RETURN TO INNOCENCE

Velvet Lips -- Part 2

Chapter 3 - We made love on horseback

After our 'imperfect' encounter in the morning, Rohit left my apartment, but promised to return that evening for a dinner date. He asked for my Jordanian phone number and I readily shared it with Him.

A feeling of emptiness engulfed me as soon as He left. I had never been loved before. All I had seen and experienced in my life so far was lust. From neighbours, colleagues, and middle aged men. He was the 1st man to have professed His love for me.

I didn't know if I was also in love with Him. But I had certainly developed feelings, both before and certainly after our morning rendezvous. The way it ended left me in a state of mixed emotions. I felt utterly restless and went for a walk.

Aqaba has an old-world charm. There are no tall buildings, and very few state-of-the-art shopping arcades like Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi. Most buildings, especially residential ones, are 3 - 4 storeys tall. I kept walking for over 30 minutes till I reached the Marina.

The Marina, situated right on the banks of the Red Sea, is the most glamorous part of Aqaba. It has some truly opulent resorts, sweeping beaches, lively nightlife scene, and rows of luxury yachts. This area is mostly visited by rich European and Arab tourists.

Snorkelling at the Marine Park and Scuba diving at the Red Sea are the biggest attractions for wealthy foreign tourists. These make Aqaba the perfect combination of ancient and modern, old and new, simplicity and opulence. It was, therefore, the perfect place for me to lose and rediscover myself.

My train of thoughts was interrupted by the ringtone of my phone. It was Him calling. I was so lost in my thoughts that I failed to notice when darkness had set in. It was evening and time for our dinner date.

I informed Him of my location and He reached the Marina in 20 minutes. Looking dapper as usual. Smelling nice as usual. Chivalrous as usual. He got down from the car and opened the door for me to get in.

"Sightseeing, are you?" He asked as soon as I got inside His car. "This place looks utterly gorgeous at night."

"Yes it does," I replied. "Where are we going for dinner?"

"Downtown Aqaba," He said, "the best restaurants are located there."

We reached downtown in just 10 minutes. This area boasts of the best hotels and restaurants in the city. Double Tree by Hilton is the most famous hotel and landmark here. Surrounding the Double Tree are hundreds of restaurants and liquor shops.

We entered an elegant looking eatery called Seven Spices. Its the best Indian restaurant in town, He said. Along with another eatery named Mirchi, which is located in the Marina complex. He said He was a regular patron of both.

"We will be going to Wadi Rum tomorrow," He said as soon as we were allotted a table.

Wadi Rum is a world famous tourist destination, and one of the top 3 attractions od Jordan. The other 2 being Aqaba's Red Sea Marina and the ancient city of Petra.

"What do you mean by 'we'?" I asked. "I never said I wanted to visit Wadi Rum, that too with you."

"It would be a gift from my side," He replied smilingly and confidently as usual. "The deserts and caves over there will blow away your mind. And you won't find a better company than me."

His confidence was impressive, His smile contagious. I couldn't say no.

"How far is it from here?" I asked.

"70 km approximately," He said. "But we have to leave early to beat the heat and the rush of tourists in the afternoon."

"How early?" I asked again. "70 km could be covered in an hour."