Rekindled Hearts: The Journey Of Transformation[ONC2024]

|#9. The Dinner Date|

Sometimes having a profound conversation opens the doors that seem closed. Ruhana conversing freely with him is a sight he has always prayed for. Vineet has seen many sides of Ruhana's demeanor, and each one only defines his feelings for her.

Her rough demeanor often irks him; her ways of doing business seem unethical to him, but then, it's her personal choice. She never shares her heart with him, but she's free when she is with her sister, Aanya. It doesn't seem like she's the tough businesswoman whom he meets every day. With Aanya, she's a caring elder sister for her little one. Her behavioral changes can't change his feelings for her. She said it right...

"Let's trust our instincts and do what feels right to us."

"It might be unethical, but that's my way. After all , people have been like that to me. If you think I am cheating my uncle, then yes, he also cheated me and I am just giving him all those things back that he gave me. And he cheated me when I didn't understand things. He could have helped me, but he didn't. He snatched Papa's last memory from me."

"You follow your principals, I will follow mine. There's nothing wrong in following the right path."

Yeah, he loves her. After being away for twenty years, he has realized that her void is still there. Yeah, she's grown up but her place in his life is still intact, and empty as well. She's not looking at the bright side. He thought that she'll understand him, but she doesn't. Or maybe, she does, but she's hiding it under her rough demeanor. Right now, he's determined to profess his love to her.

*****

Later in the day, Ruhana is at home, getting ready for the date night with her best friend. She looks happy at the moment and Aanya doesn't leave any chance to tease her.

"He's sweet, Di. I wonder why you didn't tell me about him earlier?"

"I mean, when I told him that I was your sister, he was surprised. He didn't know,? Why?" Aanya asks.

"No, you were born after we left Delhi. And we lost contact after I moved from Delhi. Mom might have told his mother; maybe he remained unaware." Ruhana says this as she wears her danglers.

"But I am glad I could meet her; you know what? He's perfect for you, Di." Aanya chuckles, taking Ruhana by surprise.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Ruhana asks, though, and she understands her signal.

"I mean, he will be a perfect life partner for you. You must think of it. You know, he glances at you so lovingly. Ah! How I wish I could get someone like him." Aanya chuckles.

Ruhana glares at her sister, who chuckles at the moment. Meanwhile, the doorbell rings, and Aanya rushes to open the door. As expected, it's Vineet at her door. Aanya is pleasantly surprised when he presents her with a bouquet of yellow and white roses while he gives a bouquet of pink and red flowers to Ruhana.

"Wow! These are beautiful. Thank you for getting me roses. You know, white roses are my favorite." Aanya expresses her gratitude.

" And your sister loves pink roses." He smiles, his gaze falling on Ruhana, who's adoring the bouquet, intaking the smell of it.

"Wow! You know her pretty well. But, hey! How did you know that I love white roses?" Aanya glances at him questioningly.

"Um! You posted on your social media, got it from there." He replies with a smile.

"Aww, that's so sweet of you. Otherwise, people don't take a step forward, for anyone, even if they know the interests of the other person." Aanya smiles.

"Not everyone is the same, Aanya. You need to trust and believe." He glances at her and she nods affirmatively.

In the meantime, he feels Ruhana's gaze fixed on him. She's dressed in a black gown and she looks breathtaking with her hair open. When their gazes meet, he asks if she's ready to go and she agrees.

Aanya sees them off and they are out on their first date together. The idea is beautiful, be it a date or an impromptu dinner plan with an old friend.

******

Vineet drives to Ruhana's favorite eatery, Brew Haven Cafe & Restaurant. Ruhana is surprised at the moment but she follows his lead. He takes her to a corner seat and pulls out a chair for her, and he takes the seat opposite her. The place is lit beautifully and a serene fragrance is floating in the air. He notices a small smile on her lips, and that's enough treat for him. She's not thinking about business right now, and neither is she talking about it. It's a quiet plan between the two of them.

"Thank you, Ruhana."

"Why?"

"Um, you agreed to come for dinner. I mean I was hesitant a little to ask you out."

"You said we're friends, Vineet. Then why were you hesitant?"

"Ruhana, twenty years have passed by. You have changed a lot, haven't you? And you know what? I don't want to lose the relationship that's left between us."

"Why do you think so? I mean, you said that my place in your life is intact. Then why do you think you will lose something?"

Ruhana asks the question and Vineet falls silent. Well, how can he tell her that she has been indifferent to him. She's not the little girl who parted away from him, and the one who told and discussed everything with him. She has changed a lot. But he doesn't want to hurt her. Though, he knows she will not be angry but he feels that if he said something about her or her ways, it might hurt her self respect and he doesn't want that. Her voice brings him out of his trance.

"Vineet, I know, I have changed. And the way I have behaved with you, it is obvious for you to be hesitant. But, you are still my friend. We are still working together."

"You were right, some relationships do not change. And ours is one of them, Vineet. Trust me."

Ruhana's words sound like music to his ears. He glances at her and she reassures him with her eyes. He smiles lightly, and meanwhile, the waiter asks for their order. Vineet orders for the two of them and surprisingly, her ordered all the food of her choice. Ruhana is astonished and touched at the same time.

"You remember my choices?"

"How can I forget, Ruhana? You're my only best friend."

"Aww, you're so sweet, Vineet. And I am sorry, I have been rude to you. But you know, I can't change myself now. You have to bear this rude version of me." Ruhana says the smile disappears from her face.

"Ruhana, you can do anything that you want. Just remember that don't change your soul. Be that kind, sweet girl beneath your tough demeanor. I hope you're getting my point." Vineet explains and she falls silent.

He's asking for something that she cannot give. She has changed drastically and it would be hard to be kind and timid again. Of course, there are some people in her life whom she loves dearly and Vineet is one of them. She glances at him and he understands her answer. Yeah, he can even understand her silence.

Silence makes the loudest echoes.

Vineet knows it, yet he wants to try professing his feelings in front of her. But before he can say something, the waiter comes with their order. They enjoy the dinner together with light chit-chat. Later, Ruhana suggests they have ice cream and Vineet readily agrees.

It's another chance for him to profess his love. He holds his hand and they walk towards the nearby ice cream parlour. He gets chocolate-chip flavour for Ruhana and vanilla for himself. As they walk around the park, eating their ice cream, Vineet glances at her.

"You know what, Ruu, our ice creams define us. I'm quite simple and plain, like vanilla, while you're being flavorful and impromptu. Now, I can't predict what you'll be up to. The chocolate chips are like the surprise packages that you bring. Irony, isn't it?"

"Fantastic, Vineet. You've got it right. I have seen the outcome of being simple and dependent, so it's better to be a surprise package."

Ruhana smiles and Vineet nods. He further holds her hand; furthermore, his words leave her flabbergasted.