Closure

12. Date Day

Akshu was now discharged and fully recovered, allowing her and Abhi to see each other freely. One Friday night, during a video call, Abhi proposed an idea.

"Akshu, we talk and see each other for a few hours on some days, but I want to take you out for one full day this Sunday. From morning till evening. Just you and me."

Akshu blushed, "I would love that. But you'll have to ask Bade Papa."

"Leave that to me. Actually, since you've said yes now, I'll call you back in 5 minutes."

Abhi immediately called Manish. By now, Manish trusted Abhi and had full faith in him, already considering him his son-in-law. He happily agreed to let Akshu go out for the day but insisted she be back by 9 PM. Abhi promised she would be back on time.

Abhi called Akshu back, "Done. You're mine from 9 AM to 9 PM on Sunday."

"I am already yours," she replied, her voice filled with affection.

"Aaayee!" Abhi exclaimed dramatically at her remark. "Akshu, can you wear a sari for our date?"

"Yes, if you wear a white shirt. White suits you."

They soon bid each other goodnight, their anticipation high for the upcoming Sunday date.

Abhi spent his Saturday morning meticulously planning everything for Sunday. His excitement was palpable, and he could hardly wait for the next day to begin. His constant smile caught Neil's attention.

Neil teased, "What is it, Bhai? Today, a constant smile seems to have been plastered on your face. What's the reason?"

Abhi, still smiling, replied, "It's just a good day. Don't you think? The air is sweeter. The sun is prettier."

Neil laughed, "Air is sweet? And the sun is pretty? People in love are really crazy," and walked away, shaking his head.

On the other side, Akshu's heartbeat had quickened. She was excited but also nervous. They had met multiple times, but never had they spent an entire day together. And Abhi had never asked her to dress up for him before.

Trying to calm herself, she sat in front of a mirror and spoke to her reflection. "You are not getting married tomorrow. Get a hold of yourself. And can you please stop blushing? You look like a tomato."

And so, the day passed for both, filled with anticipation for the next day.

Abhi picked her up in the morning, sharp at 9 AM. He wore a white shirt with a dark blue patterned vest that fit perfectly, highlighting his chiseled abs, and paired it with blue pants. Akshu wore a sky-blue sari with open hair and drop earrings that resembled the ocean. Both were taken aback by how stunning the other looked, gulping and sighing simultaneously.

As Abhi drove, he held her hand, glancing at her occasionally. Each time, Akshu would smile and look down shyly.

They spent the entire early morning till afternoon reminiscing about their childhoods, feeling connected to their younger selves. Abhi took her to his school and shared how he was the brightest student and showed her the playground where he played every day during recess. He then surprised Akshu by taking her to her own school, having asked Kairav for the location. Akshu mentioned that she was an average student but loved participating in singing competitions. She showed him the auditorium where she won her first singing award in the 3rd grade.

For lunch, they went to a fancy restaurant and enjoyed a delightful meal.

Afterward, Abhi took Akshu to a dance studio he had got decorated for the day. The studio, part of a chain owned by Neil's friend, was closed to the public on Sundays. The decorations in the dance studio were beautifully arranged to create an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Soft, twinkling fairy lights were strung across the ceiling, casting a warm, enchanting glow. Delicate floral arrangements adorned the corners of the room, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. The overall effect was one of romance and coziness, making the studio feel like a private haven just for them.

Akshu's heart began racing as Abhi played a slow, romantic song and walked up to her, his eyes intensely focused on her. He extended his hand and asked her to dance.

Smiling, Akshu placed her hand in his. Abhi pulled her closer, resting her hand on his shoulder while he held her waist. They began to dance slowly, the world around them seeming to pause.

Akshu looked into his eyes, then blushed and glanced down. Abhi took her hand and placed it on his heart. "Do you hear that? You drive me crazy. In all my life, not a single girl has been able to do that." He gently traced his fingers along the contour of her face, lifted her chin, and gazed passionately into her eyes.

Abhi moved closer, the tension palpable as they closed their eyes, their breaths quickening and hearts pounding. They shared their first kiss, with Abhi careful not to get carried away. Afterward, Akshu shyly held his collar with both hands and buried her face in his shirt. Abhi smiled and hugged her tightly.

They continued to dance slowly, wrapped in each other's embrace. Akshu rested her head gently on his chest, as if listening to his heartbeat, while Abhi hugged her back, his chin resting on the top of her head.

After the dance, they decided to stop for some ice cream, and then their final destination was their favorite spot in the park by the river.

Abhi and Akshu settled down, and Akshu pulled out two tin boxes from her bag—one pink and one blue, each containing a thick piece of paper. Curious, Abhi asked, "What's this?"

"We will write messages in these, without telling each other, then seal them inside the box and bury them here. I didn't know your plans for today, but I knew we'd end up here, so I prepared this," Akshu explained with a smile.

"And when do we read what we wrote?" Abhi wondered.

"We'll open them only when we're apart and miss each other terribly."

"In that case, I might have to come back tonight and open it, since I'll miss you dearly after dropping you off," Abhi teased.

Akshu playfully tapped his head, and they both chuckled.

After writing their messages and burying their boxes, they lay down together, holding hands and gazing silently at the stars.

As time passed, they reluctantly decided to leave to ensure Akshu got home on time. 

On their way back, Akshu noticed Kairav sitting at an outdoor cafe with a girl, though she could only see the back of her head. This puzzled her, as Kairav had mentioned being on the other side of the city for business-related work earlier that morning.

Once Abhi dropped her off, Akshu turned to him and said, "I'll never forget today, Abhi. I've never felt this special and happy."

"Neither will I," Abhi replied sincerely.

They hugged tightly, reluctant to part ways, and said their goodbyes, each carrying the memories of their unforgettable day together.