Chapter 3: The Date I
As I adorned the traditional outfit, a dhoti, I couldn't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness. It was my first time wearing such attire, and I worried about the dhoti slipping off. To ease my apprehension, I wore shorts underneath, a small compromise to ensure my comfort. Little did I know that this choice would later lead to an unexpected and endearing moment.
Waiting for Jaanu at the bus stop, the scorching summer heat bore down on me relentlessly. But then, as if scripted from a movie, a sudden gust of cold breeze swept through the air, offering a refreshing respite. Along with the breeze, a swirl of dust found its way into my eyes, causing me to instinctively cover them and rub gently. Amidst my discomfort, I heard a familiar voice calling my name—Nitish. I knew, without a doubt, that it was Jaanu. Even with one eye covered, my heart recognized her presence, and it quickened its pace in response.
As I struggled to regain my vision, my heart raced in anticipation of seeing her. And there she was, walking towards me with grace and determination. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. She reached me, took hold of my hands, and scolded me affectionately for rubbing my eyes. Her touch on my head, as she gently blew away the dust from my face, cleared my vision and allowed me to see her clearly.
My heart, already racing, seemed to defy any notion of normalcy. If this were a race, I would have won multiple trophies with the speed of my heartbeat. It raced, and my entire face turned red—I had never blushed so intensely in my life. She had that power over me, the ability to make me blush uncontrollably. To add fuel to the fire, she complimented my outfit, which only intensified my embarrassment and deepened my affection for her.
In my flustered state, I failed to reciprocate with a compliment for her attire. She wore minimal makeup, merely a light sunscreen, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. Her hair cascaded forward, framing her face elegantly, and she adorned a radiant red saree. The bindi she wore for the first time accentuated her eyes, making them appear larger and more expressive. Unconsciously, I patted her head gently, but as soon as I realized my action, I recoiled in embarrassment, sitting on the ground and covering my head with my hands. I felt a wave of shame wash over me, but she responded with a warm smile, reassuring me that she didn't dislike it and encouraging me to repeat the gesture. It was moments like these that made it impossible for me to resist falling deeper in love with her.
Still blushing, we boarded the city bus. I had always preferred the window seat, and it turned out that Jaanu shared the same preference. In a sweet exchange, we swapped seats, with her taking the coveted window spot. I, on the other hand, didn't mind relinquishing the view outside because the sight of her sitting there, by my side, was infinitely more captivating.
As the bus moved through the bustling streets, I couldn't help but marvel at Jaanu's beauty. Her eyes, like pools of endless depth, held secrets and dreams, drawing me in with their magnetic allure. Her laughter, delicate and infectious, filled the air, weaving a melody that resonated within me. It was as if her laughter had the power to chase away all worries and create a world where only joy and happiness prevailed.
In the midst of the bus ride, I found solace in observing her, appreciating every detail that made her who she was. I compared her eyes to the vastness of the ocean, where mysteries lay beneath the surface, waiting to be explored. Her laughter, like the tinkling of wind chimes on a breezy summer day, brought a lightness to my heart, washing away any remnants of sorrow or unease. She was my beacon of happiness, illuminating my life with her presence.
As I sat beside her, content in her company, I realized that no amount of research on how to talk to girls or preparation for a date could have ever prepared me for this moment. Love had found me in the most unexpected way, and I was grateful for every blush, every racing heartbeat, and every stolen glance. In Jaanu, I had discovered a kindred spirit, a person who made my world brighter and more beautiful with each passing day.