The Date Night - I

It was quarter to seven and Anna knew that Regan would be there anytime soon. Her palms were sweaty and nerves jittery. She had accepted to go on a date with him in a jiffy to calm his nerves, but the moment she realized what she had done, her heart could not stop thumping inside her chest. 'A date night', she thought. The word itself was enough to create havoc in her mind.

She was standing in front of the mirror admiring her reflection. For a minute, she felt as if she couldn't recognize the woman across her. Her ocean blue orbs that had seemed to be hollow and lifeless a few months back now beamed with sparkling lights in them. They had regained a hope that she had lost a long time back, a hope to be happy again, a hope to feel secure and loved by someone like him. Her face that used to seem pale had regained a permanent color that was not ready to leave her face. It was always his little gestures that made her heart leap its beats in her chest and she realized she was unable to do anything about it.

She remembered the moment she accepted her feelings for him. The mere thought of losing him had made her so vulnerable and fragile at that moment that she thought that she would lose him too. Not knowing what to do, she clinged onto him as her dear life depended on him and she accepted everything as her little heart was no more able to hold her feelings inside it. She didn't say much at that time, but she indeed wanted to say more. She had realized in the moment that the volcano of emotions had not erupted inside her suddenly for it was a brewing storm that she had held inside her as she was not ready to admit that she had started to feel all those things for him a long time before. She felt more vulnerable, embarrassed and bashful after her little confession not knowing how to face him, but his unconditional ardor gave her the strength and assurance that she could say anything and everything to him as he was his to say and do anything. Unlike other times, she was not guilty as she herself wanted to listen and accept everything that she felt for him and wanted to be true to herself for once. She didn't want to deny her heart that had gradually started succumbing to his irrevocable love that was amalgamating with her soul and making her his.

He was like the beaming rays of the sun that had again taught her to bloom with happiness in spite of her reluctance, denial and fears. Out of all the women in the world, he chose her to be his world, and she couldn't get to understand the reason behind his tenderness and affection for her.

'Is it love?' She shivered at the mere thought.

Before she could ponder more on it, she heard a knock at the door and freezed on her place still looking at her reflection. She came out of her reverie when she heard it again and decided to face the man that filled her life with his colors and this time she wanted to do the same still unsure if she was even capable to do so.

She opened the door expecting Regan to stand across it awaiting for her, but to her disappointment, it was someone else.

"Zander?"

She exclaimed in shock not expecting his presence at the moment.

"Good evening, Mrs. Knight. I am here to escort you. Mr. Knight is waiting for you."

She gave him a gentle smile before nodding.

"I didn't expect you to be here. Have you been here all this while? How have you been?"

"I am doing well mam. And yes, I have been here since the day you stepped here. After all, it's my duty to look after your security."

He awkwardly tried to return her smile owing to her tenderness. He was used to keep himself stoic and devoid of any emotions but spending a few days around her, he knew she was a kind lady and he didn't want to act rude against her kindness, especially after his failure to protect her which was his duty.

"Oh!"

Anna stated blankly as she had no idea of being followed by anyone. She had thought that all this while, she was alone with Regan, but how could she forget his thoughtfulness when it came to her. After meeting Zander, she was sure that it would not only be just him but there would be a gang of people following them everywhere without her knowledge.

'How could I be so oblivious about it?' She thought. Nevertheless, once again, her heart swelled with warmth on his concern.

She was so consumed by her thoughts that she didn't notice Zander patiently waiting for her to get into the luxurious car parked in the wide space. Regaining her composure, she sat in the car trying to calm her racing heart which had forgotten to beat at a normal pace.

Soon, the car reached its destination and Zander held her door open to take her to the man waiting for her.

"This way Mrs. Knight."

She nodded to Zander as he led her ahead. She was amused to find herself on a beach with no one around. She was nervous but the soft sound of the oceanic waves worked as music to her ears mingling with the cool air to help her calm her nerves. As they approached further, Anna stopped and stood in awe, because of the breathtaking view ahead.

She stood unmovingly, taking in the divine beauty that dumbstruck her for something so beautiful. Her eyes followed the long trail of white flowers that radiated under the delicate lanterns hanging above them, paving a path of roses for her. Following the magnificent trail, her eyes landed on the man waiting for her on the other end. Her heart started thumping wildly once again but she also felt as if she found the missing piece of it until he came into her life.

She was still looking at Regan while Zander take it as his clue to leave the couple alone to have their time and left the place.

