Maanya's POV

Buzzz... Buzz...

Buzzzzz... Buzzz...
"Uff... " I said when I felt something vibrating on my bed.
I don't wish to wake up... I'm loving my dream.
Aarhan on my bed holding me and whispering sweet things while I sobbed.

But this damn thing can't stop ringing.
I begrudgingly started tapping my hand on the bed to find this peeving object.

When I found nothing I sat up and checked under my pillow to see phone alarm buzzing.
I retrieved it from under my pillow to see it's an iPhone and for sure this can't be ours.

So I snoozed the alarm to see the lock screen wallpaper of Aarhan with a dog.

(Ps. Ignore the mistakes I don't have an iPhone I just created this visual. )

Aww so cute!! He was actually here yesterday. It wasn't just a dream....... But that also means he saw me in my worst.

My mood immediately worsened when I thought about yesterday and thought that he might not be interested in me anymore.
Yesterday he was just being humble.

I saw his picture once again and decided to get up and make myself a coffee.

I got up and tied my hair in a messy bun while walking towards the kitchen.
I made myself a cup of coffee and then went outside to our balcony to feel some fresh air and thought about yesterday ."No Maanya you can't, you vowed Paakhi that only time you'll abide on your past will be 21st of June.
Thinking again and again about those memories will only pain you ."
I was still conversing with myself and not in a creepy way when the doorbell rang.
"huh... Who would be here this early in the morning? " I walked towards the door and unlocked it to appear face to face with none other than Aarhan.

umm....... sorry a beaming Aarhan!

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Aarhan's POV

I drove excitedly towards Maanya's apartment because Yesterday I intentionally left my phone at her house so that I can get another chance to see her.

I excitedly rode the elevator with a Breakfast bag in my hand. So that I can impress them because I know these girls are a foodie and would never say no to food.

And obviously to check up on Maanya.

On their floor, I rang the doorbell and waited for a few minutes to behold the most cutest sight of Maanya standing there in her yesterday's clothes with a messy bun on her head and a dumbstruck expression beautifying her face.

"Aa. Arhan!? " she said it in a tone as if she was visualizing me...
I walked forward and kissed her on her forehead all the while walking to their dining table and placing the bag on it.
"Goodmorning! I got us Breakfast," I said pointing towards the bag.
She stood in front of me with a cute pout and knitted brows.
"Umm... Thank you! Do you want coffee or tea? " she said moving towards the kitchen.

I watched her and said "Yes, please. Black coffee with one spoon sugar. " she smiled at me and started brewing my coffee.
"So how are you? " I said nonchalantly to start a conversation but I saw her stiffen and immediately regretted my words.

She turned around and leaned her weight on the counter and said"Aarhan what happened yesterday... " I cut her in between because I could watch her fidgeting nervously and said " Maanya ....you don't have to. I know you'll tell me and till then I'll wait. " while walking towards her and taking her hands in mine.

She looked at me with tears in her eyes. You can see the emotion of pain, hurt, struggle, and betrayal in them as clear as day.

seeing this really hurts, I like my blushing Maanya more and just want to make her smile.

I could see her struggle with her emotions so I immediately smiled and rubbed my hands together excitedly to distract her and said "Beautiful let's eat, I'm damn hungry and I have a meeting in an hour. " After hearing me she turned around while wiping her tears and fetched us two plates and coffee.

"Here!" she said passing them to me.
I smiled at her and then served her some scones and baggle sandwich. She accepted it with a smile of her own but her smile widened when she saw the contents on her plate. Now I'm glad I brought these.
"Wow... This is yummy " she said when she took the first bite of her sandwich. I was more entertained in watching her eat than enjoying my food.

Not at all creepy! Said my conscience.

When she saw me looking at her she immediately blushed.

There it is! My blushing Maanya.

I smiled seeing her blush and said "So it seems that you liked it. " ....

"Yaa... It's tasty thankyou."...

"My pleasure beautiful. ".... I said and she just smiled engrossed in her food.

"Btw I got breakfast for girls too," I said smirking when I saw her eating mainly everything I brought.
She chuckled and said " oh I can't stop eating this...the creamy flavor of scones makes my mouth water ... Ummm... " she said while eating continuously.
I chuckled at her and decided to ask her the most important question when she is busy eating.

"So Maanya, What's your plan for today?" she looked at me and said
"Nothing much maybe I'll go to the cafe," she said as if thinking about something important to do today.
"So... Umm... So.. Will you go out with me? " I asked nervously.
She looked at me for a second, I could see her sentiments in her eyes.... and was shortly afraid of her answer.

