Anamika’s firmness in her tone conveyed her answer as a ‘No’. Varun took the hint and ordered a mocktail for her, and some white wine for himself. Anamika being a vegetarian annoyed him a bit, and asked her if she ever tasted non-veg in her life. Without waiting for her answer, he began reading the non-veg menu and started mocking her. Describing each ingredient in detail. She felt nauseated. Too misfit for the menu-card in front of her.

Noticing her getting clumsy, he comforted her. And soon she began to enjoy the ambience in his company. Her body loosened a bit as she made herself comfortable in the couch, shifting a little closer to him. But still the nervousness within her prevailed. Somewhere within she felt a little shy, a little awkward, a little stiff, and a little shut up.

The drinks were served.

Anamika tried her best to seem normal to him. It surely wasn’t her first date, nor an alien surrounding. Yet his presence kept her quiet. A stifling silence. As if her mind went blank with no words to cling on to. She felt queasy. As if someone had held her voice back. She took a few careless sips from the chilled glass of drink. It felt a bit better, and soon she regained her composure. A strange sensation of being sedated filled her mind. Her alert mode was on. Something was mystical about the whole happening. Her intuitions indicated her something which she had overlooked. Amidst all this mental turmoil, she seemed calm on the outside.

Varun looked concerned, “Are you alright dear?”

“Yeh! Just a bit sleepy. Got up early.”

“You’re going beyond your health regime. Take a break sometime!”

“That’s what I’m doing here!”

He gave her a flirtatious grin. She felt shy. Something about Varun kept her going. He was definitely a charming man, with a good sense of humour, which sometimes turned lame. She laughed heartily to all of it. His baritone and the confidence that oozed out from every word he spoke, mesmerised her. As if he was casting a spell on her. Mystical attraction developed between the two.

He narrated stories of his childhood and what a brat he was. A good laugh on most of the incidences lifted up her spirits. She felt a little high.

His narrow escaping an accident while coming to her city, made her marvel his driving skills. His narrating skills took her all the way down the highway. It was thrilling experience for sure. Having experienced the bit of ride in his car, he was a dangerously safe driver!

Soon the starters were served. Seeing the food before her, Anamika realised that she hadn’t eaten the whole day. Hunger pangs had grew stronger in her stomach. No wonder she felt dull. She soon began to munch on heartily at her beloved smoky cottage cheese!

She took another long sip of the drink and felt light and merry.

He gave her a sly grin, and said, “THAT’s vodka!”

Anamika was stunned for a moment. The mention of liquor disturbed her. How much ever cool she was, drinking just wasn’t accepted by her. She cursed herself for not placing the order herself.

Seeing her expressions change rapidly, Varun laughed off saying, “Hey cool! I was just kidding. Don’t be so serious, girl! Was just trying to make you smile.”

Anamika did not respond. It didn’t seem funny to her.

He apologised, and moved a bit closer. Showing her the pictured of his new house under construction. Architecture was the common interest of both, they discussed over the plan of the house.

Suddenly, looking at her lips, Varun asked, “Do you smoke?”

“Huh? Do my lips look black to you?”

“Simply asked! I don’t smoke either!”

“Why did you ask me then?!”

Varun laughed off, “You’re such a kid, Annu!”

[…to be continued]