Chapter Twenty-Two: Rent A House

One year had passed since that moment outside Nehmat's door, but for Shubman, the questions and concerns that had plagued his mind hadn't faded. In fact, they had only grown stronger with time. He found himself often lost in thought, pondering the mysteries surrounding Nehmat and her family.

Despite his best efforts, Shubman hadn't been able to shake off the feeling that there was more to Nehmat's troubles than she let on. He had tried to be there for her, offering support whenever she needed it, but there were moments when he caught glimpses of sadness in her eyes that she quickly masked with a smile.

As Shubman stood in front of the mirror, a grin spread across his face as he buttoned up Nehmat's favourite sea-blue shirt. Who would've thought that a year ago, he'd be celebrating their anniversary? Certainly not him, considering how they started.

Their first encounter was far from smooth. Shubman remembered how Nehmat's incessant questioning grated on his nerves. He couldn't have predicted then that those very questions would lead to endless conversations, late-night talks, and a bond stronger than he ever imagined.

But amidst the anniversary excitement, Shubman couldn't shake the feeling that there were parts of Nehmat's life she kept hidden. It wasn't for lack of trying on his part; he'd offered a listening ear countless times, but there were still layers of her life she hadn't peeled back for him.

As he adjusted the collar of the shirt, Shubman made a silent vow to himself. He would continue supporting Nehmat, regardless of the secrets she held close. After all, love wasn't about knowing every detail; it was about being there, unconditionally, through the highs and lows.

As Shubman pondered over how to make Nehmat's evening special, he couldn't shake off the thought that she valued genuine connection over extravagant gestures. He remembered how she lit up when they shared quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded places. So, he decided to forgo the flashy restaurants and opted for a cosy spot by the shore, where they could enjoy each other's company without any distractions.

The restaurant Shubman picked was a real find, tucked away from the usual hustle and bustle. Its cosy, rustic vibes instantly put them at ease. As they stepped inside, the salty tang of the sea breeze greeted them, hinting at the nearby shore. They lucked out with a table in a quiet corner, perfectly positioned for soaking in the sunset's warm hues while enjoying their meal and each other's company.

They were led to a secluded table by the window, offering a picturesque view of the sun setting over the horizon. The gentle breeze carried the salty tang of the sea, heightening their senses and adding to the enchantment of the moment. Nehmat's delighted expression as she took in the scene reaffirmed his decision.

As they savoured their appetizers, Nehmat glanced out the window again, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Shubman, have you ever wondered what it would be like to live by the sea?" she asked, turning back to him.

He leaned forward, intrigued by her question. "You know, I have. The sound of the waves, the salty breeze... it all feels so peaceful."

Nehmat nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I imagine it would be a completely different way of life. No rush, just the rhythm of the tides."

Shubman chuckled softly. "Yeah, maybe we should consider it someday. Just pack up and move to a quaint little coastal town."

As Nehmat leaned over the table, resting her chin on her palm, her eyes softened with a wistful expression. "Yes, maybe when we retire, we can do that. Just escape to our own little world," she mused, her gaze drifting towards the sea.

Shubman couldn't help but smile at the thought. "And imagine two naughty twin boys running around, causing mischief by the shore," he added, playing along with her daydream.

Nehmat chuckled softly, a playful glint in her eyes as she countered, "Aren't we too young for kids?"

Shubman grinned at her playful remark, but then her next words caught him off guard. "And are you too sure that you will have kids with me?" she added with a teasing tone.

Shubman's smile softened into a gentle expression as he reached across the table to take her hand. "Nehmat, I couldn't imagine having a family with anyone else but you," he said sincerely, his gaze locked with hers.

Nehmat glanced around the restaurant, ensuring they were still cocooned in their private moment, before leaning in closer to him. With a tender smile, she pressed a quick kiss on his lips.

Shubman's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected gesture, feeling a rush of warmth spreading through him. He returned her smile, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotions as he whispered, "I love you, Nehmat."

She leaned back, her gaze soft and filled with tenderness. "I love you too, Shubman," she replied softly.

"But I've seen your drawings; they featured snow-clad mountains and fields. Why choose to live by the sea instead of that place?" Shubman questioned.

