Pia's POV
"What?" I asked, my mouth hanging open because of the thing I just heard. Swayam turned to me, smirking.
"You can't be serious! How can we leave our work for such a huge stretch of time?" I asked, mentally calculating all the possible upcoming projects for the company and we would not be here.
"It's just one month Pia. No big deal!" Swayam said, shrugging his shoulders as if he just said a very casual thing.
"Swayam, I am excited to go to Rajasthan as well but don't you think a month will be just too much? How will you manage? How will I manage?" I asked. As much as spending a whole month with Swayam and just him and no disturbances excites me and sounds so tempting, it's also making me frenzy. For a strange reason, I want it to be for this long stretch but also wish it to be shorter at the same time!
"Won't you have any important deals and meetings Mr. CEO?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.
"Everything will be taken care off. You don't have to worry even an ounce for it." Swayam said softly, cupping my cheeks and I knew at that moment, I had lost the battle.
"And you won't even know where the days flew by." Swayam smirked placing his hands around my waist and winking in the end making my eyes grow wide. Being 24*7 together and that too for a whole month, undoubtedly the romance would follow and the mere thought of it made butterflies explode in my stomach. I looked away, trying hard to control my blush and shooed the thoughts away.
"What are you thinking?" Swayam asked with a serious frown, making me look back at him. Soon his expression changed to a shocked one.
"I was talking about all the places we have to visit. We are covering whole Rajasthan, that's why we won't know where the days will go... Hawww Pia, what did you think of?" He asked in a tone of disbelief but the underlying tease was clearly visible. I could feel my cheeks, heat up and I pushed his chest with all my force and walked back into the closet in order to pack my clothes.
Yesterday we both crashed on the bed as soon as we returned from dinner due to the tiredness. Today, Swayam had given us an off and he had just returned from the office. Now when I ask of the trip in detail, what I get is a shocker that it is almost for a month!
"Swayam tell me what all types of clothes and things to keep?" I shouted from the closet, drown into my cupboard, searching clothes and throwing the ones to pack outside.
"Don't shout baby, I am here only." Swayam whispered just behind my ears making me jump startled. I glared at him and he chuckled at my reaction. God! I don't know when will he stop scaring me like that.
"Normal casual wears are enough. Oh yeah, take your trekking kit with you, also a one or two comfortable clothes. Don't forget to keep some warm clothes as well." He answered, removing his tie and I grinned at him. I love adventures! But frowned on the last words. Warm clothes?
"We are going to a warm state, why do we need warm clothes?" I asked.
"Ohh, you don't know but the cities will be cold in the night since the winter is nearing." He explained, very sleekly removing his coat and tossing it away. His biceps flexed as he did that and I looked away, not wanting to be caught ogling him.
"Okay!" I replied and turned back to packing my stuffs. The flight we have to catch is at tomorrow evening around 7 o'clock. That means we have to leave our house 2 hours before. I don't have a trekking kit so I will have to go to shopping before and even purchase some good new clothes. I looked at the time in my mobile and it was 6 in the evening. Yes, Swayam has returned early from his office today. I quickly took my mobile and messaged Simmi to come here.
I was taking out the stuffs when I heard a phone ringing. Definitely not mine. I went towards it to see Rey's name flashing on Swayam's mobile screen. I looked towards the washroom from where the sound of shower was coming from. Sighing, I answered the call myself.
"Come down dude! Right now!" I heard his stern voice from the other end and he hung up even before I could say a word. I walked upto the washroom door and knocked on it.
"Swayam?" I called out and heard the shower going off. There was some shuffling sounds from inside and then the door unlocked and Swayam peaked from behind the door. He stood there with a wet face and bare shoulder, water dripping from his hair and rolling down his sculpted face, down his neck making it's way to the chest and beyond which was hid behind the door. Arghhh! Get a grip Pia!
"Rey had called now and he sounded angry and he has said you to come down." I explained quickly, trying to calm down my heart beats.
"You go down, I will come in few minutes." He replied smirking and I blushed on being caught.
"Or else you can join me and let him wait for some more time." He whispered huskily.
