॥The Wrong One॥

Three hours later, the pilots voice resounded through the plane. 

“The local time for Balu is 11:57. We thank you for flying with us and hope you enjoy your stay here in the land of the sands.”

Leaning over slightly, Kayana could see the sun shining freely outside, from her seat by the aisle. Half way through the flight, the turbulence they were warned about began, and shocked Kayana. Vodia offered to swap places after sensing Kayana’s unease, and after numerous denials, a large jolt had Kayana grasping the oppurtunity with both hands. 

Sitting up straight in her seat, Kayana felt the big plane come to a slow stop. Seeing everyone else stand up, she began to follow suit as Vodia’s hand tapped hers lightly, shaking his head, gesturing for her to stay in her seat. 

Confused, Kayana sat still. She simply wanted to go see Raian.

Shaking slightly, the door opened into the tube that would take the passengers to the arrival gates. Vodia now stood up, and Kayana followed his lead, stepping out into the line of people already standing. Vodia stepped out behind her, standing closer to her than he had since their first night. 

His jaw was set, hands in his pockets as he remained staring forward, over Kayana’s head. Purposely avoiding eye contact. 

Kayana looked down, her mind too occupied with thoughts of meeting Raian that she hadn’t noticed that the line had begun moving forward. 
Vodia gave her a slight nudge on her shoulder, tipping his chin upwards. 

Smiling slightly to herself, Kayana started moving forward, readjusting her scarf atop her head as she walked. 

So close.

॥The Wrong One॥ 

"To Balu resorts please." 

The cab driver simply nodded, looking greedily at Kayana through the rear-view mirror. His beady eyes seemed to stare through her clothing, causing Kayana to pull her shawl tighter around her, shifting closer to her window in an attempt to divert his attention. 

Clearing his throat, Vodia made direct eye contact with the creepy man, his eyes saying something his mouth wouldn't. Almost immediately the little man's eyes flicked forward, remaining there in a constant stare as Kayana relaxed slightly .

It was only then that she allowed herself a look out the cab window. 

The scenery reminded her of home. 

Green trees decorated the length of the road they were travelling on, large pines that provided more than adequate shade for the many families that seemed to be strolling down the sidewalk. 
The sound of children laughing filled the air as Kayana's window was suddenly pushed down. She turned her head in thanks towards a smiling Vodia before she looked back outside. 

The sun seemed to gleam off the shiny cars that were busy on the road and many honks of greetings were passed by drivers.

The atmosphere in Balu made Kayana smile. 

No wonder Raian eagerly moved. She'd love to settle down here someday. 

All too soon the car ride came to a stop and the wind that rushed against Kayana's face stopped with it. 

Glancing around, her eyes settled onto a large building, an open planned front with the words 'Balu Resorts' written in cursive on the center pillar. 

Stepping back slightly, Kayana could see a matching sign on the very front of the builing, designed to entice customers from afar. 

Looking at awe once again towards the magnificent builiding, Kayana moved to stand next to the cab on the side of the pathway.

Vodia had already unloaded their baggage, and had taken out his wallet to pay the sketchy driver. 
He was off once the money touched his palm, leaving Kayana and Vodia infront of their new home for the duration of their honeymoon. 

Glancing at each other, Vodia picked up a bag, placing it on top of the suitcase, ready to wheel both his and Kayans belongings inside. Giving him a timid smile, Kayana proceeded to walk up the grand stairs. 

"Welcome to Balu resorts Sir, Madam. May I help you?" A young concierge, perhaps about Kayana's age questioned as soon as the couple made their entrance. 

Dropping the bags, Vodia stepped forward to speak to the boy as Kayana's eyes danced around the resorts reception. 

Looking straight ahead, Kayana could see many of the guests eating in a stylish, old-style restaurant,  decorated in deep browns and greens, simulating nature, their laughter filling up the main hall causing a small smile to light her face.

On her right stood a maroon receptionists desk and on her left a smaller brown table for the concierge. A rack of maps was situated beside the table for easy access and everyone in her line of sight wore a friendly smile. 

The tiles beneath and around her shone as the mid-day suns rays danced across the unfamiliar area. 

The smell of nature enticed her senses as she saw pairs of indoor palm trees decorating the corners of the reception, along with the squeals of young children splashing about along the resorts own private beach.

The shrill sound of a mobile ringing brought Kayana's eyes back to Vodia, whose back was turned towards her. She heard him sigh lightly, before bringing the phone towards his ear. 

Giving him a moment to sort the disturbance out, Kayana smiled slightly at the boy still standing to the side, next to a cart with their belongings. 

Catching her eye, he moved towards her, a small string dangling from his hands, which upon closer inspection looked to be a key. 

"Mrs. Lakin, this is the key to your room. If you'd follow me I'll show you the way." He said, dropping the key into her open palm. 

Glancing nervously at Vodia who still had his back towards her, Kayana closed her small fist around the object and nodded, lifting up one finger in a gesture to ask him to wait. 

Wandering over to Vodia's turned back, she tapped his shoulder lightly. 
As he turned, Kayana could see the tension in his shoulders. Her eyebrows drew together for a split second, Was that because of me? 
Shaking her head, she looked up into his eyes, and opened her fist, showing him the key.

The moment he looked down at her his eyes softened, and he nodded at her unasked question. 

Kayana walked quietly behind her guide, stopping when he did infront of a white door with the numbers 367 on it. 

She watched the boy pull out a card and slide it under the keyhole, causing a green light to begin flashing almost immediately. 
A click sounded and the door opened with a light push of his hand. 

