#MaAn: A flight of fate

||16|| A Date Night?

Anupama stood in the kitchen, a soft smile playing on her lips as she surveyed the scene she had so carefully prepared. Tonight was special, and she wanted everything to be perfect. It had been a while since she and Anuj had enjoyed a quiet, romantic evening together, and after the fun-filled day at the amusement park with their children, Anu and Aarav, Anupama felt that they both deserved a night just for themselves.

She had thought of everything. After packing the kids off with both sets of grandparents for a day of activities, she was left with the house to herself. She had cooked Anuj's favorite meal—paneer curry with garlic naan and a refreshing mango salad. The dining table was set with a pristine white lace tablecloth, soft candles flickering warmly, casting a golden glow on the rose petals scattered across the table. A playlist of their favorite love songs played quietly in the background, filling the house with an intimate atmosphere. Anupama had even donned the elegant red saree Anuj adored, the silk clinging to her in all the right places, her hair neatly tied up with loose strands framing her face.

She had spent the entire day planning this surprise, and now, with the finishing touches in place, she took a deep breath, her heart fluttering in excitement. It wasn't often that they had the chance to spend time alone, with the children and their busy lives taking up most of their energy. But tonight was theirs.

As the clock ticked closer to the time Anuj would arrive, Anupama couldn't help but feel a nervous excitement building up inside her. She checked her phone for a message—nothing yet. The anticipation was almost too much. She poured herself a glass of water, her hands trembling slightly. After all these years, Anuj still had the ability to make her feel like a young woman in love.

Finally, she heard the sound of the front door creaking open, followed by Anuj's familiar voice calling out, "Anupama? I'm home!"

Her heart skipped a beat. Anupama quickly smoothed her saree, walking toward the entrance of the living room where the soft candlelight created a romantic glow.

Anuj stepped inside, pausing as he took in the sight before him. His eyes widened in surprise, and his lips slowly curved into a smile. "Anupama... what is all this?"

She approached him with a soft smile, her eyes shimmering in the dim light. "I thought we could use a night to ourselves," she said quietly, her voice filled with love. "Just you and me."

Anuj was speechless for a moment, his eyes sweeping over the candlelit room, the elegant table setting, and finally settling on her. She looked radiant, the saree clinging to her in all the right places, her beauty glowing in the soft light.

"You did all this for me?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

"For us," Anupama corrected gently, stepping closer to him. "We've been so busy lately—with the kids, with work... I thought we could take a moment to just be together."

Anuj's heart swelled with affection. He stepped forward, cupping her face in his hands, his thumb brushing her cheek softly. "You never fail to amaze me, Anupama. I don't know how I got so lucky."

Anupama's eyes sparkled, her heart pounding in her chest as she leaned into his touch. "It's not luck," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's love."

Anuj smiled, a warmth spreading through him as he gazed into her eyes. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, savoring the moment. "Thank you," he murmured. "This is perfect."

"Come," Anupama said, taking his hand and leading him to the dining table. "I made all your favorites."

Anuj chuckled as he sat down, watching her serve the food with practiced grace. "You're spoiling me."