Off Shore [Part I]

The world was awake. Half of it— for it had to, and half— for it wanted to. The skies were bright. Somewhere— for the Sun was shining bright, but in this part of the world, the reason was the mesmerizing show of fireworks presented by the dedicated staff and management employed by and at the lavish resort. The icy-cold tides bounced back and forth in a rhythmic manner as the isle continued to glitter with the dazzling colourful lights that danced along the shoreline, cutting across each other’s conical paths. The breeze— chilly cold, as it usually is around this time of the year— was fruitlessly trying its best to carry away the countless minute sand grains scattered beside the seashore along with it. The entire panorama sure gave the perfect impression of a New Year’s Eve!

10:51 PM

The DJ seemed to be a big fan of Pop & RnB genres— clearly evident from the songs he had played, which inadvertently happened to be Krish’s taste in music too. Humming Pop singles and RnB melodies had always been his favourite pastimes— especially the ones with a Sunday Brunch mood. Walking away from the resort, he had come a long way now, considering the significant reduction in the noise from the dance floor as he noticed a feminine figure enjoying the nightfall in the company of loneliness. Having a closer look, he realized it was her. Sitting along the shore, she was busy writing something in the sand. He was watching her for almost a week now. He decided that it was time to make his first move now that his vacation was heading towards its conclusion.

Keeping the silence intact, Krish advanced towards her with soft feet and quickly claimed the vacancy next to her. “Missing someone, aren’t you?” he enquired. ‘F-R-E-E-D-O-M!’ he read in his mind having a keener look. Realizing that he had anyways chosen the wrong question for the first dialogue, he tried to change the topic. “If only I had a beautiful handwriting like yours”, he smiled at her sand inscription with a token of appreciation. An awkward silence followed for the next 10-15 minutes since he had no more courage left to talk to her, while she just continued to look down at the fleeting tides. Counting it as one of the most embarrassing situations in his life, he gathered the courage to bid her farewell.

In the softest possible voice, he asserted, “I guess I have intruded your privacy well enough to be leaving now. Sorry! And Happy New Year well in advance!” he exclaimed all guilty, looking at his watch. As he stood up and turned around to return, she looked up at the moon, and began, “Isn’t it exceptionally unique to have a full moon on a new year’s eve? I am just amazed by this occurrence. Moonlit sky on a New Year’s night— sounds great, doesn’t it?” Krish was dumbfounded. ‘Is this the same girl who was so muted a while ago that I thought she doesn’t know English perhaps?’ he thought to himself.

She was still looking at the moon. “You know, 10 minutes before I had assumed that you either cannot speak, or cannot hear rather” Krish sighed as he gained back his place. “I’m Krish by the way.” She looked at him with a shock wave in her glittering eyes. She smiled at him, as the astonishment gradually transformed into glee— as if she’d met someone she was waiting for quite a long time. And she was. Her smile made him feel as if he was playing the lead in some romantic Hindi flick— keeping his hand on his heart and falling back unconscious. He shook his head and returned to reality, concentrating back as she continued, “You’ve got quite a good sense of humour. But I’ve been observing you since the past week. You’ve been following me wherever I go. Tell me, have you stalked each and every girl you’ve seen at the resort by now?” Krish was happy the conversation had set off.

“Nope! In fact you’re the first girl I’ve talked to this week!” he quickly answered.

“And why do you think I’ll believe you on this?” she asked, amused.

“I am not that comfortable having a conversation with girls. It’s called the Co-Ed syndrome” Krish was loosening up now.

“Go on. I’m all ears.” she said.

“Come again? You’re all MINE?” he questioned raising one eyebrow of his— one with the oblique scar.

“I’m all EARS! Got it naughty kid?” she asked back as she twisted his right ear.

“Yeah I did. Now let go of my ear” he pleaded. She did.

“So what were you saying? Co-Ed Syndrome?”

“Yeah! In fact, I even note down advices from my buddies— those with some hard earned experience in such matters— about what to talk in case I encounter some girl. I belong to an all-guys-family, and studying in a boys’ school adds up to the social awkwardness I face with girls. I am still astounded about the way I talked to you, you know!” he summed up. She smiled.

“You talk a lot, you know?” was all she said.

11:20 PM

She seemed to be much serene. The breeze was helping her hair get a wonderful swing occasionally. Her eyes were mysterious— as though protecting some deep secrets, and yet those unfathomable brown eyes were no less picturesque. Her delicate hands played carelessly with the diminutive grains of the sand beneath. Her sugar coated voice had already impressed him. With a long white full-sleeved shirt sheltering her purple tank top and fresh lime coloured shorts beneath, her attire was simple yet attractive. She was adorable in every sense. Krish realized that he was falling for her. ‘But I don’t quite know her! This is just infatuation!’ he was convincing himself. He felt like sitting there— calm and quiet— keeping on watching her elegance and listening to her profound thoughts about the scenario, for hours together.

“So are you trying to say that I am your first feminine friend?” she queried.

