The Love Game, Season 2 : Episode 6

 

After three weeks

There's something magical about the sea. It washes away all the negative energy. The salt water treatment we pay at spas for a steep price to relax is nothing but the salt and water concoction that is compounded by nature to elevate good moods. 

It was a pretty sunset at the beach, 1km away from the wedding venue at Anjuna in Goa. Lost in thought, Jahnvi was enjoying this change after a long time. It was Nishant's wedding weekend and the merriments were on since Friday. Her friend was perhaps the happiest grooms she had seen. He tied the knot with his long time girlfriend, Sara, of 5 years. An architect and interior designer, they made the perfect couple. She was so happy for her friends. 

In a backless racer cut white long dress, Jahnvi looked stunning with her waves dancing in the soft breeze. She was at the beach since the day-sangeet got over. It was a Sunday evening and she just wanted to make the most of her beach time before heading back to the bay tomorrow night with the wedding brigade. 

Unnaturally calm around Prantik, she had enjoyed him being around her the whole time. Around as in present at the wedding. An ex couple happily moving on. She didn't feel uncomfortable around him. He was so friendly and he emanated only happy vibes. 

She was glad they had that confrontation at Sim's party. The fact of clearing the equation of her situation without him had somehow released some repressed serotonin levels that helped to see things as they were at the moment. He hadn't cornered her again to get back after the party and yet he was somehow fantastically profound in her interactions with her. Talking to him courteously was easy and they shared a positive camaraderie. 

She walked the beach with an inner peace achieved after years of struggling to let go of her helplessness of the last three years and she had come to a renewed state of being after the party. Somehow the confrontation with him had made it easier to let go of her bondage of love she had been fixated with for so long. She had received the closure needed to move on. She finally let go. 

Taking the pain from her past that had matured her, reveling in its lessons and calmly welcoming a baggage less future motivated her today to go back home and write. Just write and write and meet her long forgotten friends once again. Take each day optimistically and live life again. she felt fresh. 

She looked up at the orange sky and wished to the setting sun to set her spirit free. She smiled a satisfied smile and turned to exit towards the hotel. Just as she was walking away, she saw a dark frame filling her vision. A rugged, 5/7 figure with dark hair and rusted beard, dressed in blue shorts and a white open shirt was walking towards her. It was Prantik. He smiled and she waved back. 

Dude you're here, everyone's looking for you. We're clicking pictures and entertaining ourselves with digital shenanigans. Come! 

Wow, but I've been clicked at the sangeet enough dancing to ‘Say na Say na’ with the bride tribe and I just wanted to catch the setting sun so quickly took a chance escape to my favorite beach. 

Anjuna, the glory of all the spiritually fun souls! You could have asked me, I'd have accompanied you. Now that we are here let's stay for a while. What say? 

Works with me. I would give my wealth away to laze at the beach, you know me. 

Yea I know you and I even know that you absolutely love the classic chicken bad burger at Curlys. Come let’s have a quick bite before heading back. 

You remember! Jahnvi laughed nostalgically remembering her beach vacations with Prantik when they dated.

Jahn's waves were flowing freely from her face and her heavy eyelashes purred every time she smiled and that backless dress did it to captivate the moment that made her look so surreal. She was beautiful. Prantik nodded and they both walked to the cafe at the end of the beach. 

Just before entering the cafe, they both noticed a Rastafarian and his girl fighting in French. Prantik and Jahnvi looked at each other and burst out laughing. 

Gone are our days, Prantik said ruefully. 

Jahnvi smiled and said, "I remember having pillow fights with you and punching you in the gut to let me go and wander in search of inspiration. You never let me go alone." 

How could I? This portrait of God's desire, alone on the lone streets of Goa? No way! Prantik said half joking, half serious. 

They both took their seats at the table directly overlooking the sea. The table had a candlelight in the center and despite herself, Jahnvi was lost in his eyes for a minute. 

Prantik averted his eyes, fully aware that Jahnvi too was thinking about all their romantic candlelit dinners. 

So should we order? Jahnvi said drumming her tummy. 

Hahaha, Prantik laughed at how his Jahn just loved food. Yes please. 

They cautioned the waiter and ordered as he approached them. 

Then they sat in silence, enjoying each other's company and plaintive comfort they found naturally in each other. 

So all set to get back to the bay tomorrow? Prantik asked casually. 

Absolutely! I have let go off my past and I am ready to begin again. Jahnvi said passionately. A little beach therapy is all I needed. 

You bet! Prantik said happy for his love. 

Their order of two big bad burgers arrived with coke and they gluttoningly finished every last piece of even the fallen tomatoes. 

So I was thinking, what if we have moved on, we can still go out and hang with each other? Prantik asked hopefully. 

Yes, definitely, honestly I didn't think I would love your friendly companionship so much but you've been great at the wedding and after our confrontation at the party and like I said, I feel renewed so bring it on Mr Saxena! 

Damn girl, Mr. Saxena? Took my heart away. Prantik said joking. 

Lol, are you flirting with me? Jahnvi said relieved that both of them held nothing against each other after so long. 

What do you think? Prantik said winking at Jahn. Come lets go back before they set out a search party for us. 

You're right, tomorrow wedding and then I am looking forward to connecting with my girl gang again. Mom will be really happy to know that. 

I am so happy to know that Jahn.. Jahnvi sorry, Prantik said correcting himself. He was so happy to spend this time with her that he forgot his limits for a second. 

It's okay Mr. Saxena, you can still call me Jahn, she said amicably. 

Is it okay if I even get away with pinching your glowing pink cheeks? Prantik said with no hope but in a friendly manner. 

No way, you pull them so hard and then it hurts me Prantik, Jahnvi said making a cute puppy face. 

Okay okay, be ready Wednesday night, we'll hit the club with some of my friends from my new workplace, Prantik said confidently. 

Roger that sir! Jahnvi said as they both reached the hotel to join their friends gathered near the pool for some fun and games through the night. 

The mad lovers joined the celebrations without an ounce of heartache or guilt and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the wedding, Jahnvi constantly catching Prantik catching glimpses at her as usual. 

All was well in their world. Jahnvi couldn't wait to begin again! This time, with the love of her life alongside her as a friend she could only wish for.