The grass swayed gently, its blades reaching skyward, while leaves drooped lazily, as if an artist had carefully placed them there. Walking home, I breathed in the serene, fresh air. After dinner, I fell into a deep sleep, only awakening when the sun's rays pierced through my curtains, warming my face. Hastily, I dressed in my best clothes. Mom entered my room with a cup of coffee, mumbling something I couldn't quite make out, her gaze searching the room as if she had lost something.

"Have you seen my glasses?" Mom questioned me with a straight face.

"I don't know, Mom," I said, lifting one shoulder slightly in a half shrug.

We combed through the living room, dining room, and both bedrooms. Every nook of the sofa was examined, cushions removed and areas beneath scrutinized. Chairs were inspected, hoping to find the missing glasses nestled between seat and cushion, but they eluded us. Expanding our search to unconventional spots, we checked the refrigerator, oven, and kitchen cabinets.

After fifteen minutes of fruitless searching, we were on the verge of surrender. That's when my dad emerged from the bathroom, holding a philosophy book in his hand. Her glasses were right there, on his face. I couldn't help but burst into laughter, exclaiming to her, "Hey, they are here!"

"Why are you wearing my glasses?" She roared, her hands squeezing into fists.

"Wait, your glasses?" Dad became confused in his speech and stopped in the middle of what he was saying. "I'm just trying to see the world through your eyes," he grinned.

She rolled her eyes, "Good luck with that! My world might be a bit blurry for you."

Mom's eyes flashed as she stepped forward, reaching for her glasses. She harrumphed a bit and left for the kitchen to be back with plates full of breakfast. Then she replenished her coffee, setting plates on the dining table. After a few minutes of eating in silence, I picked up my plate, cleaned it in the kitchen sink, before sinking leisurely into my easy chair.

"Look at you, all dressed up!" Dad exclaimed, snapping his fingers.

"Dressed up? I woke up like this." I winked and made the OK hand sign.

"Jaikar, are you heading to the birthday party now?" Mom inquired, running a comb through her hair, trying to smooth it.

"Yes, mom." I grinned nervously.

"When will you come back?" she asked, shooting a stern stare towards me.

"Please, don't worry about making dinner for me. I'll try to get back home before ten."

"What! The whole day?" She gasped aloud, her arms hanging by her sides.

"You're good to go!" Dad's eyes twinkled momentarily as he gave a thumbs-up.

"Quit spoiling your son!" My mom smirked.

"Jaikar is not spoiled, he's loved deeply." Dad let a warm smile dance on his face.

"I love you too, Dad!" I sauntered out of the main door with a self-satisfied smirk.

"Bye Jai, come back soon!" Mom's cheerful voice boomed from the kitchen.

I checked my bike chain's tension, wiping away the grease with a paper napkin before setting off on my journey. As I arrived at the Music Hall, the sound of soothing flute music cheered me. The high ceiling, decorated with intricate carvings, soared proudly about twenty feet above. Beautiful vases filled with blossoms exuded a strong fragrance, making my eyes itch. Neon lights flickered like lively police sirens as I approached a slim girl with dark hair, comfortably seated at the reception.

"Good evening, I'd like to make a reservation for tonight at 7 PM."

"Good evening, sir," she greeted, her eyes fixed on the desktop screen. "May I have your name, please? And how many guests will be accompanying you this evening?"

"Reverse the table on four people! My name is Jaikar," I replied hurriedly thinking about the people in the queue.

"Reverse?" She let out a suppressed chuckle. "Yes sir, I reserved the table."

"Thank you!" I fell into an awful muddle.

"I kindly request that you enjoy our complimentary brunch," she said, turning back to her screen without glancing at me.

"That's great! I appreciate the offer."

I stepped away from the queue, making my way to the sign that declared, 'But first, brunch!' I had soft pancakes and sweet berries, crowned with a drizzle of maple syrup. The vivid colors of the food spoke to its freshness and the bold flavors to come. After savoring the delightful meal, I entered a tranquil waiting room, soundproofed with blooming plants.

I sank into the sofa, seeking a moment of rest as sleep beckoned. A gentle touch, cool as a whisper, brushed against my nose, stirring me to find Ritu leaning over me with affection. I drew a heart in the air with my fingers, earning a grin from her as she mirrored my gesture. Gently taking her hand in mine, I brought it to my lips, planting a tender kiss on her palm. Leaning closer, I initiated a forehead touch, and she closed her eyes, relishing the moment.

I directed her to our table, and we settled in comfortably. Nearby, other couples crowded the surrounding tables, and a tall, well-fed man reclined with his head casually thrown to one side. The tables and chairs were crafted from rose wood, while the floor tiles resembled polished bricks. Ritu leaned in, resting her elbows on the table, cupping her chin in her hands.

Just then, Divya entered the Music Hall, clad in an elegant dark suit. I waved to her and ushered her to our table. Her pale eyes appeared more weary than intrigued. I inquired if she was exhausted from a day's work, to which she responded with a serious expression, "Now that you mention it, would you mind grabbing me a coffee?"

As I was on the verge of summoning three cups of coffee to our table, Kiran dramatically swooped in, waving his hand and exclaiming, 'Hold the caffeine!' Sporting a flashy yellow T-shirt and jeans that could be classified as the quirkiest in town, he sprinted towards us. "Love birds, say hello to Honey Delight Ice cream!"

"Welcome to the party!" I greeted him along with a blast of chilled air.

"Thanks! Now, which of you fabulous ladies goes by the name Ritu?" he inquired, wearing a puzzled expression.

"Hello, I'm Ritu and this is my friend Divya," she announced, pointing fingers in the respective directions. A slightly awkward exchange of hellos transpired between Divya and Kiran. I helped him unpack the ice cream from the colorful gift wrap. The ice cream filled up my vision, patiently waiting for a warm touch to turn it from chilly cubes into sweet treats.

