"You said that you hated me," I said to him.
"Before I met you, I didn't know what love was. You've made my life peaceful and happy. Your smile softens my heart, your laughter makes me forget my worries. I never thought I'd fall for you, but here I...
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SARA VERMA
My impatience mirrored the buzzing of cicadas outside. Every tick of the clock echoed off the empty living room walls, highlighting the fifteen minutes Abhi was late.
Finally, a melodic chime shattered the silence, and I practically launched myself towards the door. Relief and pure anticipation painted a grin across my face when I saw Abhi standing there, sunlight bouncing off his tousled hair.
Before I could unleash the barrage of greetings pent up inside me, my mother materialized beside me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Beta, aajao, kuch khaalo pehle phir chale jana shopping pe," she cooed, beckoning him inside. "It's rude to leave on an empty stomach, you know."
(Come in, son, eat something before you go for shopping. It's rude to leave on an empty stomach, you know)
Abhi chuckled, his warmth radiating even through the screen door. "Aunty," he pleaded, "Kabhi aur zarur aaunga. We have to give a surprise to Riya and Veer, you know we have to meet them at the mall, can't be late, you know?"
(Aunty, I'll definitely come another time. We have to give a surprise to Riya and Veer, you know we have to meet them at the mall, can't be late, you know?)
Mom, never one to give up easily, persisted. "Only five minutes, beta? Just a cup of chai? Your uncle will be heartbroken if he doesn't get to say hello."
(Only five minutes, son? Just a cup of tea? Your father will be heartbroken if he doesn't get to say hello)
Abhi feigned surrender, raising his hands playfully. "Aunty ji, aap mujhe maar na dalo! Next time, I promise, a full-fledged lunch. Deal?"
(Aunty, please don't kill me! Next time, I promise, a full-fledged lunch. Deal?)
A playful pout adorned my mother's lips before she relented. "Fine, dear. But don't forget your promise!" With a final wave to Mom, Abhishek and I bid goodbye and headed towards his car. As we drove, our conversation flowed effortlessly, a mix of laughter and anticipation filling the air.
Finally, we arrived at the shopping spot, feeling like we were reuniting with an old friend. We had arrived early, giving us some extra time to explore and find amazing things for ourselves. Abhishek and I exchanged excited glances, ready to embark on our shopping adventure.
"Abhi, let's make the most of this time and find some fabulous accessories for ourselves," I suggested, my excitement evident in my voice.
He nodded, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Absolutely, Sara! We deserve to treat ourselves too and I have got surprises for Riya, Veer, and you. I am sure that you guys will love it!"
I couldn't help but feel grateful for having such a thoughtful friend. He whispered, "Sara, gifts ke baare mai kisi ko nahi bolna, yeh surprise hai. Don't tell anyone, okay?"
