Kuch Meethi Yadeein
Bani entered the hotel Movenpick near Zurich airport. She settled into her room and then sat down with the itinerary given to her by the travel agent. At seven the group she would travel with had been schedule to meet with the tour director. Bani decided to take a nap to relieve the stress of her flight from Mumbai…her first flight.
Around six Bani woke up and took a shower. She dressed carefully in a casual pant and long sleeve cotton shirt, the inexperience of foreign travel had led her to buy just simple conservative clothes for her trip. To her just the opportunity to make the trip she had always wanted was important. She fixed her long hair back with a clip. Satisfied, she made her way to the lounge.
Around five or six people were sitting around. With nervousness in her stomach, Bani approached the group and inquired if they were all part of the group doing tour around Switzerland. The mixture of men and women nodded and introduced themselves. Most of them were a lot older than Bani. Shortly a tall, elegant woman in crisp white suit joined them, her blonde hair tumbling around her shoulders.
"Well hello everyone. I am Nia, your tour director. Now let me see, there should be two more people joining us. In the meantime let me get your names to check off on my list." Nia sat down in one of the empty chairs and ticked off all the names people shouted out.
"We are missing Jai Walia from India and Shonali Chopra from USA." Nia said as she put her file down. She opened her bag and took out a pile of large envelopes. "Pass these around, it's detailed itinerary of our tour. There is additional information that you may find useful on the trip."
A tall man accompanied by a beautiful woman approached them. "Hello, I am Jai Walia and my friend Shonali. We are also here for the tour." His voice was smooth, with a slight accent. Dressed in a crisp white shirt, tan coloured pants, complimented his dark skin tones. Dark eyes were framed by high brow and thick black hair, gelled into smooth style.
Nia stood up, her eyes took long lingering look at him, "Welcome Jai. You to…Shonali. Please take a seat and then we get to know each other."
Bani jerked her head up from the page she was looking at to find Jai Walia's eyes on him. He smiled at her. Bani blushed slightly not used to being under the scrutiny of such an intense pair of eyes. Shonali tugged at Jai's shirt sleeve, "Look Jai…look at these photos of the Alps…breathtaking. I can't wait to see it with my own eyes." Jai turned his attention back to Shonali.
A waiter came to take their order for drinks. Most of the people ordered glasses of wine. Bani ordered juice for herself. The group chit chatted with Nia, Bani listened quietly, only speaking when someone asked her something. After some time they moved to the restaurant to have their evening dinner. The table for the whole group was reserved and everyone took their seats. Bani found herself sitting next to Shonali, who immediately started asking Bani questions about India. Bani found couple of times, Jai Walia had an amusing smile on his face as he looked at her.
After dinner, Nia asked them all to go and rest for their first day of tour next day, which would begin with an early breakfast before they went on lake tour around Zurich. The nap Bani had taken earlier meant she couldn't fall asleep quickly. She picked up the book she had brought with her and opened it to read.
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Breakfast consisted of freshly baked breads and pastries, coffee and fruit. Again the whole group sat at the reserved tables, everyone chatting excitedly about the trip. Nia had not arrived yet. Jai and Shonali had come down together, both dressed in shorts and t-shirts. Couple of older woman in the group made comments about what cute couple they made. Shonali made a beeline for the empty chair next to Bani, while Jai went to the buffet table to get plates for them.
They had spacious seats to themselves in the luxurious coach which drove them to lake. The dark blue waters stretched out towards the Alps in the distant. They walked around the lake, Nia giving them details of the old buildings around the lake. Nia had booked a lake cruise for them. Shonali followed Jai in the boat, holding his hand as she stepped into the slightly rocking boat. Bani held the rail as she stepped in and stumbled slightly as her feet landed on the boat. She felt a hand grab her arm to steady her. Bani looked up into dark, unsettling eyes once again. "Thank you," Bani croaked out a whisper.
His eyes twinkled as he said, "You are welcome." Shonali grabbed Jai's arm and pulled him away towards the back of the boat. Bani settled down in the empty seat near the open railing. It was relaxing to sit back and watch the birds, swans and sailboats passing by. The view of the city with the mountains as the backdrop was breathtaking. Bani took out her camera and clicked away happily. The hour went by quickly and they were back at the dock and stepping off the boat.
