Black Clouds

18. Peace & Quiet

"Do you... maybe... want to get lunch with me? We could wait for him together if you're free today."

"Um, alright. I'm actually free now."

A small smile flitted across his dark eyes as he heard my answer, while I was sure mine held a similar smile. I somehow controlled my facial gestures and turned them back to normal so as to not give him any idea of my feelings, but deep inside, I was all agog and felt ecstatic about it.

It had been a long, long time since I thought of someone as worthy of my interest in romantic relationships. Usually the boys or men I met in everyday life, were so predictable and frivolous, that they lost my interest in just a single conversation. Every man I met started his conversation with me with a corny pick up line and ended it with asking my number, alongwith throwing in at least three to four boastful sentences about how much he loves the gym or hates drinking inside the urn of our conversation. It was all just so similar and stereotypical that I evaded men like a plague.

And for the first time now, I'm getting a novel feeling, because nothing about this man screams normal or ordinary.

"Do you have a good place in mind, where we could wait for him?"

I asked him.

"Yeah, there are a few casual restaurants where we can get some good food, and some peace and quiet too."

"Ok then, lead the way."

The moment of awkwardness was still very much prevalent, which was screaming at me to run away, but my stubborn behaviour and a mentality that I can do anything held me back. I was going to put myself through mighty torture, and probably become desperate and delusional too, but in that moment, I simply didn't care.

It was a short fifteen minute drive from the hotel, the restaurant being situated in the main market of the city. The restaurant was painted in a rich cream color, giving it a serene yet artistic vibe. As we went inside, we saw that it wasn't too full, with only a little less than half of the tables being occupied. The inside decor was nothing too fancy, but its simplicity made it look extremely elegant.

Just then, we both turned towards the left to occupy a table, when we saw that on the very first seat, was a young couple. Now, the problem wasn't in the fact that we saw a normal young couple there, because Shimla is a place for most honeymoons; the problem lied in the fact that they were awfully cheesy.

My feet were struck on the floor, unable to move forward, as I saw the scene unfold. They were holding hands, while talking in secretive whispers with each other. They donned modern clothes, and looked from a well to do family in some big city. But, their apparent cutesy behavior with one another was not something that I could tolerate in any world. Those flirty feminine giggles and big annoying grins stuck to their faces was churning things inside my stomach even when I hadn't eaten anything yet.

Not able to stand it for a longer time, I abruptly turned my head to the opposite side, my eyes and body having no difficulty in obeying my head. I pretended to gag when I caught some movement from the corner of my eye. As I turned to look at what it was, I found Akshay too had fake-gagged at the sight. I stole another glance at the couply-couple behind me, proceeded to gag one more time before dragging Akshay with me to the other side, and he followed me wordlessly.

"I can see that you didn't really like the view right behind you."

He remarked, his voice getting playful.

"I can tolerate myriad of years of absolute torture, get possessed by ghosts, fight zombies in an apocalypse, but I can't do or stand such cutesy things. And the moment my future partner decides to behave with me in such a revolting manner, it will be the last time he breathes."

I told him very seriously, to which he laughed out loud.

"What now?"

I asked, feeling silly in his presence again.

"Nothi- Haha. Nothing Shreya, its just that you're too dramatic. Although I have the same thoughts as you do, but I have never had the same vocabulary to describe it in such a gory way."

He answered me, and then continued to laugh in his sleeves. I hated getting that kind of attention and his stupid laugh was making me vexed every passing second.
Suddenly, I didn't think of coming here as a good idea.

"So much for peace and quiet huh?"

That sent him into another round of his obnoxiously beautiful laughter.

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