Bombay and The Queen's Necklace

CHAPTER 4

Yet another pleasant evening in the Marine Drive. The paradise was as usual visibly beautiful and busy, and the dusk was fast approaching. The way the sea refuses to stop kissing the shore line, no matter how many times it was sent away was what Janani was staring at. She suddenly heard a camera flash and turned towards the sound.

"Perfect snap", said Dhruv looking into what he had captured. "You know, my Nick is as attracted to you as he is to this sea."

"Shut up Dhruv", replied Janani blushing lightly.

Dhruv went for another snap and Janani shadowed her face with her hands. "Stop it Dhruv."

He went much closer to her and clicked pigeons flying just above the smooth roaring waves.

"When people feel not fitting to live on land, they'll start liking the sea life. You'll urge to cross the sea. But the fear of losing the sight of shore holds you back," though she was whispering, Dhruv could hear her.

Dhruv looked at her surprised. "Impressive and poetic,"he said with a clap. "But these are the words from a broken heart, I guess, am I right?"

"May be"

Dhruv had never understood Janani to the depth to reciprocate a reply. And the best thing he could do was to click the sun drowning in the sea.

Janani had continued, "This city in one instance showcase the luxury enjoyed by the successful personalities and on the other hand it portrays the hardship and struggles of the slums. In between these two poles, this sea and this shore is the best sight Bombay ever produced".

"I vote, but partially," replied Dhruv.

"Partially?"

"I could show you a better sight, or may be the best in Bombay."

"The best?"

The conversation was then interrupted by Jeevan Bhai, "Dhruv beta, someone is waiting for you in the cafe".

Dhruv looked at his watch. "Sorry, I'm meeting a client. But I'll show you the best of Bombay. Be here sharp 7:30. I'll be waiting."

He had run towards the cafe before Janani could give a thought and reply. But she was curious enough to witness something better a sight in Bombay. And she also believed Dhruv was someone who could be trusted. If not Dhruv whom could she trust in this city, as far as of now.

**********

As expected by Dhruv, Janani was waiting for him in the Marine Drive walkway. He still had Nick hung on to his neck. He took her to an unfinished construction site one kilometre away. Janani felt confused and looked at the tall unfinished building and then gave Dhruv a similar confused look.

"Come along", Dhruv had started climbing the steps.

She hesitated for a moment.

"Trust me"

That 'trust me' had felt genuine. They climbed some thirty stairs and reached the top floor. The aroma of cement, bricks and rusted iron were the only things noticeable out there. Even the loudness of Bombay nights were somewhere so far and not reachable from where they stood.

Dhruv brought his hand close to Janani's eyes, "May I?"

Janani knew he was up for something exciting, so she nodded. Dhruv closed her eyes with his bare hands and instructed her to walk forward. She started walking slowly. Utter silence prevailed except their breathing. She also felt his camera hitting her back. And the best thing, she was enjoying the moment.

"Stop", Dhruv murmured, "Open your eyes", and he slowly started taking his hands away from her eyes. Even before opening her eyes, Janani felt the excitement in Dhruv's murmur in surprising her.