Mahir’s POV

As I waited outside the lavish building, my heartbeat pumped harder against my chest while my palms clutched the steering wheel even tighter. I’m hella nervous. I cannot believe that I’m here, about to take the woman on a date who happens to have consumed every essence of my being. I don’t know how or when it happened; it's so unexpected. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would be attracted to my employer, much rather go on a date with her. But then again, what can we say when the woman in question is The Aarya Shekhawat? How can anyone not be charmed by her? She happens to make every head turn towards her in the room.

But that is not the best part. The news is that that terrific woman we are talking about feels something for me. MEE!!! Yess, me. and I’ve been on cloud nine since Monday. When I went back home from the office, I literally ran towards Shivji’s idol and jumped like a schoolboy. Even Ajji was laughing while looking at my antics, asking me what is the reason behind my overenthusiasm. But I just smiled and shrugged it off. I wasn’t able to sleep that night. Not even for a second. All I was thinking about was our soon-to-be-date.

This one week was the longest week of my life. How long I waited for this Saturday to come. Because she was extremely busy these days. I barely saw her. She used to come early and leave late. Although I used to get a glimpse of her through the conference hall or the window of her cabin, they were not satisfactory for my poor heart. We hardly interacted. As much as I was excited for today, I was a little hesitant as well, considering the hectic schedule she had. I though she might cancel to take a rest, but she didn’t. Though I would have been disheartened if she had, it was necessary; she needed to take care of herself. That’s why I used to secretly keep something for her to eat every day inside her cabin, with a good morning or afternoon message. I don’t know whether she had it or not, but my heart says she did. I didn’t even have her contact, or else I would have asked her. But now, I do.

Today when I was getting ready, a parcel came for me. When I unpacked it, I was surprised. It had this amazing cream-colored cardigan with a white shirt and brown trousers. I grinned as realization dawned upon me; she sent this for ME!! I found a small note tucked inside it and carefully unfolded it.

'Hello, Good noon

Aarya this side.

I hope this outfit is as per your preference. If any alterations are required, feel free to text me. I would be delighted if you could wear this today. Also, I stay in The Mirage.

876790XXXX

Good day.'

I clutched the note tighter as laughter bubbled inside me. How cute is she? She literally drafted me a formal letter. I looked at the outfit and smiled. I hurriedly got ready and rushed towards the car. I borrowed Kaurav’s SUV for today. Wouldn’t want Milady to have any kind of distress. Before I started the engine, I kissed my rudraksh locket and prayed to my Bholebaba.

I have texted her that I’ve arrived, but it’s been 10 minutes, and she’s not here. Did I come early? I looked at my watch, and it was 04:55 p.m. Yes, I did. What the hell, Mahir? She’ll think you are so desperate. You shouldn’t disturb a lady while she’s getting ready, remember? I closed my eyes shut.

What a first date impression!

I signed. All I needed was you. (Do note the sarcasm.)

Of course you did. Or else what would you have done?

Leave me alone for today, man. This is my day today.

I can’t, because I’m unfortunately attached to you; otherwise, who would want to stay in the body of this lowly human?

What did you just call me?

Oh, you heard me. And that’s the truth. Don’t you know how to ask a lady out on a date? She asked you!! Really? She did!! And she even sent you an outfit. Shame on you, man.

I was already feeling embarrassed and this good for nothing fella is just adding fuel to the fire. I got out of the car trying to catch my breath. Easy. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Dekh beta Mahir, ab jo hua jo hua. But this is your chance, bro. She made you feel so special already; now it's your turn. Tell her how much she means to you, show her what you feel for her, through your words, through your actions. Go for it.

After the little pep talk, I was feeling much better. I took out my phone but halted, contemplating whether to text her or call. I slowly walked towards the passenger seat and took out the pink lily bouquet. I looked at it and then, as if voluntarily, my fingers dialed her number.Ab jo hoga dekha jayega.    