"Shut up!" I playfully chided and quickly walked out of the bedroom. I climbed down the stairs and saw Rey sitting on the sofa with mom, chatting something joyfully.
"Hey Pia!" He looked up at me and took me in a warm bear hug which I immediately returned.
"He's coming in a bit. Is it something important?" I asked, guessing from the tone he had spoken on the call. He shook his head and made me sit with him on the sofa as well.
"You both chit chat, I have some work to finish." Mom said smiling and left for her room.
"So? Why did you sound angry on the call?" I asked him and he gave me a sheepish smile.
"Ohh, so you had answered it... Let him come, you will know." He said and just then, Swayam walked down the stairs and towards us.
"Yes Rey, you here?" He asked frowning.
"Oh yes! I wanted to pay a visit to my 'best friend'!" He replied, sarcasm dripping from his tone.
"What's wrong?" Swayam asked, just as confused as I am.
"What's wrong? I come to know from your PA that you are on a leave for a month, that's wrong!" Rey exaggerated, making me chuckle. Trust him to make an issue out of nothing. He gave me a look and turned back to glare at Swayam.
"I was about to tell you and not only me, even Pia is on leave because we are going on a honeymoon." Swayam replied, stressing on the honeymoon part.
"Ooooo..." Rey trailed off, turning to look at me and I could feel heat raising to my cheeks.
"Want something to eat or drink?" I asked not understanding what else to say.
"Sure." Rey replied in a teasing tone and I rushed into the kitchen from there. I took the bottle, filled the juice in the glasses and with some snacks alongside in the tray, I walked back into the living room, taking my own sweet time. As I neared it, I heard their voices getting louder.
"Seriously dude?" I heard Rey accuse and I kept walking further.
"You have so many other options, you could go international! Out of all the romantic places out there, you choose Rajasthan? Why?" Rey whined and I kept the tray on the tea table.
"Not a word against Rajasthan! I love that place and I am very much happy and excited that we are going there!" I replied to him instead of Swayam and Swayam gave me a grateful smile for saving him.
"Both are weird! Who goes to Rajasthan for a honeymoon? Weird couple!" Rey exclaimed, making a face, which made us chuckle.
"Why weird?" We all heard Simmi's voice and turned to see her coming towards us from the main door.
"These weird lovebirds here are going on a month long honeymoon, that too on a weird destination... Rajasthan!" Rey mocked and I rolled my eyes at him.
"Leave him, great that you are here! We need to go shopping!" I said and got up.
"Shopping? Wow! Get ready quickly, I am waiting." Simmi replied, plopping down on the single sofa.
"Will be back in five." I excused myself and went upstairs to get ready. Putting on some of my casual wears quickly, I tied my hair in a messy bun and we both left for the shopping.
"So, what do you plan on taking?" Simmi ask, as we enter the mall.
"Nothing much. Just some clothes and things required for trekking." I replied, shrugging my shoulders and looking around, deciding a shop to walk in.
"Don't you want to buy some sexy lingerie?" Simmi whisper asked next to me and my eyes grew wide.
"No... No! Why that?" I asked, trying to control my blush.
"Oh come on Pia! You are going on a 'honeymoon' for god's sake! You need a pair of those sexy stuff." Simmi replied, rolling her eyes.
"I don't want them." I stated and started walking towards a different showroom.
"No way! You are buying them and that too right now!" Simmi ordered, holding my wrist and dragging me towards the Victoria Secret. I groaned but walked along with her, having no option left.
After loads and loads of crazy shopping with her, we decided that it's enough and went to our respective homes. As soon as I entered my room, Swayam didn't seem much surprised with the amount of bags I and the maid behind me is carrying.
"Seems like you purchased the whole shop?" Swayam asked amused and I plopped down on the sofa, extremely tired.
"You expect this when you go out with Simmi." I said and closed my eyes, leaning my head a little back and adjusting myself in the comfort of the couch. This is so cozy! I heard his chuckle in return which made me smile. My eyes were still closed and I feel my eyelids getting heavier. I gave up the struggle and let the sleep overtake me.
