Chandini POV

Devi maa has decided to bestow me only with happiness from the moment I met Arjun and Anu di in my life and each day proves the fact. By the time I had come back home it was time for me to get ready for my date. 

I rushed out to driveway on hearing the honk of his car, and it took all efforts in me to not rush near him and declare my love for the handsome hunk standing in front of me. Dressed in a casual blue jean and white T shirt he was looking hot.

All the saneness left me and I crashed myself in his arms. Standing there hugging him gave the new strength to me, I felt like seeing a new world behind his strong shoulders and protective arms around me.

Sensing the wanton behaviour of mine I peeled myself of his arms after a long moment to see the same happiness in my eyes reflecting in his.

"Whoa that was indeed a pleasant welcome Basanti " he winked holding my hands strongly to himself

"You being the kiddo, I decided to take things in my hand Arjun" I spoke sticking my tounge out.

"One day you are going to regret calling me as kiddo sweetheart until then enjoy calling " he said giving me a challenging look and opened the door to his car.

"Arjun, today is my day and we are going as per my plans" I said ignoring the blush that is creeping up my cheeks on his sweetheart

It's getting hard for me to keep myself in wraps from the moment Di declared my Arjun is in love with me.Devi maa, help me in keeping my senses under control

We were walking side by side on the pavement and Arjun decided to stop the auto which was crossing us.

"No Arjun we are not going by Auto today " I said surprising him and pulling towards the local metro station

"Chand have you gone mad or what? No way we are going by metro it's going to be packed " he said horrified

"Arjun don't be a spoilsport, be hush and follow me." He sighed not having anything to say.

As he said, the local metro was entirely packed as it was peak hour for office goers to return home and I loved the attention my Buddhu is giving me. He is literally threatening every single guy around me just by his looks to stay away.

I was standing close to the pole to balance myself and he was standing caging me between the pole and his rock hard chest. His hands holding mine on the poles, his breath sending shivers across my spine.

After sweet torturous 65 minutes of his nearness,the marathon of my heratbeat we reached the spot and the atmosphere was as expected in the seashore. The chill calm weather and the Worli Bridge in our view ,we were standing facing the sea.Seems like he calmed down from the serene atmosphere which was surrounding us.

"Beautiful Chand" he said a minute after talking the calmness around us.

"I am sorry if I upset you by choosing metro to travel" I said guilt seeping through my eyes for putting him through a torturous experience.

"I always used to prefer metros back then Basanti. I was just upset that you must be feeling inconvenient around men lurking around you in the train. Are you okay ?" he let his eyes wander around my face to sense any uneasiness and that instant I realized I didn't feel anything in that packed compartment apart from Arjun and his arms around me.

I puckered my lips as answer for his question and said "when I have my Arjun around me nothing is going to trouble me "

He gave me that sinful smile of his and asked "What are we going to do here Chand?"

I took out the cover I had with me and got out the 5 paper lanterns I had in my hands and gestured him towards it.

His face reflected the confusion and I answered before he queries "These are paper lanterns Arjun, I got 5 of them to set off in sky. So I chose this calm and secluded place."

"What are paper lanterns set off for?" he still asked confused.

"It's a Chinese ritual and there are so many beliefs around this Sky lantern festivals. Though I got them here for one belief and that is letting go of past and embracing ourfuture." He looked surprised at me for a minute and asked me "Can I also help you?"

"Buddhu did I fetch you here just to watch of course you are also setting them in sky with me." I chuckled at his eager face.

Minutes later after I explained him how to open it ,fill the lantern with air and light it near fuel we both were ready to set off the first lantern.

"Think of something in past which you are setting free from your soul along with this lantern Arjun " I said him and set free my lantern thinking of my old days which I want to bury deep inside my soul .He looked at me with guilt looming around and set free the lantern in his hands.

After getting the second one ready "Arjun this is wish lantern, wish something with all your heart and set it free "

"Devi maa, let the happiness I am experiencing for past few days by the amazing family I have around me should be with me till my last breath and make the man standing beside me as my destiny" I closed my eyes and let the lantern carry my wish to the highest powers in the universe and turned around to see Arjun doing the same.

