Cruising through .. Part 2

The lower deck had separate cabins for each family and Parth's reservation said "LD12". A handsome young cabin boy brought their baggage and comforted them in their luxuriously spaced room. As they freshened up, a cup of hot aromatic tea was served in their cabin which charged them up on a lousy cold morning. Kshama changed into the gold gown and she wore the black belt bought at the Gucci store specially picked by her after placing an order. The accessories were carefully chosen to match the evening spirits. She ensured Parth wore his Black blazer over the light brick colored shirt complimenting his Sharp end custom made French style shoes.

They moved to that portion of the deck where roulette was being played. The Wheel on the table was spinning and the ball finally landed in Black 20. A guy in his late twenties had won a bet of $1000. Kshama stood there astonished at the guy's Luck. Men and women who had earned all their life saving penny over penny, were trying to dispose some handsome dollars to those fancy twinkling machines at the casino. Parth turned to Kshama winking his eye and said "Lets try our luck, give me a buck" . Kshama picked 4 quarters and popped each one into one of those slot machines. Both of them alternated thier turns until all the chances were gone, what they witnessed was the act of slot machine swallowing the quarters but giving nothing in return. Laughing out loud Parth said "Baby, this isn't our game , neither our day of luck. We better leave, betting no more." Saying this he picked her hand and moved down the alley towards the dance floor.

Everyone on the ship were familiarizing themselves to the environment around them. Kshama noticed yet another charming couple walking hand in hand in the opposite direction. The lady was wearing a dashing red frock . Accompanying that was her silver clutch with studded rubys in a floral pattern. While Kshama was carried away in these thoughts, Parth noticed a familiar face in the group of youngsters swinging their bodies to the music down the floor. He tried to get another glimpse and yes, he was right, it was his friend Tejas from college back in India. Parth called Kshama's name twice but she hadn't heard him as her eyes was still laid on the rubys. He pulled her to gain attention and pointed at Tejas. She reluctantly turned and looked at the folks shaking their legs to the rock music and was not sure what Parth was trying to show her. She thought he was asking her to join along for a few steps ,assuming so, she replied "No Parth, I am not interested. Lets do that tomorrow." He came near her ear and in a loud voice said "Look its Tejas there , He is my college buddy. Come we'll give him a surprise." Kshama followed through the crowd behind Parth.

Tejas stood dumbstruck seeing Parth. They had not met in 7 years since the last day of college. Parth shook hands with him. After exchange of Hello, whats up? where you? whats on ? how you here? when you came here to the west? New in Life ? - It took a couple of minutes before they came to the state of normalcy and Parth introduced Kshama to his friend. Kshama who was watching her biwildered husband and his more confused friend, smiled back at Tejas to say her part of the Hello. Though she felt they've found some company, she somehow felt their privacy was hindered. "Nevermind" she thought and continued their stroll. Tejas accompanied them to every spot which sometimes disturbed Kshama, yet she did not show any reluctance because Tejas was funny and helped them laugh every now and then.

They dined at the "Pasta La Mesa" , home for Pasta lovers. Spinach and corn Pasta topped with extra cheddar cheese was Kshama's choice. After a mind-blowing dinner, Parth called it the end of the day and moved to their suite in the lower deck, bidding a bye to Tejas. Kshama and Parth were exhausted so much and last they remembered is falling onto the bed.

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