Wispers of the heart

32- Honeymoon Horizons

The gentle clinking of dishes and the aroma of freshly brewed chai filled the air as the family gathered for their evening routine. Aanya and I sat side by side on the sofa, our shoulders touching, as we sipped our tea and chatted with the family. It had been two weeks since our wedding, and a comfortable rhythm had settled over the household. Almost all the relatives have left and our home feels a bit quite nowadays.

As the conversation lulled, Dad cleared his throat, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "So, baccho," he began, looking at Aanya and me, "have you two given any thought to your honeymoon?"

I nearly choked on my chai. In the whirlwind of the wedding and settling into our new life, the idea of a honeymoon had completely slipped my mind. I glanced at Aanya, who looked equally surprised.

"Umm... actually, Papa, we hadn't really—" I started, but Mom cut me off.

"Arre, kya baat kar rahe ho?" she exclaimed, looking scandalized. "You mean to tell me you haven't planned your honeymoon yet? This won't do at all!"

Aanya spoke up, her voice soft but steady. "We've been so focused on settling in, Maa. It just didn't occur to us."

Dadi chimed in, her voice warm with amusement. "Acha, to ab hum hi plan kar dete hain, kyun?" She turned to Aanya, patting her hand affectionately. "Beta, tum dono ko jaana chahiye. It's an important part of starting your new life together."

I felt a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude wash over me. Leave it to our family to take charge of even this aspect of our lives. But as I looked at Aanya, I saw excitement beginning to spark in her eyes.

"That sounds lovely, Dadi," Aanya said, a shy smile playing on her lips. "But where should we go?"

And just like that, the floodgates opened. Suggestions started pouring in from all corners of the room.

"Goa!" exclaimed Anika. "Beach, parties, fun!"

"Arre nahi," countered Fufaji. "For a proper honeymoon, you should go somewhere romantic. Paris, perhaps?"

"Paris? In this economy ?" Kamla Bua scoffed. "Why go so far? Kashmir is beautiful at this time of the year."

As the debate raged on, I leaned closer to Aanya. "Any preferences?" I whispered.

She bit her lip thoughtfully. "Honestly? I've always dreamed of seeing the mountains. Plus I also want to try trekking."

I nodded, a plan already forming in my mind. Raising my voice to be heard over the family discussion, I said, "What about Munsiyari?"

The room fell silent for a moment, all eyes turning to us.

"Where is this Munsiyari?" Anika asked.

"It's in Pithoragarh" her facial expression told she didn't knew where this place is "Its a district in Uttarakhand" i specified. "You should know about your hometown atleast. "

"Munsiyari?" Mom repeated, considering the idea. "That could be nice. I haven't myself been there but I have hears its a beautiful place. Mountains, cool weather, lots of romantic spots..."

"And it's not too far," Dad added approvingly.

Seeing Aanya's enthusiasm, the family quickly rallied around the idea. Within minutes, it was decided – we would be honeymooning in Munsiyari.

"Excellent choice," Dadi said, beaming at us. "Now, when do you want to leave?"

Aanya and I exchanged glances. "Maybe next week?" I suggested. "That'll give us time to prepare and for Aanya to settle in a bit more."