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Holding a guy's hand? Not something Heer did often but taken by the moment she easily slipped hers into his and let him lead her to the car.
The success of the show was still making Heer's heart sing. She had a glow.
Prem thought that for the first time, Heer was with him, and him alone because she wanted to be. He remembered Fari's last phone call, " you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink!"
Not the most encouraging words, but it was true, even Fari could only do so much. Now it was upto him.
They drove to the Ritz. Prem threw the keys to the valet and slipped a tip.
The waiter showed them to a corner table. Heer turned heads and for the first time looked uncomfortable with the attention.
Dinner was sumptous. Prem ate heartily. Heer watched with an undulgent look, like a mother watching her son enjoy food, or a puppy gobble the last bit of kibble. Prem was a stylish man, except when food was involved.
Where did it all go Heer wondered....and then checked herself as her eyes travelled from his mouth to his neck to his chest. Oh this is rubbish, she told herself. I can't let Fari bully me into these situations. It's fun for now, but.......what happens after the fun?......
"Where have you gone?" Prem waved a hand in front of Heer. "You've hardly touched your pasta!"
Heer smiled, he was looking at her plate with a pained expression. "You want some?"
and before she knew what she was doing, she had thrust her fork in and held it out to his mouth.
Prem did a doubletake. Then he gently held her hand and ate from the fork so reverentially that Heer had to look away embarrassed. She never approved of sharing food fom plates. Couldn't understand why she was doing what she never did.
dessert was another favourite indulgence for Prem. Heer begged an excuse coz of her figure.
Prem laughed, " I wouldn't dare agree with you! Are you bonkers? Or are you fishing for a compliment"
Heer reddened with anger, " I don't fish for anything!"
Prem stopped chewing, stopped breathing, he was terrified that this delicate soul in front of him would just disappear from him if he said or did anything.
Heer realised that he was tense. But she couldn't help it. She was not used to this situation. She couldn't blush on cue, flutter her eyelashes and lap up compliments from anyone, let alone men. It was beneath her.
Prem was still looking at her.
"Sorry, didn't mean to snap at you. I realise you were just making conversation."
They finished in silence. rem had relaxed but was equally determined not to give Heer an opportunity to jump down his throat again.
He was going to leave her tonight with a smile on her face, if it killed him, so help me God! he thought. He was even beginning to feel slightly annoyed. Heer Maan was being just a tad too precious. He could drive her home right now. Cancel the other plan. Ya the other plan may not make her smile. but if he left her in peace, she might smile with relief!
Stop it Prem, he said to himself. Don't be a baby.
They got in the car and drove off.