Nehmat's smile faded slightly as she heard his question, her gaze drifting away for a moment before returning to meet his eyes. "That's my escape to loneliness, even though that's my favourite place. Here, being with you by the sea, it feels like a different kind of escape," she confessed softly, a hint of melancholy in her tone.

Before the melancholy could linger, Nehmat shook her head slightly, a determined smile brightening her features. "Eat it quickly or else the food will become cold," she quipped, her tone lightening as she shifted the focus back to the present moment.

As Shubman nodded, he began devouring his food, his mind still caught up in Nehmat's enigmatic words. They always seemed like a jumbled puzzle to him, pieces scattered across the table of his thoughts. But before he could dwell on them further, the savoury aroma and delicious taste of the food demanded his full attention.

After they finished their meal, a familiar debate sparked between him and Nehmat over who would foot the bill. It was a ritual they both knew well, each insisting on taking care of the expense. However, he had a trick up his sleeve this time.

As Nehmat reached for her purse, Shubman swiftly intercepted, his hand firm yet friendly on hers. "Ah ah ah," he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Let me handle this one, Nehmat. It's only fair."

Nehmat chuckled, recognizing the playful challenge in Shubman's tone. "Oh, you think so, do you? And why is that?" she countered, eyebrow raised in mock scepticism.

Gill leaned in, his smile widening as he revealed his secret weapon. "Because," he began, his voice laced with undeniable conviction, "I still owe you."

She cocked her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Owe me? What do you mean, Gill?" she inquired, her tone gentle yet inquisitive.

Shubman's eyes sparkled mischievously as he bopped Nehmat's nose playfully. "For always bringing out the best in me," he said with a grin, his tone light yet sincere.

Nehmat's cheeks tinted with a faint blush, touched by his endearing gesture. "Oh, you," she chuckled softly, a warmth spreading through her chest. "You flatterer."

Shubman shrugged, a playful twinkle dancing in his eyes. "Hey, just speaking the truth," he quipped, his grin widening.

Nehmat shook her head fondly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, in that case, I'll gladly accept your offer," she replied with a mock bow.

As the dinner came to a close, Shubman and Nehmat found themselves craving a change of pace. Tired from the recent cricketing tour, they opted for a different kind of adventure and decided to hit up a local club.

Stepping into the vibrant atmosphere of the club, they were immediately engulfed by the pulsating beats and kaleidoscope of lights. Amidst the crowd, they found a corner of the dance floor to call their own.

With Shubman's arms wrapped snugly around Nehmat's waist and their foreheads gently touching, they swayed to the slow melody of a song. The music seemed to melt away the stresses of the day as they moved in sync with each other.

Just as he was about to lean in and capture her lips with his own, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Frustrated at the interruption, he turned around, ready to confront whoever dared to disrupt their moment.

But as he turned, his frustration melted away, replaced by surprise and then a wide grin. Standing before him was their friend, Ishan, wearing an amused expression.

"Sorry to interrupt, mate," Ishan said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "But you two looked so lost in each other, I had to make sure you were still in the real world."

Shubman narrowed his eyes at Ishan's teasing remark. "You always have a habit of interrupting my kisses," he quipped, his tone playful yet slightly accusatory.

Nehmat, catching onto the banter, adopted a playful pout, her eyebrows raised in mock disappointment. "Yeah, Ishan," she chimed in, her voice carrying a teasing tone. "How many girls have you interrupted Shubman from kissing before?"

The question caught Shubman off guard, and he felt a sudden heat rise to his cheeks. He swallowed nervously, trying to come up with a witty response while shooting a sideways glance at Ishan.

Ishan, however, seemed unfazed by Nehmat's question, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned back against the bar. "Oh, you know," he replied nonchalantly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've lost count at this point. But hey, what are friends for, right?"

Shubman's cheeks flushed deeper at Ishan's casual response. He lifted his hand to gently cover Ishan's mouth, his touch firm yet gentle. "Friend or not right now isn't the time," he interjected, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness beneath the playful banter.

Ishan's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected gesture, but he nodded in understanding, the smirk fading from his lips as he glanced between Shubman and Nehmat.