"Aarhan you are an exceptionally charming guy and I don't want to spoil you. Yesterday you might have seen how broken I'm. I don't want to make u suffer because of it... " she said as if contemplating her thoughts and smiled sadly at me.
Before I could say anything...

"Maanu can I talk to you? " came a soft voice from behind me, I turned to see Paakhi standing there.
I was hurt with her answer but still, somewhere I understood her reason. Because the most special thing about her is her big eyes that are very expressive and earlier I saw many heart-wrenching emotions in them. But that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.......

I waited for them but when they didn't emerge after 15 minutes I decided to just leave for my meeting.
Dejectedly I stood up and commenced walking towards the door when a voice came from behind me.

Making me stop and turn around to see Maanya there...

Maybe she had changed her decision... But....... What she said next made my hope disappear.

_____________________________________

Maanya's POV

I was enjoying my breakfast and company too. And knew it was too good to be true when Aarhan asked me out.

I won't lie I really like him. He makes me feel secure, happy, and content, the feelings that I have experienced with girls only.
But earlier when he kissed me on my forehead my heart was fluttering as if it will fly out of my chest then and there.

But when I saw the hurt in his eyes I felt like crying.
But then Paakhi took me to her room and made me understand my fault when she said "Maanu I know you are scared, but please give him a chance. Give yourself a chance because I can see you two feel for each other. I don't know what will happen in the future but learn to live in the present. you know He makes you happy and please before u object I saw it yesterday. The way he was holding you with tenderness and love."

"No, I can't! I can't hurt him Paakhi. He doesn't deserve it. He doesn't deserve someone broken. "
I said with determination in my voice. Maybe because I know it's true.

"And who are you to decide this? Maanu he was here yesterday, When you were in your worst he didn't run away then, on the contrary, he was there holding you, feeding you. So let him decide.
Go out with him get to know him and then decide." she said holding me as a mother would when she makes her child understand something.

Paakhi is someone very important to me. I owe my life to her.

And I know if I don't act now he'll leave me and then I'll be alone. Maybe this time I should be selfish. I can't let him go. He is the only good thing that happened to me after such a long time.
I got up and wiped my eyes and looked at Paakhi with determination and smile. She smiled back and pushed me out of her room.

I was about to walk to the kitchen when I saw him walking towards the main Door leaving.

"Aarhan! " I said and he immediately stopped and turned around "Here! Your phone. " the hope in his eyes disappeared when he saw me returning his phone. Aww, he's so cute.
He waited as if I would say something else but just shook his head and started walking again.
"Oh, Aarhan? You forgot to tell me the time.? He looked at me confused "time?" I smiled and said "Ya time for our date? " when the words registered in his brain his face broke into a megawatt smile and he rushed towards me and kissed me square on my lips.
I was stunned because it was our second kiss and that too lasted only for a second.
"See you at 5 beautiful," he said waving at me. I touched my lips and smiled at his retrieving back.

I was still standing there when I heard "Adddiitiiii! Aditi" Paakhi shouting.
"What?! " came a groggy voice.
"Maanu is going on a date!" she again shouted.
"You don't have to shout," I said in a normal voice. "What? " Aditi also shouted.
"Oh god, we have so much work to do," Aditi said while rounding and assessing me.
Paakhi too nodded with a frown on her face.
"Geeze guys I can feel the love and so much moral support," I said sarcastically.

They ignored me said "You go shower, then we'll have breakfast and then a trip to the salon. " Aditi ordered.
"I already had breakfast with Aarhan and girls he bought something for you two too. So enjoy and I'll bathe. " I said while walking towards the washroom.

I took a bath and then went to my room so that one of the girls can bathe.
I was ready and was about to leave the room when I saw a message pinged and it was from Aarhan saying 'can't wait for the evening. xoxo' i blushed when I saw xoxo and replied back with' me too xoxo' and exited my room.

I was the only one in the living room so I decided to make myself a tea and then enjoy the weather. I was waiting for my tea to boil when I saw a half-eaten scone on a plate near the counter. I decided to have it because we should never waste food and then walked towards the balcony.

"Let's go!! " shouted Paakhi from the living room.
"What is it with you and shouting today? " she just ignored my question and said "Do we have to go for dress shopping too? "
"No, I guess I have something in my wardrobe," I replied.

