They were being served freshly roasted fish.. which was so delicious.. it was a beautiful time.. through the backwaters they were able to see the urban settlements.. once the cruise was over, Fred took Tina to his relative"s place..

Fred"s father was from Delhi while his mom was from Kerala.. they were settled in Shimla (a city in North India)post his father"s retirement.. His maternal relatives were settled in Kerala, Fred spoke Hindi (language spoken in India) and Malayalam (language spoken in Kerala) fluently...

His cousins organized a lunch at the family farm house for Fred and Tina.. everyone was their age group.. some of them were married.. some had kids.. Tina was wearing a saree (Indian National dress) for the occasion, she looked simple and elegant.. all the men started teasing Fred.. though Tina couldn"t understand Malayalam, she understood the gist..

She was blushing attractively.. all the ladies sat together.. then they started chatting.. the conversation was light hearted and cheery.. Tina was at ease.. one of Fred"s cousins asked Tina of they were lovers.. Tina blushed and smiled.. all the women surrounding her laughed and cheered.. they then suggested her to learn Malayalam..

Post lunch, Fred took his cousin"s car and took Tina out for a drive, they went to his family church and offered prayers.. next he drove down to some of the tourist spots in Alleppey.. she was thoroughly enjoying herself..

They were going to stay along with all his cousins in the family farm house for the night.. a camp fire was arranged.. all of them gathered around the fire and started opening rum and wine.. Tina preferred wine,.. Fred was having Rum.. everyone was cheerful and happy.. they danced around the fire, sang some songs.. it was a well spent time..

Next day they went to visit Fred"s grand father who lived in a small house with his son.. Fred introduced Tina.. the old man said, "like your mother.. you too wish to marry a north Indian.. I don"t have any problem.. she is pretty.. reminds me of you granny when she was young.. " he said with a twinkle in his eye.. Tina touched his feet for blessings.. he blessed her and said, "welcome to the family dear one.. " she smiled.. they had their breakfast there and left..

Fred took Tina to a spa where she enjoyed the famous Kerala ma.s.sage.. she felt rejuvenated and lite.. he took her for shopping and bought a beautiful saree for her.. she loved it.. then they left to Cochin and took their flight to Delhi..

They were walking holding hands, heads turned as they pa.s.sed.. they were a very attractive couple.. perfectly complimenting each other.. Tina was so happy.. she met part of Fred"s family.. she liked them very much.. especially Fred"s grand father.. he was such a nice gentleman..

Tina wished to see them all again.. they boarded their flight.. ate some dinner..as per her habit, she dozed off and slept on Fred"s shoulder..