I was seriously getting annoyed with myself because I kept thinking about our first meeting. I never asked Abid for his pictures or how he looked. He wanted my pictures, but I didn't give him any to irritate him.
I was in my class right then, and whatever the teacher was saying, I didn't understand a bit. I was just thinking about him. We agreed to meet after my class at 11 o'clock, as he had agreed to pick me up from college.
This was the very first time I was going with someone I had never met before. But I loved him, and this feeling was incredible. No one could justify these feelings with words. I was eagerly waiting for the class to end as soon as possible.
It was 11:30. For some reason, my teacher wanted to take an extra lecture. I was half an hour late. I quickly opened my phone to call him, but the notification took my breath away.
22 missed calls from Abid. 16 unread messages.
Ya Allah! I was getting too nervous now. I was so stupid. At least I should have informed him.
I quickly pressed the call button and hoped he would pick it up. I could easily hear my heartbeat, which matched the rhythm of the ring.
One ring... Two rings... Four rings... Six rings...
On the last ring, he picked up the call.
Shukr-Allah!
Me: Assalamualaikum Abid. Where are you?
Abid: Walaikumussalam... I was just leaving your college to go back home.
No. Please, no!
Me: Why are you leaving? I am coming.
He didn't say anything, and I was just praying. Actually, I held my breath, which I released when he said,
Abid: Ok... come fast.
I cut the call and walked out of the main gate of my college. We decided last night that he would wear a red shirt with black jeans and I would wear blue clothes, so we could identify each other easily. I took out my phone to check one last time that I didn't look stupid in front of him, which I always did after classes.
As I took a left turn, I saw a red and black R1 Five bike, which I had told him was my favorite, and beside the bike, he was standing, folding both of his hands on his chest. He actually followed the dress code and wore a red shirt with black denim. He was very handsome. Any girl would want to be by his side. I walked closer to him, and eventually, he raised his head, and our eyes met.
I had seen in movies that when the hero and heroine's eyes first met, the surroundings got cool, fresh winds started blowing, and romantic music played in the background. But in my case, nothing like that happened. It didn't disappoint me. Because when my eyes met his brown eyes, I really drowned in them. The most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. Even though I had brown eyes, the sharpness and darkness that filled his eyes were adorable. I could feel my palms getting wet. I just stood in front of him and stared, as he stared back. I actually felt that my surroundings were getting blurred because I couldn't see anything except him.
For a minute or two, we just stared at each other. Then, to break the ice, I said in an innocent manner, with an innocent smile on my face,
Me: I am sorry...!
He smiled at me, and my heart stopped. Literally, stopped. He looked so handsome when he smiled.
Get a grip!
Me: Let's go.
He nodded.
Seriously, I had no idea where we were going. We took a lot of turns, left and right, on the road before we reached our destination.
From the outside, it looked like a restaurant. We made our way inside.
Me: It's a restaurant.
He smiled again, and I fell. I fell in love with him again. Damn you, Abid!
Abid: Close your eyes, baby. It's time to make your first wish come true.
Which wish? I had lots of wishes, which I had told him. Before I could say anything, he entered, and I followed him. As I entered, the first thing that caught my attention was the fabulous smell. Whatever it was, a room freshener or something, I loved it. The lights were pleasant and warming, and soothing music was playing. Well, Abid had taste. Because the place he chose was very romantic and a perfect place for a date.
Abid reached the reception and talked about something I couldn't hear, then came back and stood beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist. An electric current ran through my body. I looked at him, and he winked.
Abid: Let's go, baby.
He directed his other hand towards the stairs, which were going downward. We made our way together down the stairs. He didn't remove his hand from my waist. The lights were dim, pleasant music was playing, and small cabins were decorated with lights and other things. A perfect romantic atmosphere.
We entered a room where the lights were very dim, and he directed me to sit on the couch.
Abid: Sit, baby, I will be back in a minute.
And he left. I still didn't understand what kind of place it was. I'd never seen a restaurant like this. I was deep in thought when someone entered the room.
Someone: Hello Mam. I am Steve. Would you like to order something?
He was probably the waiter.
Me: I am fine. Thank you.
Steve bowed and left the room. I didn't want to be a burden to him. The place looked very expensive, too. I was in my thoughts when a sudden, humble voice snapped me out of them.
Abid: Why hasn't you order anything, Areena?
I wanted to answer, but Abid bent down towards me to ask this. Our eyes locked, and he was so close.
Abid: Don't tell me you think I am unable to pay.
I gulped.
How he managed to know everything I thought was still a mystery to me.
Me: No, I am just fine. I don't need anything.
Abid: Liar...!
Me: No, I am not lying.
Why was I stuttering?
Abid: Has anyone told you that you are not good at lying?
Yes, Sara told me that. Whenever I lied and hid something from her.
Me: Yes... No, I mean no.
What's wrong with me?
Abid: Oh, but I just told you. Didn't I?
I moved my gaze away from his eyes and smiled.
Abid: You are beautiful, Areena.
I met his gaze again, and my cheeks turned pink.
Abid: And you look cute when you blush.
He said it in his husky voice. I laughed this time.
Me: You are trying to flirt with me.
Abid: Of course. You are mine now. I can do anything with you, baby.
Me: Not everything, sweetheart!