Word Count: 3000

October 17, 2022

SAMARTH sat at his desk, feeling as if time had conspired to halt its march forward, leaving him trapped in a stagnant world of unfinished tasks. Impatiently, he longed for the day to end quickly, but it seemed to drag on endlessly.

Lost in his thoughts, he absentmindedly scribbled on a small piece of paper, trying to make sense of the jumble of ideas in his mind. With each stroke of the pen, he crossed out concepts that appeared unfeasible or too eccentric to pursue.

Suddenly, a deep voice shattered his reverie. "What are you doodling?"

Samarth looked up to find his boss standing nearby. Startled, he quickly hid the paper beneath his hands, offering a nervous chuckle. "Oh, it's just a to-do list for today," he said, trying to appear nonchalant. "Is there something you need, sir?"

His boss pointed at the computer screen, which had slipped into sleep mode. "How's the project coming along? Have you settled into your new role?"

A pang of embarrassment washed over Samarth as he scrambled to wake up the computer by moving the mouse. "It's just rendering," he explained. "And yes, I've familiarized myself with the work pipeline here."

Mr. Gupta, Sam's boss, nodded with satisfaction, his receding hairline giving him an air of maturity beyond his actual age. Despite his senior position, he was approachable and easy to talk to, creating a comfortable atmosphere for the employees. When Sam first joined the company, he struggled with the informality of speaking with his immediate supervisor, having come from a previous job with a toxic work culture. However, he quickly realized that his current workplace encouraged open communication and collaboration.

As Mr. Gupta made his way to his cabin, he turned back to offer some advice. "Don't hesitate to ask for help if needed," he said in a friendly tone.

Relieved, Sam watched his boss settle down in his chair, putting on his earphones, probably delving into some sound-related work.

"Phew!" Sam let out a sigh.

Thank god he doesn't know how things actually work in my field. Rendering is the best excuse to take breaks. He chuckled to himself.

Still, Sam couldn't shake off the feeling that someone might have noticed his lack of productivity throughout the day. He hadn't accomplished a single task, and it was almost time to sign off. Guilt gnawed at him as he admitted to himself that all he had done was watch YouTube videos, something he couldn't resist.

Just one more hour. He thought.

The day before, after receiving an earful from Tara, Sam mustered up the courage to call Niti, fully expecting her to be upset or angry. He steeled himself for her reaction, but when she didn't answer his first call, worry gnawed at him. He tried again, debating whether it was wise to reach out when she had said she would contact him first. Finally, on the third ring, she picked up.

Their conversation was brief, and Niti mentioned wanting to meet him after work the next day. Sam sensed a hint of urgency in her voice, but he didn't press for details. This was his chance to make things right. He decided to be at the designated spot before the agreed time. With a heartfelt gift in hand, along with a beautiful bouquet of tulips—her favourite flower, and the apology card he had hastily scribbled, he imagined the joy on her face when she received them. He couldn't wait to see her reaction.

Niti's work hours differed from his; she started and ended her job two hours earlier. While he operated from eleven in the morning to eight in the evening, she had a nine-to-six job. Sam felt the pressure of time; he didn't own a car and would have to rush as soon as his shift ended to make it to their date on time. Niti had offered to pick him up, but she was unaware of his new job and location. He had planned to surprise her with the news during their date, anticipating her happiness. When Niti texted him she had to work a bit overtime, his optimism soared. He was sure that he would make it in time now.

As the clock on his desktop struck eight, Sam wasted no time shutting down his computer and grabbing his jacket. He clutched his awful apology card tightly alongside the other gifts and hurried towards the exit, determined that nothing would ruin this date. "Not even me," he murmured to himself, hoping for a chance to make things right and rekindle the joy in their relationship.

Sam took an auto-rickshaw to the nearest metro station. It had always been his go-to mode of transportation. Not owning a vehicle didn't deter him from planning a delightful surprise for her. He knew they would meet at her car, where he intended to present the carefully selected gifts. From there, she would drive them to the restaurant he had chosen thoughtfully, considering her likes and preferences.

Despite taking the metro, he arrived a bit later than he had expected. As he approached her office building, he caught sight of Niti exiting, but instead of heading towards the parking lot, she disappeared behind two large pillars, leaving him puzzled but eager to catch her off guard.

Determined to reach her car before she did, Sam walked briskly amidst rows of numerous vehicles. His eyes scanned the parked cars, and it didn't take long for him to spot her red car neatly parked between black and white ones. A smile adorned his face as he envisioned the surprise unfolding in his mind.

They had arranged to meet at nine pm at Cyberhub, a place not far from his office but about a fifteen minute drive from Niti's workplace. Checking the time, it was already eight-forty, and she should have been driving by now. His anticipation grew, wondering how she would react to his gesture of love and thoughtfulness.

Samarth's heart pounded in his chest as he positioned himself in front of Niti's car. The sleek vehicle stood as a silent witness to the tender moment that was about to unfold under the vast night sky. With a slight lean backward, Samarth allowed himself to become one with the cosmos above, only to find that the city lights had stolen the stars' brilliance.