While Anna took her time to reach him feeling the softness and pure scent of the flowers around her, Regan could not take his eyes off her. She was dressed in a white gown with a crisp deep V-neck front giving a way to her sheer lace back. Her soft brown hair were tied in a messy side bun with strands of loose hair delicately surrounding her face. Her dangling diamond earrings bounced softly with every step she took. She looked like an ethereal beauty that was sent from heaven only for him. He himself had selected the dress for her which looked more exquisite after adorning her perfect delicate frame. She was dressed in a white suit when he had seen her for the first time, falling into his arms just like an angel, and today, he wanted her to see her in the same white shade that was the epitome of her divine soul and innocence. She looked radiant and her aura was contagious that naturally enveloped him in her warmth.

She eventually reached to him and he extended his hand for her to hold. Anna didn't miss to take in his appearance too. He too was dressed in a pristine white suit with a baby blue shirt underneath. The three undone buttons of his shirt gave a perfect view of his well built frame hidden under his attire. She noticed how their clothes matched making them look like a perfect match for each other.

She held his hand and looked into his eyes that were already bored into hers as if trying to immerse into her soul. He stepped forward and kissed her forehead tenderly.

"You look gorgeous Mrs. Knight." He said in his deep voice instantly sending shivers down her spine.

"Thank you. You too look handsome as always." She complimented him back while biting her lip and lowering her lashes in diffidence.

His lips curved up in a breathtaking smile as he led her further. The natural beauty of the place with the sound of waves was divine. Anna gasped in amusement when her eyes landed on the innumerable lanterns hanging in the air above them gleaming like stars. The whole place was decorated with white roses that synced with the hues of blue. It was peaceful, divine and pure just like his love. Their hands were intertwined together. While she took in the beauty around her, Regan's eyes were devouring the beauty in his front.

"It's so beautiful and mesmerizing Regan."

"Not more than you."

Her breath hitched when she found him standing so close to her. Although she knew, but she couldn't help and asked him, "Did you do it.....all by yourself?"

Instead of replying, he smiled at her.

"It's magical. I don't have words. How? I mean when? You didn't need to....."

"Sshhh....." He placed his finger on her lips. "It's nothing love. Your smile melts and warms my heart. If I get to see such an angelic smile on your face, I would do it everyday." He replied softly. His tenderness melted her more. His voice silently caressed her with his love even without touching.

As cliche as it sounded, she knew he would not go back on his words for her happiness. Least did he know, he had already become the reason of her smiles a long time back even without her own realization. His love warmed her heart and overwhelmed it to the extent that her eyes became glassy.

His own eyes were reflecting a different emotion than usual. Today, there was no hesitation from his side to show his love for her as if he wanted to drown her in his intensity and passion. Just as he had stated, today, he was the man who was not her business partner or friend but a husband who was keen to show his wife that she was his world and as if standing true to his words, every nook and corner of the place screamed his touch and showed how special she was for her.

They went to the table laid in between the rectangular area. He took out a chair for her like a perfect gentleman and she sat with an alluring smile etched on her face. He sat beside her not intending to stay apart from her even for a few minutes. Her face lit up more to see the delicious pizza served on the table, least expecting it to be a part of the meal looking at the extravagant arrangement around her.

"After arranging all this, it was the only thing that I could cook in the remaining time besides this." He pointed at the choco lava cake that was placed beside it.

She was surprised would be an understatement.

"Oh My God! Did you make all of these?" She looked at the table and then at him.

"I know that's not enough but I wanted to do everything for you on my own Anna and so..."

She giggled on his blabbering and gently squeezed his hand that was rested on his thigh. "It's perfect. I love it."

"Really?" He asked skeptically.

"Thank you for everything. I don't know what to say. I couldn't have imagine something better than this and that....." She pointed at her favourite dessert. "is the best."

They finished the dinner in a comfortable silence. Regan was surprised to see Anna eating her favorite cake so greedily. He couldn't help but chuckled on seeing her so adorable. The simplest of things were enough to make her beam in happiness and knowing that, he decided to be a little selfish as he wanted to be the only reason behind it. He could have hired the best chefs to prepare a grand meal, but the content and sheer joy of cooking her favorite food and then watching her devouring it like a baby was something that he didn't want to share with someone else, especially today when he wanted her all for only himself as his beloved wife.

"It's so delicious. Thank you so much."

She was having the last bite of her cake, when a drop of chocolate dripped from the corner of her mouth and he took no time to wipe it out with his thumb. His abrupt attentiveness amused her initially, but then a beautiful blush colored her cheeks and she thanked him softly.

"Let's go for a walk Anna?"