Chapter 20

Shivansh's Pov.

I was sitting on my chair at the head of the table in my conference room with my asshole best friend, Rahul who has finally appeared from his very hustling schedule.

I told him everything about Abhidnya and he listened meekly, which is a very rare thing. I expected tons of questions but he asked none.

"Man, I know you're expecting questions and of course I won't disappoint you. Just one question, okay?"

"Yeah, shoot!"

"Do you realize or have you realized that you're in love with Abhidnya?"

"Maybe, I have but..."

"But what, you have already messed up a lot and now you have this audacity of saying but?" He was angry. He was sounding Abhidnya's brother more than as my best friend.

"What if she doesn't feel the same for me?"

"Are you nuts? That girl is with you after all this she has been through which makes it pretty obvious that she loves you too."

"Yeah, that's right! I feel I should give her some time."

"Shivansh, stop beating around the bush, and for god's sake stop wasting time. I dare you to message her right now and ask her out."

I had no choice but to message Abhidnya now. Rahul knows very well how to persuade me. And he really has a point.

*Are you free? It's important.*

She replied after five minutes.

*Yeah, I'm on my way home and will reach in 15. What's up?*

"Rahul, what should I tell her now?" I asked him worriedly.

"Okay, so the very charming, The Shivansh Shetty is asking me for ways to ask a girl out. Really, Shivansh?" He said laughing hard which just made me glare at him more.

*Would you like to go out with me tonight?*

*Are you asking me out, Mr. Shetty?*

I typed 'sort of' and Rahul snatched my phone.

"Bro, what the fuck is 'sort of' ?" I just shook my head and let him type.

"Just show me the message before sending her or be ready to dig your own grave."

*Yes, it's a date.*

*Okay, I'll be waiting.*

Abhidnya's Pov.

I cautiously unwrapped the gift my mom gave me a year ago. She told me to save it for a special occasion. And I feel this is the right time to wear the saree she gifted me.

I rushed into the closet, very eager to wear the saree. I saw my reflection in the mirror, I was absolutely exhilarated. The saree was so stunning.

It was a forest-green color satin saree which was going really well with the golden sleeveless blouse.

I decided to go with minimal makeup and keep my hair open. I was putting on my jewelry when I heard the knock on the door.

I was ready so I went up to Shivansh. His gaze was making me crimson and I was unable to make eye contact.

"You look breathtakingly beautiful." This compliment was more than enough for me to turn scarlet. Which made Shivansh chuckle.

"So, where are we going?"

"That's a surprise." He said with a wink.

I wanted to protest but I knew he won't budge.

Shivansh took my hand and rushed to his 'baby'. I wonder sometimes why he calls his Audi R8 that but love really makes you do stupid things and this was one of them I guess.

He opened the passenger side door for me before positioning himself in the driver's seat.

He fired up the engine and I stared out, admiring the marine drive and soon we geared in hills and tall trees.

I still don't know what his plan was.

"When will we reach?"

"Are you bored? You know I'm pretty charming and can entertain you." He smirked.

"No, I'm not bored. And you don't have to worry about entertainment and stuff, songs are doing their job well."

"So, you mean to say that I'm not charming?"

"Of course you're charming. But you should really lessen thinking very highly of yourself."

"It's so wrong, you know. You don't praise me, you even don't let me do that. I'm really hurt." He said dramatically, faking his tears.

"Aww."

"Let it be." He made a sad face and I just rolled my eyes and laughed.

After some time, I noticed that we are at the beach.

"We're here," Shivansh announced.

Shivansh opened the car door and stepped out. He walked around the car and held my door open.

I was too preoccupied with the sight before me to notice Shivansh waiting for me to exit the car.

"Abhidnya," Shivansh said, trying to get my attention.

"Yeah? Sorry! It's so fascinating."

A small table in the middle of the dome near the beach, lights embellished surrounding the dome, candles adding paint to the picture, it seemed so illusory to me.

I couldn't help myself, I was so thrilled. It was exactly how I visualized it to be since my youth and today it was happening.

I never really thought someone might take effort for making me happy.

"Shivansh, to be very honest, when you asked me out, I really thought that we might have dinner at a fancy restaurant and come home back but this is ASTONISHING! I squealed.

"I know you, Abhi. Even though I don't remember your likes and dislikes but I know very well that you love and appreciate efforts more than materialistic things. So, anything for you, Sweetheart."

We started striding, making our way towards the table.

I sat down at the table. Shivansh brought out a bottle of champagne and poured two glasses and handed one to me.

"I know you're not a fan of drinks but we need to toast our first date and this is very special for me and for us too."

"To us!!!" I said raising my glass.

I set aside the glass after a small sip and Shivansh gulped down his champagne.

I was about to serve the dinner but he stopped me.

"Let me." With this, he stood up and he fiddled with the dishes, and placed a plate in front of me.

***

"Where are we going now? I asked.

"You'll see." He said grinning.

There was a small tent with a bonfire at a distance from where we were. We walked holding hands and I don't think this day can get any better.

We settled ourselves and got cozy.

"Abhi, did you like it?"

"No, Shivansh. I loved it. What's not to like, I'm under a beautiful starry sky with a bonfire on the beach and last but not the least my favorite person beside me." I said with excitement evident in my voice.

Shivansh played some romantic songs on his phone and we both sat staring at the mesmerizing view in front of us.

And my favorite song started.

I found a love for me. Oh darling, just dive right in and follow my lead.

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet.

Shivansh continued humming with me.

I looked at him with an amused expression. He continued to sing along with the song. He stood up and held out his hand and gently took my hand and helped me up.

I placed my arms on his shoulders and he placed his own on my waist. It started slowly and eventually ended up me whirling around graciously as the song concluded.

It felt like he meant all those words and it just made me feel unreal.

We still couldn't take our eyes off each other.

"Abhidnya, I love you!"  He cupped my cheek with his hand. I bit my lip, unable to meet Shivansh's gaze. He moved closer to me.

"I love you too," I admitted. Shivansh looked flabbergasted. I looked up at him, bringing my face closer to his.

Shivansh closed the small distance between us and we kissed. He took my hand and let me back to the bonfire. We sat back down on the blankets.

"This is the best day of my life," Shivansh said, cheerfully.

"Mine too." I agreed and leaned closer to Shivansh, resting my head on his shoulder. He brought his arm around me, making room for me to move closer.

I reached up and kissed him. He deepened the kiss, making it more passionate. He shifted, taking control of the kiss, which I willingly allowed him to do. I felt his tongue on my bottom lip, I pulled him closer by taking hold of his collar. I opened my mouth, allowing Shivansh to explore every part of it. I broke the kiss, my heart was racing, I was breathing heavily and my face was now completely pink.

It was the most passionate and intense kiss I ever had in my life.

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