Part 16 | Pool Kiss

NAIRA

The Mountain trip left us exhausted by the evening. So we checked-in into a hotel for the night. After dinner sleep embraced me the very instant I hit the bed all exhausted.

Next day we left to visit the rest of Lucerne we weren't able to cover yesterday as per plan.

Created to remember the death of 26 officers and more than 700 troops of the Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution, the Dying Lion of Lucerne is one of the best-known sights in Lucerne.

The statue, Carved in sandstone, depicts a beast dying from a spear wound. Above the mournful lion is the Latin inscription which means "To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss."

We then headed to Chapel Bridge, a picturesque centerpiece for Lucerne.

We walked on the covered wooden bridge running diagonally across the river Reuss. The bridge is unique in containing a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century. That kept us engaged till lunch time.

Set on the left bank of the River Reuss, the Lucerne Old Town is encircled by medieval walls and watchtowers.

We had our lunch and then almost dedicated 3 hours, to enjoy the view of lake Lucerne and to roam around the streets of this town. Thanks to the comfortable shoes we were wearing, else walking along the uneven streets would have been an aching one.

" This place is amazing isn't it? " I said as I kept clicking pictures of the streets of Old Town.

Lucerne Old Town is a must for sightseers, with its charming historical streets providing ample photo opportunities.

" Kartik? " I turned around recieving no response.

Where did he go?

I scanned the crowded streets, He wasn't anywhere around.

I pulled out my phone from my pant pocket and was about to call him.

" I am here! " I turned to face him.

" Where did you go leaving.... " I paused, " Chocolatess!! " I yelled and immediately had a few eyes on me.

Swiss chocolates!!

Instantly I grabbed a choco bar and tore it's wrapper. I moaned at the first bite yearning a chuckle from him.

" You went to buy this? " He nodded.

" For me? "

" Just for you. " I grinned.

" The entire box? " I asked jumping on my feet. It was quite a huge box with chocolates if various shapes and flavours.

" Yes, but I need a share. " he said as we walked down the Street heading towards the car.

" 90-10 ? " I am not that heartless. I will give him some.

" 50-50 "

No way.

" You told you bought it for me so I get bigger share. 80-20 ? " he shook his head in a no pulling the chocolate box away from me.

" Okay. Compromise 75 - 25 " I pouted.

" No wifey.... 50-50 it is! "

Isn't he childish?

Yeah . You aren't.

" Okay final offer Mr. Oberoi. " I said and he eyed me.

" 70 - 30 ! Final, I am not giving you any more percent." we stopped before the car and I grabbed the box from him.

He took a bite from the choco bar I was munching on, " I know how to get my 20 percent of share. " He smirked before getting into the car. I hurriedly hid the box in my back pack.

Let's see! I will not let him even touch the box.

-----------------

It was around 5 pm when we returned back to his penthouse in Zurich. My feet was aching due to all the walking I did today. I carelessly removed my shoes, pushed it to a corner and tucked under the bedsheet.

" Feeling tired " Kartik asked as he started unpacking his shoulder bag.

I hummed and snuggled more into the comfy bed, my eyes already wanting to shut and drift into sleep.

I woke up after an hour of sleep. I couldn't help but whine at the sight of my shoulder bag that was left unattended on the couch.

The annoying thing about trips are the unpacking part. We hate to carry many stuffs yet we also don't compromise on reducing it.

But as much as annoying unpacking is, It is crucial.

Heavier the baggage, the harder life becomes.

Now and then, You need to stop and take time to unpack the baggage of regrets, guilt and sometimes, even people and memories.

Not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry afterall.

I lazily walked into the bathroom and had a shower taking my sweet own time. Tucking my hair into a bun, I dressed into a t-shirt and a short that stopped mid thigh.

I walked towards the pool area to find Kartik swimming. He stopped as if feeling my presence behind. Turning, his eyes fell on me and scanned from the top to bottom of my body, making me extremely conscious.

He gestured me to join and I sat on the edge of the pool, dipping my feet under the waters.

" From whom did you learn? " I asked seeing how perfect and effortless his strokes were.

" Dad! He used to take me to the private pool every weekend when I was a kid. Never misses any weekends. " He dived across the pool from the other end to reach the edge where I was sitting.

Even dad loved to swim. The 4 year old me, used to cry everytime he disappeared under the water, thinking he would never return.

" Hey, where are you lost? " He called out.

" Get into the waters." I rapidly shook my head in a big no. He raised his brows.

" I don't know to swim. " I timidly said, his reply was just an 'oh'.

This is so embarassing!

He would probably think what kind of an incapable wife he had chose.

" Not a big deal. Get in " he said.

" Huh? "

" I said jump into the pool. Come on. It's just water. " He shrugged.

" Are you kidding me? told you I can't swim. " I said irritated, not because of his words but my inability to swim. what he did next made me freak out.

" W- wait... No no nooooo " my words died as he wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me into the water along with him.

I landed into the pool with a huge splash.

On reflex my hands frantically started looking for something to hold onto. Kicking my legs feebly, I struggled to keep my head above the cold blue water.

I am going to die!

I started panicking when the chlorinated water entered my mouth making it difficult to breath. I shut my eyes, letting the darkness embrace me.

This is the end. It's time I say goodbye to the world.

Aditi is going to be mad at me for leaving without a goodbye.

" Naira?"

Sorry Dhruv I can't be at your wedding.

I haven't even called his parents mom and dad yet. I wish you both could hear me now,

Mom, dad.

" Naira! "

Arjun! He told he wanted to tell me something important. Oh god, How will he say if I die now.

No more basketball games, Rudy. Your brother drowned me.

I love you guys, I will watch you from the skies!

" Nairaaaaa " I opened my eyes to see the face of my culprit.

I looked around and found the settings to be similar to his penthouse terrace. I looked down to find myself still in the cold waters with my arms enveloped around his neck for support.

" I am a-alive? " I croaked out in disbelief.

" You are! " Kartik rolled his eyes.

" Oh my god, that's great. " Such a relief.

" You are too dramatic, aren't you?"

" Oh mister please. This is all because of you." I gave him a sharp scary glare. " You are so mean... I thought I drowned" He laughed.

The nerve of this man. Argh!

He slowly started moving away from me. I started to panic, " you set boundaries with the fears you don't face. Don't limit yourself. " his words made my eyes lock with his calm ones.

"Now, just hold my hands and start kicking your legs gently." He encouraged.

I did as he said and I found myself making way through the waters with steady balance, my hands still held in his firmly.

" That's it. See ! " my face broke into a huge grin as I nodded.

After a while of adjusting and relaxing in the waters, I got out of the pool and grabbed a towel to dry myself.

I turned around to find him walking out of the pool just in his swimming tracks.

The bare view of his perfectly built upper body musculature burnt my cheeks. I immediately looked away and forwarded him a towel.

My throat felt dry when he walked towards me ruffling his wet hair using the towel.

"W-what? " I asked suspiciously eying him.

The piece of drying cloth fell from my hand when his lips met mine without any warning. My brain went completely blank. I shivered at his touch, my eyes wide in disbelief. His lips moved against mine in a slow compassionate way.

This isn't happening for real!

" That covers the 20 percent of my share Mrs. Oberoi. " his signature playful smirk played on his lips.

********

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Someone just missed a heart beat.

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