Lovers

3. Will you be my...?

"Where are we going?!" Anupama asked for the nth time, her eyes blindfolded as she held Anuj's hand for support, as he led her.

"Patience Anu! Patience!" Anuj remarked leading her, his patience running just as low.

Anupama rolled her eyes internally. She knew something was awaiting her but what exactly. Hopefully, she wouldn't disappoint him.

Anuj finally stopped and his eyes brightened, as he stared ahead proud.

'Nicely done, Anuj! Let's just hope that Anu likes it'

"Anuuuj!"Anupama whined making him chuckle as he undid the blindfold and looked towards her, expecting.

Anupama could finally see and her smile disappeared as she looked at the view. Disbelief crossed her features while she took baby steps forward, her eyes wandering around the space.

They were on a hill top now, and below her was the city alive with lights. She walked over to the tent then, few paces away from the cliff.It was lit by fairy lights and flowers were hanging overhead. Then her eyes flitted to the table, decorated with candlesticks and a vase of red roses.

Her eyes pricked and as she reached out to caress the roses, a note dropped from among them and she picked it.

"Tum..sirf tum"

She turned around to Anuj reciting the words and a stream of tears spilled forth. Anuj who was grinning, panicked on seeing her cry and rushed towards her, worried.

"Hey, what happened? Why are you crying?" Anuj asked troubled,his hand reaching out to cup her face.

"I....is this too much Anu? Trust me, my aim was not to pressure you. I just—

"Y-you are such an idiot!" Anupama replied from in b/w her sobs as she wiped her eyes and put her hands over his.

"This is beautiful. You did so much for me, this— Anupama looked around the setup and nodded her head in negative, "was never even a part of my dreams, and yet as I see it today, I feel that this was what I've been waiting for. Thank you! Thank you!!"

Anupama hugged him then, and his eyes widened. His hands hovered over her back in uncertainty before he finally embraced her. She liked it!

Few moments later, Anupama came to realize that she had held him hostage for too long, and moved away quietly, embarrassed now.

Anuj laughed then, wiggling his brows, "Lagta hai Anu se controool nahi ho raha"

Anupama glared at him then before breaking into laughter too,while he moved towards the table and pulled the chair back for her.

She nodded thankful and took her seat, while Anuj walked over to the place where he was standing a few moments ago, retrieved a basket and started to lay its contents out on the cart. Satisfied with the presentation,he wheeled the cart in her direction, admiring her form, while she admired the starry city.

She was wearing a red kaftan today and was rocking the look. He himself was decked up in a red suit and black shirt, and was more than happy to be twining with her.

"What will you like to have madam?"

Anupama gave Anuj an amused look, as he held a towel on his arm and bowed, in a typical butler behavior.

"What is on the menu?" She asked then as he started to lift the casserole lids and started to serve her.

"We have evergreen shahi paneer, dum aaloo, gatta curry...and dhokla".