As Good As It Gets - 14 - The First Kiss

Aditya had promised to take me some place nice, so I dressed carefully. Nothing over the top, but nice enough. I stepped out gingerly and raised my eyes slowly to meet Aditya’s.

“Wow..” was all he said. That was all I needed to hear. I could tell, even before the evening had started, that I was going to have a great time. 

I can’t remember what I ate or how it tasted. I was mesmerized by him, his mind, his mannerism. I could observe him for hours and I did. Time passed quickly and before we knew it, it was time for me to go back home.

“Do you have to go now?” He asked as he dropped me back.

I nodded reluctantly.

“Come on, just ten more minutes.” He pleaded.

I knew it would get me into trouble but I found myself smiling. “Okay, but just ten minutes.”

“Want to take a walk?” He casually held my hand and pulled me gently.

“Aditya, I can’t..  I have to be home in ten minutes.” I protested half heartedly.

“I’ll have you back in ten minutes. Trust me.”

We walked around like that, hand in hand. At the back of my mind, I could hear some warning bells ringing. My mum had friends in the neighbourhood. What if one of them saw us. I chose to ignore them. I was so aware of Aditya’s touch, that I couldn’t concentrate on anything else.

I had roamed these streets a million times before, but never had I seen them looking as beautiful as they had that night.

True to his words, Aditya walked me home well before the ten minutes were over. He followed me to the door. We stood there for a long time not saying anything. After the longest pause ever, Aditya turned my face gently towards him with his fingers and kissed me.

 “You can open your eyes now Anagha.” His voice shook me out of my trance.

He had stepped back. A sheepish smile on his face told me that he too had been affected deeply.

I stepped towards him.

“Aditya.. I..” I began.

“You’re getting late Anagha.” 

I didn’t want the evening to end. I didn’t want to part with Aditya. For the millionth time, I cursed the fact that I stayed with my parents.

“Goodnight Aditya..” I half whispered.

“Goodnight Anagha, sweet dreams..” I almost laughed out aloud. There would be no sleep for me today.