The Honeymoon

As soon as they arrived in Bangkok for their honeymoon, the newly married couple, Aditi and Raj, quickly settled into their luxurious hotel room. However, Aditi couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been with her ever since their marriage a few weeks ago. She always had a ultra-romantic view of love and marriage and was not at all happy with her arranged marriage to Raj, who was from a traditional joint family in Delhi.

But as the days went by, Aditi found solace in an unexpected place - an insatiable appetite for sex. Raj was more than happy to oblige and they made love many times throughout the day, pushing the boundaries of their newfound physical connection. But still for Aditi it remained an animalistic requirement at best – she felt no love for Raj and only sought physical gratification to divert her mind from her disappointment.

Aditi also started dressing quirkily, almost as a protest since she knew that once they went back to their joint family in Delhi, she would have to wear traditional dresses only. She invariably wore ripped shorts and a skimpy sleeveless tank top without a bra along with the trademark red bridal bangles, with her nipples poking out from the tight-fitting fabric. She also made it a point to smoke in public. Even if Raj found it offensive, he did not say anything as at this point he seemed to be just going along and trying his best to keep her happy.

One evening, they went to a beach party where they met some friendly locals and other honeymooners. Aditi was having a great time, dancing and drinking, when suddenly she saw her high school crush, Rishi, across the crowded dance floor.

Aditi's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't seen Rishi in years, and now here he was in Bangkok, of all places. She tried to make her way over to him, but the throngs of people made it difficult to move.

Finally, she managed to reach him, and they hugged each other tightly. Rishi was thrilled to see her, and as the night wore on, Aditi found herself drawn to Rishi's company. A few drinks down the line and Aditi felt lightheaded as they talked and laughed, reminiscing about old times. Raj, on the other hand, seemed content to stay on the side lines and watch from a distance. Then Rishi began running his hands all over her, her face and her thighs and then he began fondling her breasts. The rave music, sweaty bodies gyrating, the sound of the waves crashing and Rishi’s sensuous hand movements on her body was uncontrollably arousing Aditi and she moaned in pleasure. Then something in her suddenly snapped.

This is all so very wrong! – Aditi suddenly stood up as though woken from her stupor.

She looked at Raj, who was watching her and Rishi with a mix of confusion, disgust and hurt. Aditi realized that she had to make a choice. She loved Rishi, but she was married to Raj.

Suddenly, Aditi knew what she had to do. She grabbed Raj's hand and led him away from the party. They ran through the dark streets of Bangkok, not knowing where they were going.

Finally, they reached a small park, and Aditi turned to Raj. "I'm sorry," she said, tears streaming down her face. "I can't do this anymore. I love someone else."

Raj's face fell, but he didn't say anything. He just turned and walked away, leaving Aditi alone in the park.

Aditi went back to the party and to her horror found Rishi in a passionate kiss with a Thai girl, totally oblivious to her presence.

As she stood there, crying, Aditi realized that she had made a terrible mistake. She had thrown away a good man who loved her for someone who might not even feel the same way and who had in a few minutes time had made sexual overtures at her fully well knowing that she was married and was there along with her husband and then was shamelessly making out with another girl within a few minutes of her absence. She had let anger and her rebellion against tradition cloud her judgment.

Aditi knew that now she had to find Raj and make things right. She ran back to the hotel, hoping that he hadn't left yet.

When she got there, she found Raj sitting on the bed, his head in his hands. "I'm so sorry," she said, falling to her knees in front of him. "I made a mistake. I love you."

Raj looked up at her, his eyes filled with hurt and confusion. "How can I believe you?" he asked.

Aditi took a deep breath. "I don't know," she said. "But I'm willing to try. Please, Raj. Give me another chance."

For a moment, Raj didn't say anything. Then, slowly, he reached out and took Aditi's hand. "Okay," he said.

Aditi and Raj spent the next few days talking and working through their problems. Aditi apologized for her behaviour and explained how she had been feeling since their arranged marriage. Aditi realized that she had never really given Raj a chance, and that he was actually a kind and caring man who loved her deeply.

Raj, in turn, forgave her and told her how much he loved her. They decided to continue their honeymoon and explore the beautiful city of Bangkok together. On their last night in Bangkok, Raj surprised Aditi with a candlelit dinner on the rooftop of their hotel. As they watched the sun set over the city, Aditi realized that sometimes love isn't about finding the perfect person, but about finding someone who is willing to work through the imperfections together.

As they boarded the flight back to Delhi, Aditi felt a sense of peace and contentment that she had never felt before. She knew that their marriage would not be perfect, but she was willing to work on it and make it work. She had found real love in an unexpected way and had been given a second chance at happiness.