At last I took out the last red colour heart shaped lantern to light it to hear a chuckle from Arjun.

"So Basanti what is this Lantern for?" he asked in his husky voice making me a nervous puddle with his gaze and voice alone.

"To embrace my love of life " I said boldly to see him taken aback for a moment but quickly covered it with his smile.

"This is cheating where is mine then?" he pouted complaining

"I thought to use one and set it off together" I said looking everywhere but except his face.

"Awee at times you prove you have a brain Chand." He said hugging me from back to set off this lantern .I ignored his comment for now and we together set off the heart shaped lantern

He stood hugging me from back and we were gazing at the 5 lanterns adoring the sky, he placed his lips on my cheeks for an assuring kiss. We both know we have taken a step ahead in our relation. We did not voice out but let the moment speak for us. After having a light dinner in the nearby restaurant speaking about everything under the sun we were back to local station to get back home.

His mood was back to normal now owing to the fact its already late and station was empty, so obviously train will not be flooded. We were waiting for the train to arrive and I decided to drop a bomb on him.

"Arjun, I have a wish and will you help me fulfil it" I said using my puppy face for which I am sure he will fall for.

"Anything for you Basanti" he said in a cheesy way.

Aweeee he is so damn cute. I don't have to think now to pinch his cheeks so I pinched his cheeks and puckered my lips.

"I want to run and get into the train in motion and you are going to help me with it " I said making him shriek in horror

"What the heck Chand? Are you a movie heroine? No way am allowing you to do that crazy stuff .What if you fall off? Now get into the train " he said getting into one of the empty compartment of the train which arrived in our platform.

I stubbornly stood my ground making him shake his head .He got into train and gave his hand for me to get in. I turned around giving him a hard glare.

"Chand enough of games now get in ,train is about to move" he screeched from the door looking towards me which I saw in my side eyes.

"Basanti come on train is moving "his voice rose into high pitch but still I stood my ground.

A second later I was pulled by my wrist to see Arjun holding my hands, dragging towards the train which is in motion and the grin broke out of my lips to see my wish getting fulfilled.

He got inside the compartment and pulled me inside just like in movies he stated earlier. We both were catching our breath and looked up to see each other and break into smile.

"That was fun" Arjun said making me smile wider. 

"I know it must be " i said winking at him

One minute we were catching our breath,smiling and the next minute our faces were near to each other just a breath apart. I have no idea who leaned in ,it must be both of us.He was about to place his lips on mine but pulled away instantly to see my breath hitching higher and the nervousness that's dragging me down on my spirits.

No No NO Devi maa. Please don't give me any panic attacks for today .I chanted to myself in my mind, hugging me with my arms I landed in one of the seats.My mind pulling me to dark nights where I was pinned to bed by monster who did everything to me which a 14 year girl should never undergo. 

I was suddenly pulled out of the pit I was landing myself into by two strong arms which hugged me .I opened my eyes to see blurred image of Arjun, hugging me to him and rubbing my shoulder to calm my nerves.

"Shhhh Basanti. I am here. We will take slow and I will never pressure you or do something which you are not ready for" his calm voice soothed me and I slept the rest of his journey on his shoulders.

Walk back home was so quiet, though Arjun was normal,I was upset on my actions and embarrassed to let my past affect my future. Just like other days we stood in driveway and I murmured hugging him

"Sorry Arjun."

He shook his head and placed a kiss on my forehead saying "As I said we can take it slow Basanti. Don't put your pea size brain to tension. Now chill, go home and sleep " He put me in comfort just with his words.

"Thanks for such a fun night Basanti " Arjun said making me turn from the doorway to give him a full smile of mine.

The last thought on my mind was to call my therapist first thing in the morning.

*******

A\N:

Yayyy!! Am back with Part 2 of the update.

So how was it ?Good /Bad??

How was their Date?Did the setting off Lantern gave any hidden meaning out?

I am not sure how many of you are upset with the missed kiss,but just remember Chandini is not a normal girl.She was harassed.She is undergoing a  psychological disorder so its going to take her time to come interms with intimacies.And it is not longer that she now knew Arjun loves her not just for revenge but with all his heart.

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~Rami <3