Bike Ride Date

The early morning sunshine gleamed on the green lawns, birds twittered in elation as if celebrating the day, and a boy enthusiastically whistled along. The nearby roses gave off a whiff of sweet fragrance, attracting a large bumblebee, and a few sparrows hopped around warily, retreating immediately when water droplets splashed. Sameer flicked his hair, and continued pouring water on his bike, vigorously cleaning each and every part to an utmost shine. After all, it wasn’t every day that a boy would get a chance to take his girlfriend on a bike ride.

He hummed the tunes of the latest MJ song, as he thought of where all he would take her. It was Ganesh Chaturthi today, a rare Monday holiday, but the best part was that Naina’s Taiji and Tauji weren’t at home. They had gone to Gandhinagar to visit a relative over the long weekend. Rakesh sir was busy with Arjun’s cricket practice, and Chachaji and Chachiji were also going to visit a friend’s place for Ganesh sthapna. Preeti and Naina had somehow managed to convince them that they had to be in college for the preparation of upcoming college fest, and assured that they would return home in normal time, just like daily.

It hadn’t really taken him much effort to convince Naina for the bike ride, because she too had been wanting to go with him, but it had taken some time to come up with the perfect plans. He had to ensure that nothing went wrong, and none of her family members got a whiff of them, otherwise any future dates would not be possible, and he already had a series of wish list he wanted to demand from Naina. He chuckled, trying to curb his excitement, “pehle aaj ka date to ho jaane de Sameer, fir aage ki sochna.”

He rubbed his bike dry, to make sure there were no spots left from the water droplets, then checked the brakes and acceleration. Nodding to himself in satisfaction, he went inside the house to take a shower and get ready. He opened his cupboard, and scanned the options of clothes available; wondering what would be the best for this perfect occasion. Recalling how much Naina liked to see him in blue and also given the weather, he picked up a deep blue checked shirt and jeans. Rolling up the sleeves, he glanced at himself in the mirror and combed his hair to perfection.

On the other hand, Naina was equally excited, so much so that she hadn’t been able to sleep properly, and whatever time she had slept dreams had clouded her mind. She washed her hair, and stood in-front of the mirror, rubbing them dry. How should she sit? Where should she keep her hands? Would she be able to hold onto him? Questions after questions tumbled around in her head. However, for now the most important one was what to wear. Skirt? She imagined herself seated behind him, facing one side, one hand on his shoulder. Smiling at the image, she pulled out her long floral skirt and pink full sleeve shirt-top.

Just then, Preeti came out of the bathroom and shrieked, “yeh kya pehen rahi hai tu?”

Naina turned to look at her sister, “kyun? Kya hua?”

“Tu yeh pehenke jijaji ke saath bike pe jayegi?”, Preeti grabbed the long skirt from her hands.

“Haan… kyun yeh achcha nai hai kya?”, Naina asked apprehensive, “yeh to tera bhi favourite skirt hai.”

Preeti looked skyward, as if expecting some divine help, “haan mera favourite hai, lekin Naina, yeh skirt hai.”

When Naina still frowned in confusion, Preeti continued, “uff… tune Maine Pyar Kiya nai dekhi kya…? Usme Bhagyashree kaise Salman ke peeche bethti hai, use achche se pakadke. Tu skirt pehnegi to waise kaise bethegi?”

Naina’s eyes widened as realization dawned on her, and she blushed scarlet. Could she sit like that with Sameer? Sensations tingled along her spine just at the thought of holding him like that, being so close to him. Her eyes took on a dreamy look as she imagined herself sitting behind Sameer, her hands wrapped around him, while they zoomed on the streets. Seeing her lost, Preeti snapped her fingers, “oye, sirf sapne me hi ghumegi, ya sach me bhi jaana hai?”

Naina smiled, mind still reeling from the vivid images, she turned back to the wardrobe to pull out her pair of blue jeans. Preeti grinned, showing her a thumbs-up, and took the floral skirt to wear it herself. Naina changed into the jeans, and paired it with the same pink top she had selected for the skirt, and combed her hair leaving it open. She slipped on a pink hair-band, but after checking herself out in the mirror, she removed it and instead let her hair be just as it was. She took a few minutes more to apply kajal, a light shaded lipstick, and adorned her ears with matching earrings. She stuffed a dupatta in her bag, and then left for college with Preeti.

Sameer was waiting for her near the college gate, along with Munna and Pandit. While coming to the college, he had gotten the tank filled with petrol, and also got the tire pressure checked. Soon they saw an auto stop, and the girls descended from it. His eyes glittered on seeing Naina dressed in jeans, he hadn’t been sure what she would wear, but had refrained from demanding anything. He grinned wide, as Naina came up to him, and leaned down to whisper a compliment in her ear, making her blush crimson.