As the phone continued to ring, my heartbeat started to race. Please, please, please, please, please… I kept chanting in my mind. It felt like eternity, but when she finally picked at the fifth right, I sighed in relief. I could feel her a little out of breath and again felt guilty of disturbing her.

“Lijye, dekh lijye”

(Please, have a look)

I turned back so swiftly I actually heard the twitching sound of my bones. But the moment I laid my eyes on her, it all just vanished. There she was, standing in a beautiful white dress, her hand clutched over her heart. But what she said made my cheeks heat up.

I mean, mmmhmm, she likes me!! (Blushy blushy!!)

I passed her the bouquet, but what surprised me more was that she got flowers for me as well. Sunflowers, and that too in pairs. My heart swelled with warmth. I’ve never received flowers, and considering she gave me one, and that too a sunflower, I felt like floating in the air.

[Mahir be like- Aaj mai upar, aasma niche..]

I helped her in, and then we started heading towards Cabanna’s.

The whole twenty-minute car ride was itself a roller coaster. The first five minutes were of complete awkward silence. Both of us were nervously fidgeting here and there, thinking of how to start the conversation. The next five minutes we were stuck in traffic, with noises blaring outside fueling my frustration. Finally, when the traffic cleared, it started to drizzle a little. I looked at her to find her already looking at me. Our eyes met, and at the exact same moment, the radio decided to play its matchmaker card by playing “Bheegi bheegi raaton mei.” I swear I felt my heart would burst out of my chest. We swiftly broke the eye contact as I focused on the road. But when I tried to change the radio, she politely whispered,

 “Rehne dijye.”

(Let it be)

Now, who am I to deny her?

So for the next ten minutes, we sat in comfortable silence.

.

.

The attendant took us to the top floor of the restaurant. It was much quieter than the ground floor with a spacious view of the Arabian Sea. As she sat across from me, the soft September wind played with the beautiful curls of her jet-black hair, framing her perfect siren face while the beautiful moonlight tingled over her wheatish skin.

" यूं जुल्फें सवार के जो आई वो
उनके आने पे जैसे बहार छाई हो
मैं परवाना, वो शमा मेरी चाहत सी बनकर उतरी हैं
बंजर दिलों के लिए मौसम-ए-गुलज़ार लाई हो "

“You wrote this?”

Her question snapped me out of my dreamland. I looked at her questioningly. Her eyes were slightly enlarged, while her cheeks had turned a pinkish. “What?” I asked.

“That…what you just said,” she replied.

“What did I—” My voice trailed off as I realized what I did. My lips parted and eyes widened, clearly petrified by my statement. Did I just say that out loud? That too, in front of her? That explains her red cheeks. I immediately looked down, the tablecloth suddenly seeming more interesting. Aur kitna embarrass karega khudko?!

(How much more will you embarrass yourself?)

“I—I didn’t… I mean... I peeked at her through the corner of my eye and saw that she was still staring at me. I immediately lowered my gaze back to the table and started playing with the tablecloth. My lips parted and closed, but no words came out. This happens every time!! Whenever I’m in this close vicinity with her, I become mum. Either I get scared of her or spellbound by her. Bholebaba, please help me.

“Hey.” Her soft whisper made me look back at her. Her eyes held such tenderness, it melted away all worries and doubts from my mind. I felt myself loosening a bit. “Am I making you...uncomfortable?” Her voice carried a bit of hesitance and guilt. Ohh god. No, that’s not true. Don’t feel guilty because of me.

“No, no, that’s not the case. I’m just, I’m really sorry I’m just a little nervous.” I rubbed my nape and said shyly. “I didn’t write it. I read it.” I added further.

“Where?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

 “It’s written by my favorite writer. I’ve read almost everything she has written. She’s been, like, a guiding light for me. Her name is Shaira.”

And immediately, as the name escaped my lips, I felt something strange in her eyes.