Free A Perfect Mismatch by Leena Varghese Page A

minutes, a long argument ensued which didn’t favour either of them. “So you are welcome to sleep on the seashore if you want! The natural surroundings are ideal to calm even a lunatic.” Armaan’s curt words infuriated her as he continued. “If Mom hears from Mr. Suri that we wanted separate bedrooms, it would be hell! I don’t want her getting concerned.”
    That seemed to have the desired effect. Her mother-in-law should not come to know of the real situation at any cost. Zara shrugged, “You can take the divan in the drawing room for the night. We don’t have to pretend married bliss here.”
    “Yes, of course, you are right!” drawled Armaan with a smirk. “But you will be the one taking the divan. It is too short for my height!”
    “Fine! How silly of me to expect chivalry from you!” said Zara imperiously and began to unpack her suitcase.
    They ordered a late lunch pretending not to notice each other. Afterwards Zara retired into a corner of the drawing room with her laptop.
    After a while, Armaan left mentioning that he would be back in an hour. When even after two hours he didn’t reappear Zara began to grow restless. How insensitive of him that he should dump her in the hotel room and disappear!
    Unable to concentrate on anything, she gazed out of the clear window. At the horizon were large dark clouds indicating light showers. On an impulse, she threw aside her calculator and notepad and called the reception for a hired taxi. There were cars on rent for the guests and shethought that it was a splendid idea. She did not want her war with Armaan to spoil her vacation. A week alone in this place would be divine, she thought delightedly.
    Quickly changing into a loose sunny yellow top and jeans, she braided her hair and put on her shoes. As the mood for exploration and adventure took over, she felt better. She called Armaan, but there was no answer. So she left a message to be delivered to her husband that she would be back for dinner.
    As she turned out of the driveway, Zara felt the first stirrings of a vagabond who had sprouted wings. Half an hour went by, the road widened into a fork and she drove without heeding the signboards, navigating though the turns and twists, simply enjoying the drive. She did not notice that while enjoying the scenic beauty she had forgotten to keep track of the road. Very soon, there were green mountains everywhere. After a while she felt that it was best if she stopped for directions.
    But there was no visible human habitation anywhere. She remembered seeing red roofed houses a little way back where a few children were playing. A signboard written in Konkani whizzed past. A little worried now that it was quickly growing dark, she tried to turn the car around on the narrow muddy lane she had come through.
    The first fat drop of rain brought a fresh bout of fears. Within minutes, the entire place was misty with rain. It fell in swathes, heavier and darker, while the road ahead grew slushier. Suddenly there was a deluge of water all around the car. She braked hard, sensing the strong pull ofthe currents on the wheels. Fear gripped her. She stopped for a moment until the water on the road receded. It was a mistake. The water came up to the wheels and submerged them. She started the car in a panic and it gurgled with a sad noise.
    Zara was truly frightened now. She tried to call Armaan but there was no signal.
    She decided to walk hoping to find her way. She opened the car door and was soaked in muddy water up to her knees and drenched from the top by the swirling rain. As she stood frightened to her bones, she heard the sound of someone sloshing through the water towards her. A figure loomed large in front of her and she almost screamed in terror.
    “Zara!”
    It was Armaan! Oh, thank God for making him find her! She hurled herself into his arms like the proverbial damsel in distress and he caught her tight against his chest.
    Armaan had only one thing on his mind. Fear! He