After a hasty lunch they were driven to the train station to take the train to St Mortiz, the next stop on here tour. Bani sat glued to the window, enjoying the ride through tunnels and giddying heights off the mountains as the train made its way toward the resort. The landscape was filled with evergreens and green meadows all round. Their hotel was situated on the lake away from the town. It was in picturesque in spot with panoramic views of the Alps and the lake. The room was large and luxurious.
They had an hour to themselves to explore the area before dinner and Bani put on her hiking boots and stepped out after picking up a trail guide from the reception. A short walk led her into a well marked trail into the evergreen woods. She hiked half an hour before coming to a clearing at the edge of the steep hill. The view captured the resort town around the lake with snow capped Alps. Bani sat for ten minutes and breathed in the pine scented air and relaxed.
As she walked back, the sun was falling behind the mountains, covering the white caps with pinkish glow. She stopped few yards off the hotel and admired the view. A voice drawled softly near her ears, "Beautiful isn't it?" Bani turned her head to sharply to knock her head into his chin. Jai laughed as Bani's cheek coloured.
"Sorry!" she mumbled.
"You didn't answer my question." He complained, his eyes dancing with laughter.
Bani looked away, "yes…it's beautiful. It's even more beautiful to see it with your own eyes."
His voice was once again a deep drawl, "You are right. I have been here for skiing in winter, but even in summer it's captivating. Is this your first trip to Switzerland?"
Bani nodded, "My first trip out of India. I had only dreamed of it before, but now that I am here, sometimes it seems unreal."
Jai looked at his gleaming Breitling watch. "We better return back, it's time for dinner."
Shonali was sitting at a bar sipping a cocktail when they walked in. She had changed into a summery dress, a short, strapless floral creation. Her long shapely legs stretched into a white high heel sandals. She waved at them. "Come over and have a drink with us Bani." She called out.
Bani shook her head, "Later, I have to change," she said as she walked up to her room, to change.
The walk seemed to have made her tired, because after dinner, Bani excused herself when she began to yawn.
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Bani was up before dawn, she felt rested and eager to begin the new day. She looked out of the window, it was still dark, the mountain peaks dark grey against the grey sky. She showered and then put on a track pants, t-shirt and a light jacket, ready to take a stroll near the lake before breakfast. It was quiet in the lobby as she made her way out of the hotel. She followed the path that led towards the lake. No one was around. She was glad she had put on the jacket, because it was chilly.
The lake was like a dark sheet of glass, the water calm with hardly a ripple. The peaks cast its dark shadows on the water too. Bani walked slowly taking in the serenity of the place. She came near a outcrop of rocks jutting at the edge of the lake and sat down. She could see the pale yellow streaks falling across the water now as the sun peeked behind the snowcapped mountain. She sat and watched the sun come up and marveled as with the rising sun everything seemed to come alive. The chirping of the birds, a lone sailboat on the water and movement under the water sending ripples across the lake water.
She heard him before she saw him, Jai Walia, running towards her. He slowed down when he saw her and dropped the pace to walking as he came near. "Good morning Bani." He said his breath coming out loud. His t-shirt was soaked with sweat, with trails of drops making it's way down his face. He rubbed his arm across his forehead to wipe the sweat off.
"Good morning Mr Walia." Bani said as she came down from the rock. Both of stood for a moment looking at each other. Bani felt unnerved by the way he looked at her and dropped her gaze and started to walk away. She heard him walk behind her but he did not make an effort to join her. They parted silently in the hotel. Bani, made her way towards the restaurant for breakfast and Jai going up to his room.
Nia had given them half day to explore the village of Moritz at their own leisure. This gave them the opportunity to pursue looking around the village and shops, going around the lake or taking a walking tour. Bani opted to do the walking tour with an elderly couple from her group. She did not see Jai or Shonali when she left.