Munna slapped Sameer on his back, “aree bhai mere, thoda sa kuch bike ke liye bhi bachake rakh, saari baate abhi karega kya?”

Sameer chuckled, “tu uski chinta mat kar. Tum log bas apna dhyan rakhna, hum dono shaam ko 4 baje tak wapas aa jayenge.”

“Fikar mat karo jijaji”, Preeti winked, “aur haan, meri behen ka khayal rakhna.”

“Jo hokum saali sahiba”, Sameer saluted her and winked back.

The four friends laughed and went inside the college, to spend their day, and let the lovebirds enjoy their first bike ride.

“Toh…chale?”, Sameer smirked.

Naina smiled up at him and nodded, then pulled out her dupatta and covered her face. Sameer started the bike and waited with bated breath for her to sit, his heart beating at the special moment, when one of his many dreams would be fulfilled. Naina contemplated for some time, but then positioned herself facing one side, just as she had imagined before. She had wanted to be courageous and sit like Preeti had asked her to, but the thundering of her poor heart was too much for her to bear, and she backed out at the end moment. Sameer turned his head, to look at her, and smiled in assurance, “thik se pakadna.”

He wanted her to sit closer, hold onto him, but understood that maybe it was too soon for her. They had the entire day, maybe she would become comfortable with him. With hopes high, and spirits up, he drove the bike steadily, often glancing at her reflection in the rear-view mirror. Naina held on the bar at the end of the seat, slowly relaxing, gazing at the passing sceneries. She had no idea where he was taking her, but she didn’t ask, she was happy just to sit with him like this. The feeling was special, she looked at his back, the broad shoulders, and her fingers twitched as she tried to build up the courage to place a hand.

She had just finished her internal debate, and lifted her hand to hold him, when he stopped the bike. Naina looked up to find herself in-front on Shree Geeta Mandir, the famous temple.

“Sameer hum yahan kyun aaye hai?”, she asked in confusion getting down from the bike.

He parked the bike, and removed his sunglasses, “tumhe yaad hai na hum sabse pehli baar akele bahar mandir me hi mile the.” She nodded recalling their first meeting.

“Toh maine socha, ab college me bhi hamare dates ki shuruwat mandir se hi karte hai”, he smiled, “aur waise bhi aaj Ganesh Chaturthi hai na, aur yahan ki murti sabse badi hoti hai.”

Naina stared at him, stumped by his thoughtfulness. She hadn’t thought the mischievous, flirty Sameer would ever think of bringing her to the temple, to mark their first date in college. They went up to the pandal, and Naina removed her dupatta, wrapping it around her neck. The big idol towered amid the nature themed decoration and Naina folded her hands praying for health and happiness for her family and Sameer. He sought blessings, praying for success in life, so he could keep Naina happy, and for their forever togetherness. Naina smiled on seeing Sameer gorging on the prasad laddoos, and felt slightly overcome on having a boy like him in her life. She had thought he would demand from her that she hold him, but he hadn’t, instead the whole time he had driven slow so that she won’t feel scared and made sure there was no need for her to suddenly hold onto him.

They left from there, and this time when Sameer started the bike, she covered her face again, and swung one leg over, straddling the seat. Stunned he turned to look at her, and she grinned, her eyes crinkling, “kya dekh rahe ho?”, she asked.

He closed his mouth, “umm… kuch nai”, he grinned back, feeling happy with the way she sat.

As he started to drive, his heart nearly stopped beating, when he felt her hands on his shoulders, fingers gripping tight. He tensed, muscles going taut, and his lips parted in exhale. Naina bit her lip, the warmth of his body searing through his shirt, her palms burned where she touched him, and she wondered if he really was this warm all over. Flushed at her own thoughts, she ducked her head, avoiding meeting his eyes in the mirror. He braked a couple of times, because he was somewhat lost in the feel of her hands, and was late in noticing the speed breakers. She inadvertently shifted closer each time be braked, making it all the more difficult for him to control himself.

Twenty minutes later, they reached Manek Chowk area, famous for its late-night food stalls. However, the place transformed three times in a day – vegetable market in the morning, bullion market in noon, and street food market at night. It was a little before noon, and the hawkers were setting up their wares for display. A few customers already moved around, peeping into small shops, and standing to admire the shiny trinkets. Sameer caught her hand, as she got down, and pulled her close, “thank you, mujhe bahot achcha laga ke tumne itna bharosa kiya mujhpe.”

