Thabal came out of the bathroom, humming a song. She wore a casual t-shirt and a half pant. Everything was done. It was 5 pm sharp. Just an hour more and he would be here. She had to be quick.
Her only problem now was her damn dress. She didn't have anything too fancy to wear for a date. Her wardrobe was filled with most kurtis, jeans and pants and tops. And some frocks maybe. Hmmm, she needed to buy something formal and fancy for such an upcoming occasion. She thought internally.
She walked towards the wardrobe and opened it. Half were filled with Shreya's clothes. And half hers. Neither does Shreya possess such clothes nor her. At this point she just wanted to cry in frustration. Just as she was lost in her thoughts, in front of her wardrobe. A firm knock was heard on her door. She frowned at it.
"Aab kon aaya hai. Vikram toh bole the 6 ko aayenge" she muttered to herself and walked towards the door. She slowly opened it and peeked out. Only to be greeted by her moody warden. She passed her a hesitant smile. But the warden looked at her with a stoic expression.
"Ji ma'am? Kya chahiye aapko?" She asked politely to which the warden forwarded her a bag. Thabal frowned at it.
"Tumhare liye hai. Parcel hai bola" was all the warden informed. Thabal stared at it for a second. Her parcel? When did she even buy anything. She was seriously in a deep confusion right now. And money? Does she have to give money now? Oh my God! What a mess!
"Par ma'am-" the warden shoved the bag towards her and turned to go.
"Paise...." She muttered to herself, confused and utterly disturbed. She closed the door and looked at the bag intently. It was a shopping bag, tagged with the name of the shopping mall.
She looked inside the bag and found a dress. Her confusion grew more. She took out the dress and examined it. It was beautiful. Extremely gorgeous piece of dress.
It was an ankle length olive green evening gown made from a smooth, shiny satin fabric. It had a cowl neckline, the dress was form-fitting through the bodice and hips, then flared out at the bottom into a mermaid-style skirt. It was a masterpiece. A beautiful dress, girls go crazy for. She gulped as she looked at it.
She then noticed a small note falling on the ground. Must have fallen when she took out the dress. She crouched down to see it. If there was the sender's name and information written. She would send it back. Whose ever it is, they must have gone crazy when they realised that their dress had gone to the wrong address.
The note was folded. Thabal opened it and started reading under her breath.
'Hope you liked it Chand. Be ready by 6'
~ Vikram
That's it. Just a single line of note. Yet it made her body froze, and heart race. What the hell? Vikram sent it? For her? What in the world. Butterflies swarm in her stomach. His efforts of gifting her, it did something inside her. Yet she felt guilty of wasting his money so much.
She immediately ran to her bed and grabbed her phone. Within seconds she immediately dialled his number, fingers trembling slightly as the call connected. It barely rang twice before he picked it up.
"Toh dress mil gaya?" His voice came, calm and composed as if he had been waiting for this call.
"Aap- aapne yeh kya bhej diya hai?" She blurted out in surprise. On the other end, there was a pause. And then a low chuckle.
"Pehen ke dekha ya nahi?" he asked instead. She scoffed, pacing inside her room, and the phone pressed to her ear.
"Vikram! Yeh bohot mehenga lag raha hai. Aapko zarurat nahi thi yeh sab karne ki. Mujhe bata dete, mein manage karleti na" she huffed at him in distress.
"That's exactly why I didn't say" he replied simply. She stopped walking. A frown decorating her face.
"Kya matlab?" She asked.
"Matlab yeh tum agar mana karti, toh mein kaise dekh pata ki yeh tumpe kitna achha lagta hai" he said, voice steady. Her cheeks burned listening to him.
"Aur paise ko bich pe mat lawo" he declared sternly.
"Par-" she started but was cut off.
"Chand" he interrupted gently, the single word grounding her.
"Tum jaanti ho main kis cheez pe paise kharch nahi karta?" He asked her slowly, his voice so gentle that it felt like he was talking to a kid. She stayed quiet.
"Cheezon pe jo zaroori nahi hoti. Aur jo tumpe kharch hota hai woh sab jaruri hai" he continued. Her grip on the phone tightened.
