The time had as if wings of its own and before they knew, their visit to Tangalooma had also come to an end. Atharva sighed thinking how he will miss these days once they go back.
After dinner, when they retired to the room, Shruti felt uneasy again and......
To be continued......
Shruti felt uneasy again and decided to call it a day. She hugged Atharva and soon drifted to sleep. He kept looking at her sleeping face and mused how much he had missed this Shruti. At home, she used to often be in an agitated mood, due to some or the other reason. But then, to be fair, the world had changed for her. And he knew, she was putting in her best efforts. He cringed at the way his mother talked to her at times, and tried his best to break an unknown barrier between the two but then was ridiculed for looking at things only from her perspective. In fact, that added to the issue and so, he had stopped interfering unless and until it was absolutely unavoidable.
He could also feel her pain each time her hopes would be doused whenever the tests would be negative. He was just as much waiting for it, and would feel just as disheartened but always tried to maintain a positive attitude as at least one of them needed to remain strong. While caressing her, he didn't know when sleep took over.
Next day, they headed towards Gold Coast in the ferry. Shruti felt as if she was leaving behind an ounce of herself in that mystical place. The sun was shining high by the time they reached the beach city. They had decided to explore at least one of the theme parks that day itself as they had ample of time. They checked in to their hotel and quickly made their way towards the MovieWorld.
Shruti and Atharva reached just in time for the Main Street Parade. All the famous movie characters like Batman, Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, Bugs Bunny were trotting themselves, much to the kids amazement. The Super Heroes and Super Villains were next in line and sent the crowd gushing over them.
Once through with the parade, Atharva tugged her to go on the adventure rides that the park offered. Shruti insisted, "Let's go for the family rides first. Don't know why, but am not willing to go for the thrilling rides today. To top it all, the sun is also scorching."
He teased, "What happened? You were all gaga about how you and Rohan had enjoyed on that super adventurous ride when you had visited Las Vegas."
She shrugged, "Don't know, but I feel like avoiding those today. Let's see later. You can go if you want to..."
He shook his he and said, "Nope... not interested in going alone."
She had expected it from him and her heart filled with love at his gesture. She lovingly pulled his cheek and said spontaneously, "I feel like eating you up."
He raised his eyebrows and grinned as she realised what she had just said and bit her tongue, as he uttered, "Who is stopping you?"
She mustered up courage and said boldly, "Tonight Mr. Atharva Shah..."
He looked at her incredulously, "Seriously?! Do you realise this is the first time ever that you have even remotely suggested something?"
She knew she couldn't back out and said airily, "There is always a first time."
They had been waiting in the queue for the ride 'Wild West Falls' while having the conversation. It was their turn already and as they sat in the boat, they got lost in the enchanting world as they went through the make believe Indian settlements, ghost towns and the wagon trains. The ambience was remarkable and Shruti felt just like a kid, enjoying very bit. Her enthusiasm was infectious and Atharva too felt light hearted. Right then, the boat started descending down steeply. Amidst excited screams and laughter, the ride ended with a splash in the water. They both came out smiling.
Next was the Shrek 4D adventure. As such, Shruti disliked the look of the characters but the show was fun. They strolled around the park and enjoyed quite a few rides and shows. The shops housed some very cute stuff and they bought a couple of character tees and toys for Isha.
Atharva once again approached, "Are you game for the thrilling rides?"
She made a face and suggested, "Can we please sit for a while?"
They were hunting for a bench when Shruti noticed a café and insisted for an ice cream. She commented, "Oh! This feels like an oasis in the desert. Come to think of it, we have been out in the sun quite a bit."
He nodded, "Hmm true... as such, we have covered almost everything there is to see except those rides."
She knew he wished to go and insisted for the same but he refused to budge. So she suggested, "Atharva... I don't know why, but am feeling worn out. Is it okay if we go back? It's evening already."
Atharva agreed immediately but thought something wasn't correct. While they were still in the cab, Shruti complained of not feeling well at all. He felt uneasy looking at her and pacified her, "We are almost there jaanu. Take rest once we reach."
In another minute, they reached the hotel. She felt a splitting headache and held his hand while walking. She started speaking, "Atharva... I am not...." and then passed out all of a sudden. She would have fallen down had it not been for Atharva who was holding her in a death grip. His face reflected his turmoil and he hollered, "Shruuuttiii!!!"