She smiled, a red tinge on her cheeks, and teased, “aaj saare mandir ghumane ka iraada hai kya?”

He grabbed the keys and turned to her, “matlab?”

“Yahan bhi to mandir hai na, Baba Maneknath ka”, she informed.

He laughed, “hahhaa… haan hai toh sahi. Par hum yahan mandir jaane ke liye nahi aaye, shopping karne aaye hai.”

She looked up puzzled, “shopping? Kiske liye?”

“Hai koi khubsurat si ladki, jispe main apna dil haar chuka hun”, he winked at her.

She blushed, “sidhe sidhe bolo na mere liye.”

“Lo… ab main to Julia Roberts ki baat kar raha tha”, he teased.

Her eyes narrowed, she fumed, “to fir bike pe bhi usiko laate na, mujhe kyun laaye”, she crossed her arms looking the other way.

He grinned, “tumhari naak jalan se laal hoti hai na to mujhe dekhne me bada mazaa aata hai.”

“Jale meri juti”, she scoffed.

“Hahhaa”, Sameer laughed, “achcha baba mazaak kar raha tha. Tumko to pata hai tumhare alawa aur koi dikhti nahi hai mereko. Fir bhi jalti ho.”

She relented slightly, “achcha, to fir tumhare kamre me woh posters kyun hai?”

He looked at her incredulously. Was she seriously jealous of a couple of posters? Didn’t she understand that no girl in this entire world stood a chance before her? Didn’t she know that he only had eyes for her? Was she so unaware of the fact that she didn’t just rule his heart but also his thoughts?

He held her arm, pulling her to the side, so that he was walking on the outer edge of the road, keeping her safe from the oncoming traffic and other pedestrians. Naina tilted her head to look at him, a slight smile tugging at her lips. Chachaji used to do the same thing, make them walk on the inside edge, ensuring their safety. Here Sameer was subconsciously doing the same gesture, warmth spread through her at the care and concern that he always showed for her.

He stopped at a small jewellery shop, and turned to her, “tumhare sawaal ka jawaab main jaldi hi dunga.” The market was crammed with numerous shops selling the purest gold and silver, to small hawkers selling oxidized or metal jewelleries catering to youngsters. He enthusiastically selected several different earrings and bracelets for her, making her try them on. She was charmed at his avid interest in her dressing, especially when he remembered specific dresses she had worn in college and bought matching earrings or bangles. After spending an hour, roaming through the streets, they went into a small restaurant for lunch, and ate pav-bhaji. While returning to their bike, Sameer spotted a kulfi stall, and pulled her to it.

Naina was surprised by the next destination chosen by him. She stared up at the signboard with name inscription – Parimal Garden. It was a big public park, with green surroundings, and several hawkers had set up stalls near the entrance, selling peanuts, fruits and coconut water.

“Sameer, hum park me kyun aaye hai? Koi dekh lega to?”, she asked slightly tensed.

He assured her, “abhi dupahar ke time me yahan zyada log nai hote, shaam ko aate hai. Aur yeh hamare ghar se dur hai, koi pehchaan wala chutti ke din nai aayega.”

She took a deep breath and nodded, sliding off the bike. He bought some peanuts, and they went inside the park. She had removed her dupatta, but looked around nervously, eyes darting over the few people walking or sitting here and there. He understood her hesitation and worry, “ek kaam karo, dupatta sir pe odh lo. Dhup bhi hai to ajeeb nai lagega, aur mujhe ek jagah pata hai jahan log bilkul nai honge. Chalo.”

He guided her across the long paved path that was used for jogging or morning walks, and turned right to a big green lawn dotted with trees and flowering shrubs. Finally, after ten minutes they reached a small green bridge, stretching over a pond, full of white and pink lotuses. The area was secluded, and Naina breathed in relief when she saw that indeed there wasn’t a single soul present apart from them. She removed the dupatta, at last calming enough to appreciate the beautiful sight before her eyes. A bricked shaded area stretched alongside the pond, the roof covered in pink and white bougainvillea. They sat on a bench, overlooking the lotus filled water, and enjoyed the pleasant breeze.

Few minutes later, Sameer inched closer to her, and slowly held her hand, waiting for her to respond. Naina blushed, but gathered courage, and folded her fingers over his. He grinned in elation, and leaned towards her, “aaj ka din to main kabhi nai bhulunga.”

She smiled, “main bhi nahi.”

His eyes took on an impish glint, “waise, aaj tum Julia Roberts se bhi zyada khubsurat lag rahi ho.”

