Hey everyone..Thanks for all the love you are giving this story.... I am overwhelmed...
I am glad you all are keeping my request, and commenting so much on the last chapters. Thanksssss....I love you all..❤️
Plz like and comment, and share if you like it. This is my first ff on Wattpad, and I really want everyone to read this and enjoy.
Happy Reading.

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"Always and forever!!..."

Bani finally managed to confess her love for him in her own unique way. Veer was more than elated to hear the sweet and heart-touching words from her mouth. And the way they both promised and assured each other about a lifetime of togetherness in the very next moment, just added to its charm. They both were crying by then, but this time, those were the tears of happiness and contentment. Veer slowly moved back and opened his eyes, and Bani, as if following his cue, opened her eyes too. She slowly moved back her hands from his cheeks and looked at him lovingly. Veer held her hands tightly which were now resting on her lap and looked at their hands smiling, trying to absorb this overwhelming feeling and believe that whatever happened now was real. He thought this was the perfect time to let her know about the surprise that he planned few minutes ago to make it up to her for his grave mistake.

V: *smiling with tears of joy* Okkk... *nodding excitedly* Chalo, tum jaldi se taiyyar ho jao, main bhi taiyyar hota hoon... Hum bahar chalte hai...

B: *confused* Bahar chalte hai, kahan?! Hum kahan

V: *too excited* Surprise surprise... *trying to pull her up*

B: *not understanding his plan* Veeranshu hum kahan jaa

V: *not letting her speak* Chalo chalo... *getting up along with her* Sshhh... Jaldi chalo...

B: *smiling confusedly* Okayy...

Bani looked around while going out of the room, well, almost dragged out of the room by him. She wanted to spend the evening with him in the room that she had decorated herself, but seeing his excitement and enthusiasm, she understood that he might have something planned to make her happy. Thus, she decided to let go of her plan and let him do what he wanted. But before that, she wanted to atleast show him that she had done all of these and many more things only for him. She stopped abruptly and Veer turned to look at her with confusion.

V: Kya hua, ruk kyun gayi?! *trying to pull her* Chalooo....

B: *pulling him back* Ha, chalungi... *cute pleading face* Par, chalne se pehle ekbar meri surprise puri tarah se dekh to lo!!...

Veer realised what he was doing in his over-enthusiasm and cursed himself in his mind. He turned towards her and gave her an apologetic look while rubbing his temple guiltily for his stupidity.
V: *shutting his eyes tightly* Shit... *opening his eyes and looking apologetically* I am so sorry, I am such a stupid... *coming close to her* We will go later, first tum dikhao tumne aur kya plan kiya hai... I can't wait to see them... *looking here and there eagerly*

Bani smiled at his eagerness. She held his hand tightly and pulled him along with her towards the wall where she had hanged the customised photo frame. She made him stand in front of the photo frame, and removed the satin red cover from it. Veer's eyes widened seeing the extremely beautiful and unexpected surprise. He noticed the background of the photo and also the caption below, and touched the photo frame. He was truly overwhelmed seeing the gift.

V: Wow Bani, this is so beautiful... I don't know what to say now... *caressing their picture and the caption* Kitna pyaara hai yeh...

B: *smiling expectantly* You like it?!...

V: *gaping in surprise* Like it?! I absolutely love it... *looking at her emotionally* Thanks for this amazing gift Sweetheart, this is very precious to me...

Bani was finally at peace now. Why not, afterall she had heard him calling Sweetheart after about more than 30 hours. She circled her hand around his arm, and smiled looking at the frame, holding on to him affectionately.
B: Same here, *looking at him* Totally same...

Veer detached his hand from her grip, and held her from her waist. They looked at each other lovingly while he pulled her closer. As a result, her hand reached to his shoulder clutching his kurta and her heart started beating faster. He briefly glanced at her hand on his shoulder before locking his eyes with her. He then asked her the anticipated question.

V: Do I really make your heart flutter, Bani?!...

Bani smiled knowingly. She very well guessed that he would ask this question after seeing the frame. She held his other hand and brought it closer to herself.
B: *keeping his hand near her heart* Khud hi dekhlo... *after few seconds* *raising her eyebrows smiling* Samjhe kuch?!...

Veer really felt her fastened heartbeats. He bent towards her and rested his face over her head. He closed his eyes and hummed in response while inhaling her scent, a satisfactory smile playing on his lips. They stayed like that for sometime, until Veer moved back. Flashing a quick smile at her, he looked around the room, scanning each and every corner with his eyes and noticing every minute details. She followed his each and every movement, and smiled realising what he must be feeling now. After seeing everything, he turned towards her and gave her an happy overwhelming look.

V: *unable to believe that this was real* Tumne ye saare decorations, candles, sabkuch mere liye kiya?!...

B: *rolling her eyes* Nahi, padosi ke liye... *chuckling at his stupidity* Ye kaisa sawaal hai, *stepping closer to him* obviously tumhare liye kiya hai Veeranshu... *taking his hand in hers* Tum hi to ho bas mera apna.. Tumhare liye nahi karungi to aur kiske liye karungi?! Pagal...

V: *holding both of her hands* Thankyou Sweetheart, thankyou so much... Mujhe ye sab bohot pasand aaya... Mujhe nahi pata main kya kahu, shabd kam pad rahe hai mere paas ye batane ke liye ki main abhi kitna khush hoon... I am literally feeling so overwhelmed... Thanks for doing all this for me... I am flattered right now... Mujhe yakeen hi nahi horaha hai ki ye sach hai, this is surreal to me... *looking around* Ye decorations, *looking at the photo frame* ye surprise gift, ye saari planning, they all look mind-blowing... *looking at her appreciatively* And most importantly, you... *staring her from head to toe* You look absolutely stunning and gorgeous in this saree... And the fact that you actually put an effort in getting ready in the colour that I like to see on you, this makes me feel so important and special...

Bani was elated knowing that he had noticed her outfit, and the way he praised her touched her heart. She looked at him with a shine in her eyes, and smiled excitedly, just like how a child smiles after getting her favourite candy.

B: *extremely happy* Tumne notice kiya?!...

V: *cupping her cheek from one side* Obviously!!... Kaise notice nahi karta, meri eklauti pyaari biwi, meri Sweetheart ne itni mehnat karke taiyyar huyi hai mere liye, notice to karna hi tha... Though..*stopping abruptly*

He fell silent. He sighed sadly looking down, remembering how he had ignored everything in his anger and vented all his anger on her. Guilt washed over him again as he thought about those hurtful words. One look at his face, and Bani understood what he was going through. She decided to divert the topic in order to stop him from thinking about all those again. She stepped closer and smiled sweetly at him.

B: *tugging at his hand, and he looked at her* Meri surprise hogayi... Ab hum chal sakte hai bahar, tum jiske baare mein bol rahe the... Chale?!...

V: *taking a deep breath and slightly smiling to cover up his sadness* Hmm, chalo...

They walked out of the room hand in hand. Bani glanced at the room once before leaving, and smiled at the success of her plan since he had liked it. She squeezed his hand, and went towards their room willingly with him.

               *********************
As soon as they entered into their room, Veer's eyes fell on the messed up condition of the whole room. The bedsheet was scrunched at the corner, the things of the centre table were lying here and there, and all the perfume bottles on the dressing table were fallen on the table. He recalled how he had pushed her in haste while going out resulting her to fall back and get hurt, and how he didn't even bother to come back instantly to check on her. He felt miserable remembering that moment, he was so shameful right now for his unthoughtful act. Tears pooled in his eyes in shame and guilt. He left Bani's hand and tried to take out the mobile from his pocket.

Feeling him leaving her hand, Bani turned to look at him. He was looking upset and gloomy. She noticed his sudden change in behaviour and saw him taking out his mobile. She went towards him and touched his shoulder doubtfully, not knowing what he was trying to do. He got her confusion and answered without looking at her.

V: *breaking voice* Nahi Bani, hum kahin nahi jaa rahe hai... Main nahi jaa sakta abhi iss haalat mein... *dialling a number on his keypad* Let me call and cancel everything...

Bani understood that he was again drowning in his guilt. She felt bad to see him like that, somewhere she felt that all of this was happening only because of her. Shrugging her thoughts about self-judgement, she thought to handle him first. She held his hand to stop him from calling the person.
B: Kya hogaya tumhe achanak?!... *trying to pull him towards the bed* Aao idhar...

V: *nodding in denial adamantly* Nahi Bani, please, haath chhodo mera... Please let me cancel everything... Nahi hoga mujhse... Surprise plan to dur ki baat hai, I can't even face you properly after everything I have done...

B: *calmly* Achha thikhai, sshh... *taking the mobile from his hands and keeping it on the dressing table* Woh sab baad mein dekhenge... Pehle tum yaha aao... *taking him towards the bed* Aao... Idhar baitho tum chup chap... *after trying to make him sit a few times, he finally sits down on the bed* Haa, good... *sitting beside him and rubbing his shoulder* Ab batao, kya hua hai tumhe?!.. Why did you become so sad all of a sudden?!...

