Pre-monsoon showers had already hit Goa. The bird view from the sky was scintillating; lush green patches of land masses dispersed in the water bodies; white spikes of the churches and domes of the temples peeking from the thick foliage of the flora and fauna.

Well, this place has already cast its spell on me.

When I walked out of the airport with my luggage in tow, the hotel employee was eagerly waiting holding a placard 'Zelia Menezes -Welcome to Goa'. I waved at him. He ushered me and my luggage into the vehicle and soon we were winding off on the smooth roads of Goa.

"Welcome to Goa, Ma'am. My name is Augustine, your driver and guide at this moment. We are heading north towards 'Divar Island'. It's across the Mandovi River from Old Goa, which used to be the Capital during the Portuguese Rule. It was also known as the 'Rome of the East' during those days. It will take at least an hour's time to reach, so you can relax Ma'am and enjoy the journey.'

I smiled. "Thanks Augustine."

The slight drizzle, the tiny speckles of water droplets on the windows, the smooth winding roads, roof tiled houses snuggled among the exquisite bungalows—the modern glitz and glam merged itself in the old town feel; it was indeed an alluring place.

The dull headaches and the inexplicable sense of loss have surprisingly disappeared. I am happy to be here. Blissfully happy, i wonder how and where mama met dad. I was always told about how she had to move to Mumbai in search of a job when dad passed away. That's it. She never divulged anything beyond that statement. It was so typical of her. I can very well imagine myself playing with my dad as a little girl somewhere here, if only I knew where? I would want to be buried next to him when I die—but why on earth was I thinking of death when life was offering me so much more.

"Ma'am, right now we are in Old Goa, you can see the Basilica of Bom Jesus on your right and the church of St. Francis of Assisi on the left." Augustine announced.

I could sense the grandeur of the city looking at the towering churches and majestic convents.

"Fabulous" was all I could say.

In a few meters he took a left turn, and that drive down the road leading to the ferry point to go across to the 'Divar Island' took me in some bygone era. The tranquil environment, the pink and yellow flowers shed by the tall ancient looking blossoming trees flanked on either side of the road and an archway in view—I was awestruck.

Augustine the guide spoke," Ma'am, we are passing through "The Viceroy's Arch", the archway erected in 1599 by Viceroy Francisco da Gama, the great grandson of Vasco da Gama the famous explorer. Please observe the statue atop the arch Ma'am. That is the statue of Argonaut. According to the Greek mythology this would remind sailors on their way out of the city of a risky but rewarding sea journey."

Was it suggesting something to me as well?

Finally after a halt at the pier and a smooth ferry ride across the river I arrived at my destination 'Divar Island. 'I had a distinct feeling of entering the land that time forgot. Surrounded by marshy waters and crisscrossed with sleepy single lane roads, demanding a languid exploration of the atmosphere of old –time rural Goa.

The vehicle came to a standstill under the portico of Capella an Indo-Portuguese colonial cottage, with ornamental pillars, wide verandas with European accouterments; Gothic style windows and a grand staircase leading to the front covered porch.

I was welcomed by a cheerful young girl with a warm smile. Her name tag read 'Leela'.

I grew fonder of her when she said, "Ma'am, we don't have a menu and don't give you bills all the time, but we welcome you to wander off to where the Wi-Fi is weak."

I loved surprises and that reminded me of Evon and the e-mail I had to check.

Leela gave me a quick tour of the few hundred years old cottage; but well maintained to hold its grandeur while upgrading modern luxuries.

"Ma'am, apart from the rooms we have a dining hall, a swimming pool, a bar, a shuttle court, a duck pond, a meditation spot—we do try to make our guests feel at home. Plenty of activities on the island for you, bird watching to fishing ---any assistance feel free to ask me Ma'am."

I thanked her as she led me to my room. My luggage had reached before me. The room was cozy, mostly wood—with a poster bed. Stained glass doors opened to a small balcony lined with bougainvillea. I strolled into the balcony to see a picture-postcard view of exuberant palm groves and verdant fields welcoming me.

The dark clouds were gathering up in the sky ---looks like it will rain soon.