Aman woke up disappointed to not find Priya beside him.  Today was their first anniversary.  Much to Aman’s dismay, it was also the day of the awards ceremony that he’d promised Priya he’d attend.  He reluctantly got out of bed and got ready for the day.  As far as Aman could remember, the awards ceremony started at five o’clock.  Aman decided that he’d wait til after the ceremony to surprise Priya, so they wouldn’t be rushed.  Obviously, he had a surprise for her.  After all, it was an important day.  Aman sauntered down the stairs, eager to see his wife. 

            “Surprise!” Priya exclaimed, spatula in hand. 

            There was a large breakfast spread laid out in the table. From pancakes to egg benedict to turkey sausages to waffled, everything anyone could imagine was on that table. 

            “I made it all by myself.” Priya said proudly. 

            “What time did you wake up?” Aman asked, taking a seat. 

            “Early…way too early.” Priya answered, sitting down beside Aman. 

            Aman dug into the stack of pancakes first and then moved on to the eggs.  He was full before he even had half of what Priya prepared.  Priya watched Aman happily as she ate some of the waffles.  She was glad he was enjoying his breakfast. 

            “Damn, Priya.  You’re trying to fatten me up.” Aman quipped. 

            Priya smiled at him. 

            “Happy anniversary.” She said. 

            Aman stood up, looking very serious.  He walked off into the living room, taking Priya’s hand and pulling her behind him..

            “What’s the matter?” Priya asked, once they were in the living room. 

            Aman placed his hands around her waist and kissed her passionately.  Their lips danced together for a moment.  Aman shifted a little so that he could deepen the kiss.  Priya’s arms slipped around his neck, pulling him closer. 

            “Happy anniversary.” Aman smiled, breaking their kiss.  “I can’t wait to celebrate it with you.” 

            Priya stepped away from him. 

            “What time will you be back?” Priya said, a little distracted. 

            “The ceremony starts at five, so why don’t you meet me at my office at a little past four?  We’ll go together from there.” Aman replied.  

            “Alright.  Is there a certain way I should dress?” Priya asked, as they walked towards the front door. 

            “Sexy.” Aman smirked. 

            Priya gave him a disappointed look. 

            “Okay, just kidding.  Dress in something formal.” Aman stated seriously. 

            Priya opened the door, waiting for Aman to leave.  Aman quickly looked to his right and then his left.  The coast was clear. He leaned forward and gave Priya a quick goodbye kiss.  Priya looked at him in mock anger, but Aman quickly ran out the door. 

            “Happy anniversary!” Hiten exclaimed as Aman entered his office. 

            “Why the hell are you so happy? It’s my anniversary.” Aman replied. 

            “Why so bitter so early in the morning?” Hiten asked.

            “I wanted to stay with Priya all day today, but no.  I had to come in and finalize these deals and then there’s that stupid awards ceremony at five.  This day is gonna suck.” Aman pouted. 

            “Yeah but you get to spend the day with me, and I’m way better than Bhabhi.” Hiten chuckled. 

            “You just keep telling yourself that.” Aman replied bitterly. 

            Hiten frowned. 

            “What do you have planned anyways?” Hiten asked casually. 

            Aman smiled. 

            “I’m not telling.” He said. 

            “What?  Why the hell not? I’m your best friend!” Hiten said in disbelief. 

            “You might tell Priya or you might tell Aditi and then she’ll tell Priya.  You’re a hazard.” Aman replied nonchalantly. 

            “But…but I wanna know.” Hiten sank down in one of the chairs and put on his best pouty face. 

            “Sorry, I’m not talking.” Aman replied. 

            “Fine.” Hiten huffed.  “You’re still going to help me though, right?”

            “Of course! I wouldn’t miss it.” Aman smiled. 

