𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

𝟭𝟰. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲 𝗠𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀

Chapter Fourteen: That Should Be My Lines

Hand in hand, with her head resting on his shoulder, they explored the night in New Zealand before their return home tomorrow. She searched every shop but couldn't find the perfect gift for her niece. With a huff, she turned to Shubman, whining, "I just can't find the perfect gift for her."

Shubman chuckled softly, his arm wrapping around her waist as they strolled through the bustling streets of Auckland. "Don't worry, love," he reassured her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "We'll find something special for her . Let's keep looking."

She stomped her foot in frustration, shaking her head. "No, I don't have that much patience. Besides, I need to treat you for our date tonight," she insisted

Shubman's eyes wandered around, scanning the array of shops lining the street until they landed on something that made him grin. Without hesitation, he pulled Nehmat by her waist, excitement bubbling up within him. "Come on, I think I found something!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with anticipation.

Curious, Nehmat followed his lead, her frustration melting away as she sensed his excitement. As they approached the shop, Shubman's grin widened, knowing he had found the perfect gift for her niece.

As they approached the shop, Nehmat couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. Pouting slightly, she said, "At least let me know what you found."

But before she could say more, Shubman placed a gentle index finger on her lips, silencing her protests. "Shh, let me do the needful," he whispered.

Nehmat's eyes twinkled with anticipation as Shubman pointed out the gift, beckoning the shopkeeper to bring it over. Her excitement mounted as she laid eyes on the perfect gift before her: a Kiwi plush toy. Her eyes widened with delight, a smile spreading across her face as she reached out to touch the soft, cuddly toy.

Holding Nehmat close, Shubman couldn't help but smile as she leaned in to kiss the Kiwi plush toy. Her joy was infectious, and even the old shopkeeper couldn't help but chuckle at her happiness.

"Looks like you've found a winner there," the old shopkeeper remarked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Nehmat grinned sheepishly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being caught in such a moment of childlike glee. But she didn't care. This toy was perfect, and she knew her Vamika would love it.

When it was time to pay, Shubman gestured for Nehmat to handle the transaction, knowing very well that arguing with her about it would be futile. He watched with a soft smile as Nehmat eagerly paid for the toy, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

He couldn't help but feel a swell of pride knowing how adamant she was about buying her niece the perfect gift with her first salary.

As they exited the shop, oblivious to their surroundings, the wife who sat at the cashier muttered quietly to her old husband, "What a lovely couple. I sense us in them, Josh, with a fruitful reunion."

To others, it might have sounded like ordinary words, but to the only old couple present, the meaning behind it was significant.

Nehmat turned around to Shubman, pulling him closer by his arms. "Where do you wanna go for dinner?" she asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Anywhere, but it's my treat," Shubman muttered, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

But Nehmat's expression quickly turned to one of anger as she pouted, shaking her head. "No, mine," she insisted stubbornly, determined to treat him for their special night together.

Shubman chuckled at Nehmat's persistence, admiring her determination. "Alright, your treat it is," he conceded, knowing better than to argue further.

Nehmat beamed with satisfaction, feeling pleased that she could spoil Shubman for the evening. "Great! Let's find a cosy place nearby," she exclaimed, already scanning the street for potential restaurants.

As they walked along the street, Nehmat's eyes lit up as she spotted a quaint beachside cafe nestled among palm trees, its warm lights inviting them in. "How about that one?" she suggested, pointing excitedly.

Shubman followed her gaze and nodded in agreement. "Looks perfect to me," he said, smiling.

Entering the cafe, they were greeted by the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Finding a cosy table by the window overlooking the beach, they settled in, relishing the romantic atmosphere.

Shubman gazed at the menu, but his attention was soon drawn to Nehmat, who sat across from him with her cheeks resting in her palm, looking at him lovingly.

Blushing slightly under Nehmat's loving gaze, Shubman cleared his throat before asking, "What are you thinking of having?"

Nehmat's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with affection. "I'm not sure yet," she replied, glancing back at the menu briefly before returning her gaze to Shubman. "But whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be delicious as long as I'm sharing it with you."

Shubman chuckled softly at Nehmat's response, feeling a warmth spread through him at her sweet words. "You always know just what to say," he remarked, his gaze lingering on her fondly.

Leaning forward slightly, he reached across the table to gently brush a stray strand of hair away from her face. "You look so... whipped," he teased playfully, a twinkle of affection in his eyes.

Nehmat's laughter filled the air, a musical sound that echoed through the cosy cafe. "And whose fault is that?" she countered, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she reached out to lightly tap his nose.

Shubman grinned, feeling a rush of fondness for Nehmat. "Oh darling, that should be my line," he replied affectionately, his heart swelling with love for the woman sitting across from him.

"What's with this 'should be my job to do this and that'?" Nehmat said, crossing her arms. "Just enjoy being pampered."

He leaned forward, placing his face in his palms, and sighed dramatically. "Konse vrat rakhe hoge pichle janam ke mujhe tum mili?" he said jokingly.

She leaned forward over the table, her lips curving into a playful smile as she placed a tender kiss on his nose. "I could say the same, darling," she replied, her tone affectionate yet teasing.

He gently held the nape of her neck, his laughter mingling with hers as he pressed a loving kiss on her lips. "Let's eat almost everything on the menu because our cheat day has finally come after so long," he suggested with a grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

His playful remark made Nehmat laugh even harder, her eyes crinkling with joy at his lightheartedness. The nearby patrons couldn't help but smile at the sight of the young couple, their love and laughter infectious in the cosy atmosphere of the cafe.