"Where will we be going?" Saachi asked as she locked the door.

"I did some research and came across a wonderful place not very far from here. It has very high ratings." I replied from behind her.

"What is it called?"

"Let that be a surprise for you."

"Okay. We have to walk some distance to get a taxi."

I faced her rather amused. Did she seriously not understand or was it her strategy to find out where we were heading to.

"No need for that Saachi. We will go in my car."

"Oh I understand but there is-"

"My car needs some running."

I opened the car door for her. There was some kind of hesitation in her manner.

"Tie your seat belt" I said trying to make some light conversation "So which radio station do we tune to?"

"Anything you want. I have no particulars."

"Well in that case it will be the latest news bulletin" I said truthfully.

"Sure. By the way did you like the special lemonade I made for you this morning?

I thought of the tall glass with the amber liquid with lots of fruits. It had smelt good but my careless turn had caused it to be soaked instantaneously by the sand while the waves took away the little fruits with themselves. She had definitely worked hard on it and I felt a bit embarrassed.

"Well actually I spilt it by accident" I replied "Sorry"

"Oh I understand" She said.

I looked at her. There was a subtly unsettling look on her face. It surprised me that she should ask about the lemonade so suddenly but I shrugged and put the matter aside.

The ride was not particularly pleasant. We hardly exchanged any words. I was relieved when we got to our destination.

"So how do you like the restaurant?" I asked enthusiastically.

"Adrith it is very beautiful but it is very expensive" she said nervously looking around "I mean I can't afford this. Even if we split the fee it will be too much for me. And last minute bookings charge very high. You understand..."

I had not prepared myself for this. I deliberated how to approach the matter without sounding boastful.

"Well Saachi you just relax and enjoy your afternoon. Don't worry about anything else. Just leave it to me."

"Adrith this is unacceptable. I can't let you spend so much."

"Is treating an old friend unacceptable? And frankly speaking this isn't much at all" I said trying to reassure her "You need some entertainment."

She sighed. I could see she was still uncomfortable.

"Saachi lets go in and do what I said."