At the designated time Bani came down ready for their Glacier train excursion to Zermatt. They were taking an 8 hour journey through multiple tunnels, bridges and lakes to the resort of Zermatt. It was a spectacular journey, the mountain covered with vast evergreen, the blue lakes dotted in the valleys and the small villages surrounded by green meadows. Half way through the journey, Bani dozed off, the lull of the train making her eyelids droop. She woke up when she felt someone sit next to her. Bani opened her eyes and looked at Jai Walia sitting next to her.
"Finally you are awake. I brought you some coffee. You missed teatime earlier on." He pushed cup of coffee towards her. Bani sat up straight and smiled, "Thanks. I was feeling tired. Where is Shonali?"
"Shonali, she down there, having a discussion with couple of women. I got bored with their feminine talk and came looking for you." Jai said, pushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Why are you traveling alone? Someone like you should be not be traveling alone."
Bani felt her heart palpitate. She found as if his eyes were boring into her mind. Her voice barely audible, "Why shouldn't I travel alone?" She regretted the question as soon as it came out.
Jai leaned close to her and whispered, "To save you from men like me…who find you fascinating and want to be with you all alone in this paradise." Bani jerked away, her cheeks flaming. "Mr Walia…please, you shouldn't be saying such things. You are not travelling alone…you are with Shonali."
"Are you afraid of me Bani?" he asked.
Bani shook her head and kept quiet. Jai moved away, "drink your coffee, it's probably cold by now. And don't worry about Shonali…we have been friends for a long time."
Under his scrutiny Bani picked up coffee and sipped it. She felt her skin tingle just from him sitting close to him. "Here you are Jai." Shonali sat down and smiled at Jai. "Hi Bani. Isn't a fascinating train journey? You can sit and talk, or walk around. I had great conversation with a couple from the group. They are both professors at Harvard. What do you do Bani? Do you work?"
"I work with charitable trust which promotes education within disadvantage groups. We offer assistance with funds and scholarships." Bani replied, feeling more confident to talk about her work.
"That is interesting. So how do you get acquire funds to hand out? It must be hard to raise money and set up scholarships." Shonali asked with interest.
Bani forgot about Jai sitting next to her as she and Shonali got into deep conversation about her work. They didn't even notice the train sliding into the station.
"Ladies…sorry but we have arrived." Jai interrupted them.
Shonali stuck to Bani at dinner and then dragged her out with her and Jai for a look around the resort and visit couple of the bars. Jai had an amused look whenever he looked at her. Shonali seemed completely oblivious of Jai's roaming eyes on Bani.
They returned to the hotel late and Bani had just slipped into the bed, when there was a knock door of her room. Bani opened it to see Shonali standing in her pjs. "Hi Bani…feel like a chat. I am not sleepy at all and Jai is not in mood to chat. Bani stepped aside to let her in. Shonali settled on the bed and patted Bani to sit beside her.
Bani felt exhausted by the time Shonali finally left. It seemed as if Shonali would never stop talking. In the morning Bani was late getting up. She hurriedly got ready and went downstairs. Half an hour later she joined the group to wait for Nia, who would take them on the walking tour around the resort.
They walked around the charming resort at the foot of majestic Matterhorn, the wooden chalets, the quaint church with history and souvenir shops selling Swiss watches and local crafts. They had lunch in one of the many restaurants and then the group left to take the cable car ride up the Matterhorn to the snowcapped glaciers. The view was breathtaking from the high point, a panoramic view of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps. The bright sun burnt the skin even with the cold winds of mountains. Shonali took with the camera to take pictures, leaving Bani alone with Jai.
"Have you ever seen the Himalayas Bani?" he asked, the dark sunglasses hiding his eyes.
:Bani shook her head. "No. But after seeing this, I may take a trip up North of India."
Jai took her arm and led her up to the metal railing and stopped there. "This is nothing compared to the Himalayas. It's like being in a different world up there. Just peaks and peaks of snow covered mountains. One day I would like to take you there." His arm went around her shoulder. Bani jerked his hand off, "Mr Walia what are you doing? Shonali might see."
Jai leaned in, "Why are you worried about Shonali? She is my problem. I like you Bani…I like you a lot. I don't know what is it about you…we haven't even talked much, yet I want to be with you all the time."
