the forbidden romance of the norm

"Okay, singer and poet," Anya said, "but what kind of poems do you write?"

Dimitri leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Mostly… internal monologues, really," he admitted. "Things I'm thinking and feeling. Personal stuff."

Anya smiled. "I bet they're amazing. You're incredibly talented. I'm confident you could write a beautiful poem in a matter of minutes, if you put your mind to it."

Dimitri chuckled. "It's not quite that easy, but... for you, I could probably manage something.""After we learn Malayalam," Anya said, her eyes twinkling, "I'm definitely going to ask to see your poetry collection. I want to know everything about your poems."

"Besides being a singer, poet, and writer," Anya continued, "what other amazing talents do you possess, Mr. Talented?"

Dimitri chuckled. "Well, I enjoy playing chess, and… fighting," he admitted. "Those skills match my level of football prowess, I suppose."

"Oh, really? A fighter?" Anya teased, recalling his encounter with the ultras. "I saw that. But I mean, something truly impressive, something most people can't do."

Dimitri considered this. "Perhaps defeating a chess grandmaster, without being one myself?"

Anya's eyes widened. "Wait, you defeated a chess grandmaster?"

"Yes," Dimitri confirmed. "A man named Andrew. A very nice, very smart fellow. It was a tense match; the first game was a draw, but I won the second. I had an advantage, so I was lucky, really."

"No," Anya corrected, "you weren't lucky. You're incredibly smart and talented. I'm insanely jealous!"

"Anya," Dimitri said, a knowing smile playing on his lips, "I know you have a passion for perfume. You collect them, right?"

Anya was taken aback. "How did you know?" she asked, surprised. "I haven't really pursued that hobby in a while."

Dimitri chuckled. "I took a little peek at your online wish list and your old diary. You write down all your wishes there, you know. It was pretty easy to figure out what you like."

Anya's eyes widened. "Oh," she said, a slow smile spreading across her face. "That's why you always seem to know exactly what I want. You're a cheater!"

Dimitri grinned. "I'm not a cheater," he countered playfully. "I'm just… resourceful. I didn't cheat; I used my brain."

"Well, Anya," Dimitri said as the plane began its descent, "we'll be landing in a few hours. I've got some beautiful places in mind for us to visit in Bangladesh."

"Oh?" Anya asked, her interest piqued. "Tell me more! What kind of places?"

"Bangladesh is known for its natural beauty," Dimitri explained. "I was thinking of some stunning locations, and some fun experiences we could try. Perhaps a visit to a waterfall?"

Anya's eyes lit up. "A waterfall? That sounds incredibly romantic! Can we go?"

Dimitri grinned. "Of course, we can. I wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise." Anya, overcome with excitement, leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

The plane touched down in Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest sea beach.

They landed, and Anya looked out the window in surprise. "Dimitri, why are we landing near the sea?"

Dimitri smiled. "This is Cox's Bazar, Anya, home to the world's longest sea beach! It's one of Bangladesh's most beautiful spots. And that's not all—there are nearby hills and mountains we can explore, traditional villages and micro-tribes to meet, and a fantastic variety of local foods to try. It's going to be an incredible experience."

Dimitri led Anya to a five-star restaurant, one of the few in Bangladesh, a place frequented by the country's elite. He'd already booked a room for them at a nearby hotel.

After dinner, Dimitri suggested, "Let's get some rest before we head to the beach. We can explore the local culture and try the food later."

Anya, though excited about the prospect of experiencing the local culture and trying the food, agreed. "Okay, fine," she said, "but I'm already excited about meeting the tribes and sampling the cuisine! There's so much to see and do."

Dimitri smiled. "We have plenty of time, my dear. Let's rest now and then we'll explore tomorrow."

Anya woke with the sunrise and gently nudged Dimitri awake. "Come on, sleepyhead," she whispered. "Let's go to the beach! I want to try some of the local food and enjoy the sea."

Dimitri chuckled, stretching languidly. "Alright, alright," he said, "but you woke me far too early. I expect my payment."

"So," Dimitri said, a playful glint in his eyes, "about my payment for being woken up so early…"

Anya, understanding his playful mood, leaned in and kissed him softly on the cheek. "Is this enough?" she asked.

Dimitri grinned. "A kiss is nice, but it's not quite enough. You owe me more."

"More?" Anya teased. "What else could I possibly give you?"

Dimitri's smile widened. "Well," he said, his voice playfully suggestive, "how about… a little something else?"

Anya playfully shoved him. "Dimitri! Stop it. I know you're joking, but it's making me uncomfortable. Let's just go to the beach. One kiss, and let's leave it at that, okay?"

Dimitri feigned hurt. "But why can't I joke? Don't I have that right?"

Anya sighed. "You're using that line again. You can joke, but not like that. It's inappropriate. Remember what I said before. So, be careful, okay?"

Dimitri chuckled, then held his hands up in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I'll behave."

Anya smiled, but a hint of sternness remained in her voice. "Remember, that 'sorry' better be genuine next time."