Ficool

Chapter 39 - Chapter-39 "The Date ,Laughter and Love"

Vikram: "Tara, enough! Who wakes up just to fall asleep again?" (Trying to wake her up)

Tara: (Half-asleep) "I don't want to wake up…"

Vikram: "Get up or I'll kiss you."

Tara: (Suddenly alert) "What?! No! You can't do that… You promised!"

Vikram: "I wasn't talking about lips, Tara. And who knows, maybe you'll let me kiss you anyway. Now come on, walk me to the car. I'm heading to the office."

Tara: "Why? That wasn't part of the deal."

Vikram: "Let me be the businessman here, please. You always bring up contracts and deals."

Tara: "Because this marriage started with a contract."

Vikram: "Who does a full traditional wedding for a contract marriage? If anything, this is more of a marriage and less of a contract. If you didn't get it, I can't help that."

Tara: "I forgave you just yesterday. Don't make me take it back today."

(He holds her hand and pulls her along.)

They walk downstairs together.

Vikram: "Do you want any new dresses for today?"

Tara: "No thanks. Last time, that dress you sent nearly suffocated me!"

Vikram: "I'll send all sizes."

Tara: "No thank you, I'll pick my own."

Vikram: "Just be ready."

Tara: "You seem really excited."

Vikram: (Smirking) "Yes. Aren't you?"

Tara: "I don't know."

Vikram: "This is not fair. I keep expressing my feelings, and you stay blank."

Tara: "We're just friends, right? So let's stick to the friends kind of feelings."

Vikram: (Leaning in slightly, looking at her) "Are we really? Because we sleep so close at night that anyone would doubt our 'friendship'."

(Tara tries to suppress a smile. Vikram grins.)

Vikram: "Tara, don't hold back. Just laugh!"

(Both burst into laughter, looking at each other.)

Tara: "The dining hall's here. You go have breakfast, I'm heading off."

Vikram: "Already had mine. Look at the time—it's 9:30 a.m. Now come drop me to the car."

(He grabs her hand and walks her out.)

At the car, the driver opens the door.

Tara: "You could open your own door sometime."

Driver: "No ma'am, I always open it for sir."

Tara: "And he calls me lazy…"

(The driver chuckles softly.)

Vikram: (Pulling Tara aside) "Go back inside and have your breakfast."

Tara: (Suddenly noticing) "Wow… all those yellow roses are blooming. They look beautiful."

Vikram: "They were my mom's favorite flowers."

Tara: "They're my favorite too. Yellow means happiness, and roses bring smiles. Such a beautiful combination."

(She glances at him. Vikram stares back, stunned and emotional.)

Tara: "What happened?"

Vikram: (Takes a deep breath, kisses her forehead, and hugs her. His eyes turn moist.)

Tara: "Are you okay?"

Vikram: "I knew these were your favorites. And the line you just said… my mom used to say the exact same thing. That's why it hit me."

Tara: "Your mom must have been a beautiful soul. When you gifted me anklets like hers, I genuinely felt valued. Thank you."

(She hugs him. He kisses her hair gently.)

Vikram: "Alright, I'm off to the office. Be ready in the evening, and please eat your breakfast."

Tara: "I just don't get why you and my mom keep obsessing over my meals."

Vikram: (Getting into the car) "Because we both love you."

(He smiles at her. Tara, watching the car leave, thinks silently…)

> "Am I lucky… to have someone like Vikram sir in my life?"

Back inside…

Tara reaches the dining hall.

Dadi: "Tara, did you have breakfast?"

Tara: "No, Dadi. I'm going now." (She walks off.)

Dadi sits on the couch. Dadaji joins her.

Dadaji: "What's the matter, Parvati?"

Dadi: "I'm really happy today. Vikram and Tara came downstairs together, and the way Vikram laughed with her… I haven't seen that in years." (Tears glisten in her eyes.)

Dadaji: "Yes. His eyes show he's truly happy now. Even yesterday, his smile reminded me of his childhood—pure and real."

Dadi: "Tara has brought light back into our boy's life."

Dadaji: "Yes… now, when he smiles, it's not a performance."

---

Evening…

Tara is excited for the date. She chooses a black saree from the ones Vikram gave her. She applies light makeup but goes bold with red lipstick—and it suits her beautifully.

She looks stunning… but there's one issue. Her blouse has multiple strings, and she's struggling to tie them in front of the mirror.

Just then, the door opens.