Veer's head hung low, and tears fell from his eyes. He felt like the guilt was eating him up slowly. Though he had apologized to her for his worst and unexpected behaviour, but still, the apology was nothing compared to the mistake, or rather, the sin that he had committed. He had realised that he was wrong and his deeds were unjustifiable, but the guilt kept increasing with each passing second. And after seeing everything that she had planned for him, when he finally understood why she was denying everything and taking time to confess, he felt miserable on his part. He was shameful for whatever he had done with her. Though he had thought to make it up to her by planning a surprise dinner date, but, after seeing the condition of the room and remembering his ruthless unsolicited behaviour, he realised that the sin that he had committed was too big to rectify and compensate for. He covered his face with his hands and sobbed, biting his inner cheeks so as to not make any sound.

Bani saw him breaking down and got tensed. She instantly grabbed his wrist, trying to move his hands from his face and make him look at her.
B: *affectionately* Veer, kya hua tumhe?! Aise ro kyun rahe ho??... *trying to turn his face towards her* Look at me, come on, meri taraf dekho.. Veeranshu, please, look at me... Batao mujhe, hua kya hai?!...

V: *broken crying voice* Kya bolu main Bani, kya bolu?!... Mere paas kehne ke liye kuch bacha bhi hai?!... Maine jo kiya, uske baad main aankh uthake tumhe dekh tak nahi paa raha hoon, bolna to dur ki baat hai... *moving the hand from his face* Kya kya nahi kiya maine, apne gusse mein itna andha hogaya ki ye tak nahi samajh paya that I am hurting you... Bas apna frustration dikhane ke liye, apna point prove karne ke liye main itna niche gir gaya ki tumhe dhakka dene se pehle mera haath tak nahi kaanpa... *vulnerably* Aur baat sirf ye nahi hai, dhakka dene ke baad main sidha bahar chala gaya, ek baar tumpar check karne ke liye wapas bhi nahi aaya main... *disgusted with himself* Chhii... How can I do that with you Bani, the person who I love the most... *crying* I am so ashamed of myself right now... I can't face you like this...

Veer was about to stand up and walk out of there, but realising that walking out won't be the solution to the problem, he remained seated. He looked the other side, he was not finding any way to repent his mistakes. If it was possible, he would have gone back and made everything alright, but alas, that could now only happen in his figment of imagination. Seeing him in dilemma, she forcefully made him turn towards her. She cupped his face and tried to make him look at her, but he clearly refused.

B: *sighing* Veeranshu, tumne maafi mang liya uss sab ke liye...

V: *holding her hands and bringing it down from his cheeks* I know I have apologised, but the guilt is eating me up from inside... And, that apology is nothing in front of the sin that I have committed... It's just a way to get away with the mistake, and I don't wanna be a man who just covers up his mistakes with "sorries"... *sad and hurt* But, I know I am slowly turning into that person...

B: *consoling* Aisa nahi hai Veeranshu...

V: *nodding in denial* Aisa hi hai Bani, aisa hi hai... Tum khud hi dekhlo, humesha main yahi karta rehta hoon... Galtiyan karta hoon, aur fir aake sorry bol deta hoon, apologise karta hoon, and bas, matter over, move on... Fir ek galti, fir apologise, fir move on... Aisa hi chalta rehta hai... It keeps going on in loop... Maine tumse kaha tha na ki sorry mat kaho, it's like a quickfix and all; par yaha main khud barbar wahi karta rehta hoon... I everytime do the same bloody thing.. *angry on himself* I can't even rectify my mistakes dammit... Kyun, kyun hoon main aisa!! Why can't I just become calm headed... *hating himself* I am such a terrible person to be with... Urghhh!!!...

Bani was tongue-tied hearing his initial words, because what he was saying was actually correct. But, she couldn't see him all broken and vulnerable. She could feel how terrible he was feeling from inside. The way he was loathing and cursing himself made Bani's heart cry in pain. Her eyes clouded with tears seeing him like that. Somewhere in her mind, she held herself primarily responsible for all this conditions including his immense emotional breakdown. But, keeping those thoughts at bay at that moment, she concentrated on how to calm him down and console him. She shifted closer to him and caressed his cheek with one hand while holding his hands with the other hand securely.

B: No Veeranshu, that's not true... You are not at all a terrible person...

V: *sobbing* I am, I am terrible... Otherwise I would not have hurt the one person whom I love and adore the most in the entire world... Only a terrible person like me can hurt their loved ones without even caring... And not once, not twice, I have hurt you so many times with my words and actions... Though unintentionally, but I have hurt you right!!... And that's not acceptable... *vulnerably looking at her* Bani, believe me, I love you a lot, I really do... Main jhoot nahi bol raha hoon, main sach mein tumse bohot bohot bohot pyaar karti hoon, *looking down and crying* par fir bhi pata nahi kyun I end up hurting you the most... Like I did today... Tumne kitna kuch plan kiya tha mere liye, aur maine bina dekhe bina soche sab kuch barbaad kar diya... I just spoilt everything... And, not only that, I was almost forcing you to accept your love for me...This is how I will prove how much I love you?! This way?! Chhi...

B: *cupping his face and wiping his tears* Ssshh, bas, hogaya ab, chup... I know how much you love me Veer, you don't need to prove that to me... I know that already... And I also know that tum gusse mein the isliye wo sab kar baithe, varna you are not like that, I know... I was just a little hurt, but as soon as you came and apologised so sweetly, bas tabhi sab sahi hogayi... Main tumhare uss bhool ko already bhul gayi hoon, believe me... Ab tum bhi bhul jao...

V: *emotional* Nahi bhul sakta main... Maine abhitak bohot koshish kiya, uss bhool ko ignore karke smile kar raha tha tumhare saath uss room mein, par andar hi andar wohi bhool mujhe khaaye jaa raha hai... Kyunki woh sirf bhool nahi hai Bani, maine jo kiya woh ek gunah hai... *kissing her hands sadly* Tum bohot achhi ho Bani, isliye humesha mere galtiyon ko andekha karke mujhe maaf kar deti ho... Aj itna kuch kar baitha maine, magar dekho, fir bhi tum mere ekbar maafi mangne par hi unn baaton ko bhulke aage badhne ke liye taiyyar ho, aur to aur meri gunahon ko justify kar rahe ho... Gussa aaya isliye maine ye sab kiye, yahi kaha na tumne?!... Yeah, I do have anger issues, main maanta hoon.... Gussa aata hai mujhe, but har baar wo ek excuse deke main galti karta hi jau aur tum maaf karte jao, aisa nahi hota na Bani... Kab tak aisa chalega?! Kab tak tum sehti rahogi?!... Kab tak main galti karta jaunga aur tum unko justify karti jaogi, aur kyun karogi Bani aisa tum?!... Kyun tolerate karogi tum itna kuch?!... Pyaar karte ho matlab ye to nahi na ki meri har ek hurtful baatein aur actions ko tum sehlo, no Bani... You don't deserve to be treated like this... *crying* I have hurt you a lot, and you don't deserve any of them... Don't be so nice to me... Please itni achhi mat bano Bani, maine jo kiya uske baad itni achhi mat bano mere saath... Tumhe to ulta thappar marna chahiye mujhe...*punching the bed* Ek kaam karo, you do slap me now, keep slapping me until I realise what's wrong and what's right, keep slapping me until I finally stop repeating and making these same mistakes over again... *crying being angry with himself* Yaa better, you leave me and go away... Main tumhare layak hoon hi nahi... Chale jao mujhe chhodke, varna aur hurt hogi tum... Chale jao...

Bani couldn't tolerate this miserable condition of him anymore. She could feel that he was repenting for his own hurtful behaviour from the core of his heart. The way he was telling her to leave him and go despite of the fact that he loves her so much clearly showed how angry and disgusted he was with himself. Bani quickly lifted his face and covered his mouth with one hand to stop him from speaking.

B: *pacifying tone* Sshhh... Hogaya na, bas chup ab... Aur kuch nahi kahoge tum, bilkul chup... *trying to make him look at her* Lo, ab meri taraf dekho... Look at me... *Veer adamantly looks down* *sweetly* Veeranshu, please look at me, ek baar dekho meri taraf... please Veer...

Finally, Veer looked up at her and met her eyes. Bani could see the guilt and pain in his eyes. She quickly wiped the tears rolling down his cheeks and cupped his face moving closer to him.

B: Veeranshu, I know you are guilty for your mistakes, you are repenting, pata hai mujhe... Tumhare aankhon mein saaf dikh raha hai ki tumne jo kiya uske liye tum sharminda ho... Par, vishwas karo, main sach mein tumse gussa ya hurt nahi hoon, main bhul gayi hoon tumhare uss bhool ko... Now it's time, you also forget that incident and move on... Stop being so hard on yourself, itna takleef mat pohnchao khudko... *sad* Tumhe aise dekhkar mujhe bhi bohot zyada takleef hoti hai Veeranshu... I can't see you so broken and in such a vulnerable condition... This is not the Veer I know... Aise rona, aur apne aapko itna nafrat karna, ye sahi nahi hai... Jaane anjaane mein tumse galti hogaya, jiske liye tumne maafi manga aur dil se maafi manga, aur maine maaf bhi kar diya, bas, hogayi baat... Kyun itna soch rahe ho iss baat ko lekar?! Mat socho...