_____
"Please take care of your health Pia." Mom requested once again, cupping my face with all the love and I smiled back assuringly at her. I don't get it why she is so much bothered about my health in this trip. It's normal to be tensed a little but she is just too much stressed for me. I guess a mother's love is like this.
"Pia? We are getting late!" Swayam yelled from outside.
"Don't worry mom, I will be fine!" I said and hugged her one last time. I hugged dad next, who kissed my forehead lovingly.
"I will miss you!" He whispered and his words filled me with an overwhelming feeling. It's hardly been a month since I am staying with him and he is already talking of missing me.
"Come on dad, it's just a month! Enjoy your sweet time while we are away!" I whispered back, trying to lighten the mood and he chuckled and nodded his head. Taani couldn't make it to see us off.
"Done with the emotional drama?" Swayam asked in a bored tone, standing at the door.
"It's not drama! They just love me more than you!" I replied, teasing him and he rolled his eyes but I could see a small smile playing on his lips.
"Come on, let's go." He said, gesturing out of the door but I turned to see Romeo nowhere around. I frowned and called him, but he didn't come running from anywhere.
"Romeo?" I called him again but no response. I whistled this time and he came out from under one of the sofas. He walked upto me extremely slow and I could guess he was upset. His wagging tail was still and his ever hanging mouth was shut. It's been like this since morning. When he entered our room and saw us packing and talking with everyone about leaving, he understood that we are going and has been in a sad mood since then. He stood in front of me, looking at me with those sad puppy eyes.
"Awww! Don't be sad!" I ruffled his head and he turned his head away. Oh! So someone is angry with me. My smile dropped and I was about to get up but Swayam crouched down beside me and started to pet Romeo.
"You are a good boy. Don't trouble them much!" He said softly and ran his fingers through his fur delicately to which Romeo started licking his hand.
"I will miss you too!" Swayam cooed, taking him in arms and hugging him partially, how much ever was possible. I was in awe with the cuteness in front of me. He kissed his head and kept him back on the ground.
"Bye Romeo!" I pet him one last time and he licked my hand in return which made me smile. He is so pure at heart! We both got up and walked out of the door, towards the car and all the time, Romeo followed us, eyeing our every move curiously. I opened the door and sat down on the back seat.
"Mom, attached him with the leash or else he will run behind the car and get injured." Swayam said before walking to the other side of the car and sitting beside me. Since we are going to the airport, we have a driver dropping us there. He started the car and we waved a final bye to everyone. Huff! Finally the journey starts. A journey that gives me butterflies in my stomach but makes me equally nervous too. I don't know what will be our equation when this will end but I am sure of one thing, we will be closer than ever before and the mere thought of that excites me...
Soon we arrived at the airport, checked in and completed all the security procedures and right now, we are waiting for the flight to start the boarding. It was announced after sometime and I suddenly feel nervous, sitting inside the flight. It's been ages since the last time I flew. It's not that I am afraid of heights or a closed placed or anything as such, but it's still making a bubble of fear pop in me. I felt a warm hand slipping into my right one and looked at my side to see Swayam smiling at me.
"It will be fine..." He whispered and I nodded, getting the warm comfort from his grip, my nervousness fading away. The flight took off and I waited for the two hours to pass by and us to reach Jaipur soon.
_____
"Let's check in in a hotel today and rest. Tomorrow we will start going around." Swayam suggested while we were walking towards the car which was waiting for us. We both settled inside after loading our luggage and I sighed in relief. I don't know why but when we landed here, I felt an air of familiarity brush over me. I felt so stressed that I wanted to come out of there, as soon as possible.
"Hey, you okay?" He asked, shifting closer to me.
"Yeah I am good. Just tired." I made an excuse and smiled.
"And it would be great if we only rest today!" I agreed to that too and looked out of the window, having a look at the passing buildings, covered with lights. It was night already and the city was shining in its bright lights. Soon, we entered into some driveway and I saw our car halt in front of a beautiful palace. My eyes widened and I looked at Swayam and he nodded at me, confirming my doubts.
"We are staying here? Wow!" I squealed in happiness and a valet came forward and opened the car door of my side. I composed my excitement and stepped out, waiting for Swayam to join me. As soon as he stood beside me, I grinned at him widely, clearly showing how much I loved this place already.
