Obscured Glimmer

2. A Fun Ride

Cherai Beach:

NANDINI:

Cottony-white clouds moved in the sky with the leisurely flowing chilly wind and the cerulean blue waves sparkled as the shining rays of sunlight touched deep blue blanket of Arabian Sea. A velvety red-headed, Painted-stork bird embowed its long, slender neck while gracefully flipping its broad white wings against the elegantly dancing ocean waves.

Listening to the melodious opera of the ocean, I sat on the beach playing with the silvery-pink seashells. Navya and Abhi were making a sandcastle, which supposedly seemed the most childish idea to me. Knowing my inner turmoil about Singh sir; they didn't force me to dig my hands in the light brown shiny sand.

The place was full of hustle-bustle. Typical beachside shacks, barbeque corners, sea-food stalls, tattoo studios, hot chicks running in swim-suits, couples walking hand-in-hand, tourists playing water sports, friends clicking selfies, and of course my two crazy monkeys screaming enthusiastically after every half an hour.

I was observing the finest details of Cherai beach which was more precisely known as 'Queen of Arabian Sea' when my eyes fell on a man who sat by a sea-food stall holding a fork in his hand. The guy was wearing a floral shirt and white shorts. Looking at his hypertrophied biceps and six-pack abs which peeked through the first two open buttons of his shirt he seemed like a fitness freak, a hot one though.

His eyes were closed, the face looked serene. Those anemone-pink thin lips curved in contentment as he savored the delicacy. I went all aw on the overly cute foodie expressions as he licked his fingers moaning in ecstasy.

I didn't realize how much time I kept staring at him but it certainly made me embarrassed when his eyes landed on me and he smirked. Turning my head swiftly, I played with the sand trying to hide my little blatant act. My heart thumped faster as I saw him walking in my direction while I tried to maintain a calm demeanor.

"Nandini, let's race till the largest houseboat. Get your Jet Ski fast. I and Abhi will be riding together.", I heard Navya's exuberant squeal as she ran with Abhi towards the dealer for renting a Jet Ski.

I sprinted through the sand to reach the dealer. It took me a little longer as I was sitting at a distant place. A scowl made its way on my face as I heard the dealer, "Sorry, We are all booked."

My eyes wandered to find my two crazy friends who seemed quite busy in checking the engine and breaks of the rented vehicle. At the same time, I found one empty Jet Ski and asked the dealer about it.

"Sorry. It is also booked. See, there. That man rented it for the next hour. If you want to ride, you can ask him to share.", he pointed at someone who was probably standing behind me.

My eyes went wide, lips curved in a perfect 'O' shape, and I gulped cursing my fate silently as I saw the same tall foodie with impeccable features smirking at me. Moving a little closer he said, "I don't mind sharing that thing with the gorgeous lady."

I rolled my eyes folding my hands on my stomach while he chuckled.

Navya once again screamed asking me to join them quickly and I sighed out of exasperation.

"So, shall we?", he asked.

"No, thank you. I don't go on rides with strangers.", I replied in a curt tone and he chortled more making me furrow my eyebrows.

"Yeah, right. You just ogle at them shamelessly.", he teased with a toothy grin and I felt like punching him breaking those exquisitely white teeth.

"I didn't ask for your help.", I said in a rude tone.