Veer was not convinced with her words. He couldn't accept the fact that he always ended up hurting his love because of his anger and impulsive nature. He tried to retaliate.
V: Par...

B: *stopping him* Uhh, kuch mat bolo.. I already know what you are gonna say, ki "humesha main galtiyan dohrata rehta hoon aur tum sehte ho, maaf kar dete ho, this is not right" and all of these.. Hai na?!... *Veer nods* *she caressed his cheek and spoke softly* Veer, main manti hoon ke tum jo keh rahe ho woh partly sahi hai... Par, tum khud socho, kya tumne aj tak ek baar bhi intentionally mujhe hurt kiye ho?! Nahi, kabhi bhi nahi... Veeranshu, koi bhi insaan perfect nahi hai... Har ek insaan se galtiyan hoti hai, par agar use apni galti ka ehsaas ho aur uske liye woh pachtaye, to tabhi use adhi maafi mil jaati hai... Tum kaafi galtiyan karte ho, I agree... But tumhe bohot jald hi apne galti ka ehsaas ho jaata hai, aur tum uss galti ko accept karne se kabhi pichhe nahi haatte... And I really appreciate that about you... Tum humesha apne galti ke liye dil se maafi mangte ho, aur sirf maafi nahi mangte, uske liye bharpayi bhi karte ho, regardless of who the person in front of you is... That's what makes you different Veeranshu... To isiliye main keh rahi hoon, you are worth the forgiveness and you are worth my love... Samjhe?!...

V: *still sad* But Bani...

B: *not letting him speak* Nahi Veer, no ifs and buts... Stop blaming yourself like this... Jitna dard mujhe chot lagne par hoti hai, usse kayi zyada dard mujhe tab hoti hai jab tum apne aapko chot pohnchate ho aur khudke baare mein itna bura bhala kehte ho... *pointing at her heart* It pains right here to see you like this... Kuch hota hai to mujhse aake baat karliya karo, I am always there to listen, par andar hi andar apne liye itni khunnas mat paalo... Please, don't let yourself break like this everytime... Aise rona dhona tumko bilkul suit nahi karta... *wiping his face with her pallu clearly*...

Veer slightly smiled seeing her care and sweetness, and Bani mirrored his smile within mere seconds. She was relieved to see him smiling and calming down at last. Soon she remembered his comment about her to leave him and go away and she narrowed her eyes at him.

B: *slightly annoyed* Aur ha, kya keh rehte tum last mein?! "Thappar mardo mujhe, keep slapping me until I... blah blah blah.."... Woh to fir bhi theek tha, par what was that?-"Mujhe chhodke chale jao, nahi to aur hurt hogi tum... Chale jaao, leave me..." and all those stupid things... Matlab, you really want me to go leaving you alone?!... *Veer looks down, tongue-tied*... Ha, ab nazre nahi milaye jaa rahe, hai na?! Kya hua, dekho meri taraf, kaho na, chahte ho main chali jau?!... Aisa pyaar karte ho ki mujhe chhodne ke liye bhi taiyyar ho?! *Veer tries to speak* Wait, don't give that idiotic dialogue of 'loving someone means letting her go for her happiness'... I am not going to take that nonsense right now... Hadd hai, how can you even say me to leave you and go away?!... *cutely* I am seriously offended with that line that you told at the end...

Veer found her annoyed complaint extremely cute, but nevertheless he ate up his smile and let her continue. But, Bani being Bani, she didn't fail to notice his smile even though he was looking down. She decided to take a revenge on him in a subtle away, and resumed her drama of being annoyed.
B: *trying to sound serious* Ek baat batao Veeranshu Singhania, main chali gayi to reh paoge tum mere bina?! *Veer nods sideways in denial* *Bani smiled inwardly as he looked very cute like that* Nahi reh paoge, okay... *maintaining her fake seriousness* Par tumne to kehdiya chale jaane ke liye... Theek hai fir, next time kuch bhi idhar udhar hua to kisiko bina bataye chali jaungi yaha se, tumhe pata bhi nahi chalega main kaha gayi hoon... Aur kabhi wapas bhi nahi aaungi... Dekh lena tum...

Veer instantly grabbed her from her waist and hugged her tightly, hiding his face in the crook of her neck. Bani smiled hugging him back. His breath fanned near her ear while he spoke in a serious yet bothered tone,
V: Don't you dare say that again... Main kahin nahi jaane dene wala hoon tumhe...

B: *chuckling* Ab aaye na line par... *patting on his back* Mujhse dur raha nahi jata, aur bada aaya "chhodke chale jao" kehne wala... Pagal aadmi...

They stayed in the hug for few minutes. Veer kept inhaling her fragrance and gained comfort by being in her embrace, whereas Bani felt his emotions and let him calm down his inner turmoil in his own way. She didn't utter a word, instead kept rubbing his back or played with his hairs. When she felt he was comfortable enough, she tried to break the hug, but Veer didn't let her move away from him. He held her tightly against him and nuzzled her neck.

B: *giggled feeling ticklish* Veeranshu stop it, your stubble is tickling me... *he stops nuzzling* *Bani tried to break the hug again, but he didn't allow* Arre, chhodo mujhe... *joking* Main kahin nahi jaane wali, pakka, chhodo ab...

V: *hugging her closely* Main jaane dunga hi nahi...

B: *smiling* Main jaungi bhi nahi... *in a teasing way* Ha par tumne agar woh baat firse kaha na, to tum dekh lo...

Veer moved back from the hug and looks at her with a sad yet offended look. Bani giggled seeing his cute expression and poked his nose with her index finger.
B: Mazak kar rahi thi buddhu...

V: *serious* Aise mazak mat kiya karo... Darr lag jaata hai...

B: *sincerely* Achha okay, nahi karungi...

V: *looking down* Hmmm...

Looking at his face, Bani understood that he was dtill not fully okay. Though he was comforted and relieved by her soothing words, but, somewhere the guilt was still there in his heart, which he was trying to get rid off. Something was stopping him from coming out of that guilt trip totally. She knew only she could help him to move on from that guilt. She sighed and kept an assuring hand on his shoulder.

B: *softly* Veeranshu, tum abhi bhi uss sab ke baare mein soch rahe ho!!.. The guilt is still there somewhere in your heart, hai na?!... *he remains quiet*... Veer, mujhe pata hai ki agar past mein jaana possible hota to tum past mein jaake sabkuch theek karke aate, *Veer looks up at her as she seemed to have clearly read his exact thoughts* I know you very well to be able to tell this about you... Agar ye possible hota to tum yahi karte, par khair, ye possible nahi hai, right!!.. *holding his hand* To past mein jeeke kya faida Veer?!... Hum past ko to badal nahi sakte, par hum present ko behtar bana sakte hai... Aj to tum udaas rehloge uss purane baat ko lekar, but jab hum aage badh jayenge aur purane dino ko yaad karenge, tab tumhe afsos hoga ki uss din mere paas mauka tha Bani ke saath samay bitaane ka, kaash main uss din udaas na rehke Bani ke saath wo pal enjoy kar raha hota aur kuch pyaari memories bana raha hota... Isliye keh rahi hoon, let bygones be bygones, ab unn baaton ko bhulke iss pal ka maza lo, iss pal ko suhana banao... *Veer listens to her words carefully*... Veer, hogayi na ab, bohot zyada repentance hogayi, humne baat karke sort bhi karliya, ab bas, tum apne andar ke guilt ko dil se bahar nikal do aur move on karo...*Veer blinks in understanding*... *Bani looks down remembering her own mistakes* Aur sach kahu to, galti to meri bhi bohot thi ye sab hone ke peeche...

V: *instantly trying to stop her* Nahi Bani, aisa nahi hai, please aisa mat socho.. Please ye sab mat bolo, please...

Bani understood that Veer was not ready to hear her apology because according to him, everything was his mistake. She left the matter like that as of now and thought to apologise to him later, when he would be ready to listen to her.

She cupped his face and pulled him closer, joining their foreheads together.
B: *sweetly* Theek hai, okay, main nahi soch rahi, tum bhi mat socho... *moving back and wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes* Bohot rona dhona aur emotional baatein hogayi aj, ab aur nahi... *looking at him distastefully* Ro roke kya haal bana diya hai tumne mere eklaute handsome husband ka...*Veer chuckles looking away, at her dramatic words*... *Bani smiling inwardly* Pura Devdas bana diya hai mere pati ko, and you know right, *Veer and Bani says together* You/I don't like Devdas... *they chuckle*... *patting on his hand* Ab jao, jaake apna huliya theek karo... Tum kahin jaane ka baat kar rahe the na?! *Veer nods instantly, recalling his plan* Ha to jao jaake jaldi se ready hojao... Main bhi jaati hoon aur ready ho jaati hoon...

Bani smiled at him and got up to go to the walk-in closet. She knew this was the best way to distract him from his wavering thoughts. Before walking away, she patted his shoulder and urged him to get ready soon.
B: *patting* Chalo chalo, jaldi jaake ready ho... Varna ekbar mera mood badal gaya to plan cancel ho jaani hai... Jao jaldi...

