THEIR FIRST DATE (TS) [last part updated]

To say she was excited would be an understatement. This was the first date of her life!! And who better than with HIM! Someone who managed to melt her into a mushy puddle with a just one glance. Ah! That man... even his thought made her blush!! She had been ecstatic all day trying to decide what to wear, after all his instructions had been rather peculiar..."wear something sporty, and summery". 'Like really?? What kind of a combination is this anyway? And where was he taking her? What had he planned? Which color should she wear? God!! So many questions... but no time... he'll be here soon.'

Finally deciding on her favorite pair of shorts and a frilly top, sneakers, she pulled her hair in a low side-bun, put on some kajal and lip gloss, and descended the stairs... all excited about the coming date. Just as she reached the landing she saw HIM... lounging on the sofa of her living room. 'Oh! He looks so handsome even in simple casuals and messed up hair', she thought. She lifted her eyes to his face... only to find him looking at her the same way she had been just moments ago. She looked away trying so hard not to blush, but failing miserably.

A slow grin spread across his face... 'What a sight!' he thought, admiringly. His beloved, bravely trying to keep a straight face while blushing a deep red. The tigress who was the perfect chatter box, unabashed, always up for a debate, flitting about like a merry clown with a smart answer up her sleeves was now standing there... nervous, shy, with jumbled thoughts and pink cheeks!! Soo cute... he could kiss her right then forgetting everything else.

Suddenly she snapped her fingers at him, breaking his trance. "Gonna stare all day?? No date?" she smirked. "Well... now won't THAT be the perfect date?" he replied cheekily. "Then go out with my photo", mock angrily she turned to leave. 'There's the tigress', he thought to himself. Chuckling, he blocked her way, "sorry madam! Can't let you go. My surprises will be very disappointed if you didn't get to experience them. Please chalein?" with a smile and a nod both headed out of the house. "Just a minute", he stopped her. "What?" she looked up at him, confused. Saying nothing he just inched closer and took out her hair pin, freeing her bun. Warming her heart he muttered huskily, "beautiful".

PART 2

"A super bike??!!"

"Yes madam"

"This is more of a shock, than a surprise." she sassed... making him chuckle.

"Alright then. Settled? Here's your helmet. And... hold on tight". He winked at her through the mirror, making her blush yet again, and zoomed out onto the streets.

Crazy speed, wind in her hair, she laughed out in exhilaration... she loved this!

! Hearing her carefree giggle warmed his heart and he vowed to keep his precious this happy always.

She felt as if she was flying, arms out, letting the world in. All too soon the bike came to a halt.

"Kya hua?"

"We reached madam".

"Oh", alighting from the bike she noticed their surroundings. It was like a huge garden, with big trees casting their shade on the vast expanse of green grass. A stream ran along the length of the park at one side. Flowery shrubs lent their fragrance, while the chirping birds provided soft music. A small picnic was set up under the shade of a mango tree. She felt him come up behind her. "Did you like it?" he asked. "It's perfect", she said smiling up at him.

They sat on the blanket, spread on the grass. Silent, slightly awkward, well aware of their solitude and the sparks between them, they sat there sneaking glances at each other. He leaned back against the tree trunk, with an intent gaze restraining her eyes from looking away as well. Suddenly he stood up and held his hand out to, asking for a dance. "Shall we?" Smiling shyly she placed her palm in his and let him pull her closer as he guided her in a waltz to the rhythm of their heartbeats.

*

After a delicious picnic lunch they both decided to take a walk along the stream. Chatting happily they sat on the rocks in the middle of the stream with their legs dangling in the cool water.

"By the way, I didn't know that you could be so creatively romantic. Private picnic n all... mujhe laga tha wohi clichd si date hogi... candlelight dinner, dim lights n all..."

"Accha??"

"Haan... I mean, you don't look like a romantic person."

"Toh kaisa lagta hu mai?"

"The serious, sadu, angry-young-man types" she added slyly.

"Hmmm... this tag has to be removed."

"As in? What are you...?"

Before she could complete, the look in his eyes shifted, and he leaned in. Guessing his intention she froze. Heartbeats rising, blood pounds in her ears. Am I ready for this? Oh what to do?!!' in a nervous haze she moved back, slipped, falling face first into the water.

His hands caught her just in time. Worriedly he pulled her close. Thank god for his quick reflexes. She could have been seriously injured. Damn slippery rocks..!' with such thoughts running through his mind he asked her, "Are you okay?" She could only nod in affirmative, basking in his concern as the shock of the fall wore off.

Once safely back on the grass, she glanced at him, to see that the concern in his eyes was now replaced by suppressed laughter. Confused, she asked him "what?" With her favourite naughty grin on his face he asked, "Why did you move back? What scared you so?"

Momentarily distracted by his smile she didn't exactly focus on his question. "Huh?" was all she could manage.

"Tumne kya socha? Mai kya karne wala tha? Itni nervous kyu ho gayi?"

Heat rushed to her cheeks colouring them pink. The devil!' she thought, seeing him smirk. "Nothing. I wasn't nervous. What nervous? Kuch bhi..." she blabbered on, embarrassed, avoiding his gaze.

Smiling at her cute innocence, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry, I was just kidding, can't help it. You look so cute when you're nervous... but, you don't have to worry, I won't force you into anything that makes you uncomfortable." Breaking out of the hug he looked into her eyes, "a relationship is based on two people. Your acceptance and happiness is equally important in ours, and very essential for me. You can trust me, love, I'll never let you down."

Assured of the genuine sincerity in his words and eyes, her heart swelled with love for him. It reflected in her tear-filled eyes as she said "I trust you".

Their faces breaking into their brightest smiles, she buried hers in his chest. Engulfing her in his arms, he rested his cheek on top of her head. Both lost in the sea of emotions, they stood like that in companionable silence.

As the sun set behind them, their profiles were aglow with the soft orange light. As if the universe was enlightening their bond--- of friendship, of love, and mainly... of trust...

The beginning...

OK.. How was it??