Short story series. The Holiday.

The Holiday.

Kiara and Rishaan were married for 3 years. It was a normal arranged marriage with family tie-ups and social circles. Both liked each other and were into a peaceful relationship.  Kiara was quite modern, yet a family oriented lady fully dedicated to her work and family. She lived for love and relationships. Working as an HR professional was her own choice and Rishaan never objected to it.

Rishaan was a good husband, fulfilling all his duties and responsibilities with ease, giving his best to wife and family. He was a CEO in his IT firm and was dedicated to his work. He loved his life, but ………..

Diya was Kiara’s old friend. She was brilliant and beautiful.  She had recently joined Rishaan’s firm as HR head. She loved to work for social purpose as well, besides her 9 to 5 job. A warm, loving, friendly person. A joy to be with.

It was the time of Christmas Holidays. Rishaan was overworked and decided to take a break from his hectic life. He along with Kiara planned a weeklong holiday in Goa. Their all time favorite destination would be awesome in winter. Kiara just loved it for its beautiful beaches and lush greenery. Everything was planned and they were to leave the following Saturday.

Diya often visited Kiara at her home or office, for some light moments and some fun. They had been good friends since years. They laughed over old memories and enjoyed private jokes whenever they met. Their closeness was not deterred by Kiara’s marriage or Diya’s divorce. They remained the same for each other. True friends.

Rishaan was well aware of their friendship and never objected to it. Diya was a pleasant person to be with. He liked her and always had a second thought for her. But Diya’s simplicity and innocence did not give him a chance to approach her with his intentions. He was too busy a person to linger on to such thoughts.

That day Diya dropped in to Kiara’s office for a cup of coffee and a chat. Within moments they had planned their holiday together. Kiara knew Rishaan would not mind it. All was set for the threesome to travel to Goa for a weeklong holiday.

Kiara and Diya were chatting all the way to the airport. They took the evening flight.  The entire day’s work, packing and rushing to the airport had exhausted Kiara, she needed some rest. She slowly fell asleep with Rishaan and Diya on her either side. Diya was quiet, lost in her own thoughts, but very excited for the break she badly needed. She was going to Goa for the first time. Rishaan was awake and aware of Diya’s presence.

In the middle of the flight, Kiara woke up to go to the washroom. When she returned, she was too lazy to push her way into the middle seat. And with Rishaan readily offering to shift seats, the sitting arrangement changed.  With 20 min. still remaining for the flight to land, a sleep starved Kiara took another power nap, this time holding Rishaan’s right hand more firmly. Rishaan’s other hand, though, nervously moved to touch Diya’s. Her heart skipped a beat. Diya pulled her hand away. But a defiant Rishaan held her wrist again, this time firmly and more reassuringly. The changing behavioral dynamics between the three perhaps gave out a foreboding of what was to come in Goa.

When the flight landed at the Dabolim Airport, Rishaan felt uncanny _ _ _ _ _ his excitement seemed replaced by an unknown fear that he found very difficult to decipher.

Was it the fear of being a unfaithful husband, or was it the fear of falling prey to his sensual desires, or was it the fear of losing his status and being unjust to a dear friend. He could not fathom it. 

They reached  Panaji, checked into the Hotel and retired for the night. Next morning they were fresh and excited to explore the lovely serene beaches and lush greenery of Goa. All three of them looked stunningly different in their holiday wear, which was so different from the formals they needed to wear as Professionals. They were in a joyful mood, anxious to take in the enjoyment every moment of the week.

Kiara was so happy being with Rishaan at her favorite destination and with Diya, her dearest friend.  Diya was still in a state of shock after Rishaan’s strange behavior on the flight. She could not digest the thought. It was still disturbing her. Why did Rishaan hold her hand so firmly, what was his intention? The thought kept coming to her mind, but she tried not to allow it to disturb her present moments. She did not want to spoil their holiday. They roamed around Goa, the beaches, the flea markets, beautiful churches, and the seafood. Each day brought a new adventure.

On the fourth day, they were to go on a ferry boat across Mandovi River. It is most exciting for tourist to sail across the deep waters.  The huge boats with in-house DJ music, Portuguese dance, live band, etc. It brings the effect of true Portuguese culture. They were sitting on the deck, the music and dance were in full swing, and the night was beautiful and starry. Rishaan was a bit high with his three pegs of whisky.  They were enjoying every moment of it. Rishaan came and suddenly put his arms around Diya trying to kiss and caress her. Diya jumped with a start, totally aghast. She was sitting in the back row and Kiara had moved to the front row enjoying the Portuguese dance and music. Diya did not go with her as it was very crowded. She preferred to watch from her back row. And Rishaan’s sudden gesture made her jump up.

