FF: Pyar Ho To Aisa - Page 21

Part 5

Antara happily put the final touches on her makeup. She was super excited. Raghu was talking her out on a date, he wouldn't tell her where though. He said it was a secret.

Antara and Raghu were insperable since the day they admitted their love to each other. Raghu treated her like a princess, he brought her flowers, and presents, took her out on dates. But mostly they hung out with their families and friends. They were completely at ease.

Both families were delighted that the two had realized their love for each other. Antara's DJ and Raghu's Ajji had started thinking of names for their grandchildren. Antara's mom had started planning Antara's wedding. Both families always knew that Raghu and Antara were meant to be. Ever since their pretend wedding.

"You are beautiful" Raghu whispered, his breath tickling Antara's ear, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she failed to notice him walking in. She shivered slightly and turned around. He didn't move his hands; just let them trail along her waist until she was facing him. Antara put her arms around his neck and pressed against him, a wide smile spreading unintentionally across her face. He was wearing a plain black suit, a white shirt and blue tie that matched Antara's dress. He looked even more devastatingly beautiful than usual.

Rukhsana had forced her into an all too expensive, purplish blue dress. It was strapless and had a bow right under her chest, leading to a slightly ruffled floor length bottom. She had done her hair into an elegant bun, a few curled pieces of hair falling into her eyes.

"Have I told you that you look beautiful?" Raghu murmured into her ear. Antara smiled before resting her head on his chest and breathing in his marvelous scent.

"Yes," she breathed back. "Have I told you that you look as gorgeous as ever?"

"Woh toh tum roz hi kehte ho," he joked. Antara could hear the smile in his voice. Antara just held herself close to Raghu, swaying slowly back and forth, praying that this moment could last a lifetime. It was perfect.

"I love you Antara," he whispered.

"I love you too," she replied. She stood on her tippy toes, kissing his cheek gently.

"Let's go." Raghu said smiling an holding his hand out.

"Where are we going?" she asked suspiciously.

"You'll see," he sang. Antara pouted at him. Of course she was secretly excited, but she wasn't going to let him know that. He noticed her expression and smiled.

"Don't worry, you'll love it. And I have to keep it a surprise, for now at least," he murmured into her ear. His cool breath made her arms break out in goose bumps.

They both walked downstairs and saw both of their grandmothers and their friends standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"Hai, kinne sohne lagde pai ne." DJ said, walking to Antara and Raghu. "Kahi kisi di nazar na lagje dona noo"

Antara and Raghu just smiled.

"So are you going to take me to this mystery spot?" Antara asked Raghu, raising her eyebrows. He grinned.

"Of course." He held his elbow out to her and she hooked her onto his.

"Very gentlemanly," she complimented.

"Well you are a lovely lady, and ladies deserve gentlemen," he said jokingly. Antara smiled at him as he led her out to his car. She slid into the passenger seat and Raghu climbed into the drivers seat. He had a nervous expression on his face, which instantly sent butterflies to Antara's stomach.

"What?" she asked suspiciously.

"Antara," he began slowly. "I need you to put this on." He held up a black blindfold.

"No!" she screeched immediately.

"Please Antara," he said. He looked into her eyes with his smoldering brown ones. His lower lip jutted out into a slight pout. Don't fall for it! she yelled in her head.

"Antara, mera surprise kharab hojayga agar tum meri baat nahi mano gi. " His voice was so sad and pleading. Antara cursed myself for being so weak.

"Fine," she muttered angrily. He grinned, all traces of sadness gone. He slid the blindfold over her eyes, tying it tight, so she couldn't see anything.

"Okay, here we go," Raghu said excitedly. He turned the car on and pulled away. He turned the radio on softly, soothing classical music coming from the speakers.

"Raghu, atleast mujhe yeh to bata do ki hum ja kaha rahen hai?" she asked.

"No," he answered instantly.

"Please?"

"No."

"Raghu," she said seriously.

"Antara," he said, his tone matching hers.

"Please?" she tried again.

"No Antara," he said, his tone ringing with finality. She didn't bother trying again. For a few minutes at least.

"Can I have a hint?" she hedged.

"Okay. Ek question. " he promised. She could hear a smile in his voice.

"Okay," she agreed instantly. He had to see this one coming.

"Hum kaha jaa rahen hai?" she asked.

"Not that one," he corrected. She giggled.

"Atleast I tried," she said. He chuckled again.

"You can ask another," he reminded her.

"Okay'" she said, thinking it over. "Mein pehle waha gayi hoon?"