But amidst the urban dazzle, nothing compared to Niti's smile. It was as if her radiance had a life of its own, outshining all the artificial luminance around them.

His mind wandered back to the recent dates that had gone awry. Each misstep had taken him further away from the joy of that captivating smile. Determination welled up within him, and he vowed to do whatever it took to bring that smile back, even if it meant making sacrifices.

As he pondered, lost in his thoughts, a faint sound interrupted the silence— the distinct click of heels approaching. Samarth's heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively reached for the bouquet of flowers he had prepared.

The night's enchantment took an unexpected turn as he sprang into action. "Surpr..." he began, but his voice trailed off as he jumped away from the car and into her path. The girl's eyes widened, and she let out a surprised yelp, taking a step back.

Sam couldn't take his eyes off her. She was a vision of elegance and allure, dressed in a daring mini black dress that seemed to hold secrets of its own. The dress, almost leather-like, clung to her curves, accentuated by a tasteful belt cinched at her waist.

Her choice of footwear, black high heels, added to the allure, while a glimmering silver sling bag hung gracefully over her shoulder. But it was her hair that caught Samarth's attention—cascading waves of black, framing a face that could easily grace the cover of any fashion magazine. Bangs peeked out playfully, enhancing the charm of her cute demeanor.

Caught off guard by her mesmerizing presence, Samarth found himself unable to look away, as if under a spell. The world around them faded, and for that fleeting moment, it was just him and her.

Niti looked beautiful.

"What are you doing here?" she exclaimed. "You gave me a fright!" She laughed with excitement. Her eyes twinkled and lights danced within them.

Ignoring her complaints, he handed her the bouquet. "How can you look so cute and sexy at the same time?" he teased her. "How are you so beautiful?"

She looked directly into his eyes, a radiant smile lighting up her face. With a graceful movement, she opened the car door and slid her laptop bag inside. Then, without hesitation, she wrapped both her arms around him while still holding the bouquet in one hand.

The moment her hands touched his, Sam felt a rush of warmth surging through him, enveloping his entire being in a mesmerizing haze. Her body pressed against his, radiated a comforting heat that made his heart skip a beat. The subtle scent of her shampoo filled his senses, creating an intoxicating ambiance that left him spellbound.

In that instant, a desire to kiss her overwhelmed him. It was as if the universe was urging him to take that leap of faith. As they slowly released each other from their embrace, his hands found their way to her face, delicately cradling her cheeks, pulling her closer with an almost reverent touch.

He couldn't help but notice the change in her appearance—the glossy red lipstick she wore instead of her usual brown. The sight of it brought a mixture of tenderness and hesitation. He wanted to cherish every detail of this moment and didn't want to mess up her carefully chosen lipstick. So he kissed her forehead, a gesture filled with affection and respect.

However, when he looked into her eyes again, a longing overcame him, and he lost the resolve to hold back. Her slightly parted lips beckoned him, a magnetic pull he couldn't resist. In an instant, his conviction crumbled, and his own lips met hers in a gentle, passionate kiss.

The moment their lips met, a rush of euphoria surged within him, akin to an epiphany, a sensation he only experienced with Niti. It was as if he had stumbled upon a profound revelation, a moment of clarity that he had only ever found in Niti's presence.

Though the kiss lasted only a few seconds, it served as a powerful reminder of how fortunate he was to have her. Through all the ups and downs they had faced, Sam realized that the challenges he had brought upon himself were simply additional obstacles they could overcome together. This revelation solidified his belief in their relationship.

He held her close, feeling a sense of calm and reassurance in Niti's presence. His heartbeat resonated with hers as he slowly shifted his arms from her back to her shoulders to help her with her bag that kept slipping, breaking off the hug while keeping her close.

Suddenly, a wave of self-realization hit him, leaving him utterly shocked and embarrassed. He hadn't considered his attire for the date, not anticipating that Niti might change after work. When she emerged from the building, she was dressed in her usual shirt and jeans.

So that's where she disappeared to.

Sam had intended to surprise her, but it turned out to be him who was taken by surprise.

"I am sorry I am not dressed up. I messed up again, didn't I?" Sam apologized before she could comprehend what had happened. "My girlfriend looks so beautiful, and I look like a potato."

Niti's laughter filled the air, and Sam couldn't help but smile at the sound he cherished so much. "Sammy, no," she said, dismissing his worries with a wave of her hand. "I don't care about that. I just wanted to look pretty for you." Her words melted his heart, making him feel like the luckiest man alive.

With a playful gesture, she motioned for him to get inside the car. As soon as he got seated, Niti unbuckled her footwear and continued talking.

"Plus, you'll start complaining soon when I start crying because of these heels," she said with a teasing grin, handing him the heels she had been wearing. Sam raised an eyebrow, amused and intrigued.

