[This is continuation of the story of Monika in a quest to explore her own self. These are the thoughts of Monika that have been put in words by me]
Many marriages in India are arranged. The parents of bride and grooms are helped by friends and relatives in this effort. Once the prospective bride or groom is found then often the astrological references are matched. Once the initial formalities are done then the man and woman are allowed to meet in a social setting. Depending on their upbringing the meetings between the two happens among family and friends or is allowed to be on their own. Even these meetings alone can at best be a few verbal exchanges. In rare cases some intimacy may be involved.
Monika like many girls of her background had her wedding fixed with a guy from Minnesota who worked as a accountant for a large company. Monika's first instinct was to say no-go for this proposal because she could not contemplate living in the frigid lows. But after some convincing by her parents she agreed to talk to the guy over the phone and found him to be interesting. They met in a neutral city and the matter was quickly settled. She was looking forward to the wedding with mixed feelings. She was afraid about being rooted away from her familiar surroundings.
Her wedding was met with a lot of cheering among her friends. Her three close friends Shruti, Gunjan and Shreya often got together and worked with Monika on wedding plans. It was Shruti who had suggested a trip to Aruba for an all girl timeout before she got wedded. Something like a bachelorette party. All her friends needed a break as did Monika. Travel date was quickly finalized and a visit to an online travel site got them an all inclusive deal for three nights in Aruba.
They discussed at length what to do at Aruba. Doing the beach thing, taking a boat excursion and even snorkeling was on the table. On the seamier side was visiting a casino, getting drunk and even visiting a strip club. Gunjan had heard that there were strip clubs exclusively for women. The planning went on non-stop until they were safely inside the plane and the seat belts were locked.
The girls were met at the airport by the hotel shuttle. They took a scenic route to the hotel and were soon placed in their hotel rooms. The package was generous. Each of them was provided a beach facing room on their own. The open windows brought the draft of sea breeze. The breaking of the waves on the beach provided a soothing backdrop.
The tourist season was still couple of weeks away. Monika got her things organized in the closet and the drawers. She had brought her casual outfits. The swimming gears were the usual one piece kind for the local pool. But the girls had gone adventurous during the preparatory shopping and had bought a pair of bikini suit for the trip. Monika had selected a black bikini with strings barely holding the fabric. She had never worn a two piece before. At least never in public. She was not even sure that she would this time. Of course she had brought choice lingerie and night suits. They were lacey and black, of course. She put them away with other things in the drawers.
She kept waiting for the girls to come around. Gunjan had mentioned that they would knock when ready. It was h almost an hour later when there was a sudden knock at the door. She was expecting the girls much earlier but lately she was lost in her thoughts and often had no sense for time. The thoughts were almost always about her future wedded life.
The girls busted into her room. The hotel was told by the girls that Monika was a to-be-bride, so she was provided the corner room on the floor and the largest. There was a large seating area in the front with sofas to lounge. A king bed at the back with plenty of room to spare.
"We are having a bachelorette party tonight." Excited Shruti announced.
"What do you mean?" Monika queried.
"You will not believe it"
"We are going out?
"No way, the party will come to you room." Shreya chipped in. She was usually the recluse among the girls but seemed the most excited on the day.
"No way. We have just arrived." Monika was not anticipating this to happen so quickly. She knew that a party would be on the cards. But one so quick had never occurred to her.
"Why waste valuable time when away from home." Gunjan said. She was right thought Monika. Her heart was taking a few leaps.
"How about a stroll down the beach. We do not start until eight." Someone suggested.
Four Indian girls dressed in their casual walked down the Palm Beach. The season still couple of weeks away there were more locals around then there were tourists. Monika found that there were dark stocky men working with roadside vendors as they were in the strolling down the beach.
Even though sun was about to set it was still a warm eighty. Many women were sporting scant bikinis and men lazing in their boxers. Some were ready to pack and hit the nearby bars.
The first stop was a trip to a bar. Shruti ordered a shot for each as starter. It was their first free night out and unconventional was the norm. Monika was handed her's and then to others. At a signal all of them poured the shot down their throats. Monika could feel the spirit course down her throat. A shiver ran through her body as well.
The giggling girls all crowded around her and wished a full wedded life.
Another shot ordered and drowned. They were now ready for the stroll along the beach. Often holding hands they pampered Monika as they playfully teased her. They took of their
"Oh..it is already eight." Exclaimed Shreya.
"Let us stay here for a little while more." Monika said.
"Come on." The girls pulled the reluctant to be bride towards the hotel.
Walking up a flight of stairs Monika opened her room's door.
"Oh my god!!" Was all she could utter. She was taken aback by the transformation in the room. The hotel staff had transformed the room in to a party venue. There was confetti, balloons, hangings some quite suggestive of the party. There was a small self help bar situated in a corner and a table with snack and foods. A music system has been installed. The center of the seating area was cleared for dancing.
While Shreya was putting on music Gunjan was helping Shruti to fix the drinks. The walk had already made them thirsty. They handed out beers to everyone. The teasing went on.
"Is this how you are going to be at the party? You should change into something sexy" Gunjan teased her.
All the girls joined in the chorus and pushed her towards the bathroom to get refreshed. Shreya knew that Monika loved black. She coursed through Monika's drawer and selected the lacy black bra with the matching panties. She also selected the low cut black top and the matched skirt that she had helped Monika to purchase.