Vikram enters—and his breath catches seeing her reflection in the mirror. Her back exposed slightly, her arms trying to reach the tangled strings… and that red lipstick.

Tara: "Oh! You're here—please help me with this. The strings won't cooperate."

Vikram: (In disbelief) "What?"

Tara: "Can't you see I'm stuck? Fine, I'll go downstairs like this!"

Vikram: "No, wait! I'll do it." (He shuts the door and leans against it briefly.)

> (Thinking) "Tara tests my patience like it's an IIT entrance exam. Does she even realize what she does to me?"

Tara: "Vikram sir! Come on, or I'm heading downstairs like this!"

Vikram: "Coming…"

He approaches. Tara explains how to tie the strings.

But Vikram is distracted. Her red lipstick… her bare back… it's too much.

Tara: "Start!"

Vikram: (Still distracted but tries)

After a few failed attempts…

Tara: "Forget it! I'll change into another saree."

Vikram: "No! I'll try again. Just explain once more."

After five tries, he finally gets it right.

Tara: "Thank you! That was driving me crazy."

Vikram: (Thinking) "And now I'm the crazy one…"

Tara: "You should get ready too."

Vikram: "Let me just… breathe first." (Walks to the balcony)

Tara: "What?"

(He returns to the room)

Tara: "Alright, I'll go downstairs." (She leaves.)

Downstairs, she talks with Dadi and some staff.

Dadi: "There he is! Vikram's here too."

Tara looks at him.

> (Thinking) "He always looked handsome… but today he's something else entirely."

Vikram: "Let's go, Dadi. We'll head out now."

Dadi: "Keep spending time like this. It keeps complaints away."

(He holds Tara's hand. She waves at Dadi as they leave.)

They sit in the backseat of the car.

Tara is unusually quiet.

Vikram: "Why are you silent? Are you okay?"

Tara: "Yeah, I'm fine."

> (Thinking) "What do I even say? That you're so handsome today, it's messing with my heartbeat?"

Vikram: (Looking at her) "You look really beautiful, Tara."

> (Tara's mind) "Only an ambulance is missing now…"

Tara: "You look handsome too."

Vikram: "This is the first time you've complimented me!"

Tara: "Really?"

Vikram: "Why are you sitting so far away? Come closer." (He gently pulls her closer.)

Vikram: "Did you take a selfie?"

Tara: (Dramatically) "No! I totally forgot."

Vikram: (Pulling out his phone) "Come on, let's take it with mine."

They take selfies together.

Tara: "Vikram sir! Who takes 10 selfies in one pose?"

Vikram: "I usually take professional photos. I don't know how to pose."

Tara: "You're such a boring person!"

Vikram: "Thanks for reminding me. I should've learned these poses too, apparently."

(Tara laughs.)

Tara: "Where are we going?"

Vikram: "You'll see."

The car stops.

Tara moves to open the door—

Vikram: "Wait. Let the driver do it."

Tara: "Is there media outside?"

Vikram: "No. Just let him do it."

They step out. Vikram takes her hand.

Tara: "Do I have to hold your hand here too?"

Vikram: "Yes. Wherever you go with me, this hand-holding is mandatory."

They reach the restaurant gate.

The restaurant manager, staff, chefs, and waiters are standing at the entrance to greet them.

All: "Mr. and Mrs. Suryavanshi, welcome!"

Tara: (Surprised) "Even they know you?"

Vikram: (Smiling) "Come inside, Tara."

Tara walks in, leaving his hand to admire the ambience.

Tara: "It's beautiful! But why is it empty?"

Vikram: (Pulls a chair for her) "Because it's fully booked. By me. For us."

Tara: (Sits down, stunned) "You did all this? Why?

Vikram:( smiling) " just enjoy Tara".

Setting- 5 Star Fancy Restaurant

Golden chandeliers shimmer, soft violin music plays in the background. The candlelight glows gently around them.

Across the table — the disaster queen in black saree, red lips, and confused gaze… and the man in a black tux, struggling to keep a straight face.

Tara sat across from Vikram at the candlelit table, staring at the menu like it had just betrayed her deepest trust.

Then came the first dish.

---

🍽️ Dish 1: Ravioli

Vikram (slicing calmly):

"This dish is made with imported cheese aged for 36 months—"

Tara (poking at the ravioli like it insulted her):

"Is this cheese's mother or grandmother? And what is this, a sample size? My stomach is literally offended."

