Conflagration

Chapter 30: First Date

Imlie shot a glance at the mirror, her gaze drawn to the unfamiliar stranger staring back at her. Arpi Didi buzzed around her smoothing down some fly away hairs, talking a mile a minute.

Today was her first date with Akkadbagga and her nervousness was manifesting in the form of a stomach twisted in knots. The fact that she didn't know where they were going was not helping either. The ACP had shared that information only with Didi who consequently had declared that none of Imlie's regular suits would do and the occasion required something special.

Didi had dug into her closet and come up with this number. It was a full sleeve, black lace form-fitting churidar with a deceptively simple design until you noticed the slightly deep cut neck and back. Imlie had been horrified at first envisioning having to walk around half naked until she had put it on. It had required a few tucks but the dress molded itself to curves she couldn't believe she possessed.

The dupatta was of the same material but edged with gold and silver zardosi work that lent it a classic look while delicate doris made of gold and silver criss-crossed half her bare back ending in a latkan (hanging) that brushed her lower back as she moved. Stone studded jhumkis that shone in the lights graced her ears, the only jewelry she had on other than her engagement ring. Light makeup with foundation and powder was applied over her smooth skin with eyeliner and kohl highlighting her eyes and a soft nude lipstick and matching lip gloss covering her lips. Her hair was left free, cascading down her back, the perfect cover for the scandalously low back or so she thought.

"UNB will die tonight when he sees you" Didi grinned delivering her verdict as she stepped away from her handiwork. She crossed over to the door and pulled it open letting Narmada and Meethi come in.

"What do you guys think?" she asked wagging her eyebrows.

Imlie turned with trepidation towards Kaki Maa and Amma holding her breath as they both looked at her misty eyed.

Meethi ran a finger under her kajal laden eyes and pressed it to the side of Imlie's neck leaving a black dot and Narmada whispered, "kisiki nazar na lage (let no evil eyes fall on you)."

She hugged both of them together feeling a bit overwhelmed.

"No crying Imlie and spoiling my hard work" Arpita complained and Imlie threw a rueful glance at her. Didi had all the makings of an excellent army general.

"Now I will go down to where that Gonchu is waiting and you will come only when I call. Understood?"

She nodded, apparently Didi wanted to take photos of the occasion and specially the ACP's face as she came down the stairs dressed up for their first date.

Arpita bustled out and she turned to her mother "Amma, is all this too much?" she said indicating her dress and face.

Meethi smiled recognizing the insecurity behind the question. "My Gudiya looks like a real doll" she assured her.

"Imlie, come down" hollered Arpita just then and she squared her shoulders as if preparing for battle.

Aryan grimaced as Didi practically screamed Imlie's name from the bottom of the stairs as she held her phone up. Before he could comment on the theatrics though, he heard the sound of anklets and Imlie started descending the stairs.

He almost swallowed his tongue whole in disbelief. She looked like a vision from his deepest, darkest fantasies come to life, the black dress molding to high, frim breasts, and a tiny waist that he could span with his hands. The hint of cleavage visible above her bare neckline only made her all the more alluring and he found himself wondering if the thing had buttons down the front or back.