The staff immediately gathered around in concern when Atharva asked to get water. Meanwhile, a doctor who happened to be there, came to their rescue. Atharva was out of his wits and felt as if this was his worst nightmare. An unknown place, amongst strangers, he felt lost. But luckily, the doctor came to their aid.
Although it was barely two minutes since Shruti had passed out, it felt like ages to Atharva. The doctor sprinkled some water on her face which brought her back to her senses. Atharva was about to lift her up, she seemed so feeble but she insisted and somehow walked upto the room, leaning onto him for support. The doctor followed in a while with his instruments and did some preliminary check.
The doctor verified the statistics and pronounced, "Her blood pressure has dropped down considerably. And judging by her symptoms, she seems to have had a heat stroke. Have you been out in the sun for a long time?"
Atharva explained, "Yes doctor. Actually, we are on our honeymoon and came to Gold Coast today afternoon. As such, we have been out in the sun a lot since a couple of days."
The doctor haltingly queried, "Errr... is there any possibility of pregnancy? You need to check that out as well."
Atharva looked at Shruti expectantly when Shruti shook her head, feeling disappointed. The doctor prescribed a couple of medicines and recommended her to have ORS so as to bring immediate relief to her condition. Atharva thanked him profusely for coming to their rescue. The doctor reminded them to cross check about the pregnancy and then left.
As soon as the doctor left, Atharva came near her and cupped her face, "Jaanu... how can you be so sure?"
Her lips quivered when she said, "I... I just know."
He tried to reason with her, "What's wrong with you? We need to check again. I shall get the kit and then let's check."
He was about to get up when she held his hand and mumbled, "Actually, I checked in the morning itself as I hadn't been feeling well since yesterday. I had missed my date and the test had proved negative. So, for some reason had carried two more kits, just in case. I tested twice in the morning just to be sure. Didn't want to disappoint you so didn't let you know. Sorry... again."
And she couldn't hold back her tears and cried. He took her in his embrace and actually realised what torment she must be going through each time. His heart went out to her and he hugged her, soothing her anxieties. He tried to control his tears, but they deceived him and rolled down his cheeks. Although, he was discreet about it and composed himself quickly before she realised. He was feeling bad for her... if just one moment of hope made him go through this, he couldn't begin to fathom her situation.
Atharva admonished her lovingly, "Paagal hai tu... we have all the time in the world. Don't behave as if its been ages since our marriage. Come on, cheer up. To quote you, we are on our honeymoon and supposed to talk lovey dovey, right?"
She nodded her head against his chest and tried to gather herself, for his sake. He said, "Come on... have your medicine, drink the ORS and rest. I will call in for room service. Have something to eat and then sleep."
Shruti felt washed out and due to the heat stroke, couldn't eat anything more than a small bowl of soup and a slice of bread. Embraced in her husband's arms and feeling a bit better, she drifted into deep slumber. However, Atharva lay thinking about what had happened on that day. He knew there was nothing to worry, but the mere thought of something happening to her had shaken him to the core. He gathered her just a lil more in his arms, bringing her closer to him and planted a soft kiss on her head. He fervently prayed to the Almighty to grant her wish and bless them with the happiness they had been craving for.
It was almost 10 a.m. by the time Shruti woke up next morning. She sat up with a jolt as she realised that she had overslept and said, "You should have woken me na... we will get late for the Dream World and Sea World."
He knitted his brows and rebuked her, "Are you out of your mind Shru? You need to take complete rest today."
She tried to protest, "Arey nooo!! Please don't cancel. You'll also miss. I'm felling better, see?"
He shook his head, "Nope.. I don't wanna hear another word. We can chill out during the daytime while you recuperate. Shall see if we can go out in the evening after the weather cools down a bit. Anyways, I feel we have been running around too much. Can take a day off and just relax."
Shruti felt guilty as she knew he was saying all this so that she doesn't feel bad. He hovered around her and didn't leave her even for a minute. Although Shruti had thought she had recovered, but by the time it was noon, she was again feeling weak and was thankful that they had stayed back. In a way, she felt that the break was much required and revelled in the bond that grew every moment that they were together. Even though she was completely fed up of the way he had been mothering her since morning that day, but at the same time she could see his concern for her, his love reflected in everything he did and she couldn't have been happier and more satisfied.