"Let's go inside." He held my hand and we walked in, the staff welcoming us to the pink city and one of them escorted us to our room. I was mesmerized with the interiors, everything was just so beautiful and authentic! Our luggage was already taken care of and the escort took his leave after unlocking the door for us.
As we entered inside, I just couldn't take my eyes off the room. It was spacious would be an understatement. It was a suite with a small bar attached and a balcony overlooking the lawn below. A perfect combination of modern designs and traditional essence.
"You like it?" I heard Swayam ask and turned around to see him near the dressing table, removing his watch.
"Like? I loved it!" I said and walked upto him. He immediately circled his hands around me and I took him by surprise by kissing him straight on the lips. It's was a short and soft one, telling him how much I loved all of this. I pulled away and walked upto the bed and plopped on it. It was so soft that I couldn't help but lay down on it, sighing in relief.
"Get up Pia! Freshen up, we are going for the dinner." Swayam said, standing beside and I groaned.
"Is it necessary to go? Please, I don't feel to!" I whined and looked at him with my puppy eyes and saw him sighing. Oh yes! I won!
"Okay as you wish but from tomorrow, I will not listen to this lazy you and you will have to do and come with me everywhere I take you to." He raised his eyebrows at me.
"Aye aye captain!" I mock saluted him and we both laughed at it.
"Go at least freshen up, I will order food from the room service." He said and walked upto the landline and I walked towards my suitcase. Taking out a comfortable night wear, I went to the washroom. Even the washroom was so spacious and sleek. I had a long relaxing bath and stepped out, dressed in my pajamas.
"I thought you slept inside." Swayam commented, eyeing me amusedly and I shrugged my shoulders and he dashed into the washroom, shaking his head. I heard the bell ring and opened the door. Our food had arrived and it looked very delicious. Thankfully, Swayam came out soon enough and we both had it, enjoying, chatting about the random things.
"Okay, we shall sleep now because it's going to be very tiring for us from tomorrow." Swayam said and I nodded, already sitting on the bed. He too joined me and pulled the duvet over us. I scooted closer to him and cuddled him, finding the comfort and soon sleep took over me.
_____
I heard someone calling my name and I frowned, pulling the duvet over my head and turning to the other side, relaxing back into the sleep.
"Get up Pia!" I heard him again, but I snuggled closer into the sheets.
"Pia get up or else we are going to miss something really really amazing!" He said, pulling the duvet off me and I groaned at the loss of the warmth. I squeezed my eyes and opened them, once adjusting to the light. I looked at the clock and it was still 5 in the morning. What the hell!
"Swayam it's still 5 in the morning! What is wrong with you?" I asked irritated, rubbing my eyes, my voice hoarse from the sleep. I heard him chuckle and I glared back at him.
"You look so cute when you are angry!" Swayam said, pinching the tip of my nose and I swatted his hand away.
"Get up sleepyhead, and get ready fast, we need to get going in half an hour." He said and my eyes grew wide. Just half an hour?
"Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" I scolded him, rushing to my luggage and taking out everything needed.
"Only if you would let me!" He replied. I looked at him and saw that he was already ready. Great! Only I am left. I fastened my pace and completed all the morning routines quickly and I smiled looking at myself in the mirror, satisfied with the way I look.
"Let's go!" I chirped, standing in front of him who was busy in his mobile, typing away something and he looked up at me. He kept looking at me for sometime, making me self-conscious. I looked away, a blush threatening to form on my cheeks. I very well know the look on his face. He mumbled something under his breath and stood up.
"How do you manage to look simply beautiful in anything you wear?" He asked, stepping closer and I gulped. He fished his arms around my waist and was about to descend down, eyeing my lips but I stopped him.
"Aren't we getting umm... Late?" I asked, pointing at his watch and he groaned which made me chuckle. He gave me a look but smiled shaking his head again.
"Come on." He said and we both walked out. It was dawn and a car was already waiting for us at the main entrance when we reached there. Swayam spoke to the driver, while I was admiring the surroundings, taking in as much as I could. After a few minutes, we both sat down and the ride started.
