It was another routine day for Ria. Boredom and isolation were her companion as her hubby Rishav had flown to a different city on yet another official trip. Ria hated Rishav’s official travels, first reason was that she could not tag along during such trips and the second was that eternal tedium that at times almost engulfed her. She was wondering what to do that evening, when her eyes caught an album on the shelf. She went closer and saw the letters written on the top of it. Our second honeymoon – it read. She smiled and pulled down the album from the shelf. She made some coffee for herself and became cozy into a couch along with the album.

Ria became nostalgic as she flipped the leafs of the album. The photographs took her back to those fascinating days couple of years back. It was a surprise trip and it was like magic. She once decided that she would pen down her feelings about that particular trip. It was just to make people realize that how surprises can make life worthwhile! She fetched her diary and started to narrate the story of some of the most remarkable days of her life!

It was just a few months after our marriage. I was instructed to pack the bags and I only know that we are going to Kerala. I knew Kerala is called as “God’s own country”, so I was pretty excited and got into my shoes ready for the trip. Next morning we took our flight to Trivandrum and reached there by ten in the morning. The hotel car was waiting for us at the airport and without much of hassles we settled into the car and to my surprise the car took the road which was supposed to lead us out of the city rather than taking us to it. I understood that out final destination was not the capital of Kerala but someplace else! I was already impatient and asked my hubby quite a few times about this but he was hard to be molded by any such sweet attempts!

It was just over an hour’s drive from the airport and when the car stopped I was astonished to see the surroundings. However, I did not see any hotel or resort around as the place was surrounded by serene backwaters. There were a few boats waiting there and even before I could ask him that what’s happening, we were instructed to get into one of those boats! The boat ride was breathtaking as I was glued to see the heavenly beauty all around! We reached to an isolated island after a while and I was excited to see the cottages from distance. The boat stopped at a small jetty in front of the resort and I understood that we have reached our destination. There was a board welcoming the tourist and it declared that we had just landed in the Poover island.

We got down from the boat and he left for completing the check in formalities. I was walking leisurely across the green patches when I saw him coming back. I have him a smile of acknowledgment as if to convey that I liked that place. But to my bewilderment, he declared that I am yet to receive my surprise! I started to contemplate what else can be there and started to become impatient. We took our keys from reception and walked towards the cottages that I had already seen from the boat. But to my dissatisfaction, I was told that we are not staying in those cottages. I felt really blue from within, however I did not show him much. At the end of the road, we took a left turn and I simply could not believe my eyes on what I was seeing!

There were five floating cottages lined up side by side in front of me. The cottages were literally floating on the backwaters. There were concrete slabs laid to connect the cottages with the land. I think he understood that I was feeling little jittery about stepping onto the slab and he lent his hand towards me after stepping on the same, as if saying me not to worry as he was around! I held him tightly and we crossed the slab and entered the cottage. He unlocked the door and moment we entered the room, I hugged him tight and kissed him on his cheek and said him “Thanks”. He smiled back and said there was more to come! I pressed him hard but in vain. He never disclosed the secrets!

The cottage was adequately furnished. There was a queen bed places at one side of the room; a big mirror attached to the wall; a couple of chairs and a small table. The room looked more spacious as there was lesser furniture. There was a small balcony at the back of the cottage and the complete backwaters were visible from there. The most exciting fact was the gentle movement the cottage was making since it was floating on the water. I simply stood there and the view seemed to be out of world to me. I never imagined even in my wildest dream that there can be a place like this present; romantic to the core – a perfect place for honeymoon J

Far away there were tiny islands in between the waters. Few small boats were on cruise, which seemed to be the only mode of transportation available there. I saw a boat to cross out cottage and the boatman smiled and greeted me seeing me standing there. I smiled back and after he left, I stood there and gazed towards the water casually. Suddenly I felt his hands to wrap me from behind. He kissed my earlobes and whispered – “Hey did you like it?”

“It’s awesome honey! Just like you are!” – I replied. I turned around and we again hugged each other. Then we came inside the room and locked the door for some privacy.

We went out in the afternoon for a snake boat ride, included in our package. We sat side by side in the boat, hand in hand and relished the green around us. Coconut trees were all around on the Virgin Islands around Poover amidst the backwaters.

Later in the evening we walked through the well maintained garden to reach the restaurant on the other side of the resort. As we occupied ourselves on a corner table, I saw most of our fellow boarders were foreigners with just a handful number of Indian couples. After some sandwiches and coffee, we walked to the garden and occupied ourselves inside two hammocks hanging side by side. The darkness was setting in and the halogen lights were glowing. The entire island resembled like a bright twinkling star amidst all the darkness around. We relaxed, still reclined watching at the full moon in the sky. Suddenly I recalled his words and asked him, “Hey lover boy, what is that actual surprise that you said is in store?”

“We still have a day to go baby! Just wait and watch” – He smirked.

We retired into our cottage after dinner. The movement provided by the floating cottage produced enough vibes for us to start romancing and once that was on, it just continued until very late!

Next morning I wanted to explore the resort properly. It was actually quite big and occupied the entire island. It had a tempting swimming pool, pool bar, lovely gardens and facilities for indoor and outdoor games. We planned for a dip into the pool. After a few laps in the pool, we sat at the pool bar and sipped some drink. It was one of the most romantic experiences that I had ever had. We were in wet costumes; our legs inside water and playing with each other; our eyes were looking deep into each other. We ignored the people around and continued to get engrossed into each other’s feelings. It was almost fire set on water!

That night during dinner, after ordering our favorite Lasagna and Pastas, he suddenly revealed that he had forgotten his purse in the cottage. He took excuse and came back almost after twenty minutes. The food was served by then and after dinner we went back to our cottage. When he opened the door, I was left spellbound! There were candles lit everywhere on the floor and around. I was dazzled looking at those bright stars. Meanwhile he arranged the table and put the chairs on either side of it. The table contained two Belgian cut glasses and a bottle of champagne. I didn’t know how to react and just looked at him. He smiled and said – “Happy 6 month’s anniversary! This was the small surprise that I wanted to give it to you!”

“Thanks for everything, lover boy” – I said and felt my eyes were clammy and a drop of tear rolled down by cheek. He put his hand below my cheek and caught the drop and said,“There is no place for tear, only love is in the air! I will never allow even a drop of your tear to roll down. That’s a promise!”- He kissed me passionately. Then he took my hand and guided me to the table and opened the champagne after shaking it hard. The cork blew with a sound and the splashes were all around. We raised our toast and I said – “Cheers to our togetherness!” The remaining night was like heaven on earth.

Next morning we checked out and boarded the flight from Trivandrum. When I looked out in the sky, I thought of sharing this experience with all, just to let all know, about this surprise which made my life worthwhile!

Ria was back to her senses when her cell phone started to buzz. She closed her diary and took the call. It was Rishav on  line.

“Hello?” – She said.

“Honey, I am returning tomorrow and guess what? I have a surprise in store for you!” – He said and disconnected.

Ria simply sat there all in her smiles!

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