Hey guys, so it's been a while since I updated so I've tried to put together something. I'm not particularly happy with it but i didn't want to leave my FF incomplete. I'll write a couple more chapters on their honeymoon and then try to wrap up with an epilogue. So here's the first bit of their vacation...hope you guys enjoy it!

P.s. I have written this all in third person. It's a different style of writing that I'm working on lately... I've mostly written chapters in a conversational style.so just for a change I'm trying this out. Lemme know what you guys think as readers about this...are you still able to picturize scenes or is it not working?! 

So avni and neil headed to the hotel, freshened up quickly. Neil really wanted to enjoy the comfy bed in their 5 star room but avni had dragged him out telling him they could enjoy it later at night! ;) Avni was the planner of this vacation and neil was content to just go with the flow and follow around his wifey. Avni told him that she wanted to start their vacation on an auspicious note. So they headed to Vatican City first. Neil was happy to see how excited avni got about the little things...she was taking in the little details of Rome- the cobblestone roads, the aroma from the many cafes, the vespa scooters that zipped across them, the Roman architecture which came through even in little road signs. She was happy in the familiarity of the crazy driving, the street shops etc. She had been chattering non stop and clicking so many pictures. Avni had insisted to neil that they would only walk or use public transport in order to not only save money but also get a feel for the city. And neel was more than happy to oblige. So they took a local bus to Vatican City. As they got off, Avni quickly grabbed neils ticket before he could chuck it in the dustbin. When neil looked at her quizzically she explained- Don't throw away anything! These little things are the souvenirs that we can remember our trip by...she carefully put the bus ticket stubs into her purse and they headed to the the most landmark church- St Peters Basilica. As they took in the magnificence of the church both avni and neil were quiet, just absorbing the sight of the beautiful basilica and feeling the positive vibrations of the place. As they headed indoors they were spellbound looking at all the artistry that adorned the interiors. At the altar, they both took a moment to sit down and just silently reflect...they both prayed for each other and their family. They wished for the same thing- happiness, good health, and lots of love. From the basilica they moved to the adjoining Sistine Chapel which was the abode of all the most iconic art and architecture of some of the greatest artists known to mankind like Michelangelo, da Vinci , Raphael, and Bernini. "The Last Judegement" painted on the altar wall and ceiling was truly a masterpiece. The overall effect was overwhelming and Avneil were awestruck. Avni had read up on all the history and was providing useful information to neil so that he could better appreciate the sights in front of him and yet again he was struck by the resourcefulness of his wife. Instead of being lazy like him she had done some basic research and even though he had teased her for it earlier he was now glad that she had read up and could enlighten him also a little bit. But ofcourse he didn't say that out loud to avni!;)

After a long tour of the museum, Sistine chapel and the basilica and after clicking many selfies against these iconic backdrops it was late afternoon and Avni and Neil were hungry! They headed to get a quick bite of the authentic thin crust pizza and devoured it. Once they had food in the belly, they were ready to explore some more. Their next stop was the famous Fontana di Trevi which has made multiple appearances in movies too. This public fountain was not only beautifully designed but was extremely popular because of the legend that throwing coins into it after making a wish would make them come true.

Even though both avni and neil prided themselves on their "practicality" standing in front of the fountain they couldn't stop themselves from giving in and throwing in coins after making a wish each. They both gave each other sheepish grins after tossing in coins! As they headed to the colosseum next they picked up a gelato too!

As they explored the city hand in hand avni and neil felt a sense of contentment. They walked around, getting lost sometimes despite having google maps because they would make wrong turns and could only laugh together when they realized that they had walked in a circle and reached the same point they had started at.

They admired the local street art, music too. It was a unique aspect to the city... literally every road had such talented street artists who would display their works , offer to make portraits. They were street musicians who would break into impromptu performances as people gathered to enjoy them and spare them some loose change.

When they finally got to the Colosseum, they were blown away yet again. It was a majestic structure even though it was so ancient and they could only imagine the gladiators in the amphitheatre fighting! The pinkish tinge to the soil there was also special. Neil watched curiously as Avni picked up some of the soil and put it into a little ziplock cover that she had carried. She explained to him that this way they could carry back some of the earth that had borne witness to some amazing moments in history. And neil couldn't help but marvel at her unique ideas of souvenirs. His mrs.ajooba - he thought fondly!

Later they had fun clicking pictures in gladiator costumes with fake swords too! And both avni and neil transformed into children who were enjoying a fancy dress competition. They got themselves a postcard with their photo on the cover to capture this memory.

As the skies darkened, Avni and Neil made their way to the Spanish steps which connected the  piazza Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top. They sat on the steps watching other tourists and locals also enjoy themselves. They sat with intertwined hands, leaning against each other. They didn't need words to communicate the sense of happiness and companionship that they felt- just the two of them in a new city doing their own thing!

They ended their day by going to a smaller non descript but beautiful church tucked away in one of the streets of the city and having a quick dinner.

Once they headed back to the hotel, they both settled into the large bathtub to enjoy a nice warm bubble-bath. The hotel had provided a bottle of complimentary wine and some strawberries which they helped themselves too. Neil played some soothing music on his phone and avni was tucked into him as they both lay in the tub. They talked about just random things sipping their wine and feeding each other strawberries. And the sensuality of the whole setting eventually engulfed them and soon what had started off as a relaxed unwinding after a long day had turned into a steamy passionate session of lovemaking. When they finally retired to bed they were both exhausted and happily surrendered themselves to a dreamless sleep in each other's embrace. Dreamless because they were dead tired but also because they were already living their dream afterall! :)