We were still waiting for Adi to come out when Paakhi's phone rang and she picked it up saying "Hi Riya what's up? " she was still listening to what Riya has to say when Adi too came and stood beside us.
She asked me who's calling to which I mouthed Riya.
"Umm Party in a club? " Paakhi said nervously and looked at us.
When we asked what she said "Riya is inviting us to a club, to celebrate her engagement ...... " I looked at her and I know she is nervous because clubs aren't our thing but on the other hand, Aditi was Jumping and nodding her head saying yes yes, please.
She looked at me and I just shrugged because I'm going on a date so thankfully I don't have to go to the party.

"Riya please don't beg we'll be there. But Maanu has some other plans so she won't be able to come. " they bid their goodbyes.

"Yess! Finally a club party. I'm so excited. " Aditi said while dancing around.
Paakhi just looked at her and smiled.

Guess everyone will be enjoying themselves today.

"Okay, guys! It's already 12.let's go" Paakhi said and started moving towards the exit.
"Wait I'll grab my scone and follow you," Aditi said skipping towards the kitchen.

Oh ho! This is bad!

I instantly fled the apartment before Aditi could yell at me for eating her scone.
When Paakhi noticed me fleeing away she looked confused but her doubt was resolved when Aditi shouted "Who the hell ate my scone? "

The whole ride to the salon was awkward. I was squirming in my seat because Aditi was glaring at me for eating her scone and Paakhi laughing at us.

"Okay please, Aditi I'm sorry. It was just lying there I thought maybe nobody wants to eat it," I said rolling my eyes.

"Lying there? FYI I was keeping it for later. But somebody ate it before I could.... " she said glaring at me.

"Enough Aditi we'll buy another one for you. So now back to our reason for the trip to the salon. " Paakhi said silencing both of us.

................................................

The trip to the salon was very refreshing and exciting. We had foot massages, haircuts, and all kinds of luxury. We talked about everything and nothing in particular. When the topic shifted to Aarhan I was blushing profusely because of their teasing.

After buying lunch we were back to our apartment and to my room finding the perfect dress for my date in a few hours.

"Nah... It's too modest. " Aditi said discarding another dress on the already piled clothes on my bed.

"What about this one? " Paakhi said looking at a royal blue long-sleeved dress.
" No... It's her first date... She can't wear these grandma clothes.
Let's go to my room I have a dress I bought last week but didn't get to wear it. " Aditi said walking out of my room leaving all the mess for me to clean.

"Hey! My clothes are not grandma types and I'm not going to clean that mess you both created," I said running after them and instantly flipped around and exited her room when I saw the dress she was carrying.
"No.. Noo... I think you are mistaken if you think I'm going to wear That THING! " I said pointing towards the dress in Aditi's hand.
Because it was too short.
"Oh shut up! You have no say in this. Come let me do your makeup because Aarhan is going to be here in two hours. " they both were looking very sinister so I gave up and followed Aditi to her room.

"I'm going to look like a whore" I said slumping into a chair.
"Look Maanu you are beautiful. Have confidence in yourself ... okay?! " Paakhi said looking directly in my eyes.
I nodded and waited for them to do my hair and makeup.

It took us around one and a half hour to do my makeup. Which left me with 30 minutes before Aarhan's arrival.

I wore my dress and looked into the mirror to see that I actually look good.

"Awww Maanu you look beautiful. " Paakhi said running towards me and hugging me.
"Not beautiful but hot. Aarhan is going to have a hard time keeping his hands to himself. " Aditi smirked.
I don't know why but my mind went to today's kiss and I blushed.
"Shutup! " I said giving her a pointy look.

{Maanya's look but minus the hat}

Ding....Dong....

"He's here!!!! Go-Go "they said pushing me all the way to the door, I guess they are more excited than me.
I took a deep breath and opened the door to see Arhaan grinning and a box of chocolates in his hand.
He was dressed to impress and I must say...... I'm more than impressed.

When I looked at his face I saw his eyes as big as saucers and mouth gaped.

Now, all that pain Aditi made me suffer through was worth it.....

"You... You look beautiful," he said stammering.
I smiled knowing that he liked my appearance and said "Thank you. You look decent too. "

"Here these are for you," he said giving those chocolates to me.

I nodded my thanks and said goodbye to my friends and went towards the elevator.
Elevator ride towards the lobby was damn awkward. Because both of us were excited and nervous at the same time and didn't know what to say.

In the car, I was feeling nervous so I sat with my hands folded on my lap.
He must have caught my sudden action in his peripheral vision so he looked at me and said "I know this is very boring and this traffic is making it all the tenser."

"But I'm very nervous right now because you have left me speechless," he said while rubbing his neck nervously.

