AYU

Next day.

Ah! He's wearing a white shirt today. He was standing below our class building and I was looking down at him from the window. He winked at me while I gave him a quick flying kiss and we smiled. There's something about him and his white shirt. Makes me wanna rip it off. 

I can't believe myself. I hate you Jamie.

"What are you looking at?" Ashima asked as she approached me.

"Ah nothing. Just looking at the nice weather today." I came up with the lamest lie ever.

"Listen I won't be able to accompany you after college." he whispered to me during recess time.

"Huh! Why not?" I asked disappointed. Jamie eyed me to keep quiet. Oh yeah! We still haven't told our friends about us. I've got to tell them soon.

"It seems like you guys made up." Zen concluded while watching us.

"Yeah we did." Jamie said as a matter of fact. 

"You two have a weird way of making up. Is it a new trend or something?" Lynda asked.

"Huh! What are you talking about?" I asked clueless.

Lynda gave us an evil smirk. "I mean friends of opposite sex don't just run off to a corner and start kissing each other. Unless there's something going on that is." she said putting a hand over her mouth.

NO WAY! Did she just say that?

Zen and Ashima looked at us suspiciously. Lynda was busy trying to hide her smile while we literally had our jaw open and froze for a moment. There was a dead silence.

"Your looks are telling me that it's true." Zen pointed out.

"Lynndaa.." Jamie said through his gritted teeth, trying to control his anger and embarrassment at the same time and stood up. "I'm going to kill you." he declared.

"Look Jamie, this wasn't my fault. It was dinner time and Zen asked me to call you guys." Lynda recited quickly as she feared for her own life. "I knew that you two were somwhere around the library. Spare my innocent mind but when I reached there you two were-" 

"DON'T SAY IT." I shouted my face turning red while Zen and Ashima laughed loudly. Jamie was already chasing Lynda while I buried my face with my hands. "I wish to be buried in a hole at this moment." I muttered.

"Okay Jamie, you can stop torturing her." said Zen when Lynda ran and hid behind Zen for protection.

"You sure are taking her side. Tch! whatever." he hissed.

"But I swear I only saw two heads moving and a little of your bodies, nothing else. It was dark to see it clearly anyway. I walked right away you know."  Lynda pouted. I glared at her, motioning her to stop.

"Way to catch them red handed... So I think you two have some explaining to do." Ashima enquired. "Have you decided to 'hang out' again?" she said emphasizing hang out in a disgusting way.

"Forget it Ashima, these two don't feel the need to say anything to us." Zen said and Lynda agreed as well.

"No, we're not hanging out." I said in a small voice. The three of them stared at us waiting to say something.

"Argh! Fine, I'll tell you. We are dating now. Happy?" Jamie said and averted his eyes from them.

"Seriously? You never even told me." Ashima whined and then realized something. "No wonder you were glued to your phone yesterday."

"Yesterday... yeah it makes sense now." Zen nodded. "I and our classmates were discussing about the annual fest when someone asked him something and he was like 'Heh!~ Were you saying something? Sorry ah! never mind.' and went away smiling blissfully making us wonder what was wrong with him." Zen said to me while acting like Jamie and I giggled just thinking about it.

"You bastard. Don't you have anything else to say?" Jamie cursed.

"Oh come on! The girl you were long crushing to finally became yours. You should give us a treat." Zen complimented.

"What do you mean?" I asked getting interested.

"Yes give us a treat. Let's celebrate." Ashima cheered.

"On that note give me two new games." Lynda interrupted.

"Hey I wanna treat too." Vick said.

"Wait! Where did you come from?" Jamie asked annoyingly.

"This is getting nowhere." I sighed.

After recess Ashima insisted me to tell her everything. I thought that she might be shocked that I'm with this playboy and would warn me but she didn't. Instead she was happy for me that we were finally dating. Even Lynda cheered us on afterwards. Strange!

At night I was tossing and turning my body from side to side uncomfortably until Martha who was sleeping next to me smacked me on my head.

"What's your problem girl? Let me sleep." she groaned.

"But he's being so unreasonable. He said we won't go to any sort of date until Sunday. He won't even accompany me home. And today is only Tuesday. What's so special about Sunday?" I whined.

"Quit your complaining. He said he'll take this nice and slow so he's doing it for you. You are so lucky. First you dump that hunk and then the guy you secretly admired asks you out. Be grateful for once. Unlike the poor me. My ex boyfriend won't even spend time with me." she fake cried.

