The taxi winds its way through breathtaking scenery. Hills, rivulets, meadows and tea gardens open up on each side of them. They sit hand in hand, soaking in each other's eyes as much as in the beauty breaking upon them.
Casting a furtive glance at the driver to make sure he is not peeping at them through his rear-view mirror, Armaan whispers, "Jassi, I can't wait….."
She looks wide-eyed at him. "For what?"
Armu sighs and gives her a glance of mingled exasperation and amusement. "Jassi, main iss taxi mein baitha-baitha bore ho raha hun….mera mann kar raha hai ki yahin taxi rok kar hum log iss khoosurat jagah ko explore kare…..aur thodi-si privacy bhi dhoond le….." he finishes with a meaningful smile.
She pushes him away warningly. "Koi zaroorat nahin……ab Dharmshala pahunch kar hi apne saare "armaan" poore karna!"😃
He leans back in his seat with an air of exaggerated disappointment. She looks out of the window to hide her laughter.
Reaching their hotel, the first thing Armaan does when they are alone is to pull her in his arms. She squeals and protests, but not too strongly. "Armaan…hum log abhi-abhi toh aaye hai!"
Armaan: (snuggling his head on her shoulder) Tabhi toh….yahaan aate hi mujhe bahut zyada sardi lag rahi hai….chalo razai mein warm up ho jaate hai!
Jassi: (going red) No!
Armu: (masterfully) Yes!
He lifts her up and carries her to the bed. Setting her down on the soft covers, he is just about to climb in himself when the bell rings discreetly. Armu grits his teeth. "Ab kaun hai?"
Jassi: Room service, I think.
Armu: Room service? Par humne toh kuch order nahin kiya tha….
Jassi: Maine kiya tha….upar aate waqt reception par chai ka order choda tha….
Armu: Jassi, tum……
Jassi: (with her sweetest look) Kyun kya problem hai? Tumhi ne toh kaha tha ki thand lag rahi hai…..chai se achcha iss waqt aur kya ho sakta hai?😉
She ignores his desperate glances and opens the door. As the attendant sets down the tray, he asks, "Ma'am, sir, aur kuch …?"
Jassi shakes her head, but Armaan puts in, "Please…baahar jaate waqt Do not disturb ka sign lagate jaana!"
The attendant nods and walks out, hiding a smile. The moment the door closes, she turns upon Armaan. "Armaan! Wo kya soch raha hoga!"
Armu: Usse sochne do jo sochna hai….aur mujhe karne do jo karna hai….😉
Jassi: Par chai…..
Armu: (giving her a devilish glance) Waise mazaa toh coffee peene ka aata hai, lekin chai bhi chalegi….. par haan, bina kuch kaam kiye chai peena hamare work ethic mein nahin hai…..(winks)
She seems in no mood to argue, and willingly goes into his arms. He wraps the quilt around them and leaves the rest to our imagination. 😳😳😳