8. Flashback!

Ashish reached back home contended. Things worked as they were supposed to. She said a “YES” to his proposal. This was big. Much bigger than anticipated. His heart kept pounding; not for fear but for satisfaction of having her as his soul property.

Music worked like a drug to him. A total rock fanatic was listening to Air-Supply and others. All that soothed him now. He played them on his laptop and fell into the bed. Smiling and thinking how the day passed. Pleased he was. He suddenly pondered into the drawer besides his bed. After messing up with the mess inside, he came up with a carton of stuffs. Stuffs that Niki gave him over years as gifts and memoirs.

Nikita was an expressive girl. She believed in conveying what she feels about the other. But it was in a limited circle, her good friends. And then Ashish was her best muse. Letting him know everything was just mandatory for her. On the other hand, he was a closed person. Seldom had she known what he was. Emoting was a complete dud for him. And this irritated Niki always. But still she made it a point to let him know what she likes in him.

It was final year and Ashish’s birthday… 13^th July… by the time she was like the closest one to him coz others din’t bother much as they were the most comfortable duo. She wanted to do something exceptional for him. Something which had never been done for him. She planned a surprise.

She wasn’t allowed to be out at the midnight and hence she asked Rohan, his room-mate to help her arrange things. Cake, candles, balloons, drapes all was brought in to decorate his room. Chocolate being his favorite was the flavor of cake. Reds and greens all around the room. Ashish had least an idea coz he was busy watching movies with other friends. He was sure that these boys will have certain plan in vogue for him but they din’t budge.

The stage was set and the movie ended. It was 11.55 when the boys hopped upon him and started beating him. At 12 he was wished b’day by all. But it was a bland one. He couldn’t believe them that it was just a cookie they had for him. ‘Morons’ is what came to his mind. Agitated he was on his way to the room when he got a call.

‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!”

“Hey thanks a lot Niki. And by the way, you are late.”

“M so sorry. Was completing the submissions. Slipped of my mind.”

“Well it’s okay. Either way none has a plan. A cookie… they wished me with a cookie. Like do I look like a nerd? Cookie”

“Let that go. Go n hop into your bed. We have lectures tomorrow.”

“Hmmm. Have to do that. Either way there’s no chance something happens.”

“So do you want to talk for a while then?”

“I guess. Damn! M feeling awful. How can it be so bland?”

“See if you are going to talk this, I am not interested. You better get sleeping. Good Night!”

“Okay fine. Now even you don’t bother. Good Night!”

 He disconnected the phone and went into his room angry. Just when he had a sudden attack of the same friends clan. “Now what?”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

They opened his room. A well candle lit room with beautiful balloons and drapes hanging all over. And an equally beautiful choco-walnut cake on a lit table.

He couldn’t believe his eyes. This was the best decoration he had seen in years.

“I knew you guys won’t disappoint me. THANKS”

“We say… call up your muse… she had thought it all… right from the cookie to the drapes. Can you even think of guys decorating it like this? It was her supervision.”

He cut the cake and they all partied a while. While the music played and the people danced to it, Ashish slipped out of the room to call up Nikita.

“You did it. My God! You are invincible. Second time in a row, I have had something new at 12. Thanks a lot dear. You are the best friend I could get.”

“Without much ado, Sleep now. Lectures tomorrow. Good night and happy birthday.”

And now this girl is behaving stupid, Ashish thought. But then got to sleep. Had lectures to do.

Next morning in the college, what waited for him was just like a fantasy.

A beautiful card almost half his height with a bunch of yellow fresh roses and a set of merchandise from his favorite team along with Nikita.

“Oh MY GOD! Unbelievable! This is what you had been doing since last few days? I din’t have a clue. I knew something this year will be big. But so big… astounding!”

With a warm hug, Nikita wished him and handed him all the things she got. “and by the way, we are not attending a lecture now coz the day is going to be a road-rash. “

He was taken aback. A card so awesome, he couldn’t contain the excitement. He went through it and just realized that he was a world to her. Every word meant something important. And everything written was carved perfect. All he could do was thank her and promise never to leave her alone.

He then dropped all the gifts at the hostel and as said, they went out on a drive. She took him first to a place where they had interacted first, the college canteen and had tea there. The very next she took him to the place where they first ended up outside the college due to heavy rains. So on and so forth the day went until the place that was last, the gate of the department, where they started the day.