            They got busy getting some work done.  Aman was determine to finalize everything that needed to be done before four o’clock, otherwise it would’ve defeated the purpose of leaving Priya and coming into the office today.  He’d even worked through lunch, ordering in and eating at his desk.  He thought about the amazing breakfast Priya had prepared for him that morning as her anniversary surprise for him.  At several points throughout the day, he just wanted to drop everything and go back home to his wife, there was just too much that needed to be done. 

            Finally, it was four o’clock.  Aman had one of his tuxedos dry cleaned and delivered to his office.  He rushed off to put it one and get ready before Priya arrived.  When he stepped back into his office, he saw Priya sitting in his chair at his desk.  He walked in and moved closer to his desk.  The chair was turned to the side, and Priya hadn’t noticed he’d come in yet. 

            Aman cleared his throat, getting Priya’s attention. 

            “Excuse me, ma’am. I didn’t to bother you.” He said to her. 

            She looked at him confused by how formally he was speaking to her. 

            “I’m here to apply for the manager position.  Your secretary didn’t inform you?” Aman continued with his joke. 

            Priya caught on quickly. 

            “Are you qualified for this position?” She asked, giving him a cold look from a strict boss. 

            “I think I am.” Aman replied. 

            “You think you are?  You don’t know?” Priya said in mock anger.  “Why do you want this job?”

            “To pay the bills.” Aman answered automatically. 

            “That’s it?” Priya replied. 

            “Well… there is one more reason.” Aman added slyly.  “I’d always dreamed of having such a beautiful boss.”

            Priya blushed.  She tried to cover up her smile. 

            “Well sorry. I’ll have you know that I’m happily married.”  Priya said. 

            “Well damn, your husband doesn’t have to know.” Aman said, smirking.  He took a step closer to Priya. 

            “Now you just wait right there or I’ll have my husband beat you to a pulp.” Priya threatened. 

            Aman walked around the desk.  Priya slowly stood up, wondering what he intended to do.  He pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her. 

            “Well, it’s a good thing I can’t beat myself up.” He said, kissing her. 

            He stepped back to see what Priya was wearing.  She wore a black sari with shiny, crystal-like embellishments throughout.  Her blouse was a sleeveless turtleneck, which surprised Aman.  Priya usually didn’t wear sleeveless blouses.  Her blouse had even more crystal-like embellishments than her sari.  Aman smiled.  Her outfit would go great with his present.  He reached into one of the drawers in his desk.  He pulled out a rather larger, velvet jewelry box and handed it to Priya. 

            “Happy Anniversary.” He smiled at her. 

            “A present?” Priya looked confused again. “I thought we were celebrating after the awards ceremony.”

            “We are, but you should have this before.  You can wear it there.” Aman replied. 

            Priya opened the box and was speechless by its contents.  There was an expensive, intricately designed diamond necklace sitting in the box.  It looked like it cost a fortune.  It was the most exquisite piece of jewelry that Priya had ever seen. 

            “Aman…it’s…” Priya was at a loss for words. 

            “Put it on.” Aman said, excitedly. 

            He took the necklace from the box and moved around Priya so that he was standing behind her.  He fastened the necklace and walked back around to see how it looked. 

            “You look perfect.” He said. 

            Priya leaned in and kissed him. 

            “Thank you.” She said, sincerely. 

            “Well, you know Priya, it was quite difficult to find something like that, something that would leave you speechless.  And it was really expensive…so I think I’m going to need a better thank you than just one little kiss.” Aman said. 

            “I’ll see what I can do.” Priya said. 

            She moved as close as she could to Aman, pressing her body up against his.  His hands found her waist.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, letting their lips move together.  Aman quickly took control, over powering Priya.  He leaned forward forcing her to take a step back.  The kiss grew more passionate and more fervent. 

            “Aman, let’s go.  We’re gonna be….oh.” Hiten walked in and paused at the sight before him. 

            Aman and Priya broke their kiss as soon as they heard Hiten come in, and Priya immediately stepped away from Aman. 

            “Sorry,” Hiten said sheepishly.  He didn’t look sorry at all.  He was grinning. 

            “Great timing, Hiten, as usual.” Aman commented. 

