Yuvika hummed a melodious tune as she stirred the sauce, the aroma of garlic and tomatoes filling the kitchen. As the pasta boiled, Yuvika chopped fresh basil and sprinkled it over the dish, adding a touch of elegance.
After preparing the pasta, Yuvika dialed Neil's number.
"Neil, can you meet me in gazebo?" she asked.
"Sure, I'll be there in a few minutes" Neil replied, the sound of his footsteps tapping on the wooden floor as he rushed to meet her.
••••••••••
Yuvika walked towards the gazebo. The twinkling light of the fairy lights hanging from the trees cast a warm glow over the old wooden structure. The wind rustled through the trees, creating a soft, whispering sound that filled the air. And there he was, sitting in the gazebo, looking out over the garden, lost in thought.
"Yuvii, kha reh gyi thi mai kabse wait kar rha hu" he said, as he walked towards her.
"Sorry Neil woh mummy ko kuchh kaam tha isliye.... Khair mai tumhare liye kuchh laayi hu"
"Kya?"
She gestured to a bamboo plant standing tall and proud in a pot in her hand, its leaves shimmering in the moonlight.
He looked at her, confused, but she merely smiled and pressed the plant into his hand.
"Bamboo is a symbol of longevity because of its durability, strength, flexibility, and resilience. It survives in the harshest conditions, still standing tall and staying green year-round. Just like you. So I thought it would be a perfect gift for you" she explained.
He looked down at the plant, feeling the weight of its significance in his hands. "That's really thoughtful...Thank you," he whispered.
They stood there for a moment, until she finally broke the silence. "Mere paas kuchh aur bhi h tumhare liye" she said picking up a platter of steaming pasta.
Neil raised an eyebrow in curiosity, his gaze locked on the aroma coming from the platter.
"Aaj kuchh khaas hai?"
With a melodious laugh, Yuvika gestured for him to take a seat. "Nhi aaj kuchh khaas nhi h, yeh maine apne haatho se tumhare liye banaya hai"
As he settled into the seat, Yuvika handed him a fork and twirled her own around a mound of pasta. "Muh kholo," she said playfully.
Neil chuckled and obliged, leaning forward as she fed him a mouthful of the dish.
"Kaisa bana hai?" she asked, a hopeful smile on her face.
"Mmm", Neil tried to keep a straight face.
Yuvika's smile faltered. "Kya hua? "
"Namak thoda jyada hai" Neil said, trying not to offend her.
"Jyada hai? Ho hi nhi sakta maine recipe achhe se follow ki thi" Yuvika protested.
Neil chuckled "Shayad recipe me koi typo hoga, 'teaspoon' ki jagah 'add a cup of salt' hoga."
Yuvika swatted his arm playfully. "Neil! Stop teasing, mai toh tumhare liye kuchh achha banana chahti thi"
"Pta hai mujhe, koi baat nhi" Neil said, leaning in to give her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Lagta hai agli baar se order hi karna padega mujhe." Yuvika sighed dramatically.
"Nhi, nhi, haar mat mano, master chef Neil hai na, mai tumhe meri secret pasta recipe sikhaunga" Neil said with a grin.
"Thik hai master chef Neil", Yuvika rolled her eyes.
Their laughter echoed through the quiet gazebo, filling the air with warmth and happiness.
After a while...
"Shall we dance?" Yuvika asked, extending her hand towards him. Without hesitation, he took it, the music began to play softly in the background. Without saying anything, they locked eyes, and the world around them faded away. The moon hung in the sky like a silvery lantern as Neil twirled Yuvika across the floor.
Their laughter mingled with the gentle hum of the evening breeze as they moved in perfect harmony, lost in the music and the warmth of each other's presence.
As the music swelled, they moved closer, the world falling away until it was just the two of them, moving as one. Yuvika's laughter bubbled up and his own laughter joining hers in a blissful symphony.
The rhythm of the dance carried them, each step a declaration of their love, each turn a promise of forever. In that moment, nothing else mattered except the way they fit together, the way their souls seemed to sing in perfect harmony.
A contented sigh escaped Yuvika as Neil dipped her low, her entire being filled with the joy of their togetherness. Then she was swept up into his arms, their eyes locked, and in that gaze, they saw their love reflected, brighter than the stars above.
Neil leaned down his lips close to her ear, "I love you, Yuvi," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
Yuvika's heart fluttered as she looked into Neil's eyes. "I love you too, Neil," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion.
Neil gently cupped Yuvika's face, leaning in to press a tender kiss to her forehead. Yuvika closed her eyes, feeling his warmth as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close in a loving embrace. She rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoing her own.
____________________________
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