Anamika noticed an obvious grin on Varun’s face, which had probably read her mind. Unlike her, it was an everyday affair for him to go on dates like these. Hence made it unable for him to step into her shoes and experience the turmoil! Or experience the heart that was throbbing against her ribcage. She hastily fastened the seatbelt to keep her in place and not spill all over the place.

He seemed amused at this gesture, and asked, “So you follow traffic rules, eh?”

Anamika allowed herself a wry smile, listening to his sarcastic talk. She looked away out of the window, as a faint feeling of being entrapped brush by her. She looked out of the window, as if visiting her own city for the first time. Amusement filled every inch of her face.

The air conditioner in the car cooled her already wet hair. She noticed him glance upon her, while she was putting her hair back in order. She felt a bit shy, but as per the ritual kept quiet and carried on studying the familiar streets outside.

After having encircled the whole of her area, they reached the grand entrance of the hotel. A few guards and a lovely jet black Labrador Retriever checked if they were grandchildren of terrorists. Sniffing around for a while, he ensured of the fine ‘pedigree’, and let them in. She was admiring the beauty and grandeur of the entrance gate, when their car came to a sudden halt. She stepped out of the car putting her nervousness at bay, and followed Varun’s confident steps.

Just a few months ago, she remembered treading in a similar fashion, with her inseparables. Wave of nostalgia washed by her, taking all the thoughts with it. Leaving her alone with her date!

She stepped into the elevator with him and many other people surrounding them. The doors closed behind, with a mirror facing her. Feeling concious of her looks, she sneak peeked at her reflection a couple of times. Her hair looked perfect, and so did her dress. Not appearing to be clumsy, she put a strand of hair behind her ear, which Varun admired looking at. She felt a bit shy and uncomfortable, but composed herself.

Anamika’s mind was volatile. It drifted back in time, down the memory lane. All her past dates flashed by her eyes. They made a swift entry and exit in a line. She felt glad for being with a gentleman like Varun around, who’d not put her into any trouble, so she believed! She pushed the other unwanted faces aside as the elevator flashed floor number 23 on its screen.

Anamika’s heart started racing again as she followed Varun inside the Lounge. So far the most magnificent sight she had witnessed. The ceiling was about twenty five feet high. The place was beautifully decorated with arches and intricate carvings on the partition walls and dim light environment enhanced the beauty of it. She was dancing merrily in her mind on seeing such a lovely sight. She felt glad for Varun to have brought her there.

They found a place in one of the cosy corners. Anamika could see the whole arch, from where she was sitting. Curtains of a silky smooth fabric adorned the tall arches. The aroma of liquor filled the air. She felt a bit high already. Her strong sense of smell was at work!

It was a C-shaped couch, where she placed herself at the remotest corner opposite to him. He watched her and was deeply amused. Wondered why she was feeling so awkward, even after a month of interaction. She felt a bit shy and cursed herself of behaving in a childish way. He seemed delighted on seeing the oh-so-very-shy Anamika!

Handing over the Cocktail’s menu to her, he waited for Anamika to place the order. She looked over at him and smiled.

In a soft voice she said, “A glass of juice for me!”

To which Varun replied, “A glass of vodka won’t do any harm. As it is you ain’t driving!”

Her mind kept ticking… Yes-No…Yes-No…Yes-No…

[…to be continued]