She gave him yet another surprise by getting him some dozen of small cue cards with various emotions and the best memory implying that. Ashish couldn’t have asked for a better day in his life. Though the guys kept calling him up for the treat, he was so into the journey through the day. He promised them a big bash at night. He had an amazing day with his best buddy.

“I don’t know how do I thank you for such a day. It was great rather greatest. You are just too good Nikita Gupta.”

“This is like the last birthday of yours we’ll be celebrating together. I wanted it to be into your memory forever. Nevertheless you are happy is what I want. And thankfully you came up with an emotion too. That means you are improving. Great going dude!”

They both laughed loud and called it the day.

Sudden flashback of memories reminded him of what his lady is. A fire blade. But through times he even realized that he has incorporated that special thing which she always wanted him to go through and that was emoting. To add to it, he has also grown up to surprising her. That was supposedly her specialty. Nikita was his life now and whatever she loved was his responsibility to fulfill.

He thought for a while. Is this what love is? When you feel like doing all those things for the person which she likes even a whisker just to make her happy. If he could just define that…

The humming tune of the song ‘lost in love’ played at the background when he fell asleep with a smile. He was surely lost in her love. Nikita was a muse as per his friends then. But now she was enchanting for him.

7. The Proposal

Baffled and mystified, Niki stood still. She was still unsure if this was happening. Ashish was proposing her.

“OMG! Why do you shock me all the time Ashish?”

“Just to see that bemusing look you give when shocked. LOL.”

“This is serious Ashish. Every time, every moment, you keep amusing me. With you I feel like may be I am always surrounded with the cloud of perplexity.”

“Now here, this stupid talks later. Getting on to some serious business.

Ms. Nikita Gupta, I, Ashish Saxena, your best friend for college and now your boyfriend for few months, would like to take this alliance a step further into the institution of marriage.”

Niki chuckled.

“Hey this is not fair. M into a serious thing yaar.”

“You are sounding as if you are presenting a project report in a meeting.”

“All I want to ask is will you marry me? And you are making fun of my statements. It took a lot this time ag….”

“I would love to marry you.”

“What???”

“YES! I would love to marry you.”

In a state of Euphoria, Ashish couldn’t think of anything else. At first when he told her that he loves her, it took a lot guts. This time it was sureshot yes but then it did take pains to ask coz it was a fragile thing.

Nikita questioned, “I have a query. After just three months of a relation or so, isn’t it pretty early? I mean ofcourse that’s the destiny. But don’t you think we should have let the time pass?”

“umm I don’t think so. We know each other a lot. More than anticipated. Coz we are together since 5 years or so. And then we would even need time to convince our parents too. So early action will reap early results!”

“Very thoughtful Mr.HR.”

“Oh in the rains n all coz of you, I forgot the ring.”

He took out the ring and asked her for the hand. She held back.

“Now what?”

“I will wear the ring in front of our parents. Like in an actual ring ceremony.”

Ashish was okay with it. After all they wanted it all to happen in the blessings of all. He just din’t want to stay away from her for long.

This monsoon was way bit special for both. Their first monsoon showers in the arms of each other. Tender rains and soft breezes at the mountain cliff with fresh greens all around. Through college years, they had been on outing with each other alone, but never felt so special. They craved to meet each other even then, but now they knew the reason too. The sounds of nature were distinctly heard coz of the silent clasp she was having in his arms.

Since it was a rainy day, the place din’t see much of crowd. So it was just the love birds and the mother nature. Ashish came up with yet another crazy idea.

“Let’s dance!”

“What???? I think I should take my yes back. You are insane. Dance? In rains? On roads? Without music? What kinda lunatic idea is this?”

“Hey c’mon, it’s not the first time m asking you to get crazy. And if you remember, everytime I did so, you have enjoyed it to the core. Let’s not waste time. About music, my car is well equipped to play music. That’s sorted. And about rains and roads, that seldom matters. People don’t even know us here. C’mon be a sport.”

She din’t have an option but nod to him. He played her favorite number, ‘I just wanna spend my life’ and they moved to the tune. Easy n cosy they were relishing every bit of that song. Even the lyrics made sense at that situation. He took out his cam and captured the moment. This was just the moment every gal thinks of. Nikita was lucky to have a guy like him to savour her, love her and care for her. And she knew that.

“Now that’s all. We must leave now Ashish. We have our workplaces to take care of and besides I don’t want you to fall sick. We will go back. I have a flight to catch.”

“Why do you need to leave? Please don’t.”

“Look at the brighter side. I get to be shocked every time and you can enjoy that.”