“Not really. I do have a friend with whom I share everything I feel. She’s wonderful you know. Whatever problem I face, she provides the best solution. She knows me better than anyone else,” he replied, allowing her to put up a grin on her fair complexioned face, making it shimmer even more.

“Hmm… Best friends huh? May I know her name if you don’t mind me asking?” she asked.

“Avani! Nice one, isn’t it?” he asked her curiously. She didn’t speak, but just nodded in return.

“Isn’t it beautiful? The sea, the tides, the moonlight, the stars, the breeze and the silence? Everything complements each other. Nature surely can alter your state of mind, can’t it?” she said continuing the conversation. She was looking at him now.

“That, it surely can.” He smiled at her.

“I know you and you’re a complete stranger, but you know, it’s been years since I have talked to someone so casually. The last time I had a healthy conversation was about 3 years ago with my sis. I miss those conversations really.” She had gradually started to make way for her feelings to flow out of her heart.

“I bet you haven’t talked to someone for years. Anyone can tell you that,” he said making a dumb face as if imitating hers, and burst out laughing.

“You’re making fun of me? You are a devil, aren’t you? Here, have a taste of your own medicine, will you?” she said, as she began tickling him. He started laughing a lot more, and how? He was laughing his heart out.

“Had fun mister? Better not mess with me again” she said in a bullying tone, as she rested back at her place. Krish was still laughing. He was having the laugh of his life. She smiled at him as he miserably tried to gain control of himself. As his laughter gradually faded out, he could figure out the element of fear in her eyes. She stood, all of a sudden, and had a 360⁰ hawk-eye look of the place. She then seemed to have conquered her fear as she occupied her initial position, unworried.

11:45 PM

“So your Sis, is your best buddy huh? A ‘share everything’ kind of relationship I guess,” he said casually.

“Um-hmm...” was all he received back.

“So why don’t you talk to her nowadays? Doesn't the fact that you don’t talk much, concern her?” he wasn't able to get over it.

“And how do you know I don’t talk to her, dear stalker?”

“Well, a girl told me a while ago that she hadn’t had a healthy conversation in years. And I don’t think you need a Sherlock to reach a conclusion this easy!”

She smiled at him in a very different way— an awkward smile. “Sis fled 3 years ago. She was summoned by someone who loves her more than anyone else,” she said with a small grin.

“Oh! Love is blind, and how? But you can’t love your sister less, just because you got someone else to love, right?” he seemed a bit restless.

“She does love me! Just that, it’s impossible for her to talk to me from the place she currently resides,” she finally confessed. She seemed disturbed, her words not going with the look on her face. He found her reasoning unsatisfactory.

“Strange! But─” he began, but was interrupted by her, as she stood up, after having a glance at his watch.

“Quick! Quick! On your feet!” she commanded. As he stood up straight, she exclaimed, “You know it’s my first new year outside home in 3 years. I want to feel it, enjoy it, live it. You Only Live Once! I want a favour. I know we are strangers,” she said looking down, hauling her sight away from him, “but it’s just minutes to New Year. Can I hold your hand and welcome this New Year? Only if it doesn’t bother you!”

Krish was overwhelmed, and was rather speechless. ‘What better way to greet the New Year,’ he thought to himself. But that didn’t make him less nervous. Anxiety dripped off him as he looked at her.

“No way! Why would I have any problem? And anyways, we aren’t strangers. Friends now, remember?” he said, trying to hide his dilemma.

Within a moment, she was aware of the fact that something was bothering him. On the other hand, he knew she had figured out his restlessness and so he admitted “Please don’t laugh okay, but, uh… You know I’ve never really held a girl’s hand before. I’m actually nervous you know.”

As soon as he finished, she burst out laughing. Holding her stomach trying to control her laughter, she said, “You think I’ve held a hundred hands before? It’s my first time too Dumbo!”

She was still giggling. He was looking down now. He had never felt so mortified before. She realized she had embarrassed him. She looked at him, while he continued to look down. She slowly moved her hand towards his, and felt sparks inside her as she slowly slipped her hand in his. He was startled as he became conscious of her move. It was electric— impossible to be put in words. He looked at her, just to find her staring back at him. Neither of them realized that their hands were intertwined now, held tightly together. She smiled at him, making things even more difficult for him, and held his other wrist in her hand, showing him the time.

11:58 PM

She told him they start the countdown at 11:59 PM, and reverse count for the entire minute. Krish nodded and began the countdown with her. As soon as the clock showed 11:59, they started screaming— 59, 58, 57, 56— when suddenly she heard a familiar voice. She turned around to find a figure standing over the short viaduct set upright at a distance.

“Hey dumb-head!” the figure called out.

“What?” she screamed.

“What are you doing here?” the boy seemed to be taking authority.

“Who’re you to ask me anyway?” she screamed at the top of her voice.

Krish wasn’t getting anything. ‘Who is she fighting with? Her boyfriend? Nah! But they are fighting like cats and dogs,’ he was talking to himself.