Restaurant Staff (nervously approaching):

"Ma'am, may I explain—"

Vikram (raising his hand, smiling):

"No. Let her speak. I listen. You listen. Let the truth be heard."

---

🍽️ Dish 2: Exotic Foam Salad

Tara (squinting at the plate):

"What is this? A salad with wings? It looks like someone sprayed shaving foam. Are they serving shampoo in the name of cuisine now?"

Vikram (choking on his water, laughing silently):

(He grabs a tissue like he's wiping tears—not of emotion, but of helpless laughter.)

---

🍽️ Dish 3: Truffle Oil Soup

Tara (staring into the spoon):

"Is this soup or someone's collected tears? Just sprinkle Maggi masala instead—it might bring some life to it."

Vikram (folding hands like she's delivering a sermon):

"I didn't come here for fine dining. I came for these dialogues. All my money is worth it."

---

🍽️ Dish 4: Deconstructed Paneer Tikka

Tara (visibly puzzled):

"Where's the paneer? This looks like a breakup aftermath. Paneer got dumped, dissected, and now they've displayed its remains on this plate."

Vikram (laughing quietly, camera zooming in on his gleeful face):

"This isn't just a dish. It's a breakup—for your taste buds."

---

🍽️ Dish 5: Beetroot Carpaccio

Tara (dramatically):

"This doesn't look like beetroot. This looks like someone's failed art project—just splashed onto the plate and called it gourmet."

Waiters (glancing nervously at Vikram):

"Sir… not just the beetroot. Our dignity also fell on that plate."

---

🍽️ Dish 6: Edible Flowers Dessert

Tara (sniffing the flower suspiciously):

"This was blooming in a garden yesterday. Now it's blooming in my dessert? I didn't come here to graze like a cow."

Vikram (smiling, hands folded like she's on stage):

"Romance + stand-up comedy = Tara."

Waiter (whispering nervously to Vikram):

"Sir, shall we call the chef?"

Vikram (grinning):

"No. If he comes out now, his career might not survive. Nothing can match her critique."

---

The restaurant was in chaos.

The chef came personally to apologize.

Chef: "Sir, we're really sorry. It seems Mrs. Suryavanshi didn't enjoy the food."

Vikram (gently smiling):

"Don't worry about her. You did well."

Chef (worried):

"Sir, please give us a good review or our restaurant's reputation—"

Vikram:

"I'll give a glowing review. I laughed more than I've laughed in years. That's worth everything."

---

Vikram walked back to Tara.

Vikram (grinning widely):

"Let's go."

As they exited, the restaurant staff lined up at the doors, watching Tara with helpless expressions.

Tara returned their stares with her signature glare—as if silently declaring, "You guys were useless."

Manager:

"Ma'am, we're truly sorry you didn't enjoy the food."

Tara was about to say something, but—

Vikram:

"We're leaving now."

The driver brought the car to the front.

Vikram (to driver):

"Take a cab. I'll drive today. Go."

Tara (surprised):

"Why'd you send the driver away?"

Vikram (touching her cheek lightly):

"Because I want to take you somewhere. Come on."

---

Inside the car…

Vikram couldn't stop smiling.

Tara:

"Why are you smiling like that? You were laughing in the restaurant too."

Vikram:

"Because I'm happy, Tara. Genuinely happy. It wasn't a typical date… but it was perfect. Because you were with me."

Tara (smiling softly):

"You look good when you laugh Vikram sir".

Vikram:

"Thank you, Tara. I laughed today because of you. And please, drop the 'sir' now. Just call me Vikram… or Mr. Suryavanshi "

Tara (teasing):

"Remove sir? And Mr. Suryavanshi is reserved—for verbal battles."

Vikram (playfully):

"So you've even categorized names now?"

Tara:

"I'll try… Vikram."

---

The car stopped at a quiet bridge.

Tara stepped out.

Tara (eyes wide):

"This place is so beautiful… it's perfect."

Vikram stood silently, watching her with a soft, full smile.

"I love her so much," he thought. "I want to spend my life like this—with her, always."

Tara (spinning slightly):

"This moon, these stars, the gentle water, this breeze… doesn't it feel magical?"

Vikram (still watching her, mesmerized):

"How does she turn every ordinary thing into magic? The way I feel right now… it's something beyond words."

Tara:

"What are you thinking?"

Vikram (his heart humming a song silently):

🎵 Darling, just hold my hand, be my girl, I'll be your man… I see my future in your eyes… 🎵

Tara (laughing slightly):

"Why are you looking at