Bani felt extremely uncomfortable with his talk, she knew her cheeks burned red with embarrassment. Her stomach knotted tightly, she did not know what to say, she had no idea what she did to make him feel this way about her. "Say something!" he whispered, his warm breath fanning across her cheek. She turned her head to find, he had taken his glasses off and his dark eyes glinting with bright light of the sun. Bani went to move away, but Jai stopped her. "Don't run away." His voice hushed yet harsh.
Her body stiffened and she stood rooted to the spot, not knowing what to do. After couple of minute Jai commanded, "Look this way Bani." She read the plea in his voice…the undercurrent of desperation. Bani turned her head, her eyes reflecting hurt she felt. Immediately he came closer, his face showing disappointment, his eyes muddied brown due to his inner emotions, "I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Bani laid her hand on his arm, her voice shook as she said, "Mr Walia, I don't know…I don't even know whether we have friendship between us or are just strangers travelling together."
His mouth curved into a smile, "I don't think we are strangers…I know you feel something…may be your don't realize it yet. But there is something more, but if you want to friends, we can start with friendship. We still have five more days left of the tour." He held out his hand to her. Bani looked at his hand and then his face reflecting hopeful expectation, she smiled and put her hand in his. His warm hand clasped around her soft one. Before she could withdraw her hand, Shonali came up and shouted, "Smile you two." Jai and Bani turned their heads to see Shonali snap a picture of them.
"Now move closer and put your arms around each other," Shonali demanded, squinting through the lens. "Bani relax, it's going to be such a great shot, smile now." Shonali clicked and then she held the camera out to Jai, "Take one of me and Bani and then Bani can take some of us."
Jai snapped couple of picture of Shonali and Bani and then handed the camera to Bani.
Shonali immediately wrapped her arms around Jai as she looked at Bani holding the camera. Bani's hand shook a little as she snapped. Bani snapped photos as Shonali posed with Jai. Bani coloured when in one of the snap, Shonali reached up and kissed Jai on the cheek. Bani returned the camera and then walked a little way off…painfully aware of Jai's eyes on her.
They returned late after walking around the resort. After dinner everyone retired, tired from the day's events and also having to get up early to take train to their next destination.
During the train journey to Geneva Jai and Shonali sat with her. Jai talked about his winter visits to the Swiss resorts he had made previously. Shonali compared her experience of the tour with her trips to resorts in US. Bani just sat and listened, her life in India was vastly different to the two people…from a privileged background travelling with her. It had taken such self control to save as much as she could from her salary once she had started working to make this trip possible.
Their hotel in Geneva was over a hundred years old, situated on the lake, with beautiful gardens surrounding it. Bani loved her room, which offered a distant peek of Mont-Blanc. Bani showered and dressed quickly, eager to get out for a stroll before dinner. There was a knock on her door and she opened it to see Jai, freshly showered and changed into jeans and white polo shirt. His hair was still damp as trial of water running down his cheek showed.
His eyes rested on her khol lined eyes. The fragrance of her bathsoap tickled his nostrils; he liked the faint scent of roses he could smell. The urge to hold her close and take a deep breath of her fragrance took hold of him. But remembering her words from previous day, he just stayed still. "I thought you might want to go out for a walk. Shonali is not keen and she is yet to get ready."
Bani's eyes lighted up, "I was thinking of taking a stroll. Let me just get my purse." She picked up her purse and locked her room door. Jai held her elbow and guided her towards the stairs. They went down, in the lobby unknown to them, they attracted several glances from the guests standing around.
The path along the lake was lined by beautiful flower beds and exotic plants. Elegant houses and building stood across the road. There were swans, ducks and other birds on the water. Sailboats bobbed on the water, the sails billowing out against the dusk sky. Bani was amazed at the vastness of the city around her, it seemed the city stretched all the way around the lake. Jai held her arm when he saw a bench. "Let's sit for a while," he suggested.
Bani sat down next to Jai, his arm going across her back, resting on the back of the backrest. "Don't you wish you could live here Bani? It's the most amazing city…lots of history and culture and the people work so hard to maintain the heritage." His voice low as his eyes rested on the pink tinged caps of Mont-Blanc. "I would like to bring you back here and show you around the city, there is so much to see and do, both summer and winter."
