The Lost Thread

Off Limits

Krish was not happy with Dhruv. He had a right to flirt, but he should not make a girl uncomfortable. And that is exactly what he was doing, making Maya blush and confused. It was his duty to step in.

'Yes, Maya, you are looking lovely.' 

Dhruv cast him a look that could kill. Nobody has dared to cross him before it seems, but this is not his boardroom. This is a friendly trip, and he has no business spoiling it. 

He smiled gently into Maya's surprised eyes. There was such simplicity in the compliment, that Maya laughed aloud. 

'Both of you are very looking very handsome, in your own way' she said honestly and blushed more. 

'Thanks' said Krish, enjoying her blush more than he should. Dhruv gritted his teeth. Things were getting out of his control. Krish gave him a knowing smile. He was also enjoying Dhruv's anger. They finished their food in silence and packed up.  They still had a few kilometers to go.

Going up, they were breathless quickly, so no one talked. But Dhruv was now trailing Maya like a shadow. Krish could barely get within a couple of feet of her. Every time she slipped, Dhruv was there, giving her a hand. To Krish, he almost looked territorial.

Finally they were at their destination. It was not a very high fall, but the volume was astonishing. The gushing water cascaded down the big boulders in a white curtain. The sound was deafening.The land around was surprisingly sparce, and slippery. Dhruv went to stand near the edge. 

'Maya do you want me to take your picture?'

Maya nodded happily and picked a rock to climb up. Dhruv looked around to see the rock Maya had chosen. It was smooth like glass, and completely without any perch. He walked under the rock to watch Maya. Krish readied his camera and clicked a few snaps. Maya looked so happy and carefree with her face lit up with her smile. Dhruv did not want any of her pictures with Krish. Every part of her belonged to him. His was still watching, when suddenly Maya slipped. One moment she was there, and in an instant she was gone. Krish's heart stopped. He rushed to the edge, and looked into the water. He could not see anything and his limbs turned into ice. Where is she?

'She is here'

Dhruv was holding Maya, just over the edge. Maya was white, while Dhruv looked thunderous. With not-too-gentle hands, he dragged her back from the edge. Once they moved away, he made her sit on a boulder and lunged at Krish. He put his hand around his neck and shoved him against a rock.

'Endanger her like that again, and I will smash you into a pulp. How dare you! Did you not know the rocks were slippery?And you call  yourself a trekking expert?' He snarled.

Krish was still shaking. He was not scared but he was feeling ashamed. Yes he should have taken care. His only excuse was he wanted to take Maya's picture.

Dhruv looked at his camera. For a moment, it looked like he might smash it. But he smiled softly.

'Give me the pictures. They belong to me, just like she belongs to me. Back off'

To say Krish was surprised was an understatement. He never thought Dhruv can be so intense. His usual cold gaze was burning with a fire he had never seen before. Maya, it seemed, was not a casual conquest. She was important to him (Dhruv). He just hoped Dhruv knows this. 

Krish nodded and looked at Maya. She seemed to be shaking slightly, still looking at the rock and the waterfall with a stunned look in her eyes.

'This trip is over. Lets get back', said Dhruv impatiently. 'Get up Maya!' He said harshly.

Maya looked at Dhruv with scared eyes. 

'Give me so time. My legs are still shaking'

In a swift movement, Dhruv moved to her and enveloped her in a hug. As they clung together, Krish realised he was unwanted. He moved away to give the couple some privacy and proceeded to pour himself a cup of coffee. He took a few sips and wondered how his expertise had deserted him. He should have noticed that the rock is slippery. He owned it to Dhruv for saving Maya, and sparing him a lifetime of remorse. 

After 15 mins, Krish poured another cup for Maya and carried it to the two. Maya seemed to have composed herself and was sitting a bit farther from Dhruv. Dhruv too looked lost in his thoughts.

'Drink this, it'll warm you up'

Maya smiled gratefully and took a sip. 

'You know Maya, next time we select a rock, we will make Dhruv test it for us. If he falls, it won't be a great loss'

Maya looked up and smiled. Dhruv ignored them. 

'Lets take a picture together.'

Krish put the camera on a rock facing them and set the timer. He quickly sat beside Maya and all three of them looked at the camera, as it clicked the only photo Maya has left today of Dhruv.