SS in Progress : Mrs and Mr Khanna ... Update on pg 275 - Page 136

She also knew that 15 plus years were actually a long time, and during these hopeless years, they had both taken a lot of steps which time has proved to be inadequate. And wrong.

She wished and hoped that things would ease out between them. For their own sake. And their kids.

She suddenly felt a tug and turned around. Nachiket was standing there, her fingers in his hand. He seemed earnest.

Come Ragini, let's go and explore the beach, he said. It's a crime to waste such a beautiful day.

Ragini smiled and interlocked her fingers with his. Coming closer, she placed her palm over his chest and whispered

If whatever that is worrying you is so worrying, then probably we don't need it in our lives.

Nachiket shook his head imperceptibly and leant in to kiss her lightly on her lips. He tasted butter.

They were on their last bite, when Nachiket exclaimed, "Chalo Ragini, jaldi karo, we are getting late". "Kahan Nachiket?", she asked taken by complete surprise. "One of the surprises, I have planned", he answered with casual pride. Ragini, smiled with joy, well aware that his plans were always extraordinary. She absolutely loved his surprises.

They had been driving for 10 minutes, Ragini getting impatient by the minute, and Nachiket thoroughly enjoying her restlessness. For what seemed like a 100th time, she asked again "Where are we going Nachiket? You said you wanted to go to the beach na? why are we driving? ". Nachiket smiled again, making her even more anxious.

Finally, the car was parked. Nachiket, pointed to a bunch of people lined up on the dock. "Woh kya hai?", Ragini questioned with utmost curiosity. "We are going on a dolphin tour, on that boat", he answered pointing to a big, beautiful 2 story boat, which the people had already started to board. As the information and the idea sunk in, her excitement rose.

Nachiket and Ragini, occupied a good spot on the deck, as the boat started to speed into the ocean, leaving the land far behind. Ragini looked gorgeous than ever, clad in the spaghetti strapped blue kurta, with wind blowing her hair, in perfect waves.

Nachiket held Ragini, in a hug from behind, as they lost themselves to the infinite blue waves surrounding them. The boat then, slowed down, for everyone to spot the dolphins. Luckily for them, the dolphins put up an excellent show, diving in and out of the water in spectacular patterns, delighting the viewers. Ragini and Nachiket were amused beyond extent and thoroughly cherished the moment.

The show was soon over, and the boat turned around. They made their way to the enclosed lower level, that provided seats, snacks and drinks. They were sat with coffee, blissfully observing the different shades of blue/green that the ocean offered, when the same woman from last night approached them.

"Hi, I didnt know you were on the same boat Neil", she exclaimed in surprise. Nachiket, mumbled an indiscreet Hi, avoiding eye contact with her. Ragini felt awkward at his response. "Good to see you again", she responded in a friendly tone. "Neil, are you ok?", the woman inquired, giving a small smile to Ragini. "Neil I was suppose to meet Pam today, but she changed her schedule, so I ended up on this boat", she added, taking both Nachiket and Ragini by surprise. Ragini's face immediately fell, as she realized, Pam was travelling all the way to meet this woman and Nachiket had failed to recognize her. "Did he really not know her?", she wondered in dismay. Nachiket, gulped down a few sips of coffee, to help with his now dried throat, as he struggled to answer. "Pam?", Ragini asked confused. "Yes, we have been very good friends from New York, although me and Neil had met even before I became friends with Pam, Right Neil?", she asked turning towards him. Nachiket nodded indifferently, which bothered Ragini further. "By the way, you havent changed one bit, you look as hot as you did.. was it 12/13 years ago?, when we were together", she complimented with a smile, before taking leave.

"Nachiket, do you remember her?", Ragini asked sternly expecting a simple answer. He, couldnt decide how much to tell her and in what words, for she was one of the 3 girls he had intimately spent a night with, years ago... One of the darkest nights, of which, he was now brutally reminded of.

Ragini eyes stared expectantly, while Nachiket fiddled, Just then the boat docked up, and they were advised to exit. They sat in the car, and started to drive. Nachiket had not spoken a word and was still sweating. Ragini noticed his unrest and to help ease, suggested they tour the beautiful cathedral she spotted in a distant. Nachiket didnt object and they were soon walking into the huge sculpted french doors of the magnificent church...