Page 45 of Reckless Dare

Being with Neeraj didn’t make her anxious or hyper aware of everything. She could relax and have fun.

Shortly after, Neeraj drove the jeep into a sandy path, lined with tall coconut trees. Ava could see the smoke from the fire pits that were set up for the birthday gathering. Thumping beats of the music played in the background.

Most of the invitees were already there. Some were inside the water. Some were seated by the fire eating and chatting excitedly while the rest danced by the huge speakers where music was playing.

Neeraj grinned. “Looks like my friends got the party started.”

Ava stepped out of the jeep. She placed a hand to the hem of her cover up tunic so it didn’t ride up in the breeze. Underneath, she was wearing a single piece swimsuit.

She realized she might be a tad bit overdressed since most of the girls were in two piece suits showing off their beautiful, tanned bodies.

Neeraj extended his hand. “Come on, let’s go join the madness!”

Smiling, she took it, recalling her vow to enjoy that night.

What followed was a chorus of cheers and birthday wishes. Neeraj introduced her to his friends.

“Guys, this is Ava. She’s from our home team. Most of you must have seen her.”

Ava noticed that most of the party guests were from the Eagles team. Once again, she felt relief at the thought that her tormentor was not invited to the party.

“Welcome, Ava!” a guy shouted drunkenly, raising a bottle of beer. “You are attending one of the best parties thrown ever!”

Ava laughed, relaxing further.

Neeraj tugged her hand. “Come on, let’s get into the water before the wind gets too cold.”

Smiling, she followed him.

Before she walked into the water, she kicked off her sandals and shed her tunic length coverup she had over her bathing suit. Neeraj’s eyes fell on her.

She felt conscious for a moment until she saw admiration in Neeraj’s gaze.

“I need to join you during your yoga sessions,” he teased.

His words made her blush. When he asked her why she didn’t attend gym like most students, she told him that she liked practicing yoga each morning in the small garden behind her house.

She did want to practice yoga with a group in the gym room dedicated to it, but she was terrified of running into her tormentor again.

Stop thinking of him!

Pushing away thoughts of her tormentor, she followed Neeraj into the ocean. There were at least a dozen students laughing and swimming around. Neeraj was stopped by a group of girls who wished him and began chatting with him. The girls pointedly ignored Ava.

Ava didn’t want to stand by awkwardly. The water was perfect and it felt too amazing to be in the warm cocoon. She decided to swim before the last of the sun rays disappeared.

She didn’t know how far she swam underwater, following the trail of vivid colored shells and a starfish. By the time she headed back, it was nearly dark.

Neeraj was still laughing and talking to a group of girls. When he spotted her, he walked towards her.

“Hey, where did you suddenly disappear to?” He mock pouted.

Ava laughed. “I swam a little deeper. It was beautiful.”

“Oh, I would have joined you.” He leaned closer and said in a low voice. “But I’m scared of the deep water.”

She was surprised and nodded understandingly.

“Let’s go sit by the fire. You can dry off there.”

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