"First of all would you stop calling him your ex, he's your boyfriend. Secondly, didn't you go on a date last week? And thirdly, I never secretly admired him. Ugh! Why are people around me so unreasonable?" I ask, exasperated. 

"Yeah, deny it all you want but now you have him."

.....

"He's late." I said to myself as I looked over to the clock tower to my left that said 11:20 am. Apparently he called me here at eleven and told specifically to wear a one piece dress. I'm here wearing a peach color frock type dress reaching down my knees with a maroon half jacket over it and a matching handbag which I borrowed from one of my roomies. I hope he loves it. Just then a black accent car pulled over to my side. I moved aside to let them have space for parking but it moved along with me. What's the problem? I peeked over the car window and saw a familiar face joyfully waving his hand at me.

"Jamie?" I said, wide eyed. He stepped out from the car as I got a better view of him. He looked absolutely stunning wearing navy blue buttoned shirt with an outline of light color and had his sleeves folded upto his elbow alongwith a sky blue jeans and a beige half jacket.

"Now I know that I'm looking great but we can't possibly spend all day at you mindlessly gawking at me. Let's get going." Jamie smiled cockily and rushed to open the door of the car at my side.

"I wasn't exactly gawking at you but yeah, you look great." I said trying my best not to blush and got inside the car.

"Come on Jamie, you've got to tell me where we are going? I'm dying out of suspense." I insisted.

"Just sit back and enjoy." He said as he turned on the ignition. "By the way you look gorgeous, better than what I had in mind actually." He grinned.

"Thank you. By the way where did you steal this car from?" I asked while taking a glimpse of the backseat of the car.

"I have connections Ayu.You should know that by now." He winked. Yeah by connections, he meant friends.

"Um! The thing is, I wanted to stop by at some place. It won't take time, I promise. You can go wherever you want to after that. Is that okay?" I said making an innocent face.

"Fine, but where are we going?" 

"It's a surprise. Nothing special actually. Just follow my directions." I said.

In about ten minutes we reached temple built out of marble. The temple was dedicated to Goddess Kalka or Kali.

"Seriously?" He raised a brow. "We're not going to die in an accident or something. I'm a good driver."

"Don't say such ominous things. There's no harm in going to a temple to pray for our happiness and life, Jamie."

"Argh! Alright. Do whatever you want." He said grumpily. What's his problem? Is it that absurd to go on a temple at our first date?

After paying our visit we sat back to the car. "Uh! Ayu, I need to tell you something." He started his eyes glued on the road as he drove. "I'm not much of a religious person."

Well that explains his frustration earlier. "Oh! Are you an atheist?" I asked.

"Not exactly, I believe in God somewhat. I think he exists. But that is all. I don't go to temples that often and I especially don't believe in those infamous omens." He stated.

"And why is that?" I sighed.

"Come on. Don't you find it absurd? People praying for things like 'Please let me pass in that interview. 'Please save him.' 'I wish to be like this.' The list is endless. I mean, do you really think God would wave his magic wand and Woo! Your wish is fulfilled?" 

I giggled. "Alright, I agree that some people pray for senseless things but it's because they believe in God that they pray to give them hope, courage for whatever they are facing. We don't need to see and speak to him in person. We just feel that he is there somewhere watching over us." I explained.

"Yeah, yeah. Well... I only pray to thank God." he smirked while looking at me, making me feel a bit uncomfortable. I rested my hands on my lap. 

"Jamie! Eyes on the road... And not on my legs." I threatened him. Is this why he told me to wear this dress today?

"Spare my eyes sweetheart. They can't help it." He blinked glancing over to my exposed legs again and touched them making me flinch. I got scared as the car got off track a little.

"Please I beg of you. Focus on the front." I forced his face on the front while he laughed aloud.

We discussed a little more about omens and beliefs. I tried to convince him while he just kept on denying it and giving out his opinions. In the end I gave up and we started talking about something else unaware of the time. I noticed that the long busy city of Delhi was left behind and we were travelling down the highway. The sunlight reflected brightly on the window to my side and I had to use black sunshades for cover. Just where is he taking me?

"Just to be sure. You aren't planning on staying the night in some hotel, are you?" I asked him nervously.

He let out a short laugh. "Absolutely no. You will reach your place before seven I assure you that."

