Well read

David and Lucy were on a short trip to the most beautiful place in India, well known as 'God's own country.' With its scenic beauty, a view of the green fields, the rustic landslides, the tea and coffee gardens – wow, it was something out of the world. Lucy had heard about the beauty of the beaches and the aromatic plants and flowers; she was bitten by the news she heard about Kerala, the southern part of India, and was desperate to visit it. Finally, her wish came true. David, who was a naval officer, was invited to preside over a meeting that would be attended by important delegates from across the country and a few of them from different parts of the world. It was going to be hectic and a great platform to share strategic ideas too. Lucy was happy she could get time to accompany her husband David as she could squeeze a few leaves that were pending with her. She was the headmistress of a well-known school in the neighborhood state and was usually tied up with a lot of work. Luckily she could manage this short trip and had many plans to fit into this short time. The hotel they checked into was awesome, with lush green grass, a gentle breeze blowing, light sunlight peeping through the tall green trees, birds chirping and singing their own melodies – it was heavenly.

As they set foot inside the hotel room, it was so enchanting. The wooden flooring, lovely window drapes, and the entire decor of the room were fascinating. They had their shower and changed into comfortable clothes. They were served with fresh tender coconut water along with the local snacks that were yummy. As they got down the steps to walk on the lush green grass beneath, it was mesmerizing. It was time to go to sleep and both of them came back to their room. During the walk, they had made a plan for the next day, which was quite a good one. They would go on a boat ride, and it would be self-driven; they would row the boat by themselves. One more special feature of this ride was they would go boating on the backwaters of the sea. As they had already gathered the required information about this ride, both were thrilled and excited about the same.

On the set day and time, they started their travel, and what an exciting experience it was to be. As they were driving to the venue or the place where they would be on a boat, both of them observed the nature around with fascination. Much like the coconut palms surrounding the region, the lake seemed to fan out along eight snaking, curving arms, which in itself seemed exquisite. Along one of its southern braids, they found the gloriously secluded tropical backwater getaway. Since they were already aware of the place as told by their tourist guide, both of them parked their car, which was provided by the hotel as a part of the stay package. David changed into swimming attire and got down into the lake and started to swim. He felt so thrilled and excited that his swimming schedule seemed to go on and on. After about an hour of waiting for him to come back, Lucy got bored, and she went back to the cottage located a few steps away from the water body. She went to the room, had a shower, and with a cup of coffee, she sat on the couch reading her favorite Mills and Boon novel. She dozed off to sleep in between as she was a bit tired due to the travel and the wait near the lake while David was swimming. She got up when David came back after about two hours. She had a good nap and was feeling fresh. With the weather becoming more vibrant due to the cool breeze and sunlight, Lucy got an idea that she would go out on a boat and explore the beautiful nature and surroundings. She motored a short distance, crooning a lovely song, and after a while, she anchored the boat and started reading her favorite book. She was eager to know what was happening on the next page of her favorite novel.

Deeply engrossed in the novel, she did not notice a Game warden who came close to the anchored boat and interrupted Lucy, saying, 'Excuse me, ma'am, what are you doing?' Lucy replied, saying that she was reading a book (thinking isn't it obvious). The man in reply said, 'Ma'am, you are in a restricted fishing area, so you need to go back.' Lucy said, 'Officer, can't you see I am not fishing? In fact, I am reading a book as I feel happy to sit here and read my favorite book. You cannot object to me for this and ask me to go back, right?' The warden did not stop at it; he repeated the same lines but this time with a small twist, saying since the boat she was sitting in reading the book had all the equipment meant for fishing, either she would have to go back, or she would have to pay a fine for sitting in the fishing area with all the fishing equipment.

In response, Lucy repeated the same lines, saying she was not fishing but reading a book, although she was present there in a fishing area. This time the warden started saying, 'Ma'am, listen, you have all the required fishing equipment, and for all I know, you can start any moment. So, either you go back, or you pay the fine.' Now, Lucy was damn irritated, one reason being she was disturbed from reading her favorite novel, the second reason being she was not allowed to enjoy the serene atmosphere and the pleasant breeze, and the third reason being she was asked to pay a fine which was not at all correct. She was fed up with the man's repeated warnings and she blurted out, saying, 'If it is so, I will have to charge you with sexual assault. Don't force me to take up this.' The man was shocked, and he responded by saying, 'But I haven't even touched you. How can you frame me with this allegation? It is unjust.' 'Well, as I see, you too have all the equipment, and you can start any moment, isn't it?' The man replied saying, 'Have a great evening, ma'am,' and he dispersed hurriedly, leaving Lucy smiling and laughing out loud. The Game warden might be thinking, 'Never argue with a woman who reads books; it is very likely that she definitely can think too.'