Goodbye Yesterday

Candlelit

Dressed in a blue saree and a shawl draped over her head, Adhika stared at her reflection in the mirror. The wide smile she had on, adorned her face. She was ecstatic—happy that Sameer had started putting in effort to make their relationship work. To her, it was a big deal. In the span of six months, Adhika couldn't recall a time he took her out on a date and each time she made the initiative, Sameer always made excuses about work...and every time, the pain intensifies. His excuses made her feel sad and unwanted.

Sameer was seated on the settee when Adhika descended from the stairs. She advanced towards him and couldn't help, but admire how handsome he looked in a simple shirt and denim trousers. Adhika recalled the times she used to admire him from afar. She never thought he would be married to her someday. Their marriage was miles away from perfection. They were poles apart, but she made it a mission to make it a success. The last thing she would do, was give up on their relationship. She wasn't a quitter. Never had been.

Sameer looked up from his phone and a smile donned his lips. He stood and put his phone in his pocket. "You're beautiful."

His voice was like music to Adhika's ears. Heat rushed to her cheeks and butterflies erupted in her stomach.  she looked away. No matter how many times, for a fact, she knew his compliments would forever lighten up her mood. The way he was skilling at her was unusual, yet gratifying. His love was all she yearned for. Nothing else. "Thank you." Her voice was soft. "You look great as usual."

Sameer smiled and gestured to the door. "Shall we?"

Adhika nodded. She had been waiting for a long time for that moment. She couldn't just let her chance go. "Of course."

Like a gentleman, Sameer opened the car door for her and closed it when she had entered, then jogged to the other side of the car and got in.

"Fasten your belt." He rasped.

Without a word, she did as told; her gaze fixated on him. She still couldn't believe they were about to have their first date, after six months of their marriage. She smiled.

Sameer ignited the car and turned on the radio.

•

"We're here." Sameer announced, unfastening his seatbelt.

Adhika's gaze lingered on the restaurant for a little too long. The building was painted in off-white. It wasn't enormous from the outside, but the sight was attractive.

Sameer alighted from the car and like before, he strode to Adhika's side and opened the door. "Let's go. I made reservations yesterday."

Adhika got out of the car and together, they walked into the building.

A waiter approached them. "Good morning, Mr. Khan?"

Sameer nodded.

"This way, please." The waiter ushered.

"Let's go." Sameer surprised Adhika by interlacing their fingers.

That simple gesture of his, gladdened Adhika in unimaginable ways. For the umpteenth time, she smiled. To think the night had only just begun. She couldn't imagine how much more she'd smile by the time the night would be over.

The waiter walked us to the extreme of the room and stopped at a table. "Here is your table." He informed and handed them two different menus.

"What would you like to eat?" Asked Sameer.

"Same as you." She responded with a smile on her lips.

"Alright then." Sameer turned to the waiter and placed the order.