LITTLE MOMENTS (OS Series) 10| So Far, Yet So Close.. (Pg 103)[24-Mar] - Page 55

Second date! Khushi waited for Arnav at the Central mall wondering where he would take her this time. Why this sudden plan? She wondered recalling how Arnav had called an hour ago to tell they were going out on their second date. He didn't seem to have planned it in advance. It was a sudden decision and Khushi felt as if going on a date wasn't the sole purpose of this meeting. She knew Arnav had something more on his mind, and that didn't seem any serious matter. So Khushi was eagerly waiting for Arnav to come. Arnav had offered to pick Khushi up from her office. But as the mall was situated between their workplaces, Khushi had insisted on meeting directly at the mall. As she waited for Arnav, she looked at her reflection in the glass door at the entrance. Why does he always have to take me on date on a weekday! She tucked a couple of strands of hair behind her ear with a sigh. And there he was! She could see in the glass, Arnav was walking towards her. A slight smile spread across her lips as her gaze fell to the ground.

"Am I late?" she heard him ask.

"No..." she said facing him, "I reached before time"

"Ah! So desperate to meet me, were you?" teased Arnav making Khushi blush. Arnav couldn't take his eyes off her. "Haayee... Are you planning to kill me?"

Khushi giggled. Looking into his eyes, she whispered, "I won't kill you that easily..."

"Oh-my-God!" exclaimed Arnav, totally loving it. "So my wife is already set to kill m-"

"Ah ha! I'm not your wife yet, Mr. Raizada" Khushi interrupted. "Two more weeks just for our engagement. Becoming your wife is still far..."

Arnav suddenly started searching for something in his pockets.

"What happened?" asked Khushi, confused.

"Searching for mangalsutra!" replied Arnav, "Can't wait any more to make you Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada"

Khushi's jaw dropped. She glanced at the people around and blushed wondering what if someone had heard their conversation.

Arnav smiled seeing her. "Let's go!" he said, holding her hand.

Khushi gasped. "Where?" she asked with no choice but to follow him.

"To eat panipuri"

"Panipuri?"

"Yes! Hadn't you told on our last date that you love panipuri?"

Khushi was super happy as they walked towards the road-side stall. Panipuri on a date! Waah! Pati ho toh aisa...

Both enjoyed eating two plates of panipuri. Khushi's joy and her expressions were a treat for Arnav to watch.

"Mmm... It was awesome!" said Khushi, munching on the sukhi puri at the end.

Arnav paid for the panipuri and turned to see Khushi staring back at him with a questioning gaze.

"What?" he asked.

"That's it?" she asked sadly. "Date over? So soon?"

Supressing his smile, Arnav played along saying, "Well, yes... You wanted anything more?"

Khushi fell silent. "Umm... No, nothing" she smiled reluctantly.

Arnav couldn't control the seriousness any more. He smiled. "If you want anything, you can ask for it, Khushi... You have every right to ask anything from me, okay?"

Khushi nodded smiling like a little girl.

"Good... Now tell me what should we do next..."

"Jalebi!" exclaimed Khushi.

"What? Jalebi after panipuri? Are you serious?"

Khushi pouted sadly.

"Ohkay... How can I deny after seeing that face!" Arnav smiled admiring Khushi's cuteness.

Khushi knew this would work. "I know where we can get the best jalebis!"

Arnav and Khushi got into the car to drive seven kilometres only to get Khushi's jalebis.

The drive was pleasant with frequently stolen glances, a few smiles exchanged and hardly any words spoken.

Khushi felt that Arnav wanted to tell her something but was probably waiting for the right time. She didn't mind waiting for it.

After eating plate-full of jalebis, Khushi wasn't satisfied yet. They ordered another plate and stood there watching the jalebis being fried.

"Khushi... I will be travelling to Bangalore tomorrow" Arnav announced suddenly.

"Oh... Official tour?"

"Hmm... Two weeks"

"Two weeks?" Khushi's eyes almost popped out. "And what about our engagement? Don't tell me you want to postpone it!"

"Haayee... My Khushi is so desperate to get engaged!" he teased.

"Answer me first!" demanded Khushi.

"Do you really think I will postpone our engagement?"

Khushi stared silently, waiting for Arnav to continue.

"I will return the day before our engagement"

The shop owner announced that their plate of jalebis was ready. Arnav noticed that Khushi wasn't interested in the jalebis any more. She was lost in her own thoughts.

"Khushi... What happened? I will be back in time, don't worry" he assured.

"I had thought we would go shopping together... And buy matching outfits... and..." she sadly stared at the floor.

"Oh hooo... I didn't know that my would-be wife had already planned so many things!"

Khushi smiled sadly knowing that nothing was going to work out now.

Picking up one of the jalebis and feeding it into Khushi's mouth, Arnav said, "Don't worry, all your plans will be executed, your Highness!" Khushi just stared back at him with a questioning gaze while pushing the end of jalebi into her mouth.

"Don't forget... I am right here... with you... always!"

Khushi didn't know how her plans were to be fulfilled, but she smiled with a strong belief that Arnav will figure out a way. By now she knew that he would do anything to make her happy.