“That does mean I am again to do thinking stuff for you. Gosh! So much work.”

“What do you mean? After we are together, are you not going to surprise me? That’s rude.”

“Oye…Not like that. But I don’t want you to go.”

“Behave practical. And let me. Besides we have to tell this to our parents too. Soon”

“Soon” Ashish smiled.

They left the hills, bearing in minds that this was THE place. Indeed the place was beautiful. And with love like this it transformed into a heaven on Earth.

They soon reached the hotel, packed and moved back. Ashish played all the songs she loved throughout the journey to keep her smiling. She relaxed and went to sleep carrying that smile.

Ashish was content. He loved her so much that even a small bit of thing that could make her happy was in his agenda. Right from the colours she likes to the food she eats, every bit was taken care of all the time without her notice. She was a special person. And a special person should receive an extra-ordinary treatment. She had changed him a lot in the college itself. The arrogant brat that he was, changed to a calm n soft spoken person. No one else but Niki could do that for him. And so he wanted nothing but her happiness.

They reached Bangalore and he woke her up.

“Time to go! It’s your flight in 2 hours. Lets have something so that you don’t stay back hungry.”

Niki unwrapped herself of the coat and asked Ashish to come closer. He went near and she embraced him tight. Hugged him and kissed. “This has been an amazing weekend for me. And to tell you, I LOVE YOU a lot. I LOVE YOU more than life itself. You are the best thing that could have happened. Thanks!”

His arms were the safest place on this earth for her. Her head rested on his chest. And she sought it to be the best pillow.

“Getting romantic eh! See I told ya. Stay back.”

“Not at all. I am leaving.” She shrugged

With sadness evident,” Okay! Let’s have something and then you may leave.”

“That’s like a good boy.”

They went to the airport restaurant and ordered. He went to see her off in.

At the final call, Nikita turned back, “I want to be with you right now and forever. Times are not allowing. But not long. I am telling this to mom in a day or two. And even you should. Remember ‘soon’. “

Ashish hugged her again, “Yeah!”  J

6. First Showers

Weeks went by… Both Ashish n Nikita din’t find much time for each other coz of the work in their respective places. They could hardly manage talking to each other for some 10mins a day just to make sure each is fine. But they enjoyed missing each other equally. It was the trust they had which kept the things moving smooth for them. Of all college times, they had learnt trusting each other even over the trivial matters.

It was June 1^st week. The forecasters had anticipated rains in the town soon. The excruciating sun had raked all the energy and vigor to work. Everyone was looking out for a break. It was then, Ashish worked out a weekend plan to catch up with Niki and go to Mysore. Mysore as known is one of the most gifted nature’s abode. He told Nikita his wish. Longing to see him since 2 months now had made even Nikita restless. It was as if she was looking out for a way to catch up with him as early as possible. The idea gave her a spark and she immediately agreed.

Finishing off the office chores, Nikita packed her sack and rushed to the airport to board the plane to Bangalore on Friday itself. Since the last time he had made it special, she wanted to surprise him. So she din’t inform him about being there a day earlier. As soon as she landed at Bangalore, she made a call.

“Hey there.”

“Hi dear, wassup?? Back from work?? N packed for tomorrow?? Had food???”

“Stop, stop! So many questions at one go. Okay so lemme answer. M amazing as usual n yes back from work. Packed for tomorrow too. Food…ummm…I din’t.”

“And why din’t u have it then?”

“Coz I thought may be you might be hungry too to eat with me tonight.”

Ashish was bewildered. “You gotta be kidding me lady. You are here??”

“Yes Sweetheart! M here and waiting at the airport for you to pick me up.”

“M coming, m coming.”

He rushed like anything. Rushed to the car and drove to the airport as fast as he could. She was suppose to be here, true. But right now… he was taken back.

At the entrance she stood, waiting for him. He came out of his car and hugged her 

bigtime. He was superhappy to see her and yes without expecting her to be here so soon. He soon took her with him and the first thing they did was have some food. 

At the restaurant they sat.

“Why do you do stuffs like this Niki?”

“To amuse you Ashish and moreover prove you that it’s not only going to be you always to shock me.”

They happily munched something. With a toast of wine Ashish asked her, “so lady, now that you are here what are we suppose to do? Staying back and sleeping is not my cliché. We’ll hang around and then may be early on we can move to Mysore as planned.”

To that Niki answered,” Since this was not the part of the actual schedule, why don’t we change it a bit and drive through night to reach there well before time so that we can enjoy the early chills.”