"Aur waise tum bhul rahi ho who am I. If bhul gayi ho toh yaad dila doon. Iss district ka SP hoon. Tum soch rahi ho ek dress meri salary hila degi?" He cleared his throat playfully. Proudness filled in his tone. That made her laugh softly through her emotions.
"Akdhu kahike. Kitne ghamandi ho aap" she smiled playfully as she chuckled.
"Can't lie. That's the real me" he chuckled, making her giggle back.
"Jokes apart. Thabal, i really want to see you in that dress. Please. Wear that for me. Tumhe nahi pata itna pagal ho raha hoon mein 6 bajne ka wait karte karte. I am going mad to see you in that dress" he finally said. Thabal looked at the dress lying on her bed again, heart thudding.
"Pehenogi na?" He asked her slowly, his voice gentle as ever. Thabal gulped and closed her eyes for a few seconds before humming in answer.
How can she say no when he is asking her in such a tone? She didn't have the heart to say no.
"Great. Get ready. I will see you at 6." With that the call ended, so did Thabal's heart. She placed her palm over her heart and dramatically sat on the floor.
"Yeh asa karta raha toh, inka pata nahi par mein jarur pagal hojawungi" she whispered to herself.
🦋🦋🦋----------------
By 5:55 pm, Thabal was standing in front of the mirror, heart hammering against her ribs. The olive green satin hugged her just right, falling smoothly over her curves, the mermaid hem brushing her ankles softly when she moved. She had left her hair falling over her back. A few strands framing her face.
She had done a very Minimal makeup, just eyeliner on her eyes and nude lips. She took a deep breath, grabbed her small sling bag, and stepped out. Each stair she climbed down felt heavier than the last. Her palms were slightly sweaty, her stomach fluttering nonstop. By the time she reached the gate, her heart was racing faster than her steps.
And then she saw him. Vikram stood near a sleek black car, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone. He was dressed in a dark green polo-style shirt with a few buttons at the neck and short sleeves that fit his arms tightly. He tucked his shirt into a pair of sharp black trousers. Dangerous in the most attractive way.
He looked up the moment he heard her heels clinking against the stairs. And the moment his eyes fell on her. He forgot to breathe. For a full few seconds, he didn't move. Didn't blink. Just stared.
Thabal slowed her steps when she noticed his stillness. It was the way he was looking at her. As if he was bewitched by her. She looked away and tried hard to hide her upcoming blush. He walked toward her, eyes roaming over her, respectful but undeniably mesmerized. Up close, he exhaled softly.
"Pata tha aachi lagogi. Par yeh nahi pata tha ki itni katilana lagogi" he whispered in daze. Her cheeks warmed instantly.
Just then she realised that they were pairing. Cunning man. He was no less than a fox.
"Yeh colour aacha lag raha hai aap pe" she mumbled looking at his shirt. Vikram smiled hearing her, his heart did a flutter at her innocent compliment.
"Achaa? Tumne bola hai toh aacha lag raha hunga" he whispered playfully, earning a push on his chest.
"Bas bhi karo" she glared at him cutely. Vikram laughed at it.
He moved back and opened the car door for her, hand resting lightly above the frame so she wouldn't hit her head.
"Beth jaw" he said gently. Thabal looked at him for a second before settling inside. Vikram walked to his side and sat, starting the engine.
The drive was quiet but comfortable. Soft music played in the background, the city lights beginning to glow as dusk settled in. Thabal stole glances at him now and then, noticing how relaxed he looked.
"Yeh gari kiski hai?" She finally asked the question that was ticking inside her head. Vikram smirked slightly.
"Meri hai" he said, earning a shock glance from her.
"Aapki? Kab kharidi? Kabhi dekha toh nahi" she asked in disbelief. Vikram chuckled at it.
"Purani hai. Do saal hogaye. Meri date itni sundar se saaj ke aayegi aur mein usko jeep pe leke jawunga?" He tsked dramatically as he said that.
"I don't really like cars. They aren't my thing. So i never take it out" he mentioned. She nodded at it.
"Toh aapko bikes pasand hai?" She asked which he hummed.
