Padmanabh entered the flower shop and looked around at the different flowers. There were two high school kids in the rose flowers section. The girl seemed excited as the florist wrapped a ribbon around the roses they had got. Padmanabh took his time going through the sections of flowers, confused about what to get Vrishali. 

He had called his sister last night for guidance. He had never been on a date before, and the solo thought of going on a date with Vrishali made him nervous. He didn't want to mess this up. The phone was passed to Arjun, who gave him some pointers, and then his sister took the phone and added a few other things. He made a note of everything on his phone. He also went through some blogs on Google. 

Padmanabh doesn't have any idea about flowers. He loved gardening but never knew much about the flowers. He had texted Vrishali about what kind of flowers she liked, but she replied 'figure it out.' 

Now confused and lost, he looked around and around. The teenagers have left along with the other man who had come. Padmanabh was still yet to choose. Finally, the florist rounded the corner where he was standing to help him. "Darling, are you lost between selecting these flowers?" 

Padmanabh's gaze went to the round, plump woman in her sixties. She had a warm smile on her face as she stood before him. His cheeks warmed up as he nodded. "Well, I'm not sure about what to get." 

"That's perfect. I'm here to help you out. What is the occasion? Are you taking flowers for your family member, friend, or colleague?" the woman asked. "Hmm, it's a date with my wife. I mean, this is the first time we are going on a date." 

The woman's eyes sparkled in happiness as she clapped her hands. "Perfect! Now follow me. I will give you a tour and you can select what you love."

"Okay." Padmanabh followed the woman around the shop as she showed various flowers and explained their meaning and symbols. Padmanabh patiently searched for the flowers. Purple lilacs caught his attention. "Sorry to interpret. Purple lilacs symbol is for first love?" 

"Yes, they symbolise the beginning of love or first love." Padmanabh nodded as he found the right flowers. "I will go with the purple lilacs." The woman was surprised and let out a chuckle. "Your wife is your first love?" 

Now his cheeks turned a deep shade of red. "That's so cute, darling. I will make a wonderful bouquet." She was about to go when he asked. "Do you have a potted plant of the flowers?" 

"Yes, we do have lilac pots." Padmanabh hummed. "I will take the potted plant." Her brows frowned in confusion but she got it. She smiled brightly and patted his hand before going over to the behind nursery to get the pot. "I will bring the pot to you." 

*

Vrishali marched around her room, hands holding her hair. She groaned, looking at the pile of clothes on the bed and floor. Hailey and Aryan shared a look before pointing to the red one. "The red dress is perfect. He would never take his eyes off if you wear it."

"But I don't feel like that is the dress!" Groaning, she sat down on the chair and looked at the two. "Listen you gotta make the decision fast. He will be here in an hour." Hailey snapped Aryan's thigh as Vrishali became frantic. 

"You know what? Just calm down and sit down. You will decide on the outfit, and you will be the best," Hailey said, getting off the chair and going over to Vrishali. They sat in silence for five minutes before Vrishali's gaze went to the other cupboard. It was filled with her ethnic wear and a few sarees that she had gotten from India. 

"I think I have an idea." Hailey and Aryan waited for her to continue. Vrishali went over to her wardrobe and pulled it open. There were countless traditional suits and dresses from childhood. "I don't exactly understand what you are planning, but it better be good," Aryan said. 

Vrishali smiled, going through the saree selection she had. She pulled out a baby pink cotton saree. It would be a bit too much to wear a saree on a date, but this is about her first date with Padmanabh. Even though it wouldn't matter if she wore a dress or shorts— She wanted to wear this saree only for Padmanabh. 

"Okay, that saree is beautiful, and it is going to make you gorgeous!" Aryan squealed. Vrishali agreed. "I want to take his breath away, and this would surely do." 

*

Aryan helped with the last-minute touch-up while Hailey brought Vrishali's heels. "No, I will wear flats. I don't want to risk wearing heels on a date." 

"Good decision." Vrishali checked her reflection one last time before they rushed downstairs. She had received a message from Padmababh saying he would reach her home in five minutes. "I'm excited!"

"Me too!" 

"I'm nervous!"

"Don't be." 

Vrishali's parents were out of town to attend a friend's daughter's wedding. They waited for Padmanabh nervously. "Why are you being nervous?" Hailey asked Aryan. I don't know! This is the first time one of us is going on an actual date, and don't blame me for being nervous and excited." 

"Okay!"

Padmanabh took a deep breath before ringing the bell. Aryan stood up on his feet and rushed to the door. He glanced at Vrishali, who was nervous. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." Aryan opened the door and met with a handsome Padmanabh. "Hi." 

"Hello. She is waiting for you in the living room." Hailey had gone over to get the Sony camera that Vrishali had thrifted in her high school. She had completely forgotten about it but was happy seeing Hailey holding it. 

