Taara's face lit up when she heard her phone beep. She quickly unlocked it to read a message from Aayush. "Reached.."

Taara :
Did you really like to food, or all of those
compliments were to flatter my mother?

Aayush: I wasn't flattering, the food was great!

Taara : Well..

Aayush :
By the way you looked pretty today
but your mother looked prettier.

Taara : You don't offend me with that.

Aayush : I am surprised!

Taara: I read that as shocked.

Aayush:
By the way what did your mother whisper into your ears
before you took me for a tour of your house?

Taara : You don't need to know it.

Aayush:
This only makes me more curious.

Taara: Change the topic, Mister.

Aayush:
Can I be honest?

Taara : About?

Aayush:
Something that's been bothering me...

Taara: Shoot!

Aayush: Never mind.

Taara : Come on tell me.

Aayush: No, some other time.

Taara: This only makes me more curious.

Aayush:
We are even then!
By the way, try being creative with your texts.

Taara: Night, Mister!

Aayush:
Someone's irritated.

Taara: Someone is a pro at irritating someone.

Aayush :
See you tomorrow, sweetheart.

Taara: Whatever Mister!

Aayush :
Sweet dreams.

Taara : I am dieting!

Aayush :
Well then, give that to me.
I can have your share of sweet dreams.

Taara : All yours

Aayush:
Are you still talking about the dreams or..

Taara blushed profusely reading the last text from him. "Good night!" she replied grinning ear to ear.

"Done with your text session?" She heard her mother's voice. She pressed the phone over the mattress screen facing down.

"Mom." She sighed. The older woman sat beside her looking at her.

"SO?" Taara piped. Hoping her mother had positive things to say about Aayush.

"Are you serious about this all Taara? I still am upset that you lied to me about meeting him and all. You barely know him."

"It takes time to know and understand people Mumma, he's nice. You know me I don't randomly strike a friendship with anyone."

Her mother stared at her giving her the you-know-you're-lying eyes.

"Well, at least when it comes to guys." Taara added. Her mother held her hand between hers. 

"Don't wear your heart on your sleeve. I understand that you like him.But, sweetie, it's not as easy as one and one put together. Do you think he's actually serious or just you know ?" Her mother shrugged letting the untold be understood. Taara remained silent.

"Taara, I just don't want you to be hurt. He's a rich businessman, doesn't stay with his family. A bachelor like him, can have many scenes and stories behind thick curtains." Taara stared as her mother, as her words sunk in her head. She was no where wrong. Taara could understand her mom's protectiveness for her. She was not only her mother but the only true companion and friend she could count on. 

She wrapped her arms around her mother giving her a tight hug. "I know. And I promise...I won't get hurt."

Her mother caressed her arms. "I love you sweetie, I just.."

"I know." Taara whispered softly, earning a kiss on the cheek.

"You wanna play crossword?" Taara asked her smiling. She missed the old days when she and her mother played games before bedtime and slept together. Growing up had it's cons.

"Isn't it late? Maybe we can talk."

"Hmm...about your college days?" Taara asked excitedly.

Her mother gave her a wide smile. "I will change my clothes and be back." She spoke getting off the bed. "And please brush your teeth, before I come." Taara made a face. She hated brushing her teeth at night. But she knew her mother wouldn't take no for an answer. She never did, especially when it came to brushing teeth at night. 

* * * 

"Hey!" Taara tapped his shoulder sitting beside him.

"Hi!" He smiled turning to her.

"All okay?" Taara asked giving him a scrutnizing gaze.

"yeah!" he sighed looking down at his hand.

"Come on, say it."

He smiled turning to her. She returned the smile. "I -I am going to Singapore for a week, leaving tomorrow." His smile faded as he said that.

"Oh" Taara responded immediately feeling bad that she wouldn't be able to see him for a week. "Business?"

"No, my other girlfriend" He teased her.

Taara scoffed.

"Jealous, huh?"

"She should be!" Taara muttered.

"I agree." He spoke gazing at her. Taara's eyes met his. Their eyes searched the other's. "I will miss you." He spoke. 

She grinned, "sure you will."

"Who will I offend?"

Taara rolled her eyes. "You can do better than that. Anyway, what is it that you did not tell me yesterday? What did you want to be honest about?"

He chuckled, "women don't forget things like that easily, do they?"

She huffed, "I am waiting."

"How about you tell me first? What did your mom say?" he asked not missing the shade of pink that colored her cheeks. "Come on, tell me!"

"She asked me to keep my hands off you." Taara mumbled quickly, looking away. Aayush tried hard but failed to contain his mirth and burst out laughing.

"Not funny." Tara said wearing a pointed look.

"After, she saw us yesterday, I think she thought.." he had barely begun to talk when she cut him off mid sentence.

"Yeah whatever, I cleared the air last night." Taara cut him off. "Now your turn."

He smiled leaning sideways, towards her, bringing his face close to hers. "Well I just wanted to say, I love how you blush, makes me want to do things to make you blush. Like you're blushing right now," he whispered. 

Taara couldn't tear away her eyes from his. It was as though his sky-colored  captivating eyes had enraptured hers for an eternity. She pulled in a long breath, looking away. She could still feel his breath on her cheek, he hadn't moved away. She felt the warmth of his hand as it rested on hers. She turned to him to catch him smile. "You're a beautiful person, Taara!"

Taara couldn't help but bask in the warmth her heart melted in. Her heart almost forgot to beat when he raised her hand too his lips and kissed it. The warmth in her heart was spreading all over her, rapidly, like a fuel fire. She felt his gaze move from her eyes all over her face and then back to her eyes. Minutes of silence passed. Taara was slowly letting the feeling settle while simultaneously trying to save it in her heart forever. It was sone of the most beautiful feelings.

"I will buy tea and be back." He said breaking their silence.

"I will come along." Taara quickly got to her feet and as they walked to the stall, her hand touched his. He immediately held it. Taara smiled and looked at him. Only to find him already smiling at her. God, how would she survive a week without him!