chapter 30

Chapter 30The honeymoonThe date of the wedding was fixed, and the preparations were in full swing. Ved and Ishiqa couldn’t bear the wait but finally the day arrived. Immediately after getting married, they were going to fly with a few near and dear ones back to the Maldives to be married again in the native style. Ishiqa, dressed in a cherry red lehenga, red and white bangles and bedecked exquisitely, walked down shyly towards a dashing looking Ved, dressed in a cream churidaar kurta with a red dupatta draped around his neck. A sehra decorated with white fragrant flowers sat on his head.They exchanged garlands amidst much teasing and fun, and then took the seven pheras around the sacred fire, before touching the feet of their elders for blessings. Early next morning, when all the Indian ceremonies came to an end, they flew to Maldives in a private jet. As the relatives chatted and teased the couple, Ved silently slipped away to the inclined seat in the rear, complaining of a headache. Worried, Ishiqa followed, and cried foul as he pulled her towards him. “I am sure your head is not hurting. Liar!” She placed one finger on his lips and he kissed it.“Yeah, it is not. But I am aching all over…” “Shhh,” she silenced him as he tried to take her hand. She snatched her hand away and pushed him; getting up she smiled sweetly, “Naughty boys need to be punished. Your punishment is that you will not touch me till we renew our vows Maldives style,” she said, quirking her eyebrow.  “Of course you do not mean that. Anyways, I do not agree. Be prepared, Ishq. I might have my way anytime; do you want to bet on it?” She knew that she could not ignore the sizzling fire between them and with a quick, “We will see,” she walked away swinging her hips provocatively. They reached the Maldives, looking forward to relive those blissful moments when they had vowed their lives to each other.  The wedding was to be held in a charming resort set against a stunning backdrop of the lovely blue sky and the gorgeous aquamarine of the ocean, an ideal spot for a romantic exchange of vows. The waves splashed lightly on the shore, ushering in a mood of tranquillity. Ishiqa looked like a dream, dressed in a long, white satin gown, which swept gently along the palm-lined walkway.  She had red roses embroidered on her waistline, wrists and the neckline as was the custom in Maldives weddings.She carried a bouquet of roses and moved towards Ved gracefully in her flowing swirls. The last rays of the crimson sun lent a golden reddish hue to her face, making her look all the more pretty. Ved and Ishiqa looked lovingly at each other and walked towards the tree planting area. They had learnt about this ceremony in the Maldives, where the bride and bridegroom planted a palm tree, which marked their being in love forever. They tied the knot, as people looked on and clapped in glee and showered them with blessings. Soft music was being played, the rhythms of which merged perfectly with the waves hitting the sand. After all the ceremonies were over, as per the Indian tradition, the couple was escorted to a cosy and beautifully decorated honeymoon villa where the bathroom and the bedroom were  decorated extravagantly with fragrant flowers and scented candles. All nerves, Ishiqa entered the villa followed by granny and Namita as they helped her change into something comfortable, and teased her all along. Namita laughed and said, “Ved must be dying to hold you in his arms. Just try saying you are very tired and pretend you are going to sleep; the expression on his face will be priceless!” Ishiqa changed into a spaghetti-strapped black satin nightie with a scooped neck, barely covering her chest, a black top, tightly knotted at her waist and a chain with a diamond pendant caressing her cleavage. Granny and Namita smiled and winked as they stepped out, leaving her nervous and apprehensive. Her heart leapt to her throat as she heard Ved’s footsteps on the soft carpet. Overcome by shyness, she was unable to turn and look at him, much as she longed to. “Ishiqa darling,” he whispered. She could imagine the smile on his lips and the twinkle in his eyes. She lowered her head, unable to respond. Suddenly she was nervous! She felt him come close and shivered with anticipation at what lay ahead, as he put his arms around her and held her to him. “Go change,” she murmured, trying to buy time. He pushed her loose hair out of the way and kissed the nape of her neck. “Why don’t you help me change?” he whispered.She looked up at him and then easing herself out his arms, whispered, “I… umm, I umm Ved, have patience,” and shoved him towards the bathroom door. She took a deep breath once he went in laughing. But again she jumped out of her skin, startled, as he opened the bathroom door and said, “Do not make me wait for too long, my enchantress.” He finally clicked the door shut, but Ishiqa knew this was but a small respite before he claimed her as his own. She knew that despite her nervousness, she was waiting for that moment too. The honeymoon was just beginning!Â