Hi all you lovely readers! I know it's really been a long time but all I can do is apologize, my exams were going on plus it's the semester end so I'm really busy, and to top it all I haven't been keeping well! But I'm really sorry, the updates now wont be much too regular till mid may and I apologize in advance, Till then enjoy chapter 6, I hope I've lived up to all your expectations about the date!
P.s. please do not send me buddy requests, I only pm those who have commented on the previous chapter.
Oh and before I forget, this chapter is dedicated to maverickmarten (Mav), if it wasn't for her constant pestering, this chapter would never be here! Love you sweetheart!
Now, ENJOY!
Chapter 6 – The Date
"Two large quarter pounder deals, no pickles. Drinks, coke, both of them, no ice."
I watched him from where I sat, in a corner booth in the food court. They served so many different cuisines in the food court. Chinese, thai, Indian, bbq, steaks, Italian, yet idiots like us always chose mc donalds over everything.
I suppressed a giggle at the thought. Arnav and I, we were so annoyingly in love with mc donalds, it wasn't even funny.
I slumped back into my seat and continued watching him. Leaning against the counter, one elbow resting behind him on the counter while he waited for his order, his right hand moving up to brush his hair back from his forehead - something I'd always wanted to do - Arnav looked so... relaxed, and ... dare I say, happy? Like he'd just won something... something like... me, maybe?
Noticing my appraisal of him, he grinned like a child in my direction and with a mischievous wink thrown my way, turned back around to collect our food, the grin intact.
Even when I saw him walk towards me, holding a tray laden with food, his grin was intact, in fact it had probably widened further. Could he really be so, so happy, for having won Me? Not exactly won, I mean he wasn't really fighting or anything, but I hadn't refused, or said yes, but well... OH you get the point.
My muddled brain got muddled even further when instead of joining me in the booth, he walked straight past me, placed the tray on a table for two - a few steps away from where I was sitting, and then tilted his head slightly towards the table while looking at me - indicating that I join him on that table. Not in any mood to contemplate over his request, I just got up and walked upto him. Before I sat, he surprised me again, when he suddenly pulled the chair out for me and after i was seated moved to seat himself in the chair opposite me, only, he pulled the chair around the table so he was sitting on my right on the small round table.
Okay... Being a gentleman, as if we were in some exquisite restaurant and not in the food court we were actually in. Hayeee, my Arnav was so cute. How could I not love him when he did things like this? Things that made my heart flutter like a butterfly.
Thankfully there were only a few people in the food court, what with it being a weekday and not even time for lunch yet.
……………………………………………….
"So? How do you like your first date khush?"
I spluttered out the coke, my hand rushing to calm my throat as I coughed wildly, almost choking on the drink. It took me a moment but as soon as I felt a hand gently patting my back, I felt better. Only, the hand stayed there even after I'd stopped coughing, moving in soothing circles around my back. It was only when the hand slightly moved lower and wrapped itself snugly around my waist that I suddenly jerked in my seat, throwing the hand off in the process. I looked everywhere except at arnav.
Composing myself and schooling my expression, I tried to mask the blush that had spread across my cheeks in effect to the goosebumps that had erupted on my skin with his gentle touch.
No, don't look at me like that, you moron!
"You still think I'm a moron?"
I jerked my head towards his so suddenly; I'm surprised my neck didn't snap. Had I really said that out loud? Kill me now!
He was looking at me with that devilish lopsided grin. Oh he would be the death of me. Control khushi, control, look away! Yes right! Now take deep breaths, yes yes that's it, calm... hnmmm...
Oh crap... All my concentration, all my breathing gone to waste, for now he held my hand in his and lifted my chin and I was forced to look back into his molten eyes, those dreamy eyes. But this time, all the mischief had vanished, all that was there was tenderness, concern, and lo... no, it's too soon. He can't possibly be in lo... oh don't say it you ass, not even in your head. It's only your first date, enjoy it, wait! I'm on a date with Arnav, crap, this is real! Okay. I think my face is on fire... I tried to pull my chin out of his grasp and look away but to no avail, he held on tight,
"Khush, are you okay? I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable, I was jus..."
"No no, its okay."
I rushed to comfort him, my hand naturally moving to cup his cheek. I didn't want him to feel he was doing anything wrong. Yes this was all too sudden and too fast and too new, yes I needed answers but at least he was trying.
He looked at me for a moment, waiting for me to continue, and I did,
"To your first question, I'm enjoying my first date a lot , thankyou very much. As for the second, I've never been uncomfortable around you Arnav and that is not changing now. You get that?"