"Yes," he answered instantly.

"Tumhare saath?"

"I said one question," he said. His tone was amused. He was having a blast.

"Fine. Are we almost there?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I said one question," he repeated.

"Raghu!" she pouted.

"Fine. We're here. But we need to walk now," he said softly.

"I can't walk with a blindfold," she reminded him, hoping he would let her take it off.

"I'll help you," he said. He must have seen her open her mouth to protest because he quickly added, "Or I can carry you if you prefer."

Antara knew he couldn't do it. She was a good hundred and twenty pounds, plus he wouldn't be able to get a good grip because of the silky dress. So she decided to challenge him.

"Fine. I want you to carry me," she announced. She smiled, sure that she had beaten him.

"Really?" he asked. He didn't sound worried or unsure, he just sounded amused and surprised.

"Yup," she replied. She heard him climb out of the car and slam the door. "Raghu?" she asked tentatively. Then suddenly her door was opening and two warm arms were scooping her up bridal style. She let out a squeal of surprise and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding herself against him.

"You don't really have to carry me!" she shrieked.

"I know. I want to," he said happily. She could feel him start walking below me. "Plus, tum toh kahin girjao gi aur phir hamein hospital jana padega" Antara stuck her tongue out in his general direction and heard him chuckle.

"Will we be there soon?" she asked.

"Five minutes. Maybe ten," he replied. "Can you figure out where we are?" he asked gently. Antara sighed.

"Blindfold Raghu," she reminded him, lifting one arm to point at her covered eyes. He laughed.

"I know. But tum kya suun sakti ho, kya smell kar sakti ho?" he asked quietly. Then he fell silent. She listened for a minute but didn't hear anything. Then she sniffed and was overwhelmed by a musky salty smell.

"I smell water," she stated, surprised. Raghu chuckled again.

"Yes you do," he agreed

"Where are you taking me?" she asked nervously. If it were anyone but Raghu she would've thought they were going to murder her and leave her body in the water. But it was Raghu so she wasn't scared. Mostly.

"You'll see," he said firmly. She sighed. He started traveling faster and she could tell they were nearing their destination. She continued to listen and every time she breathed she would smell salt water.

"Okay," Raghu said suddenly. He had come to a stop. "I'm going to put you down now." He gently lowered her feet to the ground, keeping one arm wrapped around her waist. She took another breath and jumped slightly in surprise.

"Raghu, why do I smell vanilla?" she asked curiously.

"Take a look," he suggested softly. She felt his hand reach up and untie her blindfold. He lowered it slowly.

She gasped.

"Oh Raghu," she breathed. They were at the park by the lake which they used to come to a lot. But it was completely transformed.

Long, white candles lined the perimeter, casting the whole area in a romantic glow. In the very center of the gazebo was a navy blue and white-checkered picnic blanket. There was a light colored, wooden picnic basket in one corner, a crystal vase filled with pink roses in the center. Pink and white rose petals littered the blanket. There were two more white candles on it, and next to them two long stemmed wine glasses. And to top it all of a bucket of ice with a champagne bottle sticking out of it.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his voice unsure. As if it was even possible not to like it.

"I love it Raghu," she said breathlessly. "Tum itne perfect kyun ho?" she asked him.

"I am not perfect. But mujhe pata hai ki tumhe kya acha lagta hai. " he admitted with her favorite crooked grin.

"It's amazing Raghu."

"You think so?" He still sounded unsure.

"Absolutely," she said. She placed her hands on either side of his face and kissed him earnestly. "It's perfect."

"Come on," he said eagerly. He pulled her over to the blanket and they both sank down, her dress billowing around her. He opened the picnic basket and pulled out a bunch of different containers.

"I made all the food and stuff beforehand," he said casually.

"Raghu, seriously. You are too perfect." she giggled. The big, goofy grin that had been plastered on her face since they arrived still stood strong. He opened up some of the containers and she saw a bundle of green grapes, chocolate covered strawberries and what looked like fudge brownies.

"This looks so good," she gushed. Chocolate covered strawberries were by far Antara's favorite food. And Raghu knew this ofcourse.

"Thanks," he said sheepishly. He picked one up and held it up to her lips. She opened her mouth and let it slip inside, biting on it delicately. He pulled the end away and tossed it into an empty container. She grabbed one too, feeding it to him. He grinned.

"This is so sweet," she said. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. Raghu reached over and wiped them away, one by one. "I love it." He grinned again and handed her a piece of brownie.

