DESTINED TO REMEET

CHAPTER- 10

Every encounter with him fills me with great fear. His nearness put me on my defensive. I was tired of what ever is happening with me here. I came for my peace of mind, which has turned vice-versa. Thirteen more days left for my vacations. If these encounters went on like this I will be in deep hell.

Next day passed uneventful. Today Aunt and me went for shopping. Same market area I used to frequent with mom long time back.  The market was at it's peak.  There was not a single shop where a big crowd is not seen. Everyone seems to be in a hurry. There were jewellery shops which shine brightly in the light. I spotted my favourite brand shop FOREVER YOUNG. We went in the store and I was so delighted to see sale board. I hugged aunty she also felt excited. We seperated our ways to shop respectively.

I selected 8 mix dresses and went to try room. In the end 6 parcels I was holding out of which one was for mom and aunty I paid my bill and waited for her in BR Icecream parlour as decided.

In my mind next stop I decided will be footware showroom.

Sitting there to pass time I started   checking out people in the parlour. Of all the people in the world my eyes  fell on him. Before I could avert my gaze I saw the same girl Sara putting a spoon of icecream in his mouth. Which he refused and diverted the scoop to her mouth with his own hands.

Can't get caught staring. I stood up and turning my back moved out of there, on my shaky legs. Fortunately I met Aunty on the threshold of the parlor. Quickly I told my wish to buy footwear and rushed her to the footware showroom.

I bought one pair and aunt bought two. We went to a small resturant and had lunch. After filling our stomach we bought few more tit bits and by evening we reached home.  

My foot again in pain today. On reaching home I dipped it in hot water again and took a painkiller. It was 3 days left for my appointment with Angelo. I checked my phone which I left home by mistake.
The notification showed 5 missed calls and 53 messages.

4 calls were of Nancy at different timings and one from mom.

I felt uneasy, isn't it that her brother had complained that I avoided meeting him. I shook my head and thought of calling her.

"Hi Nancy, sorry I forgot my mobile at home. Just entered and calling you on seeing your missed call.

"Hi Rachel how's your foot dear?"

"I think it's a non-healing wound. The pain comes and goes on it's own. Anyways thank you for your concern. Today I have been shopping."

"That's great, I told you about that cruise we are planning. It is planned  on 19 saturday at 8 morning till 8 night. I have texted you the place time date where the cruise will start. It's a youngster party. I hope this party you can enjoy till end.

"Oh cool thanks a ton, I will definately come."

"Great, ciao than Good night Rachel".

"Good night"

Aunt Cathy was listening to my conversation and gave me a big smile and thumbs up sing.

Next day I tried all my dresses again in order to decide what to wear on cruise. Finally decided the strappy frock with white sneakers I bought yesterday. Next full day I did not move much to relax my foot.

19th I woke up early to get ready for the cruise. At seven thirty I booked a cab. Aunt Cathy was still sleeping so I left a note for her.

The cab dropped me on the shore and  I called Nancy. She sent her cousin to bring me to the yatch.

Uneasiness started the moment I set foot on the yatch. Another encounter with him may deprive me of my heart forever. I had never considered myself to be a nervous type but thought of facing Richardson again made me alarmingly edgy.

MONALISA written with Golden colours was shining brightly on the white base of yatch, looking so elegant. It was looking very new. As we entered the yacht I saw many familiar faces from the party.

Nancy came towards me and welcomed me with hug she introduced to everyone loudly. "Hey folks she is Rachel our new guest, some of you have met in the party."
"Hi Rachel"many replied unitedly I reciprocated in same manner.

"Hia, girl how r u?" Robert said coming near me. We shook hands
"Now Rachel plz feel at ease and help urself with snacks on the back of this cabin." Nancy informed me. Then addressing Robert, " Please  take care of her properly."
"At your service, both beautiful ladies." and he bowed.

"Rachel I have to make a round in the pooling area, will be back. You may like a tour of the ship."

Nancy handed me a juice bottle from the tray of a passing by waiter.

Robert Broke in"I have extended my services already plz let me do the honour."

Nancy moved on promising to meet after some time.

Robert became my guide and took me around for a tour of that spectacular ship. Everything was white in colour. The pool was bright blue under the shinning sun 3 people were in the pool.

He took me on top of the ship where sun hit me hard and the sea breeze made its way in my hair. The view was so incredible as far as I can see there was water every where and two or three ships can been seen in distace. The flow of the ship was so rhythemic. It was so pitursque. Robert and I took many selfies.

Then we went down. A band has started playing music in a corner.
I saw Sara wearing 2 piece bikini in pink colour. My mind and eyes were on the crowd to see his tall figure but can't see him.

"Robert, I need your help here to  clear this junk and dump them in one of the cabin. Get the keys and come over please."
Someone yelled from below.

"Oh yes coming right away." he yelled back.

"Rachel let's go down it will take few minutes to do this, then will show you the cabins and musical bar."

I followed him and we decended via spiral staircase coverd with orchids. The ship has been decorated with orchid flowers and looking gorgeous.

He left me near the edge to watch out at sea. And went out of sight. The ship was too big. The distant music  was playing and making very romantic atmosphere. 
It had been more than 15 minutes Robert did not return I thought of exploring this cabin floor myself.

I moved in a gallery with a glass door.
There was several doors opening to small cabins and every cabin was  looking almost same. I was opening every cabin and looking inside they were very well maintained and well organised. There were  6 cabins almost same in design.

The seventh cabin was looking extremely different. I opened the door and was stuck immediately by the possibilities of a large and luxurious cabin amidship.

It had all the luxuries in that awesome room. There was wall to wall carpet will it traditional floral borders. Fresh flower filling vases. A small fridge and microwave.
In the centre there was a double bed with blue bedsheet spread on it.

There was another door maybe opening to a combining room or bathroom and precisely opposite to that door there was a porthole.
I went to that porthole and looked out.

In few seconds something made me uncomfortable in that lovely cabin. Ignoring the weird feeling I turned and click few photographs of the room from different angle.

My uneasiness grew when I heard a noice behind the other door. My heart  gave a jolt of anticipation. The door opened and my breath stuck in my throat. It was a bathroom door no one came out immediately.

I want to run away but I found myself paralyzed when I saw him standing in the door. I remember the fragrance of that after shave which tickled my nose. He was wearing blue trunks only and his broad torso was bare. The dark hair were wet due to the shower. My heart was banging away at my ribs. My legs were so weak that I doubted I should depend on them or not. I might have stumbled down when a hand closed at my shoulders and made me sit at the nearest chair.