The Exception to the Rule
“They look so cute!” Isha said, gesturing to a couple taking photos mimicking movie scenes.
“Their relationship would end within the next six months.” Aditya remarked drily.
“Care to explain why?”
“Their bags carry their company logo. They work in the same office. Office affairs are doomed.”
“May be they are not a couple and just best friends.” Isha mused.
“There can be no ‘best friends’ in an office, only colleagues.”
“What about our friendship??” Isha asked indignantly.
Aditya could see the hurt in her eyes. He gulped. “May be we are the exception to the rule?”
She rolled her eyes, muttering, ‘Smart answer!’ and gestured him to follow her.
They were at the entrance of a small park that led to the enigmatic Borra caves. Their company had had a conference at Vizag and had decided to make the best of it by arranging for a sight-seeing tour. While Aditya and Isha were taking a leisurely stroll, the rest of their team had already proceeded ahead, no sight of them.
“How did you become so cynical?” Isha asked.
“Well, excuse me for believing in solid facts, logic and reasoning!”
“And people wonder how you ended up in the Finance division!” She muttered.
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“You will find a treasure in the cave!” A man, dressed in the garb of a Sanyasi, proclaimed loudly, looking at Isha. He raised his hand in blessing and walked away.
“What was that?” Aditya asked in disbelief.
“Come on, we need to get inside the caves.” Isha said, sounding excited.
“Please don’t tell me you believed his nonsense!”
She turned around and faced him, her hands on her hips. “Whether you come or not, I am going inside the caves. You can join me, or you can wait right here. I will catch up with you later.”
Aditya looked at the entrance of the caves and sighed heavily. “I will come with you.”
She smiled and they both made their way inside the cave.
It wasn’t exactly small or narrow, but the large crowd assembled inside made it difficult for them to walk freely. Blue and green lights lent a surreal aura to the cave. Isha walked in, wide-eyed and ecstatic.
“This is so beautiful!” She exclaimed when they reached a curve which was particularly narrow. When there was no reply, she turned around.
Aditya’s face was pale and he was sweating.
“What happened?” She rushed to him and held his hand.
“I…I am claustrophobic.” He managed to say.
Her jaw dropped. “Why did you come inside then? You should have waited at the entrance!”
“And let you march inside this monstrosity alone? No way!” He exclaimed.
She grinned and kissed him on his cheek.
“The man was right. I did find my treasure here.” She said. “You were right too.”
“About what?” Aditya’s voice sounded stronger, now that they were rushing towards the exit.
“We are indeed the exception to the rule!” She said, smiling as his fingers gently tightened around hers.