“It’s pretty hot out here man! I don’t think there’s going to be anything like ‘chills’”

“Let’s give it a try dude.”

“Alright then, let me pack and we’ll move.”

They went to his apartment, where she met his room-mate Akash. He was a colleague to Ashish at the firm. He was a cool and a friendly person. Nikita felt at home that very instant. He was fun to talk too.

He packed and they were all set to move.

It was 12 at night, the distance was 91 miles. 3 hours was the minimum time they would need. So he decided on some sleep coz it din’t make any sense driving and reaching there at 3 in morning. She was a bit reluctant, but agreed onto him later.

They both relaxed uptil 2 and then moved.

Rushing through the night, they drove to Mysore and reached. It was still dark. They knew checking in at this time would be of no use. And so they drove all the way to the nearby waterfalls of Shivana samudra. It was 6 by the time they reached there.

With the first sunrays falling on the water and beautiful melody of the fall, the place was astonishingly splendid. It was the first time they were gazing at nature in such a beautiful way. The water seemed white as pearl. Though it was summer, the water levels had not receded much thankfully. It was a treat to watch. Nothing seemed special to them when it was the company of each. But this was blasting. It made the togetherness feel more beautiful.

“I wonder if nature has more miracles to show. Coz this is a treat in itself.” Ashish said.

“Nature is a treasure dear. Everytime you wanna explore, you’ll get something new and more beautiful. You never know what we encounter tomorrow is something extraordinary.”

They sat for a while gazing at the falls and the trees nearby. In each other’s company they forgot the World, but this made them feel special and more close but not forget it. “Love is a nature’s gift. If we forget nature in the context of love, we may surely land up in a trouble.”Nikita stated.

Ashish was a bit confused. “Enough of philosophy. And I guess u need rest. Lets look out for some place to rest so that we are fresh by eve again.”

On this note, they left the place, picturing the beauty in their eyes. They reached back Mysore and checked in a hotel to freshen up, have food and relax. They spent the whole day sight-seeing the place and then slept early as they had to leave early for B.R. Hills.

Heard from somewhere, this place had a beautiful wildlife sanctuary. But the love birds were least interested in it. They wanted to be to some good place. And Bili hills were the best they could find. On the way to the top, it was getting cooler and windy. The sun was no longer evident and dark clouds paved way in. slowly as they moved, they felt the drops of water on the wind shield as well as inside the window. Soon they knew, it was raining and they were the first showers of the season.

It was as though the wishes of Ashish were answered. He wanted to get drenched in the 1^st rains with his love. He suddenly stopped the car in the midway. Niki got puzzled. “Why are we stopping here?”

“Lets enjoy rains.”

“Are you nuts dude? It’s middle of the road and we have a way to go.”

“Do we actually need to go there? What we wanted was time with each other. And I don’t think that needs a destination per se. just get out of the car coz m not driving further.”

She did exactly what was asked to. He took her hand and they went to the other side of the road. Standing on the stone there, they saw a breath-taking view of the hills. Lush green sceenary, beautiful mountains, awesome mild rains and cool breezes. They couldn’t have asked for more than this. A panoramic view of the hills was the nature at its best shot.

Nikita was enjoying the rains on her cheeks pretty much when Ashish came down on his knees again. She opened her eyes, “You don’t need to ask me out again. I have already said a yes.”

“This is different Niki.”

And he came up with a diamond studded ring in his hand.

5. Adios!

Whole night for Ashish went like a beautiful movie. He could just see himself n Nikita with each other all the time, enjoying every moment of togetherness. He was now sure it was love coz it felt differently awesome to him. He woke up puffy eyes just to end his wonderful dream and take the real Niki’s call,

“Hey morning, when n where are we meeting?”

“Ummm….don’t know…soon I can say.”

She realized he was still in his bed and tired. Of course he had been planning her Saturday and must be relieved after the successful execution.

“Okay. So we’ll catch up at lunch n then I’ll drop you to the airport.”

She was back to being normal. That gal who was behaving akward with her best ever friend just some hours before had reverted to the original. Thanks to the peck.

They met at the lunch. She looked brighter n better. He was relieved. They spent some silent moments with each other at the restaurant. The day was beautiful. These love birds were loving the sight of each other. Serene and pure. Anyone disturbing them would have to return back, even the fly. The waiter got the bill and then they realized it was the time to move. He had to leave.

