Into The Jungle

Chapter 2

The pleasant view of forest greenery on either side of a clear road had a lazy quality to it. It had a relaxing and peaceful effect. The landscape ahead was enveloped with tall eucalyptus trees with streaks of sunlight through them was very soothing to look at, thought Rhea, opening her eyes a little. She was still in the process of waking from her sleep. 

It was her idea to go through the Bandipur forest, she wanted to savor the greenery she so missed since her childhood when her father worked at the forest department and had his posting at Bandipur national park. Ricky had much preferred to use the other broader roads surrounded by civilization. 'What will we do if we need a doctor, or if we need food suddenly?' Ricky had asked trying to talk Rhea out of it but to no avail. Most of their arguments resulted in them following what Rhea decided, so this was no different.

Ricky's parents had invited them over the weekend to Mysore after Ricky had talked to his parents about their plans of getting married. 'She works in Wipro contact center for a big insurance firm in the US, her office is right across where I work' Ricky had mentioned when his mother had asked him about Rhea. Being from a progressive mindset, Ricky's parents were happy to see their usually reserved, nerdy, and shy kid, taking mature marriage decisions. They wanted to meet the woman who was behind this wonderful transition in their son.

Ricky worked in Wipro software division and Rhea in its call center. She had finished her night shift just a few hours ago and had been sleeping through the morning hours. The last 50 kilometers in this route were through the Bandipur National Park, which was a forest and the road was open only between 10 am – 6 pm. They had left Kochi before dawn that Saturday and had planned to reach Bandipur National Park by 4 pm.

'the road will be empty, and we will get to see quite a few animals through this route' Rhea said while stretching her arms upwards. 

Ricky was still recovering from the Tiger scare when he heard Rhea talk

'You look scared, are you Ok?' she had just woken up completely now.

'I am fine, said Ricky', not wanting to scare Rhea with the tiger incident.