Sun Kissed

Chapter 10: New to Me

Chris and I were strolling along the beach in silence. It was not the awkward kind, it was peaceful. He was casually kicking at the rocks that came in his path while I was digging my feet in the soil a little bit more than necessary, leaving behind deep footprints and watching the water collect in them. One of us was picking up the occasional seashells that we saw, admired it and then threw them into the sea as far as possible.

It seemed like we were trying not to bid each other goodbye, trying our best not to leave each other's company. That was what I was thinking. I wanted him to enjoy my company as much as I enjoyed his. He was easy to read. His face showed exactly what he felt. Currently, a small smile graced his face and I so wanted to believe that it was because of our afternoon together.

I had never warmed up to a person so quickly and that scared me. It had just been two and a half hours and I already was not wanting to lose this newfound... friendship? I guess? This was all new to me. It took me three months to completely open up to my best friend, but now the person next to me was making me feel the urge to bare my soul to him. He was making me wonder things about myself.

He was a stranger. I never did well with strangers. What am I even saying? I don't even do well with people who I have known for years! So, what changed?

Chris came to a stop making me look at him with questioning eyes. He pointed his thumb over his shoulder and angled his body in the same direction. I noticed it was his resort. I did not want to end our time together. So, I took a deep breath and ask him hesitantly,

"Would you like to spend the rest of the day together? We could go shopping for souvenirs if you like? Andaman is known for its tribal art, shells, corals and pearls. I thought it would be nice to take something back home." I had not realised that I was rambling but you can't blame me. I was nervous. This is all new to me!

It had felt like a minute had passed before he spoke. "Actually, I would like to go along with you. I wanted to buy something for my mom and sis, but I hadn't had the slightest idea where from. I was going to ask the front desk or, for a second, I thought about asking you. But I didn't know if you knew too."

"Oh! That's great then. And as a matter of fact, I have come to Havelock before but with my family. My mom's a shopaholic so, I remember a few good souvenir shops." And I was thankful for the extra time I would spend with him.

"But before we go can I take a bath? My head feels heavy with the amount of sand in my hair. I'll be quick. We could meet outside your resort in 45 minutes. That's okay right?" And I grimace at his words.

"It's totally fine. We'll go freshen up then we can go. Meet you in 45." And we start walking in opposite directions.

As soon as a reach my shack, I wash my hair in the 'ecosystem' of a bathroom. I blow-dried my air without combing it so that it would dry to form slight waves. I put on a blue off-shoulder airy top with skinny jeans. I fished it off with a slight of makeup and I put on a pair of sneakers. I sent a message to my friends that I would be out for the rest of the evening and wasn't sure when I would be back.

I see the time and I head out toward the gate. And he is faced away from me. He is in a pair of jeans and a polo neck. It was simple but looked pretty good. I was just a few steps away from him when he turned towards me and gave me a smile, which I returned with one of my own.

While waiting for autorikska, I ask him if he had anything in my mind about what he would like to buy.

"You said pearls are famous here right? My mom's birthday is coming up so a string of pearls could be nice. And for my sister I'll pick up something random." he replies.

I let out a smallchuckle at his last statement. "Cool! I was planning to buy something made of coral. We'll get the pearls at the same place. We could get your sister something from there."

Once we reached , Before even i reached my wallet to pay the autowallah, I see Chris with his hand outstretched paying him instead. I look at him questioningly. and i get a nonchalant reply, " You paid the previous time."

Convinced at his reply, we find ourselves inside the shop. Both of us look around the shop before looking for anything specific. The shop was full of stuff made up of shells. Lots of wooden structures which were indigenous to the islands. It was an interesting shop. I noticed Chris stand in front of the shell keychains a bit longer before he asked me where we could get his pearls. I take him to a counter where I help him choose the perfect one.

We finally decided on a long one that could be worn as a double layer necklace as well. I got myself a coral pendant that was shaped like a flower. He got his sister a bracelet made of broken shell pieces and insisted he buys one for me too to show his gratitude for helping him out with the shopping. We went back on forth for quite some time and, me persistently saying that it was not required. But, by the end of ten minutes, I gave in.

When he was paying for his stuff, I went to the counter to pick up something that I had told the shopkeeper to box separately. I put the small box in my bag and, when I see him done with the billing we head back to our resorts.