LOVERS FOREVER

Chapter 23 - Movie Night and a Restless Heart

The laughter from their lunch slowly subsided, and a gentle fatigue settled over the Malhotra family. Daadi, her eyes crinkling at the corners, patted Ahaan's arm affectionately.

"Achha bachchon, aaj ke liye boht ho gaya," she announced "Hum sab ghar jaa rahe hain. Tum logon ka jo bhi movie ka plan hai ya ghumne ka plan hai, woh pura kar lo" 

A chorus of agreement rose from other elders. The day, filled with shopping sprees, bike selections, and a bustling lunch, had taken its toll. They were all ready to return home and unwind.

The younger generation, however, still buzzed with energy. Sonu, unable to contain her excitement, bounced on the balls of her feet. "Movie ke liye chalte hai, bhaiyya!" (Let's go for a movie, brother!), she exclaimed.

Kartik, ever the film buff, readily agreed. Ahaan, stealing a glance at Ishqi, saw a flicker of interest in her eyes. A silent question hung in the air.

"Ishqi..?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of hope.

A hesitant smile played on her lips. "Woh... mai..." she began, unsure if it was appropriate.

Seeing her hesitation, Ahaan offered a gentle reassurance. "Koi baat nahi, agar tum thak gayi ho to ghar jaa sakte hai..." 

But the spark of interest in her eyes had not dimmed. "nahi.. chalte hai" 

With this they made their way to the movie theatre.. with tickets procured and popcorn in hand, they settled into their seats, the dimmed lights and flickering screen. Ahaan, however, found himself more captivated by the woman beside him than the movie playing on screen. He stole glances at Ishqi, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the screen, a faint smile playing on her lips. 

During a particularly quiet scene in the movie, Ahaan leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper. "Enjoying the movie?" he asked.. a playful glint in his eyes.

Ishqi, startled by his sudden closeness, turned towards him. "Uh... huh..?" she stammered, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "ha.. achhi hai.."

Ahaan chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "really?" he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"hmm.." Ishqi began, a hesitant smile gracing her lips, "aapko aise har do min mujhe ghurte hue dekhne se toh achha ye movie hi hai.."

"ouch.. that hurts.." A grin spread across Ahaan's face. He had been caught, but there was a thrill in the playful banter "and pehle toh ghur nahi raha tha.. & even if I was.. can't blame a guy for appreciating the beauty of his wife.." he countered smoothly, his voice laced with a hint of flirtatiousness.

Ishqi rolled her eyes playfully, but a secret smile betrayed her amusement. As the movie continued, a comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated by occasional whispers and stolen glances. 

Exiting the brightly lit cinema, the cool night air washed over them and they settled on a cozy restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The ambience was a welcome change from the bustling streets – soft lighting, mellow music, and the gentle murmur of conversation. They were seated at a round table, allowing for easy conversation.

With their bellies full and spirits high, they finally decided to call it a night. As they stepped out of the restaurant, the city lights twinkled like a million fireflies.

------------OOO------------

The morning light filtered in through the bedroom curtains, painting soft stripes across Ahaan's face. He stirred, a faint smile playing on his lips. The events of the previous day played in his mind – the stolen glances, the shared laughter, the comfortable silence during dinner. A sense of hope bloomed in his chest, a flicker of a future he desperately longed for.