Kiara suddenly turned around and saw what had happened. Diya freed herself from Rishaan and moved away. Kiara rushed to the spot and pulled Rishaan away. “Hey!! What are you doing? Rishaan!!” her tone was high and annoyed.

“What are you upto? And Diya how dare you!?!” Kiara blurted out just about anything that came to her mind, in a state of shock. Diya clearly said that she was unaware of what had happened. She was enjoying the dance, when Rishaan suddenly came about from behind and hugged her. When she turned around to see who dared to do so, he tried to kiss her.

 Kiara was furious. “Rishaan you are drunk. You better behave yourself. How dare you touch Diya and treat her like that?” Kiara had known Diya for years. She was confident that Diya would not have any such intentions. Her shouting and anger brought Rishaan to his senses. He apologized saying that he had mistaken Diya for Kiara, as they both were wearing same outfits. He tried all he could to calm down the issue.

The next day, Rishaan was well aware of the blunder he had committed and tried to cover up by giving special gifts. The day passed by on a lighter note. They enjoyed the seafood, wine and delicacies on the beach shacks. It was a great experience. Bebinca was served for dessert. It was a real feast for the taste buds. Its soft melting texture and layer upon layer of sweet ecstasy was awesome. After dinner they sat on the white sand under the starry sky, the sound of soft waves, it was quite a romantic atmosphere. But each one lost in their own thoughts. Something had created a barrier amongst them. An unseen barrier that had broken the threesome.

Kiara changed the mood by being playful and break the silence. She had forgotten the previous day’s incident and forgiven Rishaan for it. Considering him to be under the influence of alcohol. She was not the type to keep grudges for long. Diya though, was disturbed and had become conscious of Rishaan’s penetrating looks and gestures.

Rishaan was a dedicated husband, responsible and happy, but _ _ _ _, that flame of excitement, of venturing into forbidden areas, always raises the mercury level in men. He loved Kiara, cared for her, was completely dedicated to her and his work. But still, that spark was missing. Kiara was a successful wife and businesswoman, but for Rishaan, she lacked to be the adventurous, flaunting, bubbly, sexy, temptous lady. Rishaan was always attracted to such females. Diya though did not match to his fantasy, but still something about her light hearted attitude, her innocence and simplicity attracted him.

Next morning Diya found herself in bed with Rishaan. She woke up with a sudden sound of the door. It was Rishaan with her in the room. They had been together all night, breaking all barriers of society. She could not remember anything and felt a bit dizzy. The hangover of the local Kaju fenny had taken its toll. They were out for a local Portuguese cuisine at The Florentine’s. She along with Kiara was tempted to try the local fenny, just for fun. She remembered she had more than two pegs, though it choked her initially. Then she had lost control on herself. They had Chicken Caferial, a sumptuous dish and had retired early to their hotel rooms.

Kiara was completely out of control so Rishaan took her to their room and put her to bed. He then came to see Diya off safely to her room as she too was quite high with the drink. Once they entered Diya’s room, Rishaan’s intentions changed. He had since long been trying to come closer to Diya, but she had evaded him every time. The influence of the drink and close proximity to Rishaan, invoked the flame in Diya as well. Her beautiful body had always attracted Rishaan and this was the moment that they both could not resist. The drink and lust gave in to momentous pleasure and they spent the night together. Rishaan in his full senses and Diya totally under the effect of the drink.

As she sat up in bed, she realized all that had happened and was dumbfounded, shocked and unable to accept it.  Kiara’s thought terrified her. Rishaan tried to console her, but she quietly jerked his hand away and went away to the washroom.

Just then Kiara knocked at the door. Unperturbed, Rishaan opened the door. She was furious. She shouted and screamed at him, calling out Diya for clarification. Diya did not reply. She remained inside for some time, till all the noise subsided. Then she came out and saw Kiara bundled up in the corner of the room sobbing and lamenting over her fate. She could face any challenges in life, but not the betrayal from her husband and her closest friend. Diya had no words to apologize. No justifications to give. She came out, walked past the room to the huge window of the room and flung herself down from the 11^th floor.