Back In Time

~seven~

"Remind me why we're here again?"

Vedant smiled, as he sensed Meera circle her hand over his arm most conventionally. He stood taller instantly; loving this subtle gesture of Meera's that seemed to be so normal to her and followed the Manager towards their reserved table.

"Why to get even, of course." His voice was teasing, and Meera glared warningly at him.

"You could not have forgotten our first date at Barbeque Grill with your first stipend, my love." Vedant continued, gently placing his hand under her chin most affectionately. Meera cringed, and he stifled a laugh, knowing fully well how much she hated to have her chin touched liked that.

Oh it tickles me Vedant! He recalled her yelling once. He'd been confused, for he couldn't possibly think of a gentler way of ensuring her lips would find their way to his, what with their height difference.

I don't know! She'd snapped, upon hearing his thoughts on the same. Find another way to kiss me but this annoys the crap out of me.

And so he had, found another way to kiss her that is. He would simply have to gaze into her eyes, with no filters and no fears, his unadulterated love for her out there for her to see, and within a matter of seconds, she'd melt into his arms.

The Manager halted before a table for two and swiftly enough removed the 'reserved' placard from the table before giving a short bow and disappearing.

"That was my first stipend. And I was technically asking you out." Meera started, after they were comfortably seated. "You cannot have your first salary now and there's no further degree of proposal you can place before m-" and then, as if realizing her mistake, she stopped short with a little cough and sipped at the glass of water.

Why so sour about the idea of marriage, Meera?

"I've wanted to take you on a proper date since that day at Barbeque Grill." He shrugged for response, "Mumbai never let us have that. You had your curfew and I had my own, oblivious parents. So I thought, why not utilize this time we're getting away from our families to the fullest?"

He knew he hadn't meant for his last statement to mean anything but its literal sense, but Meera seemed to blush anyway. Or it's probably just the blush she's wearing today. She's looking quite pretty today.

As though on cue of that thought, his eyes took in the figure-hugging peach dress she donned and found himself unable to look away. How had he not noticed how stunning she was looking when she'd stepped out of the house with him?

Some usual habits of being with someone for long. He found Meera pretty enough in every bit of her natural self. Which is why whether he saw her in pyjamas or fancy dresses seemed to slip his notice.

Way to go Vedant! He still chastised himself.

"Your gaze is invasive." She pointed out after a couple of moments.

Vedant grinned coyly, "Really?"

Meera blushed, "Not my fault that you decided to spend the one night we got alone in a fancy restaurant."

He gaped at her wide eyed, shocked at witnessing a side of Meera he was sure he'd never seen before.

"Did you really just say that to me Meera?"

He heard her melodious laugh for response.

"I may have."

"We've still not ordered anything, you know. Let's head home."