Atharva insisted her to have her afternoon siesta and while lying down beside her, dozed off himself as well. By the time it was evening, Shruti was so fed up sitting in the room that she had to literally blackmail and drag him out. Their room was facing the sea and she ached to go there. The weather had cooled down reasonably and the air was refreshing.
Shruti didn't miss the chance and teased him, "I doubt I shall ever get to stroll at the beach front with you in Mumbai. Yahaa toh ghoom lu."
Atharva shrugged, "Can't help it. That's the way I am. Learn to live with it."
She exclaimed, "Hey! I was just kidding..."
They enjoyed the place, its peace and the fresh air. They strolled till quite a distance when Atharva again said in a concerned voice, "Shru... we are going to Sydney tomorrow. I hope you understand that we are not going to make it too adventurous. Will prefer doing it in limits that too if you are absolutely back to normal."
She giggled, "Jaisa aap kahe patidev..."
He grinned, "One mad woman you are!"
They went on with their banter in the same vein while they sat on the beach front. It was then that Shruti said, "Finally after almost two days, I think I am feeling hungry. Shall we go?" He nodded and they proceeded towards a small, cozy restaurant, which looked inviting enough.
They opted for a simple meal and after a while retired to the room.
Shruti was looking forward to visiting Sydney. While loitering on the airport waiting for their flight, they indulged in shopping. Atharva behaved as if he had been left free in a candy shop to exploit to his heart's content while Shruti stared at him. He clarified, "Oye Hitler! It is for both the sides of the family. Shaanti rakh and stop scowling at me."
She rolled her eyes at the kind of names he would use for her and strolled around in a nearby shop. She fell in love with a tote-bag when Atharva came in with his exploits. Together, they selected something for each member and were quite done by the time they boarded their flight.
It was almost evening by the time they reached Sydney. Shruti had recovered and was back to normal owing to the rest and care during the two days. They had deliberately not informed the family as they would have unnecessarily worried about her.
This was the last destination of their honeymoon and Shruti was already missing the days they had spent together. She said dreamily, "How I wish these days never end! I'll really miss Australia. Each place has its own charm. It's going to be etched in my memory for a lifetime."
He responded, "Frankly, I had apprehensions whether I'll be able to sustain for so many days without work but I realise what was I missing. It was really very nice. Shall always cherish these memories."
She entwined her hand in his as they strolled around the Circular Quay, the central point of the city. They chose to walk along the streets as that was the best way to visit anywhere, getting the real feel and vibes of the place. Their eyes were glued as it offered the most majestic view of the two iconic attractions of Sydney - The Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Shruti had always been fascinated by the Opera House and its opulence. They sat gazing at the picturesque view as it was well lit at night, its reflection in the water adding to its glory. They sat to dine in one of the several cafes overlooking the harbour and had a splendid time.
Sydney was more modern in every aspect and had all the traits of a busy, business centre, a complete contrast to the quiet and sleepy places they had been so far. She corrected herself that had her health not ditched her, she would have had the chance to experience the night life of Gold Coast. She shrugged and thought there was always a next time.
Atharva had rescheduled the plan such that there were no outdoor excursions during day time. He was quite particular about what could be done without triggering the problem again. In fact, he went to the extent of keeping it minimal and Shruti had no option but to give in. On the first day, they visited the Sydney Aquarium, which was huge by any standards. As such, it could have been quicker but Shruti would stop at almost every place, reading most of the information given such that Atharva would have to nudge her every now and then.
At the end of each place they would visit, Shruti would end up collecting a couple of picture postcards. Atharva had observed this in the initial days of the trip and had remarked about it when Shruti had said, "I have postcards of all the places I have visited over the years. It's so fascinating.. like a souvenir. You get to keep a part of each place with you forever, bringing back beautiful memories. Do you know? I still have things like the tram rail route of London, the entry tickets to the parks, the mickey shaped popcorn tub that I had got from Disney land... and hoards of other things. Its my little treasure."
The passion with which she had spoken had astounded Atharva, showing another facet of her nature, which he had been unaware of.
Atharva remarked as they entered the famous Queen Victoria Building located on George Street, "Australia has a lot of British touch to it every where we have been... its buildings, architecture, even the names of the streets..."
