Miles to Marvel Part 5

Usually I don't wake up before seven in the morning. But in the past couple of days, a good sleep had been like a far fetched dream. Five in the morning, sun rays entered through the window of our lodge room. For a moment I had forgotten about being in Mangalore. The bed was empty, Su was gone.

***

'Good morning' Su said in a lively tone

'Somehow I was sure to find you here'

'What's better than a mind blowing sunrise?'

She was right, the sunrise was beautiful. It was comforting and soothing. My skin absorbed the sun rays. Cites are always chaotic, coasts are always clear. We both gazed at the sea lost in our own worlds. There was complete silence. I was thinking how marvelous life is! Life that I until a couple of days ago was ready to give up. 'How could you be so stupid Rishi!' I thought. 

'So what is the plan?' Su looked at me, her kohl had smudged, her piercings removed and hair...Oh they were back long. 

'We leave Mangalore by four in the evening, reach Goa at night around ten. And this time, hotel is pre-booked'

'Good. But what do we do till four?'

'Get ready, you will see for yourself'

While walking back to the lodge, I still couldn't believe that all this time she wore false hair and I couldn't even make out.

'They look real don't they?' Su said, as if she just read my mind.

'Your short hair? Yes'

'It was a wig that I had been dying to wear. But never really got a chance'

'Why is that so?'

'I just didn't feel right plus I had been working'

Working? I had no idea what she was doing. Never gave any thought.

'Where do you work?'

'I am unemployed just like you'. She gave me a slight grin, not sure if that's a thing to joke about or not. After this trip, my next task will be to find a job.

'Where did you work earlier?'

'I was working in a bank earlier  but I gave it up to get on with life. You know to enjoy'

I have to say, this girl had very different perspectives of life.

'Any boyfriend?' I asked. And as soon as I asked that question I thought I was having another punch on the face, only this time I was going to punch myself. Why do you have to be such a jerk always!
Luckily, Su didn't see the question that way.
'Na, I like to be on my own. A guy is just an added responsibility'
***



We both got ready, put our luggage in the car and settled the payments. I thanked to receptionist for the extra mattress. "Uncle's Lodge" I read out. Su didn't wear her piercings or wig this time. Instead she made a neat ponytail and wore simple traditional clothes. Even she realised that the get up was too horrific for a holy place.
'It will be back on in Goa' she said
'God save us from this goth'

We drove past the beaches of Mangalore. Apparently, beaches of Mangalore are very safe and sound. The first two hours we spent exploring the city and its little heritage. Su was keen on going to the temple, I on the other hand was not.
'Why temples out of everything?'
'We must pay our respect to God'
'You sound like a saint'
'Look Rishi, you are jobless and penniless. I think pleading god for some wisdom wouldn't harm you'
'That's is exactly why I don't want to go. Life is miserable with or without him'
'Fine! Don't come' she said irritatedly and left me alone.
As she climbed up the temple stairs I wondered. My life had been tough, but I had managed. Nothing comes easy in life, and optimism is something that I never achieved fully.
My own mind quarreled. Finally I decided to go inside the temple. I am believer in god, but I have a tendency to lose faith easily, maybe that's the reason why I tried to commit suicide. 'Oh god, forgive me for what I have done earlier, I have been an ass. Enlighten me!' I prayed. The Pandit ji gave us some  prasad. It tasted delicious!
Near the temple was a small restaurant. It was nearly lunch time and we both were hungry. Mangalore is famous for its fish curry. With no further delay we ordered our meal. The aroma of the spices made my hunger to grow. 'This place looks very famous, so many people are out here!' I nodded. I was busy looking at the other tables. Finally, our meal arrived. I ate and ate.
'Ah!' Su groaned.
'Are you done?' I asked
'More than done. I am too full, please can you drive?' she requested.
I nodded, I still had a few things to finish in my plate.

We left the restaurant with over flowing stomachs. 'I think I am going to suffer indigestion' I said uncomfortably
Su gave me an incredulous look. 'I hope you are joking, I don't want to die because of gas'. I smiled 'Most likely not'

***
Mangalore to Goa was a seven hour drive, we left Mangalore before our expected time. The road seemed clear, I could make us reach in five hours. Su made herself comfortable at the backseat, the weather had been humid, air conditioning became necessary.
'Where are we staying in Goa?' I asked
'It's Prainha Hotel Resort at Dona Paula' she said while looking at her phone screen. After seeing Su's phone, I realised about my own. I hadn't received a single call from anyone! Have I lost it? I thought.
I immediately stopped the car. 'What the-?' I heard Su say. I opened my luggage bag, no phone!
'Sorry, I think we will have to take a detour, I think I have left my phone'
'Is that why you stopped the car?' she looked at me in disbelief'.
'Well yes! I need it'
'Relax, I have it' Now I stared at her blankly.
'Why didn't you tell me?'
'Dude, I forgot. I kept it before leaving the lodge. It never rang so I never realised'
The last line sounded very painful, was I that useless? Like nobody cared where I was? What I was doing? Dead or even alive! She took out the mobile from her bag and handed it to me. The screen showed nothing, no texts, no calls. I was disheartened. So much so that I took the phone and threw it.
'What was that?' Su stared at me.
'Nothing, let's us enjoy the rest of the trip'