That brightened face of her turned gloom. The very thought of him going away was sounding harsh to her. This feeling was not the same as before when they parted. Just coz they had now realized their true feelings, the outlook changed towards looking at the scenario. Parting just din’t mean a bye, it meant long span without getting to see each other, long time without spending time with each other. Was parting difficult? Ashish could well explain that. He was considered to be the strongest when it comes to emotions. But today seemed different, coz the melancholy of separating was visible in his eyes evidently. For Ashish she was the World and leaving her alone was a big thing now.

“GOSH! Things had never been so tough Niki. I had not thought about this. You can be a pain too honey. A pain which cannot be kept away. I feel like staying back or taking you with me right away to Bangalore. But right now I cannot. It’s just the beginning.”

“And the beginning was remarkable.” Niki interrupted.

That got Ashish the smile back. It was indeed a two way thing. Times when she’s sad, he takes care of her and times when he gets blue, she paints it happy. Both have matured enough to know each other’s needs and wants. And so they made the perfect couple.

At the airport, Shreya joined them. She enquired.

“So, Ashish, was my role well played?”

“Absolutely.” Ashish complimented.

Nikita gave a confusing look and spoke, “My guy and my best friend cook up things behind my back eh!”

“But the dish prepared is being well served to you my gal.” Shreya reverted.

They all shared a laugh just when the announcement for his flight was made. It was finally the time to leave for Ashish. He bid a goodbye to Shreya. Took Niki in his arms and gave her a tight hug. “We are meeting up soon dear. Don’t you worry about that.”

Niki nodded and let him go. A sweet goodbye with a trickling tear from her beautiful eyes.

Ashish felt that on him and so turned around, signaled a smile and waved off.

In the backdrop, Shreya sighed, “Love is beautiful. And you two make it look more gorgeous. Huh! I wanna fall in love too.”

Nikita chuckled and they both left for home.

4. Togetherness....

“Am I dreaming or you are here Ashish???”

“What do you think dear? I am here. Just for you.”

Nikita turned towards him and returned the hug. It was one of those many best moments. Five minutes in his arms and the World was on a stand-still. Later they realized that it was a public place. She was still flabbergasted. He was actually here. She couldn’t contain the excitement.

On the other side, Ashish was enjoying her innocent expressions. He knew her heart n soul and had anticipated this reaction pretty much the same. That was it. It was this innocence of her which had captivated him all through his college. In his mind, “How dumb I was not to know that I love her since the start. But it’s better late than never.” He smiled and initiated the talk.

“So, how was the surprise? Did you like it?”

“Like it?? You gotta be kidding. I just LOVED it. Everything.”

“That’s good. I was concerned if you would atleast find it okay.”

“You know me thoroughly. There wasn’t a chance that I could not have liked that even a whisker.”

All through the talk, she was hesitant to meet his eyes. And Ashish was again rejoicing this expression. She looked decent yet beautiful. Nikita was not someone who had been a boy’s dream and a charmer in her college. But a decent simple girl who stood grounded all the time and yes with Ashish. She had a concept that a guy who would like her the way she was will be the one whom she’ll be with forever. She had now found that guy and was perfect for her. Ashish was a charmer, but from a distance. Girls came near, got hurt n went back. Nikita was the only girl who could tolerate him. And mellowed him down too.

The eve got along really well. They had good food n loads of talks. The only thing that din’t happen was, their eyes meeting each other. She was still the same.

Later on, they decided onto a walk. Chennai roads are usually busy and crowded. But the two love birds got their solace even in the hustle-bustle. After an hour, they settled near some garden and continued talking.

“I just can’t believe we never fall short of talks.” Ashish remarked.

“May be coz we know everything and what we like and dislike. But then that should’ve halted the topics there itself.”

And they continued to find a reason for next fifteen minutes giving more stupid reasons each time and finally calling it off.

“I have a query Niki. Why aren’t you looking into my eyes? Am I looking that bad today that you don’t want to eye me?”

“I just don’t know that. But am not gathering enough guts.”

“You need guts to look at me? C’mon gal.”

With this, he took her cheeks and lifted her face towards him just to notice she was having wet eyes.

“OMG! What happened sweety? Why are you crying?”

“I have never been so happy in the last year. And this is going to be the happiness for a lifetime. So I just din’t want you to see my ‘khushi k aansu’”

“Awww...”

And with this he gave her yet another tight hug. “This was the last time you did that. Never in life cry for any reason. Coz that will hurt me. And I believe you won’t like that either. Now give a smile.”

She smiled.