"Open up," he instructed. She did and he dropped a bite of brownie into her mouth. It was delicious.

"Yeh tumne banai hai?" she asked curiously. Because if he did, he was making them a lot more often.

"Yeah," he admitted. "But Rukhsana and Machmach helped me."

"This is amazing Raghu," she said again. She just couldn't get over it. They were at a romantic picnic in their special spot. They were both all dolled up, looking their best. There was delicious food and candles. Rose petals were everywhere. It was like a fantasy come true. She picked up a pink rose petal and rubbed it between her fingers, marveling at the silky smooth texture.

Raghu decided to take advantage of her momentary distraction. He grabbed the grapes and ate a few before tossing one at her. It hit her square in the forehead. He laughed and her jaw dropped in surprise. And he took that as an invitation to toss a grape at her again.

"Raghu Naik" Antara laughed grabbing a few grapes and tossing them at him. This is what they loved, they were always comfortable with each other no matter what. They still acted like they were the best of friends but they were also a very cute and loveable couple.

"There's something else I want to give you," Raghu said quietly, once their grape war had settled down. He reached into the basket and pulled out a long leather book. Antara looked at it curiously. He handed it to her and she ran her fingers over the cover.

"Open it," he encouraged. She turned to the first page and giggled slightly.

The first page had a picture smack in the middle. It was of Raghu and Antara, when we were just four. They were sitting in a big mud puddle, mud in their hair and faces. And they were hugging and grinning. It was the embarrassing picture Antara's mom had hung up on her wall. On the top it said, "Mud Buddies" in fancy lettering. Antara bit her lip to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over.

"Raghu" she began. But he shushed her gently.

"Keep going," he instructed. She turned the page.

On the next page were more pictures of them. In one, they were both on the swings. Whoever took the picture was behind them so they were both leaning over and grinning. They were upside down in the picture. Antara's hair was falling out underneath her, hitting the ground. Raghu was grinning next to her.

In another, there was a picture of them at school. Raghu was hugging her and Antara looked ready to burst into tears at any moment. She was wearing a little blue dress that her mom had forced her into and pouting. Raghu was laughing and hugging her, clearly trying to comfort her.

"Oh God," she breathed as she turned to the next page. There was a picture of them from the day they "Got Married" at the age of seven. Antara was wearing a red chuni as a saree. Raghu was next to her, grinning and holding her hand.

The next page featured a picture of Antara and Raghu right after she had broken her arm. Her pink cast was held out in front of her and Raghu's name was clearly visible. He had his arm around her and she was leaning into him. "So you'll always know who helped you break it" was written across the page in Raghu's elegant script. She giggled, remembering.

It continued like this for the next few pages. Pictures of them as they grew up, in each one they wear hugging or holding hands, always touching. She flipped to the second to last one and laughed out loud.

It was a picture of Raghu and her, on the day she told him that she loved him. She was sitting in his lap with a huge smiled on her face and he was grinning down at her. "Finally" was written across the top.

Raghu seemed to tense as Antara turned to the last page. And what she saw made her gasp, one hand clapping up to her mouth in surprise.

It wasn't a picture. In fact, there was hardly anything on the page. The only thing was a small, circular ring, taped to the middle of the page. A diamond ring. She looked up at Raghu, her expression shocked, his nervous. He reached over and gathered the ring in his hand.

"Antara," he said cautiously. " You've been my best friend for years and I've loved you for as long as I can remember. And I know we're young. But I already know that I love you more then anything else. I know I want to spend my life with you and grow old together." He took a deep breath and rearranged himself so he was on one knee. "I love you more then the earth, the sun, the stars combined. I will love you forever, always. Will you marry me?"Antara's eyes were as wide as saucers at this point. She was completely speechless.

"You idiot, you don't even have to ask. Of course I'll marry you Raghu." He grinned and laughed, quickly wrapping his arms around her and kissing her passionately. He slid the ring onto her left hand, the third finger. She held it up in front of her, admiring it. It had a huge diamond in the middle, littler ones surrounding it. It was old fashioned and perfect.

"Antara," he said, still excited. He grabbed the bottle of champagne and poured them both a glass. She took a sip, still in shock.

I am going to marry Raghu. Raghu asked me to marry him.

"I love you Raghu," she told him leaning into his chest.

"I love you too Antara" he replied instantly. His voice became soft and sweet, joyous. "You just made me the happiest man alive. And now I'll get to spend my life with you, in happiness. In love." He said and kissed her forehead.