~44~
"Bike?"
"Wanted to take you out since college..."
She nodded and sat behind him as he wore his helmet and turned on the key. A sudden memory flashed before her eyes.
"Anuj..."
"Hmmm...?"
"Can I hold you tight?"
He turned around to look at her face and understood her unspoken pain. He reached for her hands and grabbed them. Wrapping them around his waist, he looked into her eyes
"Mine... only Mine..."
She nodded and rested her head on his back as he started their ride.
***
"We are here..."
She got down as he stopped the bike. They were in the outskirts of the city. She looked to see green farmlands all around her. In front her was a beautiful yellow stone house nestled in a garden of flowers. As he opened the small gate to let her in, she felt she had stepped into a different planet. Orchids, lilies, roses, daffodils, dandelions, jasmine.... every flower she could ever think of was there. As her eyes took in the gorgeous sight, they spotted something at the far right corner. There were two towering trees shading a white hammock. Climbing roses had hugged the trees making them look a beautiful shade of red. The evening sun cast a golden glow on them and they looked heavenly. A little brook flowed at one end of the garden making it look even more poetic. She gave a sigh of pleasure as a whiff of fragrance from the flowers hit her nostrils.
"Anuj... this... this is beautiful..."
"You like it?"
"I love it..."
"Do you want to sit there?"
"I... uh... I..."
He smiled at her hesitation.
"This place is mine..."
"Yours?"
"Mmm hmmm..."
"But?"
"Mom loved this area a lot... we used to come here often for picnic lunches. She always said the greenery calmed her. After my parents left, I bought this little piece of land, built this house and planted this garden in their memory. After the house warming, this is the first time I am coming here though, as I was always abroad. The times I did come I spent it with Mukku back in the little flat. GK was the one who took care of it and also arranged some people to take care of the house in our absence.... Ah... here he is. Hello Vimal..."
"Welcome home Bhai and Bhabhi...."
"Thank You, Vimal... we will come in sometime... please make everything ready."
He took his hand in hers.
"Come..."
He helped her sit in the hammock and sat beside her. She looped her hand in his and leant against his shoulder. Together they watched the sun set and the moon rise. As he saw the rays of the moon caressing her face, he fell in love with her all over again. Feeling the lovestruck teenager alive in him once more, he whispered
"The sun and the stars
The moon and the flowers
The breeze of the night
The babbling brook to the right
Have been in a fight
Through the night
To know who
Would be the first to
On them get my gaze
And maybe put a smile on my face
Oh how foolish they are
Not knowing what they so long for
Belongs as a whole, not in part
To the Queen of my heart
My Anu... My very own Anu...
I love you... I love you..."
Every word of him had made her heart race. She looked up at him to see his pupils dilated and his face looking awestruck. She felt a wave of pleasure sweep her body at his devoted gaze. She squeezed his arms tight and snuggled closer.
"I love you too..."
As a cold breeze blew, she shivered a little. He took her hand in his and stood up.
"Shall we go in...?"
She nodded and they entered in the threshold together. He took her around the house. The house had a single kitchen, a bedroom, a guestroom, a dining room and a living room. The interiors were gorgeous all made of stone to match the rustic theme and there was even an artificial fire place in the living room. The door to the backyard was through the kitchen and there was a small patch of vegetable garden over there.
"It's too dark to see now..."
"Hmmmm.... that's OK..."
Vimal came in.
"Bhai, everything is ready...."
"Thank You.... Anu... come, I have something for you..."
She followed him to the terrace. She stopped at the door stunned at the sight before her. The entire terrace was decorated with orchids, roses and warm fairy lights. The terrace had a roof with hanging pots. Each pot had a little tealight set on them to light up the space and give a view of the plants. In the middle of the terrace was a beautifully set table. As Anu took the sight of beauty in front of her, she realized thay it looked straight off the fairytale book she had read to Pakhi as a child. She shivered a little overwhelmed. He placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Its just me... and you... only us... Come... let us eat..."
He always knew how to make her feel better, she thought as she walked towards the table. He pulled the chair for her and she sat down, a little nervous. He sat opposite to her and served the food. Seeing her looking at the plate and not eating, he said
"What is it?"
She looked up.
"I... uh... I.. this is my first date..."
"Of course this is our first date..."
"No no... I mean this is my first ever date..."
He took in a deep breath and took some food in his spoon and offered her.
"Then let's make it the best one..."
After a fulfilling dinner, she gave a contented sigh.
"Anuj... thank you... all this... all this looks straight out of a dream..."
He bent down and took a deep breath.
"Dream.... A dream..."
"Anuj?"
He stood up and walked towards her and knelt in front of her. Taking her hand in his, he said
"Anu... I had a dream long long ago... when I felt I lost it, I stopped dreaming at all... but for the past few days, I have started dreaming again... and dreams have been very beautiful... there is a dream that I persist to dream everyday though I do not know if it would come true... would you want to know my dream, Mohatarma?"
She nodded not trusting her lips enough to speak.
"In my dream, I see myself older living in this house with you by my side.... tending to these gardens when the sun rises.... cooking lunch and playing with our pet dog when the sun is high.... cuddling a little kitten.... sitting in the hammock and watching the sun go down while our kids and family visit... as the moon rises, falling in love all over again while teasing and playing with each other's senses.... having quiet conversations under the stars.... and when the stillness of night settles in.... going to bed and cuddling together dreaming of a new day in each other's arms.... this has been my dream everyday from the time we kissed under the mistletoe... will you... Anu, will you become my wife and fulfill this dream of mine?"
Her breath hitched and she felt tears flow down her cheeks. He quickly wiped them off, a little unsure if they were of fear or happiness.
"Anu... you don't have to answer... I mean... you can... It's ok... I will understand... if you... uh... say... no..."
"No?"
"Mmm hmmm.."
"Bholuram..."
The sound of the silly name from her lips made his heart soar. He wrapped his hand around her neck and pulled her towards him. Placing his lips on hers, he kissed her with all the joy he had at that moment. When they broke apart for air, she playfully pushed him.
"You really are a Bholuram..."
He trailed his fingers on her face, rubbing her lips with his thumb.
"Mohatarma... you have not yet answered me... will you share my dream? Will you be my wife and make this little house a home?"
"Yes... yes... and yes... a thousand times yes..."
He hit his forehead with hers as happy tears streamed. She wiped them and placed kisses on his cheeks.
"But... Anuj..."
"I know... I know... right now is not the right time.... let's keep this a secret..."
She smiled.
"I love you..."
"Love you too... love you too..."
He stood up and walked towards the table. He took his mobile and switched on the music. Walking back to her, he held out his hand
"Care for a dance, Biwi-to-be...?"
She took his hand and smiled
"Always a pleasure, Pati-to-be..."
He pulled her towards him and they waltzed slowly getting more and more lost in each other as the soft music notes filled the air creating a little world for them alone to live in for the night.
***