Tales of Tinder Gone Wrong
Viha Dixit
Viha Dixit
After their spooky adventure in Jodhpur, Noddy and Pixie set off for Jaisalmer, the Golden City. This time, Noddy had an extra pep in his step.
While scrolling through a dating app, Noddy had matched with ‘Aarya,’ a charming girl from Jaisalmer with a love for history and adventure. She had suggested that Noddy visit Jaisalmer, promising to show him around the city.
Pixie, smirking: 'Wow, Noddy, you’re finally putting yourself out there! A tour guide and a crush? Convenient.'
Noddy, blushing: 'It’s not like that… okay, maybe a little. But she’s cool!'
Pixie, always up for chaos, insisted on tagging along, just in case. They arrived at Jaisalmer eager to meet Aarya and explore the desert city.
Their first stop was Patwon Ki Haveli, an ornate mansion filled with intricate carvings and golden sandstone arches. Pixie noticed a lanky figure waving at them from a distance.
Pixie, squinting: 'Hey, is that Aarya? She’s… taller than I expected.'
As they approached, Noddy froze. Standing there wasn’t a charming girl, but a gangly guy in a scarf and sunglasses.
Pixie, barely holding back laughter: 'Noddy… is this Aarya?'
The Stranger, in a deep voice: 'Hi! I’m Aryo. Small typo on the app. So, ready for your tour?'
Noddy’s face turned red as Pixie howled with laughter. Despite the awkward start, Aryo turned out to be an excellent (and unintentionally hilarious) guide.
The next morning, they headed to Gadisar Lake, a serene spot with ghats and temples around its golden waters. Aryo tried to redeem himself by renting a swan boat for Noddy and Pixie.
Aryo, enthusiastically: 'I thought we could paddle together. Romantic, right?'
Noddy, groaning: 'For who? Me and Pixie?'
Pixie, laughing: 'Don’t worry, Aryo. You’re totally third-wheeling this!'
Despite the banter, the lake’s beauty calmed everyone down. They even fed some fish, which Aryo insisted was 'good karma for future swipes.'
Their next stop was Kuldhara Village, an abandoned settlement rumored to be haunted. Aryo, ever the storyteller, regaled them with spooky tales of curses and ghosts.
Aryo, dramatically: 'They say anyone who tries to stay here overnight disappears!'
Pixie, wide-eyed: 'Let’s camp here tonight!'
Noddy, horrified: 'Absolutely not. My dating life is cursed enough already.'
They spent the evening at the Sam Sand Dunes, where they joined a camel safari. Pixie quickly befriended her camel, naming it 'Choco,' while Aryo’s camel seemed as clumsy as its rider.
During the desert camp’s cultural performances, they ran into two eccentric travelers: Bibo, a hyperactive dancer, and Lulu, a laid-back artist sketching camels.
The group bonded over dal baati churma and shared hilarious travel fails.
On their final day, they explored the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest living forts in the world. As they wandered through its golden alleys and bazaars, Aryo guided them to the best spots for souvenirs.
Aryo, proudly: 'See, I’m not so bad, right?'
Noddy, smirking: 'You’re… unique. Let’s leave it at that.'
As they boarded the train back home, Noddy reflected on the absurdity of it all.
Noddy, laughing: 'Dating apps should come with disclaimers. But hey, at least I got a story out of it.'
Pixie, grinning: 'And a new friend! Aryo might be weird, but he’s our kind of weird.'
