Kumud left in a jiffy early in the morning as there was a teachers meeting to discuss the next school years agenda. School was going to open in a few weeks. Children would soon come back to school and make the place lively again!
The meeting went on for a good 4 hours and by the time she was given leave it was way past 2 in the afternoon. In the sultry Gujarat heat she rushed home and she went into the kitchen to have her lunch. She was washing her plate when Badima called out to her and said "Saras was searching for you this morning! I guess he wanted to talk to you!"
Kumud smiled and left the kitchen.
"Methi ka ladoo, what did he want?" She thought as she climbed the stairs.
She went into her room to find a package on her bed.
Curiosity got the better of her and soon she was ripping the cover off.
Beneath the cover laid a beautiful ruby colour ghagra with a golden chunni.
Alongside that was a note that said "Meet me at the Banyan tree at 7, the one near the computer lab. Wear the clothes and jewellery that I sent you!
-Saras
"Jewellery? Where did you put that?"
Kumud got off the bed and goes to her cupboard and when she finds a neatly wrapped box. She takes that and goes to her bed. When she opens the box she finds a ruby necklace studded with diamonds and their matching earrings.
"The contrast of the rubies against the diamonds is so beautiful." Kumud thought as she ran her hand over the precious stones.
She held the ghagra against her body and looked at her image in the mirror which a stunning sight.
"He has good taste." She said as a slow blush crept across her cheeks.
*****
It was almost 7 and Kumud had just stepped out of the bathroom. Fresh from taking a bath she looked like a flower blooming in spring. She hurriedly went and slipped into the ghagra, wore the jewellery and sprayed some perfume. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and quickly ran out of the room. She occasionally hid behind a pillar to avoid the numerous people coming in her way.
"It's almost 7, hopefully I won't be late." She said as she rushed through the main gate heading towards the Bayan tree.
*****
On the other side Saras was thinking what takes girls so long to get ready. It was 5 minutes past 7 and she didn't grace him with her presence. Finally like what seemed like eternity he heard the faint clinking of payal and when he turned around he saw her, a vision of beauty in red. He heard her stop a few steps away to catch her breath.
*****
He looked so handsome in a black tuxedo paired along with a red shirt.
A lock of his hair fell onto his forehead giving him a care free look. She saw him smirk which meant that he had seen her drooling at him. Mustering a smile Kumud went forward.
*****
She was approaching him as though she was a deer caught in headlights. He soon blindfolded her and whisked her away to the lake that he found near Ratnagari a couple days ago when he was looking for an ideal spot. It was 20 minutes away from the Banyan tree.
"How much longer?" Asked a visibly excited Kumud.
"Open your eyes!"
Her mouth opened and she gasped.
There was a table set for two near a lake, which was surrounded by trees. On the trees hung millions of lights which made the whole place glow. The sweet aroma of the flowers that were placed around the table. The numerous dishes that were waiting to be eaten.
While she was busy taking in everything, Saras came up to her with a bouquet of red roses.
"This is for you Kumud." Said Saras with a cute smile.
Kumud just blushed and fluttered her lashes and accepted the roses.
Saras led her forward to the table and pulled out a chair for her.
Saras too sat down opposite Kumud and all he did was stare at her like a fool, while Kumud tried hard to avoid his gaze. She kept looking here and there not knowing what to say. Unable to take the silence any longer, Saras got up and paced around like a caged man much to Kumud's amusement.
"Kumud, will you marry me?" Asked a beaming Saras.
Saras goes on one knee opens a ring box in front of her.
Kumud is speechless and doesn't know what to say, tears were threating to spill out of her eyes. All she could manage was to whisper a small yes that only Saras could hear. Elated Saras slid the ring onto her finger and then caught her by the waist and hugged her with all his might and when they both drew apart. He was about to kiss her when Kumud shook her head and bent forward to kiss him on the cheek. A kiss that was full of love and care. When she drew back she saw Saras smirking away to glory. She pushed him away and went and sat on the chair.
They had a quiet dinner with both of them sneaking glances at each other.
Once they went back home both of them went and locked themselves in their rooms. After a long time both Saras and Kumud slept a good nights sleep.
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Cricket
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