"Aarhan please you're making me feel like a brat now. I like it like this.... You, me, and these old songs in the background. " I said smiling at him and appreciating his soft looks and his smile.
We talked all the way to our destination about the weather and our favorite songs.
"We're here." he said parking his car and coming towards my side. He opened the door for me and held out his hand.
I reached out to hold his hand and immediately smiled when I felt the warmth seeping from his hand.
I thought maybe he'll just leave my hand but I was again surprised when he started walking with our hands joined towards the...... trees??... I mean there were trees all around but nothing else.
But when we took a turn a beautiful view came into sight.

The ambiance here radiates a surreal vibe of countryside charm and untouched wilds. It looks all about style, elegance, and versatility.

I was still admiring my surroundings when we were escorted to our table in the corner.
"So did you like it?" Aarhan asked nervously.
I admire that he attends to my every opinion.
"Aarhan this place is beautiful. I love its ambiance and vibe," I said genuinely.

He smiled at me and said " And you make this experience more beautiful. "

"Oh please! Do you say this to every girl you go out with?" I said teasingly trying to hide my blush.

"Ya I say this to all the girls I go out with. " What?! He's serious?

My mood soon saddened hearing that. He didn't notice because he continued talking "Because they actually are. You might have seen my mom, aunts and sisters they are beautiful so I should appreciate their beauty.... every time I see them don't you think so?" he said smiling at me.
I looked at him and saw him chuckling "You are jealous? Haha... "
I didn't say anything but smiled because seeing him laughing made me happy.
"Hello I'm Jessica and I'll be your waitress. Can I take your order, please? " I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even saw her approaching our table.

"Are you ready to order?" he asked me and I nodded because I have already looked at their menu earlier.
We ordered our food and talked about our work, friends, and family.

I really appreciated him when he didn't pester me about my family.

Our date was going very well we were connecting, laughing, and teasing each other.

After paying the bill I thought that maybe we'll just go back but I was surprised when he took my hand and pulled me in the opposite direction to the car park.
"Umm, there is this park nearby. It's beautiful at night with lights and all so I thought maybe we should check it out? " he said when he saw my confused reaction.

I smile and nodded because I don't want this date to end.
We were walking through the garden trail hand in hand and talking about the food that we just ate.

This garden was actually beautiful with lights around. Trees and bushes were all sparkling with lights.

We decided to sit on a nearby bench.

we were sitting very close that I could feel his body heat and cologne.
"I hope you enjoyed your time with me."

"Thank you Aarhan you did all this for me and I'll always remember this. "

"I hope Maanya that U'll give me many more chances to show how much u mean to me and let me be with you. " I was silent because I know what he means by that.
Can I trust him? Will, he hurt me? Do I deserve him?
There are many questions but one thing that outweighed everything else was that I feel safe with him. He makes me happy and says things that make me appreciate life.

He is the light of happiness in my darkened heart.

"Aarhan. I... I want to... But there are things in my past that makes my heart dark. I don't want to pull you in my mess"... I said hoping for him to understand my dilemma.

"Maanya... Shh. Look at me" he said holding my hands "I like you Maanya, I don't care about your past. But let us give us a chance and make our present. Because I can feel there's something between us...... Please... Think about it" he was waiting for me to say something but then himself said " I'll be waiting....but first...Let me tell you what I like about you... " he said leaning in kissing me on my head.
How can I doubt this man? Till the time we have met he has always been nice to me. How can I let him go?

He bent down, his lips against my cheek, brushing it lightly-and still, that light touch sent shivers through my nerves, shivers that made my whole body tremble. "I like your blushing cheeks," he whispered. When I still said nothing, he brushed his mouth against the top of my nose "Your pointed nose." He traced the line of my cheekbone. "Your doe-like eyes." His lips were just above mine.

"Or-"

But I had reached up and pulled him down to mine, and the rest of his words were lost against my mouth. He kissed me gently, carefully, but it wasn't gentleness I wanted to like all other time we kissed, not now, not after all this time, and knotted my fists in his shirt, pulling him harder against me. He groaned softly, low in his throat, and then his arms circled me, gathering me against him, and we rolled over on the grass, tangled together, still kissing.

We instantly stopped kissing and stared at each other and then started laughing.

"We fell down while.... Kissing," he said laughing and then helping me up.

We adjusted our clothes and he said "So shall I take you home?"

I thought about it and said "Okay... I guess girls will not be back for some time so we can have coffee..?" I don't want this date to end so I just said this so that we can spend more time together.

"So let's go then," he said holding out his hand for me. I immediately held his hand and we started our way towards his car.

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SO Maanya and Aarhan's first date! did you enjoy it...??

And Do u think she did right by moving on in life but not telling Aarhan about her past YET?

Ty for reading!!!

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