Shruti mumbled, "Hmm true." However, her attention was already diverted looking at the splendour and fashion boutiques surrounding her. They enjoyed buying a couple of things when she remarked, "Atharva, you have hardly bought anything for yourself. Enough of indulging me. Let's shop for you."
And she spent time choosing for him and much to her amusement, in spite of detesting it, tried out the tees and shirts she selected for him.
The next day was devoted to visiting the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Shruti had always been awed and was more than happy to visit the place she had always wished to. Once done touring the place, they went for the Sydney Harbour cruise. And they could see why the harbour was touted to be the best, as arguably there wasn't another in the world which could rival Sydney's beauty, vibrancy and the million dollar views it had to offer. They cruised right under the bridge and upto the Opera House.
Shruti said dreamily, "I had always fantasised about going for a helicopter ride in Sydney. But its okay, since we have already done that in Tangalooma."
Atharva whispered in her ears, "Chalo... let me fulfil this wish as well. Warna lifetime sunna padega..."
She looked at him, with eyes as big as saucers and exclaimed, "Sacchi? Wowwww! This is so exciting... do you know? Ever since I had seen the movie Dil Chahta Hai, I had yearned for it. Thank you sooo very much. Its gonna be a dream come true!!!"
He couldn't help chuckling, "One filmy keeda you are!"
Shruti couldn't wait to go for the helicopter ride. As soon as they were done with the boat ride, they headed towards it. Shruti was super excited and her face reflected it. Soon, they settled themselves in the helicopter and flew up. Her eyes were twinkling as they flew right above the Opera House, which for her, was synonymous with Sydney. The sparkling white structure looked even more imperial from up there. In another minute, they flew above the other iconic structure, The Harbour Bridge and again she felt overpowered by the grandeur of the structure. After encircling the city from up for a while, she thought that it ended too soon, but she was in for a surprise. The helicopter seemed to be flying out of the city which astonished Shruti and she looked at Atharva. But before he could speak, the pilot announced, "So, hope you enjoyed the view of the city from up here. Now we are heading towards the Blue Mountains. It should take us around 45 minutes to reach our destination. So sit back and enjoy the view."
Shruti was dazed, to say the least and exclaimed, "Pinch me Atharva! This is beyond my imagination!!! Am I day dreaming?"
He shook his head and uttered in a mock tone, "God knows meri value kab hogi ... surprise do toh bhi problem, na do toh bhi."
She couldn't tear her eyes from the panoramic view as they swept through the Parramatta River enroute to the Blue Mountains. They had left the hustle and bustle of the city and were surrounded by nature in all its glory. The views were incredibly spectacular. No visit to Sydney can be complete without a visit to the Blue Mountains and they could see why. They were fortunate enough to experience the very heart of the World Heritage Blue Mountains.
Soon, they descended and were treated to a gourmet lunch, which was one of its kind as they had it overlooking the Blue Mountains National Park. The weather was pleasant enough and they enjoyed the place thoroughly.
Shruti said sincerely, "Atharva! I must confess you completely bowled me today. What a way to end our honeymoon... thank you once again for making it so special for me."
He smiled and said, "I am glad to see you happy."
The day passed in a splendid way. When they returned, it was almost night and Shruti insisted, "Can we please spend some time at the Circular Quay? We are leaving tomorrow and I can't get enough of this place."
Atharva nodded and they sat right there, under the sky, overlooking the OperaHouse.
Shruti tried her luck, "Ek aur wish poori kar do."
Atharva asked sceptically, "Now what? I will if I can."
She goaded him, "Kiss me right here."
He gave her a curious look, "What's with your obsession of kissing in public?"
She didn't budge. "I don't want to listen to your 'Be practical' lectures. Just give in to the moment and kiss me here. No one is going to be ruffled. I am sure it must be an everyday thing for people here. Please? Will you fulfil my wish?"
Atharva didn't have a choice as he didn't have the heart to refuse her. He touched her shoulders and just brushed his lips against hers, long enough for them to feel the fire within and ignite the passion which surpassed the bodily desires, which portrayed how madly they loved each other, in their own way.
Atharva felt his senses would explode and urged, "Shruti, let's go to the hotel."
She was not in a capacity to say a word as her senses had triggered as well and simply mumbled, "Hmmm..."
Just as they were walking towards their hotel.....
To be continued....
Next post soon... Get ready for the count down ❤❤
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