Veer nodded smiling, and Bani went to the walk-in closet. He kept looking at her retreating figure. Once she was gone, Veer looked down and wiped his face and exhaled a deep breath. He thought about the recent happenings and a smile automatically made a way to his face. "Meri kismat bohot achhi hai ki mujhe Bani jaisi biwi mili... The way she understands my emotions and comforts and assures me, no one else ever can...", he thought. He then remembered his words and sighed. "Bani sahi keh rahi thi, jo hogaya so hogaya, ab use bhulke mujhe aage badhna chahiye... Aise udaas rehne se kuch nahi hoga, instead I should get to work and try to make it up to her in the best way possible... Sweetheart, I will make sure you forget all those bitter memories and and enjoy these special moments with me... It's time to shower my love on you, which you deserve... Your handsome husband Veeranshu Singhania is back in action...". Smiling gladly, he stood up and went near the dressing table to take his mobile. He quickly called someone and made sure about the arrangements of the surprise date plan. He instructed them about the particulars that he wanted, and cut the call. Keeping the mobile in his pocket, he went towards his cupboard.

As soon as he opened the cupboard, he noticed the gift wrapped box kept there which Bani had sent to him through Daksh's hand. Sighing at his earlier stupidity, he took out the gift box and unwrapped it. He hurriedly opened it only to get the shock of his life. There was a red rose along with a sweet handwritten note, or to say, love letter according to Veer. He kept the box on the bed and picked up the rose and the letter. Happy tears pooled at the corner of his eyes along with a sweet smile on his lips, when he read the letter. It said:
Hi Sweetheart❤️,
I know that my husband is hot handsome charming and what not, and he looks good in every colour. But, I think black suits him the most, making him look devilishly hot and handsome😉. So, sending this black shirt and suit for him, specially selected by me. Can't wait to see my Gharwala in this outfit. Get ready in them and come meet me soon.. 143❤️
                                             -From
                                      your one and only
                                            Gharwali😚

He kissed the note and smiled sadly. He felt bad for not checking it earlier. Only if he had opened the gift and seen it in the office itself, none of the fiasco would happen. He sighed and kept the note safely in the drawer of his cupboard. Shrugging his thoughts, he checked the clothes that she had selected for him, and appreciated her choice. He picked up the box and went to the guest room to change into those clothes.

                *******************
Bani, on the other hand, got ready in a sexy red net saree. The saree had sequin works over it making it look shiny and shimmery. She had paired the saree with its matching red thin strapped blouse. The blouse had a sweetheart neckline and it was secured at the back with only a hook, giving a nice view of her back and also a peek at her cleavage. Overall, she was looking very beautiful. She quickly straightened her hair and left it open. She also changed her earrings into small golden studs, and wore a set of golden bangles on her right hand. She was giving a minimal touch of makeup when her mobile rang. She picked up her mobile, and saw that Shrads was calling. Knowing why she must be calling her at that time, she smiled and accepted the call.

B: Ha Shrads, bol...

SA: *excited* Main kya bolu, tu bol... Veer ko finally apni mann ki baat batayi?! Did he see the surprise?! How did he react?!...

B: *smiling* Yeah, I finally told him what I feel for him, and also gave him the surprise... He was too happy, almost khushi mein kud raha tha... *shyly* Aur abhi hum bahar jaane wale hai, usne kuch surprise plan kiya hai mere liye...

SA: *happy, teasing* Ohhhhoooo, itna kuch hogaya... Aye haaye Jaan, Veer to bada romantic nikla... Surprise date and all, huh?!...

B: *blushing* I don't know exactly... Main to filhaal ready ho rahi hoon abhi...

SA: Achha?! Dikha mujhe...

She sent a video call request and Bani accepted it in no time. She placed the mobile on the dressing table in the walk-in closet, and kept the call on speaker. Shraddha was very excited to see her look, but as soon as she saw her, her face fell.
SA: *scrunching her nose* Tu aise bahar jaane wali hai Veer ke saath?!...

B: Haa... *showing around* Iss mein kya problem hai?! *looking at herself in the mirror* Theek hi to lag rahi hai...

SA: *rolling her eyes* Bani, for God's sake, tu kisi aur ke saath nahi, apne khudke pati ke saath ek surprise date pe jaa rahi hain.. Sirf theek lagne se kuch nahi hoga, you need to look sexy and smoking hot... Aise ready ho ki Veer tujhse nazar hi na hata paaye...

B: *hiding her blush* Shut up, kuch bhi bolti hai...

SA: Kuch bhi nahi, facts bol rahi hoon... Ab chal, main jaisa jaisa keh rahi hoon waisa waisa kar... Let me make you look sexy in this saree... *proudly clicking her fingers to show magic*

B: *unsure* Arre but

SA: *threatening tone* Dekh, yaa to tu mere kehne pe ready ho, nahi to main call kaat rahi hoon...

B: *defeated sigh* Ok fine... Bol kya karni hai...

Shraddha smirked inwardly as her plan succeeded. She made Bani adjust her pallu in a way that half of her belly and her neckline was visible, and also made her change the golden studs into dangling golden earrings with red beads at the end. She also forced her into applying winged eyeliner on her eyes and some nude touchup on her face. On Bani's request, she let her go away with not wearing anything on her neck except her Mangalsutra. She kind of blackmailed her emotionally and made her wear a green bindi, and also, most importantly, a dark red lipstick, the colour that Bani hated to apply on her lips.

Finally, after 20 minutes of constant pestering and unwanted struggles, Bani was ready in the look that Shraddha wanted her to be in. Shraddha looked at her gladly, happy with her successful experiment. But, Bani stared at the mirror with a not-so-impressed expression on her face.

B: *doubtful* Shraddha, ye kuch zyada nahi lag raha?! This is not how I dress usually...

SA: *jumping out of her seat* Exactlyy Jaaaan, that's my whole point... You are not supposed to look the same like you look on usual days, you are supposed to look different today... Tu date pe jaa rahi hai apne pati ke saath, thoda saajna sawarna to banta hai... *wink*

B: *unconvinced* Par, fir bhi.... *Shraddha glares and she changes the topic* Umm, I mean, ye laal lipstick lagana zaruri tha kya?!... It's too much red!!...

SA: *rolling her eyes* Not at all, it's perfect!! This colour goes perfect with your outfit... *Bani hesitates, and she scowls at her* Bani, drama bandh kar... I am telling you, tu bohot gorgeous dikh rahi hai.. Now go and meet Veer, I am sure he will be spellbound seeing you... Ahm ahm... *teasing glance*.... Jaa jaaa, jaake mil apne saiyyan se...

B: *sitting on the stool uncomfortably* Yaar, main nahi jaa sakti aise... This is so not me...

SA: *fake annoyed* Okay fine, jo karna hai kar... Tujhe jaise jana hai jaa... Ab to tujhe mere baat pe vishwas nahi hai na, jo tujhe sahi laage tu wahi kar le... Maine to aise hi fashion designing and MUA ka course kiya hai, I don't know anything... Anyways, main call kaat rahi hoon, bye...

B: *trying to manage the situation* Shrads, Babe wait... *defeated sigh* Achha okaayyy, theek hai, main aise hi jaungi... I know you are the best, but main khud ko lekar under-confident thi... Par, tu keh rahi hai to aise hi jaungi... Tu gussa nahi hai na?! *Shraddha smiles mischievously*... *widening her eyes* Shrads, you were bloody fooling me?! I hate you idiot...

SA: *cutely* No you love me, I know... Ab jaa, Veer bechara wait karte karte sogaya hoga... Bhaag jaldi...

B: *getting up and adjusting her pleats* Ha ha jaa rahi hoon... Bye... Wait, *awkward smile* main sach mein theek lag rahi hoon, right?!...

SA: *dramatic sigh* Haaa meri maa, tu ekdam bomb lag rahi hai... Ab jaaa... Aur ha, *teasing smirk* enjoyyyyyy, ahm ahm...

B: *glaring to hide her blush* Shut up... Byee...

SA: *smile* Bubyee....

Bani disconnected the call and smiled thinking about ther crazy best friend. She checked herself in the mirror for one last time, and went out towards their room.

                 *******************
In the meantime, Veer changed into the shirt and the suit set gifted by Bani. He came back to their room, and when he saw that his wife was still inside the walk-in closet getting ready, he quickly went to the guest room and brought their picture frame from there. He came back and hung it on the backdrop of the room, beside their giant picture on the wall. He smiled caressing the picture. He then went downstairs and drove his car from the garage to the main entrance. Parking the car right in front of the main gate, he went back inside. He also called Daksh in between, letting him know that they would be going out for the night and won't return before tomorrow, and hence told them to come back from their flat.

Veer was in the hall, scrolling through his mobile, when Bani came down. Hearing her footsteps, he turned to look at her. The time just seemed to stop for him the moment his eyes landed on her. He was totally awestruck seeing her in that red saree. She was dressed up like this in front of him for the first time, and that blew his mind. According to him, she looked absolutely stunning and breathtaking. He had almost forgotten to blink after seeing her. His breath was stuck in his throat while he continued staring at her from head to toe. It was like a dream sequence for him. He kept checking her out shamelessly forgetting the fact that she was actually standing in front of him since the last 2 minutes and also that they were supposed to go out. To be precise, he was lost in the moment.