“And on this wonderful note, we call it a day. It’s late and you should be back in the bed to reduce that puffiness around your eyes.”

She smirked to this and continued, “Coz we are meeting tomorrow morning for the movie n lunch.”

That was typical Niki. Shy to the World and bindass to Ashish. He was glad to see that crispness back in her and drove her back to her flat. She waved a goodbye. And in a minute, she came running towards him to hug him and placed a juvenile peck on his cheek.

He was astonished. She went back running without another look. N he… he was not going to sleep all night. That was sure. 

3. The Date...

A YES from the person who matters the most for him, made Ashish feel on the top of this world. It seemed as though the whole Bangalore cheered for him and was happy for him. This was a big day. Could he describe it?? Ummm No. But it was above all for him.

He so wanted to talk to his sweetheart but then he knew she would need some time to get out of her recoil. His officemates could see the glee on his face. Few even asked him out. But he was not in his own senses to tell how ecstatic he felt. That soft Yes from the most beautiful voice he ever heard made the day for him unforgettable.

He called her twice just to receive a ‘no answer’. He was still okay with it. Coz he knew that even she must be going through something special. This was a big decision. A decision for the lifetime.

At last she picked up the phone.

“Hey!”

“Hi”

“Thanks for that.”

“I din’t say a yes coz you wanted so. I agreed coz even I am in love with you, which paved its way out after so many days. After you spoke your heart, even my heart came up with its emotions and I gave a nod. I don’t know how is this going to work out. I din’t give a thought to what future has in stores. All I know right now is I want to be with you forever. I LOVE YOU TOO.”

It was the start of a new life for both. Usually the chit-chat buddies were loving the silent breaths of each. Enchanted and spellbound. They were experiencing a new passion in the bond.

The Day Next…

The morning seemed blissful. The first ring on Ashish’s phone was not the alarm but call from Niki. Even the day daunted with a beautiful sun-kissed glow. Was it actually so or it was because of love he felt so. He couldn’t guess that. But just rejoiced. The work was fun today. And the colleagues much funnier than usual. Life was like it was never before. Usual taste-less food was having a pleasant aroma. He became sure, he’s going nuts. Indeed love makes life beautiful…or may be crazy. He quickly moved home after work and had a long long talk with Niki. Waiting for the weekend when he’ll be meeting her as his official girl.

That weekend…

Lucky to have a weekend off, Ashish made sure he’s going Chennai on Friday itself. But without informing Nikita. A surprise in store for her.

He caught an early evening flight to reach Chennai well in time to plan out the stuffs.

After landing, the first thing that he did was to call up her colleague from office who was their batchmate at VNIT, Shreya. And explained her role she had for tomorrow. N that night he din’t talk to Niki giving an excuse of being dead tired to which she din’t complain.

Early morning, when Nikita opened her door, she was enthralled to have a life-size bunch of red roses at her door step with a message saying, ‘Hope you have a great day today – Ashish (courtesy Shreya)’. She called up Shreya at instant to ask what it was all about. She responded, “Ashish asked me to do so. May be coz he wants you to be happy all the time.” Nikita smirked. Shreya continued, “Well, I need to go shopping today. So please accompany me to the Spencers.” Nikita was like okay and decided for 12 sharp at Spencers.

On reaching the mall, Nikita was greeted by a huge huge Greeting card, saying “I LOVE YOU.” She got baffled. Why was he doing this? She called him to ask what was going on. He said, “I want your Saturday to be memorable.” She was awed.

Shreya joined her in a minute. And excited Nikita showed her the card. Just when Shreya brought up a cute teddy bear for her. She just couldn’t contain her smile. Shreya was happy seeing her best buddy happier than ever. All Nikita could do was keep texting Ashish a thank you. As the day untwined, she was full of gifts, small n large.

 By eve she was tired and wanted to put rest to her crowing tummy. She thought of having something there itself n go back when Shreya voided the idea and decided to go to a nice restaurant nearby. She was okay with that idea too.

They reached the place. It was a garden restaurant. Luckily the atmosphere was cool. Shreya directed Nikita towards a small hut kind of place and asked her to be there while she used the rest-room. Nikita went there to find it all dark. She stood there for a while. And she felt two arms coming from besides her, embracing. She felt the warmth and came to a halt. It was HIM.

The very next moment she opened her eyes to find beautiful lights and a scenic table for two. It was HIM. The biggest surprise for the day she got. Undeniably this was an unforgettable Saturday for her.