day.”
“Yes, thank you,” Sitara said with a smile.
“Would you like to avail in-suite couple massage services today?”
“Not today.” She wasn’t too tired. Her body felt charged after the experience of bike ride, trek to the waterfall and lunch by the sea outing.
“Any dinner reservation, sir and madam? Perhaps at the skylight restaurant?”
She only wanted a light meal since she was still full from the delicious yet heavy lunch. Aarav didn’t say anything, so Sitara replied.
“We’ll order in,” she said.
