Visitors

Peter and Wanda had decided to come to India on their honeymoon. They had met in London, fallen in love at Covent Garden as a dulcet voiced girl sang a poignant song that they both loved. Peter had gazed into Wanda's eyes and whispered, "Will you share my life with me?" Wanda had smiled at him, her heart in her eyes, and nodded. It was a dream come true for them both.

                                                                                    Covent Garden Market in London

So now they were in India, having studied brochures and websites that extolled the virtues of the wonder that was India. Just as their hearts proclaimed that the Taj Mahal at Agra was the place where they needed to go to, they suddenly came across an advertisement that waxed eloquent over an adorable little monument that was slated as the ideal place for lovers.

"Let's go there!" whispered Wanda. "The Taj is very crowded and I would rather go to a place where we have privacy!"

"Anything for you, my love!" smiled Peter. He was in love with his beautiful bride and for now, her wish was his command.

They read up about the tiny city, which had become popular because of this particular monument. "Lovers, take heart! This monument takes your heart away along with your breath. If you are truly in love, this is the place to be!"

The monument was spectacular, a paean to love. Its white pristine beauty held the blush of a maiden's cheek within its depths. Lovers stood before it, speechless  even as they held hands, running their eyes over the smooth stone, and their hearts beat faster as they beheld the edifice before them.

Peter booked train tickets to the tiny city. "Let us travel as the locals do!" he said. They were both fascinated by India, its people, its dialects, the colour and the music, and most of all, by the fact that it was so different from London. The people were unique, and there were so many of them. The heat and the dust did bother them, but they took it in their stride, travelling when it was cooler, and keeping their skin covered with sunscreen lotion.

This was the moment they had been waiting for. "Guide, Sir, madam!" came a nasal voice, "I will tell history of love story!" They had listened to his strange singsong English, as he told them the story of the beautiful princess who had fallen in love with a charming pauper. "Her King father angry! Not allow their marriage, but Princess not listen. She ran away with pauper man, and they came here, to this monument. They holding hands, closed eyes, and prayed. When eyes opened, they saw a bag of gold in front of them. They took it, and become rich. Finally King father agree!"

The guide stopped his tale and pointed at the gate. 

"You go there! Close eyes and pray! Maybe you get gold. Or blessing! Good for your love!" Peter gave him some money, saying, "Thank you, my friend! That was a very interesting story!"

It was time to go in. They went to the gate, and obediently closed their eyes. Holding hands, they stepped in, and began walking towards the white monument. Holding their breath, they stood for a moment, eyes closed, savouring the moment. 

"Let us open our eyes at the count of three!" whispered Wanda. It seemed sacrilegious to talk loudly in that sacrosanct haven of love. People were milling about them, but they were in their own little world, as they counted softly. "One, two and three...!"

They opened their eyes and looked at the white monument in front, and suddenly they both gasped in surprise. "What the dickens!" Peter exclaimed. Wanda just stood in silence, as she read the words that had been sprayed across the smooth white stone.

                                                                     Chunmun loves Gopal!

The vandals had surprised the visitors once again!