Bani felt flutter in her heart, the moment felt special…a sweet memory to sit in a beautiful place and hear him talk about the future. Her hand moved and rested on his, her fingers curling around his knuckles. Jai looked down at their hands and the up at her face. He did not say anything but sat quietly wanting to hold the moment in him forever.
When they returned back, the group was assembled by the bar. Shonali moved up to them as Jai and Bani walked towards them. "Hey you two were gone for a long time. Did you get lost?' she asked with teasing look on her face. Jai smiled at her, "No…we just walked along the lake. Sat and watched the mountains."
"There is nothing but mountains around us…we have a great view from our room Bani. What about you?"
"I can see the mountains across the lake from my balcony." Bani replied. "It's spectacular. I am going to watch the sun rise tomorrow." Her eyes moved to meet Jai, there was excitement in his eyes just like hers. An unspoken thought crossed both of their minds.
A soft knock sounded on her bedroom door. Bani tied her robe tightly around her and opened it. Jai slipped in, he was wearing track pants and t-shirt. "I too want to watch the sun rise with you." He whispered as he took hold of her hand moved towards the balcony. They stood side by side waiting eagerly to see the sun rise up over the grey peaks of the mountains, the rays to colour the water of the lake and awaken the world. He heard Bani's gasp and her hand grasp his when the she saw the edge of the rising sun. They stood motionless watching the sun make its slow rise over the peak, its light wiping out the greys and bringing the colour back into the earth.
Bani closed her eyes as she felt the first ray of the sunlight hit her face, it felt like a warm caress. Her eyes opened when she felt another warm caress on her cheeks as Jai brushed his cheek with his lips. "Thanks…" he whispered.
When he left, Bani felt a loneliness creep into the room, into her heart.
The two days went by quick, Nia had planned full days of activity, leaving the just the evening free for them. Bani had got used to now tagging along with Jai and Shonali. Jai made sure he stole some alone time with her. Jai helped her buy a cuckoo clock and chocolates to take back as gifts. Shonali spent a lot of times browsing and buying clothes from the boutique. Most of the items were in the boutique were out of Bani's budget, still she loved looking at trendy clothes.
From Geneva they went to Lucerne, again another two full days of touring the city and the surrounding area. It was the last night of their tour, Bani took out the white salaar khameez with silver embroidery she had packed. She wanted to wear it for Jai…it would be their last night together. Who knows if they would ever meet again.
The ladies in the tour group paid compliments to Bani. The men gave admiring glance. The one pair of eyes she wanted to see was not there. Half an hour Jai arrived with Shonali. Bani caught his surprised gaze as he came up to her. "Bani, you look pretty. I love white on you." They had a relaxed dinner, all of them took time to enjoy dinner and exchange their thoughts of the tour, a lot of wine flowed and talk got silly.
Jai tugged at Bani's arm and whispered, "Let's go for a walk." Bani looked at Shonali, Jai shrugged and then asked if anyone felt like going for a walk. Shonali declined complained about aching feet from tour. Bani stood up, Jai followed her, along with another couple. Outside Jai and Bani walked towards the park while the other couple went towards the streets.
They walked in silence for a while, until they reached a scenic spot. Jai held her hand, "Bani I want to give you a gift. Don't say no…it's something I want to do." He took out a velvet case and opened it. Inside lay an exquisite Swiss watch with silver straps and crystals around the dial.
Bani shook her head, "I can't…it's so expensive." Jai held her hand and put the watch around her wrist. "I said don't refuse." Jai said firmly as he fastened the strap. Bani felt speechless looking at the watch on the wrist. Finally she looked with tears in her eyes, "I don't have anything to give you." Jai cupped her face, "Yes you have…but I don't think you are ready to give it yet." Bani shook her head, puzzled by his words. "I have…how do you know?'
Jai smiled, his eyes glinted with something he only knew. "You will know. If in six months time I asked to meet me somewhere in India…will you come? I will tell you then."
Bani just kept giving him a puzzled look. "I don't understand Jai. But I would like to see you again." Jai touched her forehead, "Ok stop thinking too much. Just tell me how to get in touch with you in India. Promise you won't forget me." Bani touched the watch on her hand, "How will I?"
TBC…
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