Parth woke up reluctantly and went for a shower as Vidushi began packing her belongings. When he came out of the bathroom drying his wet hair he had another towel wrapped around his waist. "Get dressed Parth, don't tempt me by showing off your body. He knew she found him hard to resist. They had great chemistry from the time that they began dating. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her tenderly and she could not help but respond to his overture with equal fervour. She liked being so close to him; she had never gotten serious about any other boy before. "Move in with me!" Parth declared suddenly, startling her.

"You know that's not happening Parth. This is Goa, not Malibu, our parents will never agree! It is not a moral issue but a practical one! Where do we live, in your parent's house? We cannot be on our own, how will we manage on just love and fresh air? We still spend our parent's money. We need to finish our post-graduation before making a career. Marriage is very far away. Maybe after college we can get engaged, but I don't want to rush into a commitment. I believe living-in kills a relationship just like early marriage does. What we have right now is amazing; I don't want to ruin things with familiarity. Space is vital for a healthy relationship."

 "You already know that my parents were incompatible with their previous spouses and only found happiness when they met each other. That is why they don't mind me dating someone; they don't want me to repeat their mistake." She spoke with conviction. Experience had been a brilliant teacher for her. "How does one know how a relationship will turn out? Most marriages in our circles are a facade for dysfunctional ties. Forgive me for saying this but even my parents know that your Dad never got over Sanyukta's mother, and your Mom is still uncomfortable about it. I dread something like that happening with me!" She paused as Parth was at a loss for words.

"Don't mope; instead come up with an excuse for us to spend the day together tomorrow!" She told him cheerfully, changing his mood. "What do you have in mind? He asked her. "Well, I'll let you decide that but whatever it is it will be better if we drag Randhir along, my parents think he is the Rock of Gibraltar!" She suggested. "Do you think he will be willing to play the third wheel? I know my brother!" Parth knew he could not ask his brother to bail him out. "Let's take Sanyukta along then, Randhir is her knight in shining armour, if she comes along he will surely follow!" She grinned at him. "They are not seeing each other; also her mother is coming back today." Parth said.

"I have been here for a week Parth, these is definitely something between them. Why would he let her sleep in his room otherwise? There is a palpable attraction between them. I am positive about her feelings and I think he is intrigued by her because she is not like the girls he has dated previously. Plus there must be the thrill of defying your mother's taboo as the girl is not from our class and moreover she is Anju's daughter! Randhir could have inherited the latent desire from your father to try and close the loop that Harsh Shekhawat was unable to!" She took a sip of water. "My mother will never let that happen, you know that!" Parth sighed. "Forget this discussion, just convince Sanyukta's mother to send her tomorrow!" Vidushi told him as they got into his car and drove off.

By the time Randhir woke up it was 8 in the morning. It was too late for a jog and he decided to swim a few laps instead. The staff told him that Parth had gone off to drop Vidushi home and would be back for breakfast. Randhir showered and went downstairs to the pool. He remembered how Sanyukta used the pool during her stay in the morning or evening when she had the time. Seeing her glide in the water in her red costume was another sight he was going to miss among other things. Even Vidushi had been staying with them during the week but Parth and Vidushi spent most of their time indoors or went out with their other friends.

Randhir showered again and came down for breakfast. He was about to sit down to eat when Parth joined him. After their parents left for their holiday this was the first time the brothers were by themselves on a holiday morning. The kitchen staff had made ragi idli with chutney and sambhar, a wholesome breakfast dish that frequently appeared on the Shekhawat table on Renuka's instructions. Renuka was meticulous about managing the diet regime to ensure that the whole family ate healthy. Fried and rich dishes were only made when the family was entertaining.

"I am already missing Vidushi, brother!" Parth remarked. "Be careful, addiction can be dangerous!" Randhir smiled at him, he knew only too well what heartache felt like. "Tell you what Bhai, how about we go on a road trip to South Goa tomorrow, my gang can tag along!" Parth asked eagerly. "You go ahead with YoYo, Jignesh and Sahil, you don't need me to come with you!" Randhir said. "Have you turned anti-fun Bhai? You hardly enjoyed the barbecue party and now you don't want to come with us. Please bro, Vidushi's parents will have no hassles if you are there!" Parth explained.

"So that's what this is about, Vidushi's parents are back after their short break, huh?" Randhir winked at him. "Even Mowgli can only join us if you come too!" Parth told him. "But that's not possible Parth, her mother is back today!" Randhir's face was expressionless. 

Just then the phone rang, it was Sanyukta. "Hi, all ok?" Randhir asked her. "Yes, I am fine. Mom wants to speak to you!" Sanyukta replied. "Hello Randhir beta, I wanted to say thank you to Parth and you for looking after my daughter so well, she cannot stop talking about it." Anju expressed her gratitude.