Bani felt him gawking at her constantly and looked down. While coming down, she had noticed him wearing the suit given by her and looking handsome as expected, and thus she was super happy from inside. Along with that, his stares were doing no help but only making her blush even more. She realised that Shrads's prediction was indeed correct, Veer couldn't move his eyes away from her. She kept standing there, her face lowered in shyness. She thought that he would come towards her and give her a compliment. But, when he didn't come even after few seconds, she looked up and found him standing at the same place in the same exact way. He was in a daze it seemed. She giggled inwardly and took small steps towards him, smiling slightly.

Veer saw her coming towards him. His trance broke and a charming smile automatically came on his face. He also started walking towards her, and she stopped in her tracks. He came close to her and bent towards her in such a way that his face was now near her neck. He slowly whispered in her ear,
V: *smirk* Keher lag rahi ho Sweetheart... Maarne ka iraada hai kya?!...

Bani blushed and he moved away smirking.
V: *clearing his throat* Sach keh raha hoon, koi aj bohot hi hot, sizzling, stunning, gorgeous, beautiful, aur sexy lag rahi hai... Actually aur bhi hai, umm...*thinking of other compliments* marvelous, breathtaking...

B: *giggling while blushing* Bas bas, samajh gayi main... *moving the hair strand behind her ear*...

Veer chuckled and suddenly pulled her closer from her waist. She collided with his hard chest and looked at him with widened eyes, startled by his action. He smirked seeing her baffled expressions.
V: *playing with her side hair strands* Waiseee, *huskily* are these black clothes enhancing my devilishly hot and handsome looks, just how my wife wanted it to be like?!...*wink*

Hearing his words, Bani inhaled a large amount of air all of a sudden and choked on her breath. Veer patted her upper back continuously until she finally seemed to calm down. Once she was back to normal, he hugged her lightly and his breath hitched for a second seeing her exposed back. He controlled his diverting thoughts and concentrated on what he was about to say. He patted on her back to gain her attention.

V: *with a mischievous smile* Shant Sweetheart shant, theek hai, main hot lag raha hoon samajh gaya... Ise jatane ke liye tum mere hotness ko dekhke aise choke mat karo... *touching her back sensually* Hot to tum bhi kam nahi lag rahi ho... Matlab, humesha lagti ho, par aj kuch jyada hi hot and spicy dikh rahi ho... Like a laal tikhi mirchi, ufff... *pinching her waist*

Bani instantly moved back from the hug, and glared at him to hide her blush. Veer chuckled at her unsuccessful attempts. He quickly pulled her cheek while winking at her. She swatted off his hand and looked away blushing. Veer saw the time and realised that they were getting late for the date. Also, Daksh Ponky Puchki would be coming soon, and if they saw them like that, they would leave no stones unturned to tease them. He wanted to go out before they returned. He turned towards Bani and reminded her about the plan.

V: Uh Bani, ab na hume late ho raha hai, aur mujhe bohot bhook bhi lag raha hai... So, let's go... *holding her hand*

In a flash, it crossed Bani's mind that she had totally forgotten about the food part of her surprise plan. She had specially made his favourite dishes and also ordered his favourite dessert for the dinner, and amidst the chaos, she had managed to forget all those. Alas, the blunder was already done. She already agreed to go out with Veer and spend the rest of the day according to his plans. She cursed herself and thought to coax Veer into changing his plans. But before she could tell anything, Veer started walking towards the entrance, pulling her along with him. Nevertheless, she tried to stop him once.

B: *sweetly* Veeranshu, ek baat suno...

V: *walking out with her* Nahi, abhi koi baat nahi, baad mein sununga... *swaying their entwined hands excitedly* Tum ab chalo mere saath... Chalo chalo...

Bani laughed silently. She did not have the heart to stop him anymore after seeing his child-like excitement. But, since she had planned to surprise him with his favourite dishes, she wanted to have the dinner at home before leaving, and if not dinner, atleast the dessert that she ordered. She decided to try for one last time.

B: Veeranshu, suno to...

V: *nodding sideways* Na nah nahh... Chalo chalo, tum chalo... *pulling her impatiently and walking out of the entrance*

B: *smiling at his impatience* Veeranshu.. Kya kar kya rahe ho tum, please mujhe bataoge?!..

Veeranshu stopped and pulled her near to face her.
V: *husky voice* Apne patni ko dinner date pe leke jaa raha hoon... *picked her up in bridal style and twirled her around happily*

B: *startled by his actions* Aaahh... *holding on to him properly and giggling* Veeranshu lekin khana ghar pe bana hai, tum pagal ho gaye ho....

V: *keeping her down on her feet* Mera mann kar raha hai bahar jaane ka aur main nahi chahta ki wo teen chipk.. *he stops abruptly*

B: *fake sternly* Veeranshu...

V: *rolling his eyes* *acting sarcastic* Teeno mahaan chipkus humare beech mein aaye...

She hid her smile while playing with her hair. She had never seen this romantic possessive side of Veer. This side of him was new to her, and she kinda liked it. She felt it was cute.

V: *lovingly* Mera mood hai romance karne ka, aur main nahi chahta ki koi *holding her hands* teesra, humare beech mein aaye... *shrugging her shoulders* Hmm?!! Hmm... Ab chale...

She was about to speak, but he walked pulling her towards the car.
B: *trying to convince* But e-ek minute... *He stops and she goes to stand in front of him* Tumne time dekha hai?!...

V: *pulling her closer from waist* Tum sirf mujhe dekho Sweetheart... Boyfriend nahi, pati hoon... *shushing her* Sirf romance...

Seeing his utter excitement and determined plan, she decided to let go of her dinner surprise. She thought to offer him the dessert the next day, as it was safely kept in the fridge. She smiled defeatedly at him, giving in to his urgency.

V: *smiling back* Let's go...

He hurriedly took her to the car and made her sit in the passenger seat. He locked the door and went towards the other side. He sat in the driver seat, and once they both fastened the seat belts, he drove away towards their destination.

                ********************
Throughout the journey, Veer and Bani kept stealing glances of each other. Though they were silent, but their eyes were doing the talking. Veer had a winning smirk on his face noticing her short staring sessions, while Bani had blushy cheeks and a sweet shy smile on her lips. Unable to take the tension inside the car, Bani quickly opened the window and let some fresh air come in. She focused on the outside view and enjoyed the cold monsoon wind. Veer thought that she would soon again look back at him, but when she didn't, he felt ignored. He tried to initiate a conversation with her for the first time since they were inside the car.

V: Waise Sweetheart, *she turned to look at him* tum puchhoge nahi ke hum jaa kaha rahe hai?!...

B: *smile* Nahi... Kyunki mujhe pata hai tum kahin achhe jagah pe hi leke jaoge mujhe...

V: *impressed* Woah, itna confidence mujhpe?!... I like it... *wink at her*

Bani blushed and looked outside again. Veer frowned glancing at her from the corner of his eyes. The car stopped at the signal, and he tapped on the steering wheel impatiently. He waited for her to turn, but then whined seeing her not giving him any attention.
V: *whining* Yaaar Bani, this is not done... *she instantly turned and looked at him questioningly* Tumhare bagal mein ek itna hot handsome banda baitha huya hai, aur tum ho ki use bhav na deke bahar ka nazara enjoy kar rahe ho... Ye kaisi baat huyi?!...

B: *chuckling silently* Bahar ka nazara zyada achha lag raha hai.. *he gapes in shock, and she smiles inwardly* Aur fir, main agar tumhe dekhte rahoon to tumhe driving pe focus karne mein bhi problem ho sakta hai... Bas isliye bahar dekh rahi hoon...

V: *smirks* Ohhh achhaa, nahi nahi mujhe bilkul problem nahi hoga... Tum jitna chaahe taadlo mujhe, I am totally okay with it... Jo chaahe kar sakte ho mere saath, I will cooperate... *wink mischievously*

Bani opened and closed her mouth in shock, hearing his double meaning words. She noticed that the signal had turned green, and diverted the topic.
B: *showing him the green signal* Chupchap gadi chalane pe dhyaan do tum... *closing her eyes leaning back, and muttering softly* Besharam...

Veer saw her flushed face, and gave his signature laugh. He restarted the engine and drove the car towards the destined location.

                ********************
They reached the location within half an hour, much earlier than expected, as the highway was emptier than usual. Before entering through the main gate of the open air resorts, Veer stopped his car at a side and came out of the car. He told Bani to wait inside the car and he would come back within few seconds. He picked up some packets from the backseat, about which Bani had no idea until he took them out, and went to a far corner. A man was waiting there for him. Veer handed the packets to him and instructed him about few things, after which the man nodded and went inside. Veer came back to the car and smiled at Bani. She didn't ask him about the matter further, because she guessed it was something related to his plan. He sat inside and drove the car inside the main resorts arena.