Vexed, she opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind, when he placed two fingers over her lips. She gazed into his eyes, shocked, her lips quivered at the touch, breath sighing from between them. His eyes darkened, drifting down to the soft inviting lips, he had touched her to keep her quiet, so he could answer her earlier question, but now it evoked several different sensations in him. His breathing increased, and he bit his own lips, to calm his impulses. “Sameer…”, she whispered, lips moving against his fingers.

He closed his eyes, removing his hand from her mouth; the other hand clutched her fingers tight, as if clinging to a lifeline, to save himself from drowning. He took a minute to get himself under control, “sorry… woh main…”, he stammered unable to explain.

Naina herself couldn’t understand the emotions coursing through her. The look in his eyes was too much for her to decipher, but yet for a moment there she had longed to surrender to whatever he wanted from her. However, he had pulled back, once again protecting her in his own way, and she didn’t think there could be any moment greater than this, where she could place her entire trust on him. Before this bike ride date, there had been several questions in her mind. Even though she too had wanted to do this, her mind had been plagued with doubts about whether she was doing the right thing or not. She now knew that it was right, completely right, because she was with the right person.

She closed her eyes, and tilted her head to rest against his arm. Sameer jerked slightly, and looked down at her, searching her face, wondering if she was all right. He rubbed his thumb over the back of her palm, “Naina, tum thik to ho na?”

She smiled, nodding her head, “I love you Sameer.”

He inhaled, deep and hard, then slowly shifted wrapping his arm around her shoulders, so that her head was positioned on his chest, his heart thumped with elation when she didn’t object at all, “I love you too Naina.”

They sat like that, talking about everything and nothing, enjoying the views of flowers and birds, squirrels darting around. He took out the pack of peanuts, handing it over to Naina, who broke some nuts dropping them on the ground for the squirrels to feast on.

Finally, at 3pm, they left from the park, and started on their journey back. Naina sat the same way as before, holding onto his shoulders, but when an empty stretch came, she dared to do the thing she had wanted to since morning. Her hands drifted down his back, wrapping around his waist. Sameer nearly jumped up from his seat, applying the brakes so hard that Naina crashed against his back.

His body tensed, eyes darting to her hands linked on his belly, and then he turned back to look at her, “Naina…”, he trailed off.

She met his eyes, “kya hua? chalo na, der ho jayegi warna.”

He gaped at her, opening and closing his mouth couple of times, it seemed he was rendered speechless at her action. He settled again, focusing on the road, half of his mind on the soft body pressed against his back, her head resting between his shoulders. God, the girl would drive him crazy. He had barely controlled himself in the park, but now the way she was sitting, he could feel every inch of her, and he wanted to stop the bike and pull her in his arms properly. At the same time, he didn’t fail to notice how much she trusted him, he had hoped she would be comfortable enough by the end of this day to hold his shoulders. But she had surprised him, happiness spread along his veins, as he knew that they were certainly moving on to come closer to each other.

He tapped her hands before he pulled on the main road, and she straightened, understanding his meaning. Although he missed her warmth, her feel, it was more important for him that she should not be uncomfortable or embarrassed in any way. What she had given him today was much more than he had expected; he could wait for more. They soon reached the college, and went inside to look for their friends; they were supposed to wait near the classroom. As they sauntered along the corridor, he suddenly held her hand pulling her into an empty classroom, and closed the door.

Her heart thudded, and she swallowed, but waited for him. He hooked a finger under her chin, tilting her head to meet her eyes, “tumne kuch pucha tha mujhse.”

She frowned, confused at what he meant. He continued, “I love you. Mere kamre me woh posters mere liye koi maayne nai rakhte. Tum chaho to main aaj hi saare nikal dunga.”

She smiled, realizing that he sought to ease her jealousy. Yes, she was jealous whenever he paid attention to any other girl, or even when any other girl paid attention to him. But never once did she question his love for her. She touched his hand, fingers skimming over his forearms, “uski koi zarurat nahi hai. Woh posters hum baad me hatayenge.”

He tilted his head to the side, perplexed at first, then smirked, “shaadi ke baad?”, he quizzed.

She looked away blushing, and he chuckled. His hands moved to her shoulders, tugging her slightly, making her look back at him. Naina gazed into his glittering brown eyes for a moment, and then answered his silent question with a nod. Without wasting another moment, he pulled her in his arms, holding her tight against him, as if she wasn’t a different person but a part of him. She too wrapped her hands around him, nuzzling closer, finally feeling as if she had found a place she could call her own.

The late afternoon sunshine, slanted through the windows, highlighting the dust particles floating in the air, while Sameer and Naina stood surrounded in the warmth of their love, cherishing the feel of each other, of home.