Back home in Calcutta memories of the past few fun-filled days at Ranchi bestowed each one of the group with additional energy and made them cheerful and happy. Each had a story to tell. Sonia and Randy had bonded for the first time, a dream come true for Sonia, and manna from heaven for Randy. Both cherished the memory of their unexpected physical communion over and over again with lingering joy and sensation.
After a long unpromising wait for someone to light the candle of his romantic spirit Randy looked forward to a cozy love life with Sonia. He thought he won the lottery of his life, but for the fact that Sonia’s attention might be divided between him and her ex-husband Joe. He considered himself lucky to have someone like Sonia in his life. Little did he know that Sonia was cast in a different mold and could drop him like a hot potato for someone else? Despite these, passion was playing its own melody throughout his body and mind like the soft and soothing background music. He was overjoyed, his cup full to the brim overflowing.
Sonia felt relieved to have a desirable lover right at home, and looked forward for romance with Randy. Like a conqueror she now possessed the key to Randy’s heart and soul. Her youthful vigor and exuberance suddenly reappeared in the background of her mind, and she realized her beauty and feminity were still attractive enough to make her wanted by men other than Joe. The feeling enormously boosted her self-confidence and self-satisfaction. However, despite her recent allegiance of love to Joe not a speck of guilt ever bothered her conscience since she made love to Randy. Her adamant adherence to equal sexual freedom for women and men emboldened her to relish the forbidden fruit anytime she wanted.
During the trip Jon and Sera’s relationship was uplifted by their constant closeness to each other. Swimming in the hotel pool alone further escalated their amorous and erotic adventures. Both realized they were not only physically and mentally closer than before but were also intensely attracted to each other. Lust still predominating real love was peeping in their mental horizons like the silvery shades of the early morning sun promising a new day and now hope. Jon realized he liked Sera too much and missed her when she was out of sight. A strange feeling of subdued pain often reminded him of the absence of Sera while her presence flicked the light of instant joy. His feeling of emptiness drifted away at her presence. Now Sera occupied his thoughts most of the time. He realized he was in love with Sera. Soon they were expected to leave for the US. But the thought of an imminent separation and the possibility of a frustrating long distance romance like he had with Maya did not bother him.
Sera recalled the famous saying: three things come not back: the spent arrow, the spoken words, and the neglected opportunity. She recalled she had shot her arrow at Jon by kissing and erotic fondling. The constant closeness during the Ranchi trip reinforced their relationship and removed the few misconceptions she had about Jon. Jon’s presence triggered a special sensation and a wonderful feeling inside her. She realized she loved Jon deeply. Now the irresistible physical urge to make love to Jon overruled most of her better judgment. Ripples of joy overwhelmed both of them as they looked forward to the opportunity for a physical union before getting back to the US.