Chapter 42
*****
Isha looked out of the small airplane window as the aircraft began its descent, her breath catching at the sight below.
The ocean stretched endlessly in every direction, its deep blue surface broken by a cluster of islands.
The greenery rose from the water in gentle curves, their coastlines traced with ribbons of white sand that glistened in the late afternoon sun.
From the plane, she could see how the vegetation painted each island in layers of green. The darker, denser forests at the centers gave way to lighter palms that swayed near the shores. Small fishing boats dotted the turquoise shallows, appearing no larger than toys from Isha’s vantage point.
As they flew lower, she began to notice how the water shifted from deep sapphire to brilliant aquamarine as it approached the shore. Narrow channels wound between the islands, and she wondered if they were used as a travel mode to get from one side of the island to the other.
The air itself seemed different around the island.
Even from inside the sealed aircraft she could tell it was heavier with moisture.
She could already imagine the sounds of waves lapping against the shore just like in San Francisco, the rustle of palm leaves and the calls of seabirds.
Her stomach fluttered with anticipation, knowing that in minutes she would step into this tropical paradise where Ashok’s family had made their home.
She remembered the childhood stories she had heard from Sami.
It made sense for the twins to grow up there.
She had to make sure she made it all work out with Ashok’s family. No matter what it took.
The small plane touched down with a gentle bump, and she was glad the twins were fast asleep to not have to deal with the altitude changes.
Shortly after, she descended the steps onto the tarmac, the humid air embraced her like a warm blanket. The scent of wild flowers and salt filled her lungs, and she could hear the distant sound of waves breaking against the shore.
A small group waited at the edge of the airstrip, and she spotted Ashok’s older sister among them. She watched Ashok put both children in a double stroller. She stayed close to Ashok as he pushed the stroller with the sleeping kids.
As they walked closer, her eyes shifted to the man standing beside her who commanded everyone’s attention.
Tall and dignified, with silver threading through his dark hair and eyes that held the wisdom of someone who had spent decades watching over the islands and their people.
It had to be Ashok’s father, the chieftain.
He wore a simple white tunic, but there was an unmistakable authority in his bearing, a quiet strength that spoke of leadership earned through respect rather than demanded through power.
As she approached, the chieftain stepped forward with a warm smile that transformed his serious features.
“Welcome to your new home,” he said, his voice soft.
He pressed his palms together in greeting, and she found herself doing something she had not done in decades as she felt the weight of tradition and acceptance in the man’s gesture.
She bent and touched the Chieftain’s feet and swore that the air around her suddenly relaxed.
She felt the chieftain’s hand on her head as he blessed her and that made her feel genuine affection from the man. He placed his hands on her shoulders and straightened her. “God bless you, my child.”
Isha felt at ease with a man she had just met. She felt a sense of comfort she felt with the fatherly figure in her life, her uncle.
The man looked at Ashok for a moment and then back at Isha. “It is very unfortunate what happened and I’m thankful for what you and Ashok did for the children.”
Did he know? Did Ashok confess?
She only nodded as the rest of the family walked toward them.
His mother welcomed her with a gentle smile.
Her bangles chimed softly as she moved closer to take her hands.
His sisters, Aravinda, Amuktha and Sasikala stood together looking at her with curious eyes and polite grins.
The group included elderly men and women nodding their approval.
But as the introductions continued, she noticed his oldest sister hanging back slightly, her arms crossed and her dark eyes studying her with an intensity that made Isha uncomfortable.
Unlike the others, who offered warm smiles and welcoming words, his oldest sister maintained a polite but distant expression, her gaze lingering on her and Ashok. Everyone along with the extended family crowded around the sleeping babies and that gave her a moment to clash eyes with Ashok.
As if he picked up the strain in her eyes, he slid over to where she stood, stepping away from the stroller. He ran his arm around her, his fingers grazing her waist.
He leaned in, his lips running over her temple. “Is Aravinda being scary?”
On impulse she looked at Aravinda, and smiled at her with a new found confidence with Ashok by her side. With that, his sister approached them. “Welcome, Monisha.”
Gosh why did she have to sound so formal.
“Thank you, Aravinda.” She nodded. “I prefer, Isha.”
“Good to know.” Aravinda smiled. The words were polite enough, but she felt the weight of scrutiny behind them.
Isha knew it wasn’t going to be as simple to convince the family of their relationship, especially with Aravinda suspecting their arrangement to be fake. She was determined to prove her wrong.