<1>
"Hey Sameer. I'll be late home. Have a code drop and the entire team is under pressure. Please don’t wait for me. Do not bolt, just lock the house and I shall step in late; I have my keys" -said Saadhana and hung her mobile. She indeed had a long tough day, but had already stepped out from office and was standing on the highway that cuts through her office complex. The highway she was on stretched the length of the state. Saadhana would travel kms to her office everyday which was on the other end of the city. Tall buildings stretched before her, running like an impassable barrier. She stood at the corner of the highway where the road found its winding path through village passes connecting to the outskirts.
The weather was chill. Bangalore nights are known for it, specially if it is during sep-dec. The pre late-night darkness along with the nearby brightness of street and neon lighting hid the road side vendors and even the street from view but for the vehicles roaring by. The cold gushy wind was blowing Saadhana’s long dark hair from behind her ears covering her sight of the approaching vehicles. She wore a blue embroidered saree and a blouse that was a tight long sleeved soft knit fabric of a darker shade than her flowy saree complimenting her skin tone.
A white indica just then sped along eating up miles on the highway. The driver stopped by the yellow post where Saadhana was standing, opened the door briskly and headed to her asking if she was the one who booked the cab to Shyamnagar. Saadhana confirmed the booking that was in her name and after a struggle to pull open the passenger door, she said firmly to the driver "The Tamarind Cove resort. Head to the road adjoining Shyamnagar". She sat comfortably and politely ordered to run close the windows, turn on the ac and music.
Without an obvious stare, the driver side-glanced at her to notice the fresh yellow knot around Saadhana's neck and the thick red sacred powder(kumkum) on her forehead which sent a clueless trace of a newly married lady. In all his heart he wondered what she was running away from or running eagerly towards. Hundreds of questions ran thro' his mind. Was she not happy with her marriage? Was she eloping away? Was it that she was joining her husband who was waiting at the other end? All the "Was she?" "What if? " "But why" ? - questions were silenced by his just-stick-to-duty attitude. As a driver he would see people of many colors and this was yet another to him.
Rafi's music was being played at the back and Saadhana much appreciated it. Shyamnagar approached. Saadhana paid for the cab, thanked the driver with a corporate gesture and got on her way to "The Tamarind Cove resort" whose huge entrance was seen from the end of the road.
<2>
Tamarind Cove was a five star property having best of all facilities and comforts. It had a unique blend of Muzhal and Hindu culture aesthetically designed and architected. The luxurious resort spanned across a sprawling 20 acres plot along the side of palm groves facing the dancing ripples of a waterfall. It made a tranquil spot away from the city life.
Saadhana went there to confirm her booking and monitor herself the decorations and arrangements she had ordered for. She examined everything in her plan, right from the reception, food, the special room, recreation package etc. She did not want her special day to be a miss!
As she was run through her plan by the resort manager, her thoughts wandered
~ imagine being lost in a faraway place surrounded by lush greenery, whispering solitude… imagine being on a dreamy date with your loved one along calm and serene bushes that never seem to end. This was what she longed for, for the past one week. She was happy she planned it well.
Saadhana verified her booking, booked a taxi from the resort to drop her back home. It was past 11 by the time she reached. She quietly slid the door to find Sameer switching TV channels with sleep in his eyes. He gave her a warm hug and enquired how her day was. They then hit the bed.
<3>
Day dawns upon. The early morning bell rings...Both Saadhana and Sameer spring up to the maid servant's wakeup alarm hardly remembering the day that was. They greet each other with a morning kiss and step out to the door. They yawn, stretch and rub the sleep from their eyes, standing at the door expecting the maid servant."Good morning Sir. Here is a booking in your name for an exclusive holiday at Tamarind Cove resort. This is a special gift from Mrs Saadhana Sameer Sir. Wish you a great day Sir." So saying, a driver-in-white hands Sameer a bouquet and says, "I shall wait out to pick you to our resort, Sir". Before he could finish, yet another neatly dressed, driver-looking man appears from behind and greets "Hello, I am from Tamarind Cove resort. There is a gift for Mrs. Saadhana for a special day-out at our resort. An exquisite gift from Mr Sameer." Saadhana and Sameer look at each other. A sense of surprise runs through their spines. Each had planned the same to party their first month after wedding - "A day out at the most elite resort at the outskirts of the city".. Isn’t this true love, true understanding of what the other person's likes is? Isn’t this an evidence of a real two-way connection? - For a second both get lost in such thoughts. They dismiss one driver and get ready for the most special holiday they ever had.
"Never had such a beautiful day. I truly felt like in a fairy tale being in the arms of the man I loved so much, a whole day just for ourselves in such a beautiful place" - Saadhana tells Sameer on their way back home at the end of their date. Its indeed a day to cherish - adds Sameer. The Honda City that they were in honks at the gate of their apartment to drop the couple back.The driver honks and honks..honks and honks...
beep beep...beep beep....beep beep...beep beep....
trnnn trnnnnn...trnn trnnnnn...
"Hey Saadhana cant you hear the alarm go by for long...get up..get ready for the day..you said you can’t afford a day off..get going honey"..”Oops! I thought that was the car honking..Oh My God! where am I? was that just a dream?? Huh! Never mind, I better get a quick wrap to office." says Saadhana, the sleepy head. "Sweet heart...Love you. It’s been a month since we are married. Sorry I can’t take the day off and make it special for us. Have a meeting with the client." she continues. "Oh that’s alright honey..I thought you wanted some celebration for the day...Was afraid if you had planned something and I couldn’t make to it.. I have a presentation at work. Well, one month isn’t a big deal and it’s to be celebrated by those who just count the days. I wish and entreat we have many such months unfurling into years and years into ages marking this togetherness forever. Isn’t that true celebration???" - ushers Sameer. Few drops roll down from Saadhana's eyes..."Never knew we think so alike! Love you", she whispers(she meant her dream too :)).