“I’m gonna tell him,” he threatened.

“Do whatever you want.” And she turned around. She was frustrated. Krish could figure out the disgust on her face.

“What happened? Who was it?” he asked.

“Nothing important.”

“Is that guy creating any problem for you? Just tell me what’s going on and I’ll manage everything else,” he was looking charged up now.

“It was my bro’s friend, Dumbo. He keeps on poking his filthy nose in my stuff. Just forget about it!” she said and glanced at his wristwatch. “Oh My GOD! This is not happening. Holy shit! It’s 12:01!! I’m so sorry. I ruined your New Year. I am terribly sorry. I really—” she said with a heartbroken face.

“Happy New Year!!” exclaimed Krish, putting up a delightful smile on his face. She was still dejected and forlorn. “Let’s put it this way: if my watch was running a minute late, you would have readily believed that it was 12 and happily celebrated the New Year, right? It’s just about believing. Believe that it’s 12 o’ clock now, and it will be. Now come on, bring that cute little smile back on that gorgeous face of yours and wish me New Year. Quick!” he said consoling her. “Happy New Year Yaar” she said trying to put up a rather fake smile after that New Year disaster upfront, but then realized the essence of his words as the captivating smile returned on her alluring face.

“See! that’s the million dollar smile I was asking for,” he said pulling her cheeks.

She was amazed, how easily Krish had comforted her, and how easily she had calmed down. She just couldn’t stop staring at him— adoring him. As he waved his hand in front of her, trying to get her attention back, she caught a glimpse of his wristwatch. “God, its 12:15! I’m so late. I’ll have to leave right now. Bubye!” she said and started walking back towards the resort. Something just struck her mind as she turned back once again. Coming close to Krish, she said in a soft fleecy voice, “I don’t remember the last time I was so happy. You’ve given me a night I don’t think I’ll ever forget, Krish. Thanks for the company. Good Night!” She turned around and started leaving hastily, when Krish screamed, “See you tomorrow then… Huh? Good Night! Happy New Year─!” But her haste and fear kept her from listening to what Krish was shouting.

02:32 AM

                Krish was back in his room after a long night. Though he didn’t like dancing, he had danced like a devil that night with his brother and cousins, just because he was happy— too happy. He was simply too delighted. Finally, someone had entered his life, who could alter his frame of mind just by a smile. Someone he could relate to, someone he could talk to and who could talk back— unlike his miniature Lego Batman who never really cared to reply! Someone who could belong to him— only him. He couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t insomnia— just her. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her eyes— so deep, her hair— so sleek, her lips— so allusive, her voice— so honeyed, and her smile— so loveable. His mind was occupied with her thoughts.

The way she talks, the way she smiles, the way she gets upset, the way she teases, and even the way she tickles! Krish wasn’t able to get over her thoughts. Maybe, that was because he didn’t wanted to. ‘I guess I have finally fallen for someone. I finally met the girl of my dreams. Does she like me too? She might. Or then, she might not? I just hope she thinks about me the way I do about her. Wait a minute— I finally met? Met WHOM?’ His thoughts were interrupted as the big blunder he had made dawned upon him. ‘Her name? How could I possibly be so dumb? How could I not ask her, her name? Oh God!’ He was heart-broken. ‘How could I?’

The clock yelled it was 3 AM, and Krish was still awake. ‘What must she be thinking about me?’ was all he could think. ‘She must be so annoyed and angry. Or then, she might even be making fun of me. Possible. Oh Lord! Will she ever want to see my face again? I am so freaking dumb. If only she forgave me.’ He was feeling miserable. Gloomy, cheerless, wretched and disappointed— being the sensitive kid he was, he was now on the verge of crying. He was hopelessly praying to God to make things all right, and promising God all the dearest things he had, in exchange for this task, when he finally fell asleep.

10:06 AM

The tides gushed on the shore. The wind was pretty warm now, unlike the night. Krish was still enjoying his doze. The sunrays, through the open window of his room, hit hard on his face, forcing him to open his well shuttered eyes. The clock on the table nearby, informed it was 10 o’ clock. He sat upright on his bed and wiped his eyes. Kabir, his younger brother, who shared the room with him had already left. The stills of the past night were still flashing on the silver screen of his eyes. Up and fully awake now, he decided to search for her. His goal for the day was thus set, and he knew right away what was going to be on his agenda for the day. With all said and done, he thus hastily hurried into the bathroom.

11:05 AM

                The pool was jam-packed that morning— as if all the guests at the resort had come just for a swim.  Krish was searching for her but she was nowhere to be seen. He had earlier looked for her at the beach, the rink, and also at the café, but all in vain. He felt disheartened and started walking towards his room, when some thought suddenly crossed his mind, and he started running. He ran through the arena into the resort like a madman. He was almost sprinting now. He took the stairs as always— he hated waiting for the elevators. He had lost count of the floors he had climbed, when finally, he reached the terrace door, and banged it open.

(To Be Continued)