Meanwhile, Nehmat's playful facade faltered slightly, her eyes narrowing with a hint of jealousy. She turned her gaze back to Ishan, her tone now tinged with a touch of seriousness. "Seriously, Ishan," she insisted, her voice soft yet firm. "How many times have you interrupted  Shubman's kisses?"

In response to Nehmat's question, Ishan admitted, "At least ten times, and this makes it the eleventh." Shubman let out a sigh at his friend's straightforwardness, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement. Meanwhile, Nehmat huffed slightly, her jealousy evident in the way she blew out her cheeks before turning away.

Feeling a pang of frustration at the timing of Ishan's confession, Shubman couldn't help but scold his friend. "Today was my first anniversary of dating," he muttered, a hint of disappointment lacing his tone. With that, he hastily excused himself from the conversation and hurried after Nehmat, hoping to salvage the evening despite Ishan's inadvertent disruption.

Shubman gently wrapped his arms around Nehmat from behind, drawing her close as he rested his head atop hers. In a soft murmur, he whispered, "Even though you weren't my first kiss, you will be my forever kiss."

Nehmat, her hand folded with a slight pout, voiced her thoughts, "I shouldn't be jealous, I know you had experiences before we were together. But somehow, the jealousy crept in knowing you were my first, yet I can't be yours."

Shubman's expression shifted to surprise as he turned Nehmat around to face him, his eyes wide with astonishment. "You've never kissed before?" he echoed, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Nehmat nodded sheepishly, a blush rising to her cheeks as she admitted, "No, I haven't. You're my first everything."

Shubman's surprise melted into a tender smile as he cupped Nehmat's cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. "Then let me make every moment special for you," he whispered, leaning in to press a gentle kiss against her lips.

As they separated from the kiss, Shubman rested his forehead against Nehmat's, his eyes filled with a mixture of tenderness and gratitude. "I can't believe these lips haven't been savoured by anyone else," he murmured, his voice soft with emotion. "Lucky me that I get to experience this.".

Nehmat couldn't help but blush at Shubman's heartfelt words, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh, come on, so much butter would give me cholesterol," she teased.

Shubman gently traced Nehmat's lips with his fingertip, his touch feather-light as he spoke softly, "I'm not buttering you up, I mean it. Look at the curves and shape; it fits perfectly with mine, like a missing puzzle piece."

As he leaned forward, Shubman's breath softly brushed against Nehmat's lips. "Wanna see how?" he whispered, his voice low and filled with anticipation.

Nehmat's heart fluttered at Shubman's proximity, feeling a rush of excitement course through her veins. With a playful glint in her eyes, she nodded slightly, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Show me," she murmured, her voice laced with a hint of mischief.

With a tender smile, Shubman closed the distance between them, capturing Nehmat's lips in a gentle yet passionate kiss. At that moment, they melted into each other, their bodies fitting together seamlessly as if they were indeed two halves of a perfect puzzle.

However, their blissful moment was abruptly interrupted by the blaring sound of Nehmat's phone, its Punjabi ringtone cutting through the air like a sharp jolt back to reality.

Startled, Nehmat quickly fumbled for her phone, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she silenced the ringer. "Sorry," she mumbled apologetically, shooting Shubman an apologetic glance.

Shubman couldn't help but chuckle at the sudden intrusion, his hand reaching out to gently squeeze Nehmat's in reassurance. "It's alright," he replied with a smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "We'll just have to continue this puzzle later."

As Shubman was about to give Nehmat space to take the call, he couldn't resist adding a playful comment. "Nice ringtone, by the way. 'Vanilla' by Diljit Dosanjh, right?" he remarked with a grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Nehmat blushed at Shubman's comment and moved away to pick up her phone, fully aware of the particular reference he meant from the song. He chuckled softly as he watched her, finding her reaction endearing.

Meanwhile, Shubman made his way over to Ishan. He decided it was time to have a chat with his best friend, reminding him of the importance of discretion and not blurting things out at every opportunity.

As Nehmat moved towards a quieter spot in the club to answer the call. As she listened to the words on the other end, her body went still and her expression turned blank. Despite mentally preparing herself for this moment, the reality hit hard.

"Rent a house and pack your bags, she is coming back," the voice on the other end instructed, delivering news that Nehmat had been bracing herself for but found difficult to process nonetheless.