"Thank you for the ice cream, Kiran!" I exclaimed, rubbing my hands gleefully.

"You're welcome. Appreciate the double date," he whispered mischievously.

I raised an eyebrow playfully and leaned in. "One more double date and I'll start expecting diamonds instead of dessert."

Kiran's laughter filled the air. "Got it," he said between chuckles. "No pressure!"

After eating the ice cream sufficiently, we ascended the grand stage alongside the other couples, we committed to dancing beneath the enchanting dim lights. Slow dancing is basically swaying with music, the way leaves respond to air. As the music enveloped us, my hand found hers, fingers interlacing like the perfect puzzle pieces.

"Do you believe in love at first dance?"

"If it involves dancing with you, then without a doubt," she replied with a smile.

"I must warn you, I'm not the best dancer."

She chuckled softly. "I'm not here for a dance competition. Don't step on my toes!"

I nodded solemnly, feeling a tad relieved. "I'll do my best to keep your toes intact."

She laughed. "That's all I ask for! I'm honoured to be your dance partner."

"Well, the honor is all mine," I smiled warmly at her. As the music continued to play, our dance evolved into a more synchronized rhythm. Each step seemed to effortlessly complement the other, as if we had been dancing together for years.

"Jai, behold my latest move - the moon run!" Kiran declared with a roar.

I couldn't contain my laughter. "Do you have a bee trapped in your shirt?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No bees!  Just watch and learn, my friend."

With that, Kiran launched into his moon run, a hilariously exaggerated dance move that had us in stitches. As he finished, I clapped, still laughing. "Bravo! A performance worthy of the moon itself!"

Divya let out a throaty chuckle, hitting pause on her dance moves. She watched Kiran's dance steps, attempting to mimic them without much success. All of a sudden, Kiran burst into song, as if he channeled the spirit of a choir lead at a church revival. Divya, unable to contain herself, complimented, "Your voice is so vibrant," further fueling his energy.

He danced with even greater enthusiasm, his movements fluid and energetic. His voice, surprisingly skilled, sliced through the air as he sang, adding an extra layer of entertainment. With each clap and cheer, Divya's eyes sparkled with delight, her infectious laughter filling the ambience.

He bowed dramatically, then offered his hand to Divya. "Care to join me for a duet?"

Divya laughed, accepting his hand. "Yes! Let's give them a show they won't forget."

Joined hand in hand, Divya and Kiran swayed to the music, their movements matched as if they were two halves of the same melody. With each step, they became immersed in the rhythm, their bodies moving in perfect harmony like waves dancing in sync with the ocean's currents.

I reached out to adjust a stray strand of hair that threatened to obstruct Ritu's view, but she intercepted my hand with a playful smile, intertwining her fingers with mine. With a gentle tug, she guided my hand away, her eyes meeting mine. Finding myself captivated by the depth of her dusky eyes, I wrapped my arms around her waist, feeling the warmth of her body.

"Absolutely enchanting! Now, if I could kindly ask everyone to make their way back to their reserved tables," announced the Disc Jockey, a gleam of cheerfulness in his eyes. As the music faded, we retraced our steps to our solitary table, which somehow seemed to pulse with life again.

"How about we order something?" I slumped into the chair, feeling excited.

Ritu nodded and replied, "Agreed! Let's rescue this table from its lonely existence."

"Appreciate it, but I think it's time to wrap it up," Kiran remarked, stretching his arms, punctuating the statement with a yawn.

"Are you sure?" I asked him, softly.

"I'm certain," Kiran winked, hinting at some alone time between Ritu and me.

"I think I'll head out too. Catch you guys later!" Seizing the opportunity, Divya sprang from her seat softly, enveloping Ritu in a warm embrace, the two sharing a whispered secret before parting ways.

Kiran and Divya exited together, leaving us in a momentary stare-down. As the pangs of hunger threatened to strike, I turned to her. "What would you like to have?"

"Whatever you like to have, Jaiku."

I looked at the menu thoroughly. "What about, Mexican Green Wave Pizza?"

She shook her head momentarily. "Something less spicy! I can't reach the water jug every two minutes."

"Cheddar Mozzarella Pizza?" I suggested, my stomach rumbling in agreement, seemingly singing the national anthem.

"Let's skip the pizzas, please," Ritu decided.

I scratched my head, contemplating. "How about a universally beloved Onion Dosa?"

"Nope!" She let out a silent giggle.

"What would you prefer instead?" I inquired, my patience wearing thin.

"Anything you like to have." She forced a grin as she met my troubled gaze.

"Don't play games with me, Ritu!"

"I'm sorry," she huffed cutely. "Okay, let's eat Dosa. I'm kinda hungry too!"

Upon placing an order for two servings of Dosa, we settled into our seats, enjoying the soothing melodies of soft jazz. In seven minutes, the awaited feast made its grand entrance. Ritu, wearing a mischievous grin, promptly claimed both the shiny plates.

"Outrageous!" I protested, raising my hands. "Do you want me to stay hungry?"

"Go ahead, place another order!" She raised her voice, feigning innocence.

"I doubt you can conquer two plates solo," I teased, sporting a crooked smile.

She casted an adorable gaze my way. "How about I feed you with my own hands?"

"That's your plan this whole time?" I gaped in awe. "This is a five-star experience!"

As she began to feed me, I savored each bite, letting the flavors linger on my palate before swallowing. Miraculously, the food seemed to elevate to a whole new level of deliciousness. Once she wrapped up feeding me, she swiftly finished her own meal. We settled the bill with the waiter donned in brocade uniform before departing from the busy place.