Chapter 4: The Date II

As the bus journey continued, a mixture of excitement and nervousness enveloped me. I stole glances at Jaanu, my heart fluttering with each passing moment. The ride, however, remained mostly silent, our words locked away by shyness. How I wished I had mustered the courage to engage in conversation, to explore the depths of her thoughts and dreams. But the fear of stumbling over my words held me back, leaving me to revel in the beauty of her presence from a distance.

Finally, we arrived at the temple, and the bustling atmosphere couldn't dampen the radiance she exuded. As we walked through the temple grounds, I couldn't help but notice the gazes of other men who were drawn to her ethereal charm. Instinctively, I stood closer to her, my protective instincts kicking in, and gave those men a stern look. Jaanu noticed my jealousy and couldn't help but laugh, finding it endearing. Her laughter washed over me, soothing my unease and reminding me that we shared a bond that surpassed the superficial attention of others.

Within the sacred walls of the temple, we immersed ourselves in the presence of Lord Shiva. We spoke of his greatness, of his unwavering love for his dear wife, Parvati Devi. Though the conversation may have seemed random to an outsider, I understood that it was Jaanu's way of creating an atmosphere of comfort and ease. She knew my hesitations, my inner struggles, and she effortlessly guided me into a space where I felt safe to be myself.

As we patiently waited in the queue for darshan, time seemed to slow down. Each passing moment was a treasure, and I made a conscious effort not to let my nerves get the best of me. Finally, the moment arrived, and we received the divine blessings and prasad. In that moment, Jaanu shared a simple yet profound insight with me. She said, "Don't act formally around me, just be you. That's what makes you beautiful." Her words echoed in my mind, resonating deeply within my soul. With her, I didn't need to put on a facade or conform to any expectations. I was enough as I was, and that realization filled me with a sense of warmth and acceptance.

Leaving the temple premises, we ventured into the nearby shops. Jaanu's presence captivated me, and I found myself eagerly observing her every move. Her grace, her smile, her infectious laughter—she had a way of leaving me utterly speechless. It seemed unfair, almost miraculous, how she effortlessly evoked such strong emotions within me with just a few simple words and gestures.

In one of the shops, I couldn't resist the temptation to gift her a pair of red bangles. They represented my admiration, my affection, and the deepening connection between us. With each passing moment, I found myself falling deeper in love, cherishing the precious bond we were forging.

Later, we settled in a cozy restaurant, and time seemed to fade away as we delved into heartfelt conversations. Hours flew by, yet it felt like mere seconds in her presence. With Jaanu, waiting for anything became a joy rather than an agonizing anticipation. Her company, her words, and her infectious laughter filled the air, creating an enchanting ambiance that made me forget the world around us.

As evening approached, we decided to embark on the journey back home by foot. The distance was long, but the enchanting conversations and the shared moments made each step feel like a delightful adventure. It was a Monday, a day dedicated to Lord Shiva, and little did I know that from that day onward, every Monday would become a sacred reminder of the cherished memories I shared with Jaanu.