Veer parked the car at a secluded spot. Coming out of the car, he quickly went to her side and held the car door open for her. He extended his hand towards her like a gentleman. Bni smiled at his sweet gestures and stepped out of the car holding his hand. He closed the door behind them and took her through a long passageway, their hands still intertwined. They reached a dark place covered with giant walls, which was actually a open area space for ceremonies or personal celebratory bookings. They switched on the torches on their mobiles to see the way in front. Veer slowly entered inside and helped Bani to enter in along. They pointed the torch at each other's face and Veer smiled widely at her.

Bani was a little scared due to the pitch dark surroundings. She moved a litte closer to him, and asked him in an unsure tone,
B: Veeranshu hum, *looking around* hum kahan aagaye hai?!...

V: *excited smirk* Surprise surprise Gharwali... *holding her hand securely* Aao...

Veeranshu and Bani went forward together. Veer kept looking at her, while she was busy looking around trying to figure out what he had planned. Veer stopped reaching the campfire place. He switched off the torch and kept the mobile back in his pocket. Bani looked at him, waiting for his next action. He took out a matchbox from his pocket, and lit the fireplace.

B: *turning off the torch and smiling gladly* Ohhh... Campfire... Nice, achha hai...

Veer mirrored her smile and looked around, impressed by his own plans. Bani also looked around being confused. She moved closer to him and finally asked him why they were at such a weird place.
B: *unsure smile* Par, hum iss khandar pe kyun?!...

V: *instantly turning towards her, baffled at her words* Khandar??...

He looked at her expression and understood what was going on in her mind. He decided to play with her a little, and acted along.
V: *looking away covering his face being shocked* Ohhh... *looking at her seriously* Bani, I am so sorry, *looking around* main shayad tumhe galat... *stopped and facing her with realistic expressions* Sab barbaad hogaya... *sadly* I am so sorry Bani... Ye khandar, mujhe pata hi nahi tha... *going back slowly* I am so sorry, tchh...

Bani looked around and looked in front, trying to think what they can do. She felt bad for Veer and thought that he really had brought her to a wrong place. In between, she failed to notice that Veer had started moving back and was no more beside him.

B: *trying to look for something* Ah, uhh, koi, *assuring him* Veeranshu koi nahi, hum ghar wapas chal sakte hai...

Veer smiled when he saw her diverted. He silently took out the remote from his coat pocket and turned on the lights of the tent. Bani fell silent seeing the place lighting up one by one. She was totally surprised seeing the magnificent decoration. He kept turning on all the lights one after another, surprising her each moment. There was a tent at a far distance, white curtains hanging at its entrance. In front of it was a table for two, with two chairs, and there was a bouquet of red roses, candles and a champagne bottle and ice tub along with two glasses arranged on the table nicely. The whole area was decorated with fairy lights and small fire lights were placed in a line on both sides.

Bani kept looking at the decorations, surprise and wonder clearly visible on her face. Veer noticed her expressions and gladly came towards her.
V: *whispering near her shoulder* To kya tumhe abbhi ghar jaana hai Gharwali?!...

B: *smiling wholeheartedly* *nodding sideways* Nahi...

Veer smiled nodding once, and forwarded his hand towards her. She kept her hand on his almost instantly.

They crossed the fireplace from either side holding hands, and went towards the table.

V: Tumhe kya laga, main sachmuch tumhe khandar mein lekar aaunga?!... *self-praising* Waise tumhara pati kisi bhi khandar ko romantic jagah mein badal sakta hai... *reaching the table and turning to face her* Iss nacheez ko kabhi aasmake to dekho... *bowing down with one hand dramatically*

Bani smiled at his drama. Veer kept the remote on the table and suddenly pulled her closer and held her from the waist with his other hand. They looked at each other with so much love.

V: *playing with her fingers* Tumhe pata hai, ye *looking around* ye lights, champagne, ye sajawat maine kiske liye kiya hai?!... *looking at her lovingly and softly speaking* Sirf tumhare liye...

Bani blushed while smiling and bent towards him. His nose touched her forehead, and he smiled seeing her shyness.

They stayed like that for few seconds, until Veer realised that they should have their dinner now as it was already late and the food might get cold. He moved back and she looked at him with a shy smile.

V: *smiling* Chalo Sweetheart, ab pehle dinner kar lete hai, theek hai?!... Mujhe to bohot bhook lag rahi hai...

B: *impatiently* Ha ha, bilkul...

Getting her instant approval, Veer went and started arranging the table for their dinner. He picked out the plates and cutleries and also the food trays and began serving for her in one plate, while she continued speaking.

B: *talking in motion* Mujhe bhi bohot zoro ki bhook lagi hai... Itna kaam ke beech khaane ke baare mein yaad hi nahi raha.. *touching her stomach* Aur jaldbaazi mein lunch karna bhi bhul gayi ma- *realising her slip of tongue and becoming quiet*....

Veer paused what he was doing, and turned to look at her in disbelief. She glanced at Veer for the corner of her eyes, and bit her tongue in regret realising that he had heard that already. She looked here and there to behave casual and acted as if nothing had happened. Veer rolled his eyes at her poor covering up skills, and gave her a strict glare.

V: *sternly* Bani...

B: *not looking at him to avoid his looks and upcoming set of questions* Haa?! *trying to normalise the situation* Kuch help karu?!... Do main serve kar deti hoon.... *going to take the food bowl*

V: *moving the bowl away* Bani, you didn't have your lunch?! Like seriously...

B: *making a cute face with puppy eyes* Veer, galti se hogayi... Chhodo na, kuch nahi hota...

V: *strict tone* Nahi, galti se hogayi, aise galti kaise hoti hai Bani?! Khana khaana bhul gaye tum, wowww!!... *Bani tries to pull the cutest look, and he closes his eyes* No, don't make that face, I am not gonna melt at that.... *scolding* Aur, kuch nahi hota matlab kya?! Bohot kuch hota hai okay... Apna khayal rakha karo tum... Why would you skip meals like that?! This is not at all acceptable Sweetheart... How can you just not have your lunch?!...

B: *defending herself* Arre jaan bujhke nahi kiya maine... *narrowing her eyes at him remembering something* And, look who's saying... Tum mujhe gyaan de rahe ho, aur kal jo tumne meals skip kiye, uska kya?!... *Veer gulps realising*... Maine to sirf aj lunch skip kiya, wo bhi galti se... Aur tum kal se breakfast, lunch sab skip kar rahe ho, aur shayad aj bhi lunch nahi karte agar maine Daksh se kehke tumhe forcefully nahi khilaya hota... *murmuring* Huh, khud wahi cheez karta hai, aur bada aaya mujhe bolne wala...

V: *tongue-tied* Uh-umm, *trying to manage* achha jo hogaya so hogaya, leave it... Let's concentrate on the dinner now...

Saying this, he resumed serving. She huffed and looked away, smiling inwardly at her success of finally ending this topic. After few seconds, she looked back at the table and found that everything that he had served on her plate were her favourite. She looked at him with surprise only to find him smiling at her.

V: *like a waiter* Ma'am, your favourite Masala kulcha, Paneer butter masala, and Mughlai chicken along with the kebab platter on the side is here... *bow down*

B: *giggling* Thanks a lot... *stepping closer to him* But, on a serious note, I can't believe you did this... You literally managed to arrange my most favourite dishes for our date today... This is so sweet of you, Veeranshu...  *heartwarming smile*

V: *nodding sideways casually* Not a big deal... Par, *bending towards her face* tum jab Veeranshu ka Veer karte ho na, to zyada achha lagta hain.. *flicking her nose and winking*

Bani blushed at his comment, and he moved back smiling. She thought to reply back to him.
B: *in the same tone as him* Waise, same goes to you too... I am not complaining, but, tum jab Sweetheart ya Gharwali kehke bulate ho to Bani se behtar sound karta hai... *looking sideways, trying to hide her blushy smirk*

V: *raising his one eyebrow being impressed* Ohhh, ohhhh, achhaaa?!... *pulling her closer from her waist* To aisi baat hai?! *making her look at him* Meri biwi ko mere muh se Gharwali ya Sweetheart sunna zyada pasand hai?! *teasing smirk* Achhaa, okayyy, main khayal rakhunga iss baat ka, ab se...

Bani looked down blushing profusely, unable to bear the teasings. Veer chuckled seeing her red cheeks and shy looks. He decided not to tease her anymore, and left her. He went and pulled the chair for her, and asked her to sit.

V: Chalo, ab baitho aur khana khao...

B: *finding his plate empty* Arre, but tumne to apne plate mein serve hi nahi kiya... Wait, let me serve for you...

V: *Nahi, koi zarurat nahi hai... *forcefully making her sit* Tum baitho chupchap...

B: *looking at him confusedly* Tum nahi khaoge mere saath baithke?!... *adamant* Dekho, main akele nahi khaane wali... Tum bhi khana lo apne plate mein, aur mere saath khaane baitho...

V: *laughing at her cute adamant demand* Sweetheart, date pe aake hum alag alag thori khayenge?!... Obviously ek saath hi khaayenge... *slapping on her back lightly* Jhalli... *she frowns cutely and he chuckles* Wo kya hai na, mujhe actually ye sab khaane ka mann nahi hai... Isliye tumhe pehle serve kar diya...