            “Woah! Babhi! Look at this sari! It’s sexy.”  Hiten walked up to Priya and started examining her outfit, much to Aman’s dismay.  

            “Hey! Get away from her.” Aman said, stepping in front of Priya. 

            “Oh my god! I was just admiring her outfit.” Hiten said. 

            “What the hell? Are you a girl?  You shouldn’t be admiring anyone’s outfit.” Aman said. 

            “You want me to check out your wife?  Well, okay.” Hiten said, figuring that if women were the only ones who admired outfits, then men checked them out. 

            “Don’t you dare.” Aman said protectively. 

            Priya giggled at Aman’s jealousy.  She knew that Hiten was always kidding when he made comments about her like that. 

            “We’re going to be late!” Hiten exclaimed, changing the subject.  He looked at Priya and then back at Aman.  “Maybe we should go separately.”

            “Why? We’re all going to the same place.” Aman replied. 

            “I know you two lovebirds are gonna wanna make out or maybe even get down and dirty in the back of the limo.  I just wanted to make it less awkward for you, but if you’re okay with me watching, I’m game.” Hiten said. 

            Priya’s mouth dropped open in surprise.  She immediately turned red. 

            “What the hell?” Aman said, not really knowing what else to say.  He was surprised that Hiten was so blunt and, that too, in front of Priya. 

            Hiten grinned at the couple, making them wonder if he was kidding or actually serious. 

            “We’re going separately.” Aman declared. 

            “What?” Hiten’s face fell, “I was just kidding.”

            “Too late.  You planted the idea in my head.  Now I can’t stop thinking about getting down and dirty in the back of the limo.” Aman said. 

            Priya looked at him incredulously.  There was no way in hell she was about to let anything happen in a place like the backseat of a limo, even if it was their anniversary. 

            “But…But…” Hiten protested. 

            “I’m sending a limo to pick up Aditi.  It should be here in no time.  Priya and I will have our own limo, and you and Aditi will have your own limo.  You’re welcome.” Aman smiled. 

            Hiten’s face lit up. He knew exactly what Aman was insinuating. He was always looking for some privacy with Aditi, and now Aman was giving it to him.  Hiten engulfed Aman in a bear hug.      

            “You’re the best!” Hiten exclaimed.  He released Aman and turned to Priya.  “Bhabhi, give this man a kiss! He deserved it!”

            Priya burst out laughing. 

            “You know, he had a point.” Aman agreed. 

            “We’re going to be late.” Priya said, walking out of Aman’s office. 

            Nothing even close to getting down and dirty happened in the limo on the way to the award ceremony’s venue.  Priya did end up giving Aman a kiss for being so nice to Hiten and Aditi as per Hiten’s request, but she didn’t let the kiss get out of hand.  Aman repeatedly assured her that the glass between them and the driver gave them the utmost privacy and they could do whatever they wanted without him ever knowing, but Priya wouldn’t relent.

            “Oh my god! Didi, what a sari!” Payal exclaimed upon laying eyes on Aman and Priya.  Aman had invited her along with Rajiv, thinking that Priya would enjoy seeing Payal after so long. 

            “Thank you, Payal. How have you been?  You never visit often anymore.” Priya said, hugging her little sister. 

            “School is hard.” Payal pouted. 

            “You’ll be okay.” Priya reassured. 

            Payal’s face broke out into a huge smile. 

            “Jija-ji! Didi! It’s your anniversary! Happy anniversary!!” Payal exclaimed, nearly jumping up and down in joy. 

            “Thanks, Payal.” Aman and Priya replied in unison. 

            The four of them walked in and found their table.  Neha and Nikhil were already there, chatting with Hiten and Aditi, who by some miracle, had reached there before Aman and Priya.  The venue was a large ballroom, with over twenty large, round tables.  There was a stage and podium at the front of the room.  The press had gathered outside in the front entrance, but Aman had instructed the limo driver to drop them off at the side entrance, not really feeling like dealing with the press.  Everyone was immaculately dressed.  There wasn’t very much mingling.  Waiters started serving hors d'oeuvres and wine. Aman felt restless.  He was glad that all of his friends had accepted his invitation to attend this event, but he just wanted it to be over, so he could have some alone time with Priya. 