"Aapke pass hai?" She asked him again stunned by the sudden revelation.
"Haan. Do teen hai." He said casually. Thabal gasped at it. She was yet to know so many things about him.
"I will show you, all of them one day" he chuckled at her reaction.
After a few minutes, the car stopped in front of a fancy hotel, RADISSON BLU HOTEL. Its glass entrance was glowing warmly. She looked at it with wide eyes.
"Yahan?" she whispered. This was too fancy and costly. Too costly.
"Haan" he replied casually, getting down. He came near her door and opened it for her. Thabal slowly came out, looking at her surroundings hesitantly.
"Par Vikram. Yeh jyada hogaya" she muttered to him slowly. Vikram smiled and shook his head.
"Kuch jyada nahi hai. Come" he assured her and forwarded his palm to her, so that she could hold it. Thabal stared at him for a second before entangling her hand with his.
Vikram caught her hand securely and brought her in. The whole reception area was filled with marble tiles. Everything was fancy. Even the people present screams rich by their persona.
He went to the receptionist with her and gave his id. The receptionist examined it and then went through the register. After a few moments of searching for the familiar name, he finally found it. He looked at Vikram and gave him a positive smile.
"Sir you have booked table number 20. It's on the 5th floor. Have a nice evening sir and ma'am" the receptionist politely wished. Vikram just moved away, Thabal passed him a polite smile back.
She walked behind Vikram blindly, clutching his hand. As they entered the lift, she inched closer to him. Lift and her never goes well.
"Aapne already booked karliya tha?" She asked which he hummed in return, turning to look at her. By wearing the heels she reached up to his chin. How cute. He didn't realise he was smiling by now.
"Has kyu rahe ho" she frowned at him.
"Lambi dikh rahi ho aaj" he chuckled earning a gasp and then a pinch on his arm.
"Majakh ura rahe hai mera?" She glared at him. He hissed softly when she pinched his arm.
"Arre! Sach bol raha hoon. Meri itni majal ki tumhara majak urawu? Bilkul nahi" he defended himself.
"Nautanki" she muttered, trying not to smile, eyes fixed on the lift numbers lighting up one by one.
The lift finally stopped with a soft ding. Vikram stepped out first, still holding her hand, and guided her toward the table area. The fifth floor opened into a beautifully lit space, warm yellow lights, glass walls offering a view of the city below, soft instrumental music floating in the air.
Thabal slowed her steps, taking it all in.
"Sundar hai" she murmured to herself, dazed. There were not many people. Only 5. They were seated on their own tables. Vikram looked at her and smiled slightly. Satisfied with her reaction.
A staff member approached them politely.
"Good evening sir. What's your table number sir?" He asked Vikram.
"20" Vikram answered curtly. The staff nodded and led them to a corner table near a large glass window. The city lights shimmered below like scattered stars. Vikram pulled the chair out for her. Thabal paused for a second, smiled, then sat down. He took the seat opposite her, eyes lingering on her longer than necessary.
Menus were placed in front of them. She opened hers, eyes widening. There were different cuisines. She didn't recognise many, except a few.
"Yeh sab naam toh mujhe samajh bhi nahi aa rahe" she whispered, scanning the fancy words. Vikram chuckled and leaned forward slightly.
"It's okay. Kuch indian hi lelo" he suggested. But she still looked confused.
"Aap hi kardo order. Yeh toh mere samaj ke pare hai" she frowned looking at the menu. Sighing, Vikram looked at his menu. Raking his eyes around, he finally turned to the staff.
"2 plates of lasagna. A slice of tiramisu. 1 chicken fried rice-"
"And ramen!" Thabal instantly added with a grin. Suddenly remembering her preference. Vikram smiled at her antics, then turned to the staff again.
"And 1 plate of ramen" the staff nodded and left, and for a moment, silence settled between them. Not awkward, just comfortable.
"Aacha laga idhar?" Vikram asked her softly, looking at her. She looked up, making eye contact with him.