B: *understanding* Ohhh... *sadly exclaiming* To tum aisa kuch arrange sakte the jo tum khana chahte ho!!... Mere liye alag se sirf meri favourites order karne ki kya zarurat thi??!...

V: *smiling inwardly, knowing that she would ask him this* Arre aise kaise?!... Main kaise order nahi karta tumhari favourite dishes, ye to mujhe karna hi tha... *blinking assuringly at her*

B: *finding a solution* Ok, par then tum bhi apne pasand ka kuch order kar do...

V: *smiling on his own* Mujhe apne liye kuch order karne ki zarurat nahi hai, kyunkiiiii *bending down and taking out the packed tiffin box from under the table* meri biwi ne mere liye aj specially mere saare favourite dishes banwaye the... *serving the food in his plate* To main wo chhodke kuch aur kaise khau?!...

Veer glanced at her and winked. To say that Bani was surprised would be an understatement. She was absolutely stunned seeing the tiffin box there, it was the same tiffin box that she had packed for him for lunch and he had sent back with the driver. Her heart fluttered realising that he took care of such a small matter and even brought it here with them just so as to not let any of her efforts go in vain. She looked at him emotionally, feeling so happy and blessed. Tears of guilt pooled in her eyes, remembering how much her behaviour had hurt him in the last few days, and still he was doing all this forgetting everything. He understood what she must be feeling inside and smiled at her comfortingly. Quickly serving the warm food in his plate, he dragged the chair and sat right beside her.

Bani kept staring at him without blinking. Veer chuckled and caressed her cheek with his thumb.
V: *playfully* Baad mein jitna marzi dekh lena mujhe... Abhi khana khaa le?!...

Bani smiled and looked down at her plate, blinking away her tears. She wiped her hands with the handkerchief present there, and was about to start eating, when Veer suddenly held her hand stopping her and pulled the plate towards himself.
V: Uhh, aise nahi... Main aj khud tumhe apne haathon se khila dunga, *emphasizing lovingly* Sweethearttt....

Bani looked at him, and the tears that she was battling away till now rolled down her cheeks. Veer saw that and got confused, worried, and what not. He wiped her tears and made her look at him properly.
V: *holding her hand* Sweetheart, tum ro rahe ho?! Kya hua?!?!...

B: *pressing his hand* Veer, I am sorry for being so mean with you since the last few days... Maine jo kiya uske pichhe bhale hi ek wajah thi, par fir bhi, wo sahi nahi tha...

V: *sighing* Bani, baat hogayi thi na khatam, tum phir uss baat ko lekar kyun soch rahe ho?!... You were not at all mean, rather you were being a little bossy and hard to get, and it was nice now that I think of it *wink*...You don't need to be sorry at all, Gharwali...

B: *sniff* Nahi Veer, mujhe bolne do... Maine tumhare saath bohot bura bartav kiya aur apne feelings ko maanne se inkaar kiya, jo mujhe nahi karni chahiye thi...

V: *putting finger on her lips* Ssshh... *gentle tone* Can we not talk about all these right now, please?!... Ye sab baatein karne se hum dono ka mood bigar jayega, aur ye taiyyari, ye plan, sab barbaad ho jayega... So let's not talk about it... *sweetly* Aur fir, kisine aj hi mujhse kaha hai, ki jo beet gaya uske baare mein na sochke hume aane wale pal ko enjoy karna chahiye... Aur jisne ye baat mujhse kahi hai, wo mere dil ke bohot zyada kareeb hai, isliye main kisi bhi keemat par uski iss baat ko taal nahi sakta... Samjhe?! *Bani smiles*... Hume iss haseen lamhe ko khulke jeena chahiye, hai na?!... *she nods slightly*... *in his own unique 'Punjabi munda' style* To iss gall te hun tuci mitti pao ji, te hun tuci bas khaana khao ji...

Veer tore a piece of masala kulcha, dipped it in the paneer curry, and made her eat that. Bani smiled at his fluent Punjabi accent and words, and wiped her own tears. He tried to uplift her mood by teasing and irritating her.

V: *offering her his handkerchief* Ha, jaldi se apni aansu pocho... Aur tum na *pointing at her face* ai-aise, aise roya mat karo tum... Ek to tumne aj makeup kiya hai, ab tum rone lage to ye sara makeup kharab ho jayega, aur fir humara ye romantic date haunted date ban jayega...

Bani pushed him away smiling irritatedly and he gave his signature laugh. He fed her another bite and himself ate a spoonful of the jeera rice and malai chicken curry. She kept looking at him, waiting for his reaction. He relished the taste of the food and his expression changed to that of pleased and happy.

V: *impressed* Mmmm... Chetan Kaka ke haathon mein jaadu hain... He is the best... *giving a kiss in air*

B: *giggled inwardly, and then doing fake drama* Oh, sirf Chetan kaka best hai, aur maine jo ye sab banane ko kaha?! Main kuch nahi?!...

V: *joining in her playfulness* Arre, maine aisa kab kaha?!... Tumhare saath kisiki comparison hi nahi ho sakti... Tum to absolute bestestestest ho, meri Jaan...

Bani blushed hearing "meri Jaan" from his mouth, and looked down. He noticed that and bent towards her.
V: *whispering in a teasing way* Kyun, maine kuch galat kaha kya, meriiii Jaaaaan?!...

B: *trying to hide her profuse blush* Tum, *putting a spoonful of food in his mouth to shut him up* tum chupchap khana khao aur mujhe khilao, samjhe na!!...

Veer chuckled, and when Bani glared, nodded like a obedient boy. He fed her and she fed him, and like this they had their dinner.

                ********************
After their dinner, Veer kept the plates and cutleries under the table. Bani was about to stand up but he made her sit back again.
V: Kya, kaha uthke jaa rahi ho?! Ruko, sirf dinner hua, abhi bhi dessert baaki hai...

She nodded and sat, waiting for him to present the dessert. He took out a large packet from under the table, and when he picked out the paper box from the packet, it startled her. She was getting one surprises after another on the same day. It was the same box of the Tiramisu Trifles that Bani had ordered from the best confectionary store in Mumbai, specially for him. She looked at him , totally surprised and baffled at the same time. Veer smiled seeing her face, and winked at her.

V: *while opening the box* Kya laga Gharwali, main itni asani se tumhare plans ko bigar jaane dunga?! Bilkul bhi nahi... Tumne mere liye mere favourite Tiramisu Trifles mangwaye the, aur main use ghar par chhodke yaha date pe aa jau, not possible...

B: *baffled* Par... T-tumhe kaise pata chala?!...

V: *smiling* Calm down, have patience Gharwali... Batata hoon... To suno...
~Flashback~
~~After parking the car in front of the main gate, Veer went inside. He directly went to the kitchen to drink some water as he was feeling thirsty. He opened the fridge to take out a bottle of cold water, and that's when his eyes landed on the paper box and the packed tiffin box. He recalled that she had sent lunch for him which he had returned back. He wanted to see what she had sent and also what was there in that paper box, and thus he took them out from the fridge. He checked the boxes and realised that she had made his favourite dishes and also ordered his favourite dessert to make him feel special, but still she agreed to go on a date leaving all her plans just for his happiness. He decided to surprise her back and carried them to the car and kept them safely in the back seat.
When they reached the resorts, Veer went and handed those boxes to that man and told him to heat the food in the tiffin boxes, and keep the dessert box in a cool place. As instructed, the staffs heated the food and kept it under the table along with the other food items and also kept the dessert box on an ice tray so as to keep it cool.~~

Bani was stunned seeing his expertise planning. She smiled emotionally and walked up to him. Snatching the box from his hand, she started opening it.
V: *baffled* Oye, kya?!... Main kar raha tha na!!.. *getting a look from her* Oukaaayyy, all yours Madam..

Bani smiled inwardly and took out one Tiramisu Trifles cup from the box. She also took out a wooden spoon and kept it inside the cup. Picking up a spoonful, she held it near his mouth. He smiled at her and took the first bite. Though he was delighted to wat it at first, but then his expression changed. Bani raised her eyebrows questioningly at him.

V: *doubtful* Ye kuch zyada sweet nahi hai?!..

B: *not understanding* Hein?! Wait... *she ate a bite and found it perfect* Nahi to!! Perfect hi to hai...

V: Achha?! *starting to smile* Oh, tumne aone haathon se khilaya, shayad uss wajah se zyada sweet laga... *smug smile*

B: *rolling her eyes blushing* Cliché, cliché move... *eating a bite*

V: *chuckle* Dekho, fir bhi tum blush kar rahi ho... *self-praising* Veeranshu Singhania ka charm hi kuch aisa hai, cliché harkaton ko bhi romantic bana hi deta hai...

B: *hiding her smile* Ha ha theek hai, zyada udo mat... *holding a spoonful in front of him* Ye lo, khao...

Veer held her hand and ate from her hand. She smiled and fed him the rest, and then ate herself from the other cup, thought he took share from that cup as well.