"What? Just hold on to those; I can't drive in them," she explained, flipping back her hair before starting the engine.

The anticipation built as they drove towards their destination. Sam's choice of The Wine Co. turned out to be perfect, a place exuding an atmosphere of warmth and love, tailor-made for happy couples like them. Niti had initially been concerned when he insisted on paying for the date, but he had a surprise in store for her. "I have good news," he announced with a twinkle in his eyes.

Niti's eyes widened with curiosity, hanging on his every word as he shared the news about his new job. Her happiness for him was palpable, and Sam felt a rush of joy seeing how her face lit up with genuine excitement. It was moments like these that made him grateful for everything they had been through together—the difficulties, the laughter and tears—all leading to this beautiful connection they shared.

"Oh, my god! This is huge!" She exclaimed and hopped out of her chair to hug him. "I am so proud of you, Sammy!"

After the heartfelt disclosure, Sam watched with a mix of excitement as he handed Niti the rest of her presents. Her genuine elation over the book and the apology card he had carefully chosen for her nearly brought tears to her eyes, touching his heart profoundly.

While he was glad she loved the surprises, he knew the biggest one was yet to come—the tickets he had securely tucked in his pocket. It would be the grand finale, the ultimate expression of his love for her before they part ways for the night.

As they settled in for the date, Sam had resolved to face any question about marriage head-on. He knew that if Niti asked, he would confidently say yes, disregarding the opinions of others, even his grandmother's traditional views. He trusted his parents' judgment, knowing they already held Niti in high regard.

The fact that he was only twenty-six weighed on him at times, as it was uncommon for a guy to get married at such a young age. Doubts crept in, but he reminded himself that for Niti, it was important. At twenty-seven, it was a perfectly normal age for girls to consider marriage. She had assured him that the wedding wouldn't happen immediately, maybe in a year or two. But what she sought was a commitment, a solid answer on whether he wanted to be with her for the long haul.

Despite his determination to address the topic openly, it seemed like Niti was deliberately avoiding it. No matter how subtly or directly he tried to steer the conversation in that direction, she skilfully deflected it, leaving him somewhat puzzled and anxious.

In moments of silence, Sam couldn't help but wonder why Niti was avoiding the subject now. His heart ached at the thought of not being able to give her the answer she sought, and he longed to bridge this emotional gap between them.

"By the way, I have to tell you something." Niti suddenly became serious. She took a sip of her wine and continued, "Yesterday, something very weird happened..."

Sam's eyes widened in shock and fury as Niti revealed what she had experienced the previous night. He couldn't fathom the fear and uncertainty she must have endured, alone with a stranger.

His emotions were transparent, and Niti reached out, placing her hands gently on the table, trying to comfort him. "It's okay, nothing bad happened. I don't think he meant any harm either..." she said, her voice trying to reassure him.

But Sam couldn't shake the concern and protectiveness he felt for her. He shot her a piercing look, unable to understand how she could be so certain about the stranger's intentions. "How can you be so sure?!" he exclaimed, his worry clear in his tone.

Niti continued to rub her thumbs on his knuckles, a tender gesture meant to soothe him. "I just had a feeling. Anyway, I won't be going there any time soon. So don't worry at all," she explained, trying to alleviate his anxiety.

"Okay," he mumbled softly, torn between wanting to push the issue further and not wanting to distress her any further. He didn't want to let it go easily, but he also didn't want to upset her by pressing too hard.

Their hands remained intertwined on the table, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them. Sam wrestled with his need to protect her and her desire to put his worries at ease.

In that moment, he decided to trust her instincts, knowing that she was strong and had a deep understanding of her own judgment. Still, he couldn't help but wish he could erase the unsettling incident from ever happening.

"By the way, why didn't you order the usual on the rocks today?" Niti asked, just to change the topic.

"Because I didn't want to ruin the biggest surprise of today."

"Wait! There's more?" The look on her face was priceless.

"Yes, and the one I think you would love the most." He smirked. "I will give it to you before we part for today."

"Ow c'mon, tell me what it is?" she begged.

"Cute." Sam smiled and reached across the table to pinch her cheeks. Niti acted as if she wanted to dodge but didn't. She sat there looking like a psycho, grinning widely.

This is perfe— Sam's phone started ringing. He wiped his hands on the handkerchief and held out his phone to see who was calling.

"Who is it?" Niti asked.

"A random number." He said and kept the phone back on the table. It rang again.

"Take it." Niti nudged him.

"I don't know the number."

"It could be important. Take it." Niti insisted.

Samarth sighed, accepted the call, and went outside to talk. A few seconds later, he came back in, panic set in his eyes. Niti's heart faltered. "What happened?" she demanded.

"It's Nani. She—"

Niti didn't wait to hear the rest. "You pay, I will bring the car."

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A/N

Hello readers! Sorry for the long wait but the updates here now!

What do you think about Samarth and Niti's situation and what would you have done?

Let me know in the comments!

Do leave a vote if you enjoyed this chapter.