"Cool! So its okay if I act a little cheesy? Just a little, please please please, its too much fun khush!"
I openly laughed at that request; he couldn't get more adorable than that,
"As if you'd spare me if I said no!"
I retorted, trying to be sarcastic, but for once, the smile on my face just wouldn't allow the sarcasm any place in my tone.
In reply, he just grinned at me, that childish grin of winning again, one that lit his face up. Then, he pointed towards our meals and realizing that mc donalds sat there on the table, staring at us, we dug into our food, relishing the crisp of the fries, the juicy patties, the finger licking ketchup, hayeee, mc donalds was heaven.
"So, I... have a few, questions"
"shoot!"
I mumbled, while enjoying my meal thoroughly.
"So you've told me quite a few times that I'm good looking..."
I looked up from my food and gave him a curious look, where was this going?
"Yeah, so? Not just me, but a lot of people have told you that?"
Fact is, anyone's appraisal for Arnav's gifted looks wasnt hidden from the world except himself. He'd always been blind to the attention he received from girls, if not blind, then ignorant. I, along with Lavanya, would never shy away from telling him that, though he always brushed it off.
"Yeah, not that, I mean so... did you ever have a crush on me Khushi Gupta?"
I swallowed quickly and then giving him a bright sunny smile, proceeded with my answer. I wasn't going to let any awkwardness or discomfort come between us, and besides, this was something he deserved to know, regardless of how it would affect my already on fire face.
"Well, yes I did, initially that is. You want to know the story?"
"Of course!"
He stated with unbridled joy and I chuckled at his enthusiasm before I dove into the story.
FLASHBACK
"La, this is so freaking depressing... There's not a single cute guy in our class"
I pouted sadly, letting my misery at not having found a decent distraction in my class on the first day of university shadow over my features. No I definitely wasn't a desperate bimbo, but one needed a cute distraction in university, one just did, for no apparent reason.
"I know k, it's so weird. I mean over 20 guys in this class and not a single one cute. Life sucks."
"God, it's going to be such a long semester! And crap I sound so desperate."
"Oh don't worry k, we'll find some cute senior to ogle at in our free sessions. Cool?"
Lavanya was saying something, I think. Not paying much attention to my rambling friend, I fixed my gaze on the tall figure that had just entered the class. He was oh, he was just, Ohhh... my heart was suddenly beating faster, my breath coming out in short spurts, he was - and there was really no better way to say it - HOT!
"F**k khushi, he's sex on legs!"
I jerked my head to my right to glare at lavanya and to divert my gaze, for the "sex on legs" in question had just seated himself right in front of me.
…………………………………………
As the class began, I tried to focus on the teacher rather than how soft his hair seemed or how broad yet lean his frame was from the back.
But all my concentration was lost when he suddenly turned around and very politely asked if I had a pen to spare. I fumbled through my pouch and handed over a blue pen, my fingers ever so slightly grazing against his, causing electric currents to pass through my body. And with a quick thanks he turned back around.
Once the class had ended and I had developed a headache from all the points about demand and supply, I started packing my things. As I got up, I came face to face with him, too close. Instinctively i stumbled a few steps back and watched him as he began to speak,
"Hey, thanks for the pen."
"No...not a problem."
I stuttered, mentally chiding myself,
"I'm Arnav by the way."
he said putting his hand forward.
"Khushi."
And as I placed my hand in his, and looked into his molten eyes, I mentally patted myself for having found a well deserving first university distraction cum crush.
FLASHBACK ends
"But that was... the first time, I mean our first meeting. Oh god khush!"
Getting up abruptly, Arnav pulled his chair only that much closer to mine, and lightly squeezed my hands,
"That long, khushi? Why? Why didn't you ever tell me?"
I just looked down at our hands then back up at him, and spoke sincerely,
"Because we were best friends Arnav, and I loved our friendship too much to risk it for mere one sided feelings..."
"Not one sided any more..."
I laughed at his attempt to lighten the mood, then pulling my hands out of his, I resumed with my meal as well as the conversation,
"Anyway, there's so many stories you don't know about."
"like?"
"like this one time when I was talking to this friend of mine and..."
FLASHBACK
"...and she also started the next chapter, leadership. You should have attended it yaar, easy class thi, you wasted your absence."
"I guess I should have taken it, anyway, I'll go see if she's in her office and excuse myself. Btw, have you seen that rally cute guy? I've heard he is a freshie too, same batch as ours. Oh Khushi he is sooo hot!"
"Which guy? What's his name?"
"Naam hi toh nahi pata yaar..."
"What does he look like? Maybe I've seen him..."
