POTION OF LOVE

42. 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞

“Lucas, what are you doing!” Jasmine yelps in surprise as her foot slips slightly due to the damp grass. My arm incisively wraps around her waist to balance her. “Be careful”

“How can I be careful when you have blindfolded me!” She says in frustration, stomping her foot and slipping again. I let out a sigh, tightening my grip and guiding her straightforwardly.

Just a few more steps more

I had been thinking about bringing Jasmine here since I saw this place. It's perfect — calm, away from the chaos and gives us some time for each other. I would have brought her here sooner but due to settling in, then the guests and her being busy with the wedding preparations didn't give me a chance.

I have hired the palace’s car for rent to travel to Udaipur and brought Jasmine here. Just to be extra sure this surprise doesn't get ruined I had to blindfold her.

She has been excited the whole ride, asking questions and guessing a million places — which gave me more ideas for our next date.

“Lucas!” Jasmine gasps as she hears the light ripple of water against the stone steps. Each ripple catches the silver moonlight of the moon causing a beautiful effect.

I glance at Jasmine who is clutching to my arm like her dear life. Her lips formed into an excited smile while her eyebrows are furrowed in slight suspension.

“Okay, now stay still” I guide her just a few steps away from the dome-like structure made near the bank of the lake. A lakeside gezobo is a perfect tourist spot and I was able to ask the staff to book this place without anyone interrupting us. And the perfect timing for this happens to be at late night.

“I am removing the blindfold,” I say, stepping behind her. “Stay calm” I add. She chuckles softly, her hands twitches “You know I can do everything except staying calm”

“Yes, true” Slowly, I united the knot and let the fabric slip to my hands. My heart raced with anticipation of her reaction, hoping and praying for her to like it as much as I did.

The moment her eyes opened, I saw a shift of emotions passing through her face. From excitement to silence and then wonder.

“Wow” she whispers under her breath but the breeze brought her words to me along with her scent. She steps inside the lakeside gazebo and looks around, her fingers grazing over the pillar but she stops herself from touching them as she moves around the small space — walking around the rugs and cushions before looking over at the lake.

And then she didn’t say anything for a while. Just stood there, lips slightly parted, taking in the moonlight glimmering off the lake’s surface.

The scattered diyas I have placed around the dome’s archways, their golden flames dancing along the breeze. The entire place looked like it had been plucked out of an old romance tale.