                *********************
Once they were done, they kept the empty packets and used utensils under the table. Bani suddenly came and hugged him, and he instantly hugged her back. They stayed like that for sometime, no words spoken but lots of emotions shared. Then slowly, Veer moved back. He picked up the bottle of champagne from the ice tub and tore the aluminium seal. Bani saw the brand of the champagne and realised that it had a high alcohol content and she had gotten drunk after having only one or two sips at a party once. She smiled awkwardly, not sure whether to drink it or not.

B: Veer.. *pointing at the bottle* Main ye, nahi...

Veer kept smiling and continued his work, ignoring her words completely.
She tried to tell it to him once more.
B: *making a face* Main ye nahi...

Veer, to stop her from speaking, suddenly played the music with the help of the remote. She got startled and looked at the direction where the music was playing.

She turned back and concentrated on what she was telling him, while he loosened the plastic cap of the champagne bottle.
B: Veer, main na, main ye champagne peeti nahi hoon kyunki mujhe ek hi ghoont mein chad jaati...

She stopped midway, realising that he wasn't paying attention to her words. He kept the plastic cap on the table and turned towards the open area. He popped the cork and the showered the bubbly foam with his thumb like an expert. Bani stumbled back and looked at it with delight.

Once the shower ended, he turned to pour it in the glasses. She tried to tell him the fact for one last time.

B: *in a high pitched voice* Veeranshu please meri baat suno, mujhe ye ek hi ghoont mein chad jaati hai, *he intentionally turned off the music to have some fun at her expense* main ye nahi pee sakti, mujhe ek hi ghoont mein chad...

She stopped abruptly and looked back, realising that he had already turned off the music. He continued pouring the champagne in a glass, eating up his laughter. She glanced at him from the corner of his eyes, and stood their quietly, embarrassed because of her stupidity.

He kept the bottle on the table and finally looked at her in a while. She seemed unsure about drinking the champagne.
V: Sahi kaha tumne... *coming towards her* Ek ghoont mein chad jaati hai na, *in a convincing manner* to sirf ek hi ghoont peeo... *blink* Comeon...

He handed her the glass and went back. Pouring the champagne in another glass for himself, he again came and clinked their glasses together.
V: Cheers...

He was about to drink from his glass when he saw her looking at the glass doubtfully. She looked at him after thinking a lot and nodded in a no. He sighed and walked closer to her.
V: Comeon Gharwali, *assuring smile* tum safe ho mere saath, bilkul safe... *clinking their glasses again and nodding cutely* Ek ghoont...

She gave in to his demands and held the glass near her mouth. He saw that and drank from the glass, smiling inwardly. She closed her eyes and took a sip, and instantly opened her eyes gulping it down. She gave her an annoyed look, and he finally laughed out loud unable to put on his act anymore.

B: *frown* Ye non-alcoholic champagne tha aur tumne mujhe bataya bhi nahi... *he laughed looking at her* It's not funny Mr. Singhania...

He stopped laughing, walked up to her, and pulled her closer, his signature grin constant on his face.
V: *pinching her nose* It is funny, angry bird... *trying to sound serious* Aur ye Mr. Singhania kya hai?!... *grinning again* It's only Veer or Cutu for you today... *whispering huskily* Or better, you can call me Hottie... *wink*

B: *trying to hide her blush and pushing him* Hato... *He holds tightly and she tries to come out of her grip* Chhodo Veer...

V: *denying* Nahi, nahi chhodunga... *she glares and he laughs* Main darne nahi wala hoon inn jhute mute gusse se... *thinking something* Achha okay, chhod sakta hoon, par ek condition pe... Tumhe ye champagne ek hi ghoont mein pura pee jaana parega... *smirk* Ready?!..

She shook her head at his drama, and drank the whole content of the glass in one go. The bitterness hit her throat and she shut her eyes closed because of that sudden weird feeling. In the meantime, he slowly left her and took the glas from her hand. When she opened her eyes, Veer was not in front of her. She turned and found him standing right behind her, holding a rose between his teeth. Why he told her to chug the champagne down at once, now made sense to her. She smiled at this romantic gesture of his and turned to see what he does next. He slowly started coming closer to her with a constant stare. Their lips were almost meeting when she suddenly turned around, feeling all shy and giddy.

He smirked and came in front of her, and sat down on one knee. He extended his arms for her. His intense gaze was not averting from her for even once, making her blush profusely. Unlike the other days, today his gaze reflected love mixed with desire for her, and that made her feel things. Only Veer could make her lose all her confidence and become all timid and shy in a moment, just by gazing at her. She kept looking at him, and frequently looked down to control her overwhelming feelings and emotions.

Bani gathered some confidence and went towards him. She bent down to his level and tried to take the rose from his mouth. But a small thorn on the rose stem pricked her finger, and she withdrew her hand wincing, resulting the rose to fall down. He saw that and stood up, quickly picking up the rose and keeping it safely in his suit pocket on the inner side in between, and then went to check on her finger. He held her hand with concern and sucked the finger where the thorn had supposedly pricked. Mistakenly, his other hand touched the remote, and a song started playing in the background. He looked at her intensely while kissing on her fingers, and she looked back with the same desires in her eyes.

Their eyes met, and the sparks ignited. The music created the perfect ambience, as if giving them the cue to express themselves. The beats played and Veer pulled her in his embrace, ready for a dance as the song started.

Dhaage tod lao chandni se noor ke..
(They swayed softly along with the music)
Ghunghat hi banalo roshni se noor ke..
(Veer took her in a back hug and suddenly twirled her away. But he held on to her hands, resulting her to face him from there)
Oooo...
Dhaage tod lao chandni se noor ke..
Ghunghat hi banalo roshni se noor ke..
(He pulled her, and she came twirling in his arms, going back to the backhug position. He softly touched her right hand with his left hand, starting from the elbow and going down. Her breath hitched at the sensation)
Sharma gayi to, aagosh mein lo..
Haa, saanson se uljhi rahe meri saansein...
(He slowly held her hand and brought it up near his face. She turned to look at him, while he placed a feathery kiss on her fingers)

Bol na halke halke,
Bol na halke halke..
Honth se halke halke,
Bol na halke...
(Leaving her hand and holding her shoulder, he moved the hair stands slowly from her face and neck. She breathed heavily, feeling his cold fingers against her skin. Once he was done, he held her shoulders from either side and twirled her to the other end. She went and sat on the chair, trying to catch her breath)

Bol na halke halke,
Bol na halke halke..
Honth se halke halke,
Bol na halke...
(He saw her blushing and started coming towards her in slow steps, while she kept blushing thinking about him, and about their closeness, when suddenly he came behind her and blew air over her hair. The hair strands flew over her face, and she shied away feeling his warm breath fanning her neck)

...music...
(He came in front of her and leaned on the table, and kept one leg on the chair on which she was sitting. He made her turn towards him. Moving the hair strands from her forehead, he held her face and made her look up at him.

He slowly leaned towards her, resulting her to lean back as well, and then, all of a sudden pulled her with him, making her stand up. He kicked the chair and it fell down. She was lost in his eyes, but the sound broke her trance and she turned to see what happened, but Veer being Veer, he held on to her face even then as well.

He pulled her closer from her waist, making her turn to look at him abruptly. She held on to his arm and put her other hand on his shoulder. Before Veer could hold her hand, she quickly moved away from him. She was about to walk away when he held her left hand, making her stop in her way)

Aa neend ka sauda kare,
Ik khwaab de, ik khwaab le..
(He came towards her and passed their held hands from over her head, causing her to come in a back hug with him. He looked at her and softly moved away her hair strands from her face and neck.)

Ik khwaab to aankhon mein hai,
Ik chaand ki takiye taale...
(He then held her right hand with his left hand and intertwined their fingers, taking her in a proper back hug. They softly swayed to the music closing their eyes, being in each other's embrace and feeling each other's warmth and love)

Kitno dino se ye aasman bhi
Soya nahi hai, isko sula de..
Bol na halke halke,
Bol na halke halke..
Honth se halke halke,
Bol na halke...
(Veer made her turn towards himself, and they swayed to the song while looking at each other.)

They kept swaying to the music. They didn't care about the song anymore, all they cared about was being with each other and expressing their love without saying even a word. They kept staring at each other, pouring all their love and wanting for each other through their eyes. Their eyes spoke volumes, making each other understand what they felt amd what they wanted. The moon hid behind the dark clouds, giving them the much needed privacy as they continued to dance and love each other in their own unique way.

The unsaid love finally surfaced between them and made them dance and sway to its beautiful melody...

-----------------------------------------------------------

Heyyy my lovely readers, here's a much awaited long romantic sensual chapter for you all... Hope you all loved it...

I know I am updating after exactly a month, and I am so sorry for that... Hope you all will forgive me and give this chapter the much wanted love and appreciation... Also, hoping that I will come back to my old routine of updating regularly very soon... Till then, love love❤️❤️...

Chapter Trivia...
1. Was Veer's apology and regret acceptable enough?! And what is you opinion about Bani's calm and polite explanation?!
2. Why did Veer pick up the rose from the ground and keep it inside his pocket before checking on Bani's wound?!
3. What do you think is going happen the next morning, or the next day?!(Hint: nothing twisty, try to figure out from the precap)

Precap:-
Zehnaseeb, zehnaseeb,
Tujhe chahun betahasha, zehnaseeb...