"Where are we going?" I asked Swayam.
"Jal mahal." He replied and I nodded, trying to recall the monument from my research. Of course I had done some research before coming here and also previously too. Soon, we arrived at our destination and we stepped down from the car. It was still not completely bright, the morning fresh breeze hitting my face immediately and the sweet chirping of the birds made it even more perfect. We walked a little more and I saw something which made me frown.
I froze in my place when I saw it inflating itself. My mouth hung open in surprise. Oh my god! Are we going in that? I turned to see Swayam already looking at me, more like enjoying my funny looking surprised face.
"Don't tell me!" I asked him, raising my eyebrows. There stood a hot air balloon, being inflated by few people around it.
"Yes tell me! It's a perfect kick start to our honeymoon, what say?" He asked back and I couldn't control my excitement anymore. I jumped in my place and hugged him tightly.
"Its perfect!" I whispered in his ears, kissing his cheek and pulled out. He looked taken aback!
"I can do this innumerable times for this." He said, first pointing at the hot air balloon and then at his cheek which made me blush. A man walked upto us, breaking our trance.
"Sir, the balloon is ready to ride." He informed and we followed him towards it. It was already floating in the air. The sky is now bright but the sun was yet to rise. He shouted something and the person in the basket let down a rope ladder. I gulped seeing it but I felt a squeeze on my shoulder.
"Go for it, I am here." Swayam encouraged and I climbed it slowly. Swayam supported me from below and the man in the basket helped me step in. Swayam climbed up easily after me.
"Ready?" He asked and I nodded, a little afraid because this is the first time I am riding one. Another one of the men hopped up into the basket. Swayam gestured the other man, who seem to be a professional to handle this hot air balloon signalled something and the balloon took off.
I was startled but felt a warm hand around my shoulders, easing a bit of my nervousness. I held the edge of the basket with my other hand tightly, one already holding his hand. The balloon rose and rose upto a certain level and it stilled. I guess this is the maximum they will take us.
I moved my eyes around and was spellbound by the beauty of the sky. The sun was rising and it was like the perfect timing, seeing the sun rise from over the horizon, in the air. I peeked a little down but looked down further, no more afraid of the height.
The city looked beautiful, bathing in the rays of the morning sun. I turned around in all directions, to take in every tiny bit of it., coming out of his hold. The balloon started floating and moving and it was just splendid. The forts looked majestic, the lakes calm and the backdrop of the mountain ranges of the Aravalli hills just added to it's beauty.
I was startled out of my admiring thoughts with the sound of a click. I turned to my side to see Swayam with a camera and he clicked another one of my photo. When did he even carry that?
"Stop clicking me and click the beautiful nature!" I shouted to him because of the force of the air around and noise of the burners.
"You are my beautiful!" He shouted back, making my cheeks go red again. How does he manage to make me blush even thousands of meters above the ground in the air? I stepped closer to him and he took a selfie of us together. I leaned back on his chest, soaking in the beauty around and he was back hugging me.
"It's so beautiful Swayam!" I mumbled, keeping my hand on his hands which were already around my waist. A sudden wave of deja vu hit me. Like I have been here before, like I have already been in a situation like this before... This is not my first time. Have I witnessed this before?
"It's just the start baby." He whispered in my ears, resting his head on my shoulder, bringing me out of my trance. I shook my head, shooing the unwanted thoughts away and focusing on what's in front of me. His words made butterflies flutter in my stomach, holding a strong promise for the coming days to be beautiful. I don't want to imagine anything and just enjoy every moment as and when it comes, with him by my side...
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A/N
So, did you guys like it?
I am sure it might have bored you all in between. I tried my best though!
Honeymoon is going to be with a lot of exploring and adventures so most of it will be descriptive of what they are doing around. I will also some cute and romantic moments in between, wherever possible and whenever necessary.
Do let me know your reviews in the comments!
And btw, I am changing the update pattern and I will update, as and when I will finish writing the chapter. It can be within a couple of days or can go a little beyond a week... Are you guys okay with it?
Vote, comment and share!