"Alright!" I said and felt a bit relieved. We still haven't reached anywhere yet I certainly was enjoying this little ride with him. It doesn't have to be some place. As long as I get to spend time with him, talk or simply get mesmerized by him. I don't mind at all.

After some time he pulled over at what looked like a large midway restaurant. As we passed over to the parking lot I could see some chairs and tables outside covered by a big white umbrella. "Not bad. Have you been here before?" I asked after he parked his car.

"Nope, I searched it over the net. I told you, I'm not too familiar with this place." he gave a quick smile and motioned me to take his hand. I smiled back and held his palm. It gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. 

We walked towards the entrance of the restaurant which was a long road. I liked it because I get to walk together with him holding hands. It made us feel like a couple already. The whole place was basked in sunlight. It was something to set your eyes upon. There was a pond and a wooden bridge over it. We stood there watching the lotus flower floating in the pond. Lying ahead of the pond were hundreds of different flowers arranged in a line pattern. It looked so lively with people all around. Just the spot for tourists to take a break and eat.

"Excuse me sir, would you mind taking a snap?" Jamie asked a middle age man passing by. I opened my mouth to say something but let it slide. The man simply smiled at us, his wrinkles showing and clicked pictures from Jamie's phone. "Perfect." Jamie exclaimed as he looked at the snapshots.

"Yeah. Just so you know. I don't like my photos being taken so often. I let it slide this time because it's our first photo together." I said.

"But I love taking photos. It's not like I'm going to broadcast it around. You can trust me." He assured.

"I know but-" I trailed off. I don't know but I just feel uncomfortable. I guess that small photo incident in the past still haunts me in a funny way. I'm starting to think that we do indeed have some things 'not' in common.

"Uh! We'll talk about this later. So inside or outside?" He said as he pointed over at the tables.

Most of the restaurants are indoors so I obviously chose outside. We had lunch to our hearts content. At first I thought he was going to order thali but he didn’t. He ordered two cups of ice-cream afterwards. He paid the bill since this date was on him. I asked if I could pay the next time and thankfully he agreed. We took a stroll at the nearby open garden again while holding hands before heading back.

We were back in the car and the surprising thing was he was still going ahead when we already were far away from the city.

"So sunshine, how was lunch?" He asked in a charismatic manner.

I never acknowledged it first but I really like when he calls me 'sunshine' It's different and he only calls me sunshine. "Yeah! It was excellent. I especially liked their 'kadai paneer' and ice-cream sundae. What about you?"

"Glad to know. Well I liked 'dal makani' more. Oh fuck! I almost forgot-" He swore and took out something from the closet to my side. It was a pen drive. He connected it over the music player.

"Just something to lighten up the mood." He grinned.

"English or Hindi songs?" 

"Both. Listen to this first song. It's kind of dedicated to you."

"O-kay." I said blushing a little. A soft yet a rock music played at the background as the singer described his feelings of love and anxiety. The singer says that he liked a girl but the girl already belonged to someone else and he could nothing but watch her smile in her man's arms breaking his heart. He said he wants to tell her but is afraid. I was amazed at how similar this song sounded. Is this his way of confessing his feelings? He has a very cute way of doing things.

"Thank you. It was a wonderful song. I had no idea you felt that way. It must have been hard for you." I said with emotion.

"Yeah a bit... Uh! It was." He said getting embarrassed.

"Aww! Since when did you start liking me?" I asked while looking straight at him.

He glanced at me and then to the road trying to compose himself. "Around these days of course."

I suddenly had the urge to hug him tight by the way he said it but I refrained myself.

"Alright I'll sing a song for you I just remembered."

"Please do. But first I have yet another song to dedicate. Okay?" he said and I nodded.

This was rather a light hearted song with a rocky music that seemed to suit this kind of weather.

What if I told you that I think you're perfect?

Beautiful sky in your eyes, it's so worth it.

I know,

You make me feel alive.

I recognize this one. It's Alive by Adelitas Way. This is such a sweet romantic song.

After the song finished it was finally my turn. My voice came out to be a little crooked at first as I was getting nervous to the fact that I was singing for him. I cleared my throat.

Two° clock and I wish that I was sleeping.

You're in my head like a song on the radio.

All I know is I gotta get next to you...

Maybe we're friends and maybe we're more.

Maybe it's just my imagination.

But I see you stare just a little too long,

And it makes me start to wonder.

So baby, call me crazy, but I think you feel it too.

Maybe I, maybe I just gotta get next to you..

