The sun had begun to set when we reached the house. The sky was a magnificent mess of different shades, children running, elderly women chatting in their balconies and men watering gardens. The streets were so lively and blushing with joy. Night had fallen fast and we all went to our beds. I closed my eyes wishing that this trip be a magical one, a beautiful experience.

At about midnight, I heard a knock at the door. I opened the door to find my uncle with keys of his jeep. ’' Jane, let’s go for a night drive. These clothes are fine. Come fast.’’ My heart was pumping faster than ever before. I have never gone on a night drive. The moon was painted so bright on the dark canvas and stars shined the entire sky. I have never felt happier like this ever before……..

My heart beating faster, sweat blinding my eyes-- it’s been 20 minutes since we are walking across the same street. ‘Disclaimer- Anytime you walk across the streets, better have a tour guide/GPS because you will end up in the same place 3 to 4 times.’ The hot sky spiralled a tight urge to have a gelato.

‘’Hi, good morning. I’d like to have 3 chocolate and one red velvet gelato.’’ A clean shaved youth, gold-brown curly hair and blue eyes greeted me with a wide smile in ‘JOLLY GELATO’ and went inside the kitchen. My cousins rushed to collect their flavours as the young man came out. The sight of my red velvet made my tummy go crazy. He said, ‘ cinquanta euro’.

‘’I am sorry I don’t know Italian.’’ The elderly woman at the cashier told the total cost is 30 euros. I paid the amount and wished them good day as I left the shop. The cool gelato fought the heat as it paved the way through my mouth.

Let me tell you a universal fact- if you are travelling with your family, it is impossible to get out on time. Today we had planned to visit Mazie, mom’s cousin who resides in Tuscany.  Uncle Jack is dumping the kids one by one while aunt and mom are packing sandwiches and biscuits. At last after about 2 hours of being late we set out on to the beautiful Tuscany.

The smell of espresso, tourists roaming the streets, birds spreading their glory high above, sculptures lining the squares…Italy is marvellous. My mom had visited Mazie about 22 years back when she had arrived for Mazie’s wedding. They do video call and text often but this is the first time they’re meeting after all these years. The rolling hills and fresh air along with country music gives me euphoria.

Mid way through the trip, Uncle Jack lost track and we ended up in a red heaven of Tuscany poppies. Dad got out checking if there was anyone to ask the way, but there was just pure silence. Just a distant sound of running streams and poppies dancing with the wind. From such busy cities to silent hills, how can Italy change in a matter of hours? All of us got out of the car as my cousins started screaming. ‘This trip is so bad. How're we going to escape this place?’  As these thoughts revolved over my head, I saw in a distance a man riding a horse. The man on the white, majestic creature wore white, loose, full sleeve shirt tucked in black pants and a cowboy hat. The horse was taking a right turn, when I noticed the man riding was him, the gelato shop guy. It was awkward staring at him, but when he noticed me he came to us.

‘’Do you know this guy?’’ Uncle Jack asked.

‘’I just met him yesterday. He works at Jolly Gelato.’’

‘’Hi. Can you tell us which the way to ‘63 Larsen Lanes’ is?’’ Uncle asked the man. I know it’s weird to say this, but he smelled so good, like some lavender flowers.

‘per favore seguimi '- Though I didn’t understand what he said, my uncle who knew Italian asked me to rush into the car. We followed his track and reached Mazie’s home in just 15 minutes. Uncle wished him thank you and started unloading the luggage. I saw him get on his horse, when I sped my way to him and said, ‘Thank you for your help. Without you, today’s day would have been so bad…..By the way, I don’t understand Italian.’’

He gave a tiny chuckle at this comment. His smile, messy hair, glittering eyes ….this man is just truly beautiful. He took out some small seeds from his pocket, handed it over to me and continued his way. Why these seeds?

God, I really wish if he looks back at me now…….