"'Aunty, it was nothing, and she was a considerate guest, cooking meals for us when she could. And she is doing very well at work too; you don't need to worry about a thing!" Randhir assured Anju. "I am glad she has Harsh and you to guide her. Anyway, I called to invite both Parth and you for dinner with us tonight. Please don't say no, you know this will not be possible when your parents are in town." Anju spoke softly, obviously referring to Renuka. "Aunty, you are back after a week, please take rest, we can come for dinner some other day!" Randhir's tone was polite.

Parth immediately snatched the phone from Randhir. "Aunty, Bhai is just being modest, what time should we be there? Both of us will be happy to accept your offer, and please make my favourite prawn balchao!" He hung up in a while, grinning. "Bhai, how could you decline? She is a terrific cook, Mowgli needs to learn more from her. We have to be there by 7 pm, I'll get the chocolates and flowers!" Parth gushed happily. "You are really shameless Parth!" Randhir said. "Proud of it Bhai! It will be easy to convince Aunty to send Mowgli, she will be in a good mood. Let me call up everyone and make arrangements, you can be our guardian on the trip!" Parth rushed to call his friends.

Randhir had a smile on his face to see his brother being the eager beaver. He wondered how Anju would react if asked to let Sanyukta join the trip. She hardly let the girl get out much. He occupied himself with his work till lunch and both brothers took a short nap before showering and changing. After they arrived at Sanyukta's doorstep they rang the doorbell and Sanyukta opened the door with a big smile on her face. "Welcome, come right in!" She led them into the living room and Anju came out of the kitchen to greet them.

"How was your trip Aunty? Oh, these are for you!" Parth handed her the chocolates and the flowers. "Thank you boys, please sit down. What can I offer you to drink, cola or juice? I am sorry but we have no alcohol in this house! " Anju told them politely. Soon they were sipping juice and making conversation. "How far has your factory in Karwar progressed?" Anju asked him. "Work is progressing rapidly; we should be able to start production by the end of September." Randhir answered. "Aunty, our group of friends has decided to make a road trip to Canacona tomorrow; we will go to the beaches and Cabo de Rama fort. If you don't mind, we'd like Sanyukta to join us." Parth said as sweetly as he could.

"I don't know Parth, I have just returned after a week. And she has never gone anywhere apart from the Karwar trip you took her for!" Anju sounded cautious. "But Karwar was for work, not picnic. Please Aunty, she is working this summer, she can surely take a break for a day! On Monday both Randhir and Sanyukta have to go back to work!" Parth tried to plead his case. "Randhir, are you going with them?"Anju asked. "Of course, Aunty, how can we go without Bhai to watch over us, you don't worry about a thing, we will drop her back latest by 7-8 pm. Please don't say no!" Parth said, as Sanyukta looked at Randhir with hopeful eyes.

"Yes Aunty, I will be with them through the trip, and we will look after Sanyukta very well, you can rest assured!" Randhir spoke confidently, dispelling all doubts. "Ok, she can join you, but please be safe, and no water sports for Sanyukta!" Anju warned them. "Thank you Aunty, she will call you every couple of hours, she will be absolutely fine!" Parth knew Anju won't decline if Randhir was going with them, but he was not sure if her brother would agree to come. He guessed Sanyukta tagging along had something to do with Randhir's consent.

They sat down to dinner. Anju had made a staggering variety, helped by Sanyukta. There was chicken cafreal, surmai curry, prawn balchao, crab Xec Xec, fried black pomfret and bangdya kismoor made with dried mackerels from Karwar. There were also snow-white rice bhakris and steamed rice with French beans foogath. Anju plied the boys until they could eat no more and then she brought out some delectable coconut fudge and fresh fruit. "That was one of the best meals we had Aunty, you are a brilliant cook!" Both the boys complimented her.

"Aunty, make sure Sanyukta learns all your recipes, she cannot match your skills yet!" Parth grinned as Sanyukta showed him the finger, unnoticed by Anju. "She does not have a choice Parth, I think everybody should be able to cook a proper meal, it is an essential skill for girls as well as boys. If you know a trade, can drive, cook and keep house, you can live independently anywhere in the world." Anju said. "Thanks for inviting me for the trip!" Sanyukta whispered as she saw them off at the doorstep. "Mowgli, pack your beachwear and sunscreen, we are going to an undiscovered beach. We will have a blast, I have already packed all the booze! We will pick you up by 6.45 am, be ready by then!" Parth said to her happily as the boys said goodbye.