"He's tall and has a light stubble, really nice hair, lean but fit. Oh he's hot khushi, sooo..."
I was trying to think of someone with her description but couldn't really come up with anything, when suddenly my friend stopped speaking and so bluntly stared at something behind me, I just had to turn around to see what had caught her attention.
As I turned around, I couldn't help the chuckle that left me, this was sooo epic! Arnav was standing right behind me, about to tap my shoulder, while my friend stared at him awestruck - I think, and arnav only looked back confused,
"Khush, let's go get some food, I'm starving..."
Then turning slightly owards my friend he said a quick hi, before turning back towards me, waiting for my reply
"Haan, tum jao, sit in the cafe. La is there already, I'll just be a minute."
"Okay."
And after ruffling my hair and throwing me a wink he was off.
As I turned back to my friend, to resume our discussion about this supposed hottie, I found her gaping at me with my mouth open. But before I could ask her what was wrong I heard her speak. aur hand rising to point in the direction arnav had just left to,
"THAT. WAS. HIM!... OH MY GOD Khushi how the hell do you know him? That's, that's him! The guy I was just telling you about, oh god, he's so mch hotter up close! What's his name? Crap I just made a fool out of myself..."
"Tanya, relax, calm down..."
I managed to say in between uncontrollable spurts of laughter.
"okay, okay but who is he, how do you know hin and..."
"aray, he's in my class na, same batch yes! but we are in the same section too, he's a good friend. And before you ask me again, his name is Arnav."
"Oh khushi, you have to make me meet him..."
FLASHBACK ENDS
"Tanya had a crush on me?"
Arnav gave me a look of utter disbelief, and I chuckled remembering that incident,
"Correction, Tanya TOO had a crush on you."
"WOW! And were you ever jealous, of all of my supposed admirers?"
HUH? Where did that come from, I stopped eating or a moment, before I looked up at him curiously, till he explained
"Oh come on khush, isn't it like natural or something? Jealousy I mean..."
I sighed and gave up completely on the idea of holding anything back,
"Well, not really... except of that sheetal. She seems to keep staring at you shamelessly all the time, s**t!"
I scowled at him as he laughed with abandon, enjoying at my expense.
Composing himself, he continued with his interrogation,
"But why weren't you jealous of the others?"
Oh that was probably the simplest, easiest question he'd asked me all afternoon,
"Because I always knew, no matter what, you'd always be MY best friend. The girls could ogle all they wanted, but it was ME you wanted to spend your time with, share your stories with. Simple"
I smiled the most content smile I'd ever smiled and he reciprocated in full measure. Not saying anything in reply, just smiling at me, visibly happy with my confession, my admission.
As we munched on our food, the conversation got lighter, the tension evaporated and we proceeded with what we were pros at, being best friends.
******************************
After our sudden lunch date, Arnav took me to gelato affairs, my favourite ice cream parlor, before he drove me home. I was overwhelmed with the happenings of the day. We had just turned into my lane when he asked me, still looking ahead while I looked for my keys in my bag,
"So, unmmm... khush, you, you still haven't said yes or no..."
I looked up at him, utterly confused, yes or no to what exactly. When he didn't say anything, I realized that we were parked outside my house. I made to ignore his question and get out of the car when he held me by my wrist and stopped me from steppig out,
I patiently waited for him to say something hut when he just looked at me; I sighed and asked him myself,
"Yes or no to what arnav?"
"Khushi, you've forgotten so fast? we were on a date, just a while back..."
So? I mentally asked myself and then the bulb switched on and I hurriedly asked him, even before my mind could comprehend how absolutely embarrassing my question would be in retrospective,
"Yes or no to me officially being in a romantic relationship with you, Arnav?"
He seemed surprised at the way I'd put it. Hell I'd be surprised if I thought back at it later, but he nodded nonetheless and that was enough for my over functional brain to provide another stupid response to,
"But you said I'd just have to accept your decision, so I did, you didn't really give me an option you know, and mind you, you, sir, didn't even ask, so what am I supposed to say yes or no to? haan, genius, going around giving orders,..."
and then something extra ordinary happened, his lips were on mine, his arms wrapped around me possessively so I was flush against him - as much as was possible while still within the confines of his car - his tongue trying to coax my mouth open, and as he gently bit my lip, I gasped into his mouth. And then, I forgot everything...
That night, I slept with dreams of reality and smiles of love and affection, those special smiles, the ones which shine through your eyes. My heart bloated up to the maximum size possible as I reveled in the aftermath of his kiss. My Arnav! Hayeee
Lots and lots of love to all of you beautiful people!
Sonia
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