(Next to you- Jordin Sparks)

I glanced at Jamie every now and then when I was singing this song. My heart swelled at the sight of him. He was grinning like an idiot simply enjoying the fact that I was singing for him. If he likes it that much then I could sing for him anytime. He looked blissful. I thought I knew him already but I was wrong. I've never seen him like this before and I've yet to discover more sides of him. I feel like my heart is going to burst out any second. "He really likes me." I secretly smiled.

...

"Alright! We are stopping here." he said as he parked the car to the side of the road in the middle of a highway. I checked the time. It was quarter past four. Wow! Time passed so quickly. After I finished my song we ended up singing random songs one after the another and laughed along the way.

I noticed Jamie taking out a plastic bag from the backseat. My eyes grew wide when I saw a light green color hat as he placed it over my head.

"Perfect! Just wear this for a while." he requested while I looked at him dumbfounded.

I can't get him sometimes.

"What are we suppose to do? There's nothing here." I said loudly as I saw him jumping past a small hollow mud leading to the vast green friend.

"Come here." he stretched his hand. I sighed and went along with him.

"Okay I admit this is something I've never done it before." I chuckled as we sat down comfortably on the grass. I mean I've never seen people lying down on a grass in the middle of no where. This is not a public place. If someone saw us, they ought to think we're crazy. But he doesn't care, does he?

"Me neither." he said as he stroked the grass with his fingers. Gentle breeze flew making my hair swift and I got a hold of my hat. I began to recall something..

"Do you remember the night when I took you over to my storehouse? We laid there in the same way." I asked getting nostalgic.

"That night huh! How can I forget that?" he said. Another strong gush of wind passed by but he got a hold of my hat before it was too late. We locked our gazes at each other for a moment.

"You looked really beautiful that time. Especially in that pink salwar suit you wore the first day. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by you." he chuckled at the last sentence.

"Thank you." I whispered as I got embarrassed and looked down. He has called me sexy, smart, good and whatnot but I think this was the first time he ever said that I was beautiful. I think I'm gonna be overloaded by feels here.

"I'm sorry by the way." he said his voice soft and I got startled. "I could have probably taken you somewhere else in the city but it was my wish for our first date to be like this."

"Are you kidding me? This was the best day I've spend with you so far." I admitted. "Although I'm curious as to why exactly you brought me here." 

"Ah! That... Well it's a funny story you don't wanna hear it."

"I'm all ears." 

He looked up at the clear blue sky and started. "I saw this weird dream two months ago. I don't remember very clearly but I was travelling to random places with the people I know. It was Australia, New Zealand, India all mashed up together. While travelling I happen to see you standing somewhere in the middle of a yellow field and you waved your hand at me. I decided to stop and stay with you for a while. It was a bright day like today except it was summer in my dream. You were wearing a hat and a one piece dress looking serene just the way you are right now. Somehow that scene never got off my mind. So thank you for making that dream come true. I know this was weird. By all means, laugh if you-"

"You idiot, why would I laugh at you?" I cut him off and then hugged him from behind, my hands on his chest. "No one has ever said something so romantic to me... unless you're lying. I should be the one thanking you for giving me such a wonderful time. Going to a mall, movie those places don't matter as long as I'm with you."

"Well, I wouldn't lie about something so stupid. At first I really doubted you would enjoy this date but now I'm relieved." He said and placed his hand above mine.

What am gonna do with you Jamie?

It was already night when he dropped me back to my place. Not in front of my place but near to it. I didn't want to attract unnecessary attention. I stood in the corner and waited for him to depart but he didn't, instead he just looked at me blankly.

"What?" I asked.

"You're smiling." he smirked.

"So?' I smiled even more

"So..." he made the same expression.

"Jamie stop it." I burst out laughing and rushed over to his side. "Now go." I said pretending to push his car from the side.

He laughed. "Alright! Now step aside." he said and pushed the ignition key. 

"Um!" I cleared my throat getting his attention and quickly placed a peck on his cheeks catching him off guard. Before he could do anything else I ran to my side and waved him goodbye. Finally he waved me goodbye as well and went away.

I turned to the left side of the road where my pg (Paying guest) was and walked smiling like a young teenager.

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

This is again one of my favorite chapters. My apologies for the long chapter but I hope you enjoyed reading this. Let's see how their relationship shapes out from here. I'll be taking a short break due to something so there will be no chapter next week. Sorry. 

Don't forget to vote and comment. xoxo.