"Bohot sundar jagah hai. Pyaara hai idhar sab" she smiled at him, that cute smile of hers. Where her eyes turned into a single line. Vikram just watched her. Her every breath, the way she adjusted her hair, the way she pushed back the strands.
"You know. You look too pretty to be real" he blurted out, still staring at her like a lovesick person. Thabal froze at it and then blushed. Trying to hide her shy smile.
"Aap- aap. Kya abhi yeh sab" she stuttered on her words. Not finding any words to say it to him. Vikram didn't say anything. He just smiled lightly. Savouring the moment.
The food arrived soon. Two waiters came and laid their dishes in a decorative manner. Making it look classy and elegant. Thabal eagerly waited for them to go. Once they did, she quickly opened the camera and took a snap of the food.
Vikram chuckled at her antics and shook his head with a gentle sigh.
"Chalo chalo khane se pehle ek photo" she urged and took a few selfies with him. Some were only them, and in some photos the food was included too.
Thabal giggled and sent the photos in her group. To her friends. Ahh! She would love to see their reaction. Hehe. She internally did an evil laugh.
"Finally khale?" Vikram raised his brow at her playfully. To which Thabal eagerly nodded. She closed her eyes and did a quick prayer before digging in.
She took the ramen first. Closing her eyes at the delicious taste, she mumbled.
"This is so damn good" with that she rapidly gobbled down the contents. Loving the taste. Vikram whereas stared at her in daze, his food long forgotten. He felt charmed by her. Just her existence felt so enchanting and captivating.
Thabal started talking while eating. And once she started, it never ended. The conversation flowed easily. She told him about all the gossip she knows going on in the uni, hostel rules, the warden's cold looks.
"Aur pata hai-" she was abruptly cut off by herself when Vikram leaned towards her and wiped the corner of her lips with the pad of his thumb.
"Hmm bolo" he hummed but she was out of her words now. Her cheeks burned from the gesture.
"Kuch nahi. Bhul gayi kya kehna tha" she muttered under her breath, slowly slurping her ramen. Vikram didn't say anything, just smiled and ate his food.
After half an hour of eating food and stealing glances, they were finally finished. Vikram passed her a tissue for her to wipe off her lips. He looked around for a waiter. Seeing one, he immediately called.
"Excuse me!" The waiter immediately approached them.
"Yes sir? How can I help you?" The waiter asked him politely.
"Bill" he informed. The waiter nodded and went away to get the bill. Thabal on the cue, started searching for something inside her bag. She slightly frown.
"Kya huwa? Kuch problem hai?" Vikram asked seeing her reaction. She gently shook her head. She placed a 3 thousand rupees notes on the table, next to him.
Vikram's eyes dropped to the notes on the table. For a second, his expression stilled. Then he slowly looked back up at her.
"Yeh kya hai?" he asked calmly.
"Bill split karte hai. Aap already itna kar rahe ho. Dress, hotel, sab kuch" she said softly, looking at him. He leaned back in his chair, studying her face. Then he exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Chand" he said gently. She looked at him, waiting for him to continue. Because deep down she knew he didn't like this.
"Tumhe lagta hai main tumhe yahan le aaya hoon aur phir tumse paise lene baith jaunga?" His tone wasn't angry. Just firm.
"Aap samajh nahi rahe. Mujhe acha nahi lagta jab" she tried but seeing his face, she immediately quietened on her own. He placed his hand over the notes, pushing them back toward her slowly.
"Mujhe bhi acha nahi lagta when you consider my care as a burden" he replied quietly. Her lips parted slightly but no words came out of it.
"And if you really want to treat me then may i remind you. I am going to depend whole on you after you finish your course and start getting your salary" he winked at her playfully. Thabal chuckled at it. Her eyes softened. She nodded slowly.
The waiter returned with the bill just then. Vikram took it without a second thought, paid, and stood up.
"Let's go for a walk?" he asked. Listening him, her eyes twinkled in excitement. She immediately nodded. While standing up and smoothing her dress.
They walked out of the restaurant together. The night had settled fully now, the air cooler, calmer. Streetlights glowed softly, cars passed in a gentle hum.
________🌸_______
Hope you like it
Stay safe sweeties 🍁✨
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