He stepped aside and allowed Kayana entry first into the large room. 

Walking in with her head down, Kayana situated herself in the corner of the room, staying out the way until the young boy had finished and returned to the front room. 

"What's your name?" Kayana asked before he could step out the door. 

Turning around, he answered just as quietly.  "Ricki, Ma'am."

"How old are you Ricki?"

"17, Ma'am." 

Kayana's heart softened as she heard his age. He was only two years younger than her. She smiled lightly, and opened her hand bag. 
Rummaging inside she found some money, quickly pressing it into his hand. 

"Thank you for all your help Ricki." She smiled at him tenderly before stepping away and back towards her corner. She didnt turn around until she heard the soft click of the door closing behind him. 

Once alone, she then turned to survey the room that she would hopefully spend the least amount of time in. 

A decor of cream and white spread through the room. 

Straight infront of the doorway was the living room in which a three piece lounge set was placed along with a glass coffee table. To the right of the doorway was a white kitchen, complete with all the essentials. 

On the left was another hallway that led down to the single bedroom. 
Stepping inside, Kayana noticed that this room seemed to be the same size as Vodia's room. 

A king bed sat right in the middle of the room, with matching drawers placed around. 

Kayana's eyes shone when she noticed the sliding doors on the opposite wall. 

Beginning to walk towards it, her footsteps stilled as the sound of the front door opening filled her ears.

"Kayana?" Vodia's voice sounded down the halls.

Pulling her scarf upon her head, Kayana turned back the way she came and came into Vodia's view. 

"Ji Vodia Ji?" 

He smiled tentively at her as he made his way towards the sofa, leaning back in it. 

"Do you like the place?" 

"Yes Vodia Ji." She replied, looking down. 

Standing there for a few moments, she heard Vodia let out a small chuckle before he gestured for her to take a seat beside him. 
Moving quietly, she sat right on the edge of the cushion, her back ramrod straight.  

Vodia sighed, looking over at Kayana as he did so. 

"I'm not going to hurt you." He said, almost whispering to himself, swiping a hand down his face. 
"We'll start tomorrow."

Kayana glanced towards Vodia, looking up at him through her lashes. "Start?"

He looked at her lazily, a grin playing on his lips. "Looking for Raian."

Kayana's heart beat faster simply at the sound of his name. 
 
"I've spoken to some people in charge of the Sands, and we'll be able to meet them tomorrow."

A smile lit up Kayana's face. A smile of hope. 

Blatant happiness radiated from Kayana as she made her to the kitchen. 

Putting the jug on, Kayana shook her head in an attempt to contain her excitement, only barely restraining herself from jumping up and down on the spot. 

Turning around to collect two cups, she rinsed them thoroughly before placing them beside the jug. 

Opening the sugar packets, Kayana realised that she had no idea  how Vodia liked his tea. 
Not only that, Kayana thought ashamedly, she didn't know anything about Vodia that she wasn't already told. 

Guiltily Kayana realised that she hadn't even thanked her husband for his help, or made any effort to get along with him. 

Leaning back on the bench, she blew a breath out between her lips. 
She had to atleast try to be friends with him. He was the only one willing to help her. 

Folding then unfolding her arms, Kayana inhaled a deep breath. She had to start making an effort. 
Although it'd be going against everything she was taught, he deserved it. 

Because he wasn't only going against all that he was taught  by helping her, he was going against his family, her family and their way of life. 

"Kayana?" His voice rang through the hallway before his body made an entrance in the kitchen. 
"The jug has stopped." He informed her, amusement lacing his voice, as he moved around her to reboil the water. 

Vodia's smell enveloped her in the tiny space, a spicy taste that she hadn't noticed before. 

Breathing in, she took another step away from him. 

Smiling apologetically at him, Kayana turned to get a spoon from the drawer behind her, stilling when she felt heat hitting her back causing a red tint  to flush her cheeks.

Vodia's arm reached around her to open the pantry cupboard, producing two individually packed biscuits, waving them slightly in her face before stepping away again, laying them on two saucers he had already taken out. 

Busying herself with pouring the tea, Kayana attempted to calm herself down. 

She wasn't use to being that close to another male, apart from Raian. The closeness shocked her. 

Placing everything in a tray, Kayana walked out of the kitchen, Vodia trailing slowly behind her as they made their way into the living room. 

Laying everything down, Kayana stooped, picking up one of the saucers and placing it in Vodia's outstretched hand.

He thanked her as he accepted it, waiting patiently for Kayana to be seated. 

Kayana waited for Vodia to drink his tea before she too took a sip, grimacing as the watery liquid entered her mouth. She glanced at Vodia and a sudden urge to laugh overcame her as she watched him trying to hold the liquid inside his mouth. 

Placing her cup and saucer on the table she laughed daintily behind her hand, causing Vodia to look at her, his brow furrowing. 

He cleared his throat. "What?"

"If it is that horrible Vodia ji, you do not have to drink it." She exclaimed, her voice light with amusement. 

He smiled lightly back at her, holding her eyes as he placed his cup on the table. A few moments passed before Vodia cleared his throat again, his smile dropping slightly.

"We will start our search tomorrow Kayana."

All amusement lost, Kayana nodded politely, standing up to clear away the mess she had made. 

As her hand reached towards Vodia's cup, he waved it away, picking it up and downing the contents in one gulp. He replaced the cup on the tray and left without another word. 
 
॥The Wrong One॥ 

I love writing about Vodia! He is so sweet! 

Whose team is everyone else on ? :D. 

Please tell me what you think ! 
I love reading comments from my readers :). 

Hugs, Shay.