            When the awards ceremony started, Aman thought he’d feel relieved.  It was only supposed to last a couple of hours.  A couple of more hours and he’d be able to be alone with Priya.  He thought it would go by in no time.  Boy, was he wrong!  The announcer was plain and boring and lacked personality.  Every single person who received an award for some reason or another gave a speech.  Aman hadn’t prepared a speech.  He was so busy preparing his surprise for Priya that he hadn’t thought to write a thank you speech.

            “And our last award of the evening is for excellent community service here and abroad in India.  This individual had founded several foundations that work to help underprivileged women reach their full potentials, whether they are mothers in need of support or independent women that just need a helping hand.  It’s a noble effort that deserves some recognition, I believe.  This individual is a successful businessman, who is sincere and generous enough to spend a few of his millions to help others.  I’d like to present this award to Mr. Aman Verma.”  The announcer said. 

            There was the usual sound of polite applause as Aman made his way to the stage.  He glanced at Priya, who gave him a sincere smile, before he walked up to the stage.  Suddenly, his table erupted in a loud round of cheers, led by Hiten, of course.  Aman felt himself redden, embarrassed by his friend’s actions.  He quickly composed himself as the announcer handed him the plaque.  He was handed a microphone to give his thank you speech.  He took a deep breath and found Priya’s face in the crowd. 

            “I’d like to thank the board of this foundation for giving me this award.  The first agency was started by my father many years ago, and I decided that an agency that aims to help women should be expanded so that aid can reach as many women as possible.  Sadly, I’m not able to help every woman who needs it, but I can sure try.  I’d like to thank my best friend, Hiten, for being my business partner. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to reach such great heights.  I wouldn’t have been able to expand these agencies and help so many women.  I’d also like to thank my wife, Priya.”  Aman locked eyes with Priya.  She looked shocked to be mentioned in his speech. 

            “I’m not sure if she realizes it or not, but she made me a better person.  Today is our first anniversary.”  Aman declared.  The crowd applauded as a way of congratulating him. 

            “I wasn’t going to come here tonight, but I promised my wife I would be a good boy and do whatever she wants, and she wanted me to come here and accept this award like a gentleman.  Helping people feels amazing, but it feels even better knowing that that someone you love is proud of you because of it.  Priya, I love you so much, and I’ll always strive to make you proud of me.” Aman finished his speech.  Everyone erupted in a large round of applause, this time not out of politeness.  They were impressed with Aman's heartfelt speech.  Many of the audience members, including everyone at Aman’s table, gave him a standing ovation.  Priya remained sitting.  She neither applauded for Aman nor smiled at him as he made his way back to the table.  She had tears in her eyes.  She couldn’t believe what Aman had just said.  She stood up once Aman had made it back to the table and kissed him in the presence of everyone, not caring about the onlookers.  All she cared about was Aman. 

            “Thank you for saying all of that.” Priya whispered, breaking the kiss. 

            Aman wiped away a tear that had fallen down her check.  

            “If you liked that, you’ll love what I have planned after this ceremony.” Aman smirked. 

Don’t kill me! But I’m going on vacation for two weeks, and I WILL NOT be able to update before I get back, so please don’t hassle me.  I’m telling you all in advanced.  There will NOT be an update for about 2 weeks. 

Don’t you looovveee Aman!?!?!  He’s soooo sweet!! We haven’t even gotten to his surprise and it’s already such a great anniversary!! Anyways, the next chapter will be Aman’s surprise. It’s going to be an extra long chapter because I need a lot of things to happen in the next chapter!

What did you all think about Aman’s present and his speech?? Cute right?? I know!! Please tell me what you thought!

            COMMENT AND VOTE!!!!!!!!