Padmanabh smiled at Aryan before stepping inside. It was the first time he had visited his in-law's house. He didn't look around as his eyes searched for Vrishali. Once he entered the living room from the foyer, he saw Vrishali. He stopped in his tracks, and a breath fell on him. Vrishali smiled brightly. He took a minute to check her from toe to head. She is beautiful. . . 

Vrishali took the time to check on Padmanabh. He was wearing a white dress shirt and black trousers. He looked handsome, and the white-suited him beautifully. Padmanabh smiled and took steps towards her. He couldn't believe that she was wearing a saree. He wouldn't mind her wearing anything, but seeing her in a saree brought him immense happiness. 

"You look beautiful." Vrishali tucked the hair strand behind her ear. "Thank you, you look good." Then his gaze went to her collarbone where the mangalsutra was visible. For some reason, it made him happy. 

They stood there happily, smiling at each other. It was a different kind of feeling. Padmanabh had never experienced this kind of scene. Vrishali had gone on dates, but none were serious. So, to think of this would be memorable. "Are you ready?" Padmanabh whispered. 

"Yes."

*

Padmanabh kept glancing at Vrishali while she looked out of the window. "Stop looking at me. You are making me blush."

"Sorry, I—I was not expecting you to wear a saree. Are you comfortable in saree? The weather is hot." Vrishali smiled. "I'm flattered by your concern. I'm comfortable in this saree and I wanted to wear it for you."

"For me?" Padmanabh's ears have turned pink hearing it. "Yes, I wanted to be in my best attire."

"This is your best attire?" 

"For now." 

*

The place Padmanabh had decided was an hour and a half away from New York City. He had brought some snacks and a drink for Vrishali. So, it didn't make her grumpy on the drive. Once he parked the car, he stepped out and opened Vrishali's door. "Thank you." 

Vrishali got out and looked around in surprise. It is a private property, away from the city. Padmanabh waited for Vrishali; he was nervous, and his hands were slightly sweaty. He thought of everything for a long time before planning it out. His gaze went to Vrishali's hand. His sister suggested that he hold hands with her, and he is visibly sweating at the thought. 

"Let's go." Padmanabh and Vrishali walked side by side. Vrishali isn't sure about what Padmanabh had planned for her. But she is asked as they walk down the path covered with sweet flower trees and plants. 

Vrishali stopped walking when they reached the sweet outdoor set-up waiting for them. She opened and closed her mouth, taking her time to admire the set-up. The house in the background is a Victorian home. 

The vintage gazebo is decorated lovely. There was an arranged table for a table in the middle of the gazebo. It was decorated with one of the Pinterest pins she had saved to her account. "Wow. How—How did you know? How did you know what to do?" Vrishali looked at Padmanabh. 

"I'm sorry that came out rude. I meant, how did you come up with this idea? It was on my Pinterest for so long, and no one knew." Padmanabh was nervous, and he gave out an awkward sign. "I reached out to Aryan for help, and he went through your Pinterest boards and shared your account. I spent the evening reviewing the boards before contacting someone to help me." 

"I would've personally done it, but as it was a last-minute arrangement, I needed help from a company, and they did the work." Vrishali was taken aback. Never in her life had she thought someone would go through the Pinterest boards that she had randomly created for their date. 

"I—I love it. Thank you so much! I appreciate the effort." Padmanabh smiled at her genuineness. They reached the gazebo. Vrishali went over everything and appreciated the details while Padmanabh watched her with an intense feeling. The smile on her face and the way her eyes lightened up when she saw the scented candles and the rose petals, along with the cutest bows attached to the candles. 

His heart calmed down, and a sense of belonging and happiness grew. He would take her on countless dates to see the smile on her face. Suddenly it hit him, and he realized he had forgotten her flowers and gifts in the car. "Hmm— I need to get a few things from the car."

"Sure, I will just take a video." Padmanabh nodded before rushing over to the car. He hoped that the plant pot didn't trip in the trunk. He had placed it securely, but you could never know. He glanced down and saw Vrishali twirling beside the table, underneath the tulip hangings. 

Thankfully, the put didn't flip; it was how he had placed it. He gently took it from the trunk as well as the covers. He closed the trunk and went back to the gazebo. He watched Vrishali as she watched the blue butterfly. Her gaze met his. A smile grew on her face. "There are butterflies." 

"Yes." 

"They are cute." 

"You are, too."  Vrishali blushed and laughed, shaking her head. It was new, but she was enjoying Padmanabh's attention. It was refreshing, along with the compliments. Her gaze went to what he was holding. 

Padmanabh put the covers down and handed the plant to Vrishali. "This is for you. I got this in place of flowers. I didn't want the flowers to die, so I got a pot, and you pluck the flowers if you like." 

Vrishali couldn't help but laugh. "That's so sweet, and I love plants. Thank you." 

"Why did you get me purple lilacs?" she asked; the flowers are beautiful, but she needed to know his thoughts behind getting it. Padmanabh scratched the back of his nick. "Well— I heard from the florist that they were given as a symbol of begging of first love." 

There. . . He said it out loud by himself. 

"Ah?" Vrishali wasn't sure if she had heard him correctly. "They are given as a symbol of the begging of first love," Padmanabh repeated. Time seemed to have frozen in place as they stared. Vrishali smiled, plucked a flower off the plant, and handed it over to Padmanabh. "You are my first love, too. . ."

A boyish smile took over Padmanabh as he accepted the flower. They let out a laugh before sitting down. Padmanabh had pulled the chair out for her. Vrishali's gaze went to the covers. "What are these?" 

"Why don't you see it for yourself?" Vrishali raised her brow, picked the covers off the floor, and opened them. She pulled out the rectangular box when her gaze went to the name. She looked at Padmanabh. "You remembered."

"I would." Rolling her lower lip into her mouth, she shook her head. "I don't know what to say anymore. I'm— I think I'm falling deep, and I don't mind falling because—it's you." 

Padmanabh could feel his beating heart. He wasn't expecting her to be open about her feelings, but he was happy. Nor is he complaining. It feels right to tell one other about how they feel. He had brought the sweets she was craving from the same shop she had mentioned. "What are these?" 

"It's the lunch that I prepared for us. I will set up the table." Padmanabh started gently picking up the rest of the covers. I will help you." Vrishali looked at the boxes. "You made the food?"

"The Airbnb I was renting had a furnished kitchen, which I used to prepare meals." Vrishali smiled softly, watching him. The soft breeze made the hair strands fall. He pushed the strands back and continued arranging. The action made her realise that he had grown his hair. "When was the last time you had a haircut?"

"Huh? Hmm, two months ago." Vrishali hummed. "This haircut, moustache, and five o'clock shadow suit you so much." Vrishali rested her chin on her palm. "I will maintain the same." 

*

"Oh, our date didn't end?" Vrishali asked as she followed Padmanabh. The food he had prepared was the best. She didn't leave anything on her plate; she had missed his cooking, and Padmanabh was happy watching her finish everything on his plate. 

"No," Padmanabh said. Her gaze went to the man waiting for them in the backyard garden. She hadn't seen the house yet. And she wasn't interested in seeing it as the outside was pretty. "Who is he?" 

Padmanabh glanced at her. "He is here to give us a pottery class." Vrishali stopped in her tracks. "We are going to attend a pottery class?"

"Yes, he will help us make something you like." Vrishali couldn't know if her happiness for the day had any limit. Her heart kept swelling up. 

"How did you come up with this idea?" 

"You wanted to go for a pottery workshop but never got to. So, I decided it would be a perfect plan for a date."  

"You remembered that?" She remembered mentioning the pottery workshop when they first sat together for breakfast. "I remember everything you say."

*

Vrishali looked at her mess and then at Padmanabh. He had perfectly done the bowl and is now making the cup that Luka had demonstrated. Vrishali groaned, and Padmanabh chuckled. "You are holding it too tightly. Be gentle." 

"I'm bad at it and need your help." Padmanabh nodded before getting off his seat and going over to Vrishali. He stood beside her and held her hands in his. "As the wheel rotates, you gently apply the pressure as the shape starts taking place. Don't apply to much pressure and concentrate on it." 

Vrishali hummed as they concentrated. Luka had left after showing them the demonstrations and helping them do three bowls. Padmanabh is happy about their privacy. "It's happening! It's happening!"

Padmanabh chuckled. "Yes, it's happening, but concentrate till the end." 

"Okay, boss." They spent the next two hours making and messing up various things. Padmanabh had taken a break to make them coffee. 

*

Padmanabh dropped all the gifts and pottery that they had made. They spent another four hours at Vrishali's place. They ordered take-out food, and she showed him her childhood albums.

They didn't want the night to  end. Padmanabh is returning to India tomorrow as he had pending works and meeting that need to be attended. They walked down the park near Vrishali's place and now returning to where Padmanabh had parked the car. 

Vrishali's parents will be returning in the mid night and Hailey is staying with her. Vrishali had asked him to stay in their guest room but Padmanabh refused softly.  They reached the car. Padmanabh looked at Vrishali and she was already looking at him. 

"I—I will be visiting you soon. Don't forget to eat on time and make so many memories." 

"I will." Padmanabh looked around and Vrishali isn't sure if she needs to kiss him or hug him. Padmanabh nodded. "I will leave now." He was about to leave when Vrishali pulled him by hand and wrapped her arms around him. She had to stand on her tiptoes to reach his hight. 

Padmanabh was taken aback but when he realised what was happening. He wrapped his arms around her waist and breathed into her hair. He knew his cheeks had started turning red. They started there for a while before moving away. "I will miss you."

"I will miss you too. . ." Vrishali's gaze went to his lips before going back to his eyes. Padmanabh gulped down when Vrishali leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his left cheek, close to his lips. She stepped away with bright face while Padmanabh forgot how to breath. 

"Take care and call me." He nodded getting into the car. Vrishali smiled and waved him goodbye. Padmanabh placed his hand on where she had kissed with a smile playing on his face. He didn't stop smiling the whole night.