And the moon was up there,flooding the whole surroundings--trees,forest,valleys,cotteges,flowers,gardens and courtyard. Flooding them with it's milky white hues.It all became very surreal.The men were happy.The flowing alcohol,clinking glasses---the bonfire,the dancing and singing  troops of tribals in the courtyard of the Resort---All pointed out to  that, this was  a different world all together.One can rarely visit the same again  in a lifetime.

And the moon was up there,giving perhaps an indication of the things to come.Or it was exhaulting one to do something----Something keeping with the mood of a sensuous romance of nature, conjured by somebody invisible up there,throwing in the fragrance of Hasnuhanh to intoxicate the mind.Even the birds in their nests may be making love in this beautiful night.

And the moon was up there and she was  there too,sitting alone , a little away from the others.The burning amber flame and a glow created by the moonlight was creating a montage of light and shadow on her. She was there and yet very far.

Ritam thought for a while,looked at his glass and then threw the pale Orange liquid on a nearby bush.Alcohol,that went inside was enough to tear the inhibitions that he had.He knew that he can not let this moment go---It was too precious.

He stood up and walked towards her.Flittingly he noticed that nobody including boss is noticing anything as boss and others are enjoying themselvs to the full.

He said-hi!

She was startled.She said shyly-hi!

Why are you sitting alone?Why not with  other ladies?

Just like that.Not feeling like...

Any problem?Are you well?

Nothing...Baba,just I am not Accustomed to this kind of things.Can't adapt to it.

But ...Dear,twice or thrice a year.It will be like this--This is a marketing meet...and you are in that department.

I know,yet I want to avoid.

Want to have another soft drink or juice?

No,no...please  don't bother, I  had enough.

How about a walk,in this beautiful moonlight?Upto the last Cottege,atleast....?

Her face suddenly  lighted up-sure, why not? That will be nice....

Ritam's heart started pounding.He knew in coming few seconds, the world may or  may not  be his....!

*        *       *           *             *              *              *               *               *

And the moon was up there, bathing the whole area of Chikaldhara.The jungle was surrounded by the isolated Bunglows of the Resort in a semicircular manner.A man and a woman were walking side by side stepping over the muslin of moonlight on their path.The fragrant air brought some chill,thus giving an excuse for both to come closer.It was as if  like that somebody up there, was upto his favourite pass time of puppeteering.

Why you did not stay there,with them?-She asked.

Well,today I  was also not in the mood to be with them.I thought ,it will be a better idea to go for a walk.Specially with you.

What is so special?

He smiled but did not reply.

Sometimes when I see the darkness in the forest-She mused-I feel afraid.As if something is hidden inside and will suddenly come in open before you.

True,it is like a human mind.We can not fathom what is going on inside,and suddenly it comes open from it's hiding place-Ritam commented.

She laughed-Oh! A very unique example!Don't you feel afraid of a jungle?

He said-No,I like it.Today early morning I entered the jungle in front of the last cottege.It was quite dense.In the morning light it was amazingly beautiful and calm.With only occasional chirping of birds.

You should have called me,I would also have gone with you.-She said ruefully.

He smiled and said-You must have been deep asleep.You know ,what happened next?As I came back,I met this security guy of this resort.He asked me with a concern in his voice whether I  had entered the jungle.When I said yes-He was petrified.He told that yesterday night a few people including him and some of our guys saw a Tendua[Leopard] crossing the outside road and  entering the Resort through the jungle side.This is near Melghat Tiger Reserve,you know?

She was shocked.She shivered and clutched his hand and exclaimed-Oh!no!You should not have....'.He could feel her warmth and earnestness.

He also could smell her hair and her body.The flowery smell was very captivating.He wanted this moment to get frozen in time.He softly said-Pallavi-Will you hold my hand like this always, whenever you are afraid in life?

She looked at him in surprise.Then she looked in  his eyes.In the moonlight his eyes were mellowing in to a etheral look.She was mumbling-..I..don't know...what...you...

He said in a serious voice-Pallavi,will you marry me?

She looked in his eyes.Her eyes were melting.The moonlight became a teardrop and was gliding on her glowing chin.She said in a choked voice--Please don't speak....Sorry,sorry , I can't...

He felt that somebody punched his heart.He asked intensely-Why,why?

She said in a whisper-You....You are late.....I am.... just got engaged.

He asked in a broken voice-Pallavi,this can't be true?Come on...

She was silent but her eyes were blurred.She wanted to hide her face.

He sighed and whispered-Lets go back.

And the  moon was up there as a witness.

She was ahead of him,as if almost running away from him.A Barn Owl hooted somewhere nearby.He was not thinking  because he had lost that capacity.He only felt that getting mauled by a leopard would have been a much better option.

Morning hour in Chikaldhara was unique.With soft sunlight touching the world and surroundings.Blooming flowers and excitedly chirping birds were part of a grand design.Greenness of the forest cools and sooths from inside.It brings a new hope.

Many of my readers,I know, would  not like to have a sad ending of this  story.I also do not like any  sad ending.But the life is a constant ups and down.It's a game one plays every day.As one of my friend ,who claims to be  an expert in romance  matters ,says- ' when the tears rolls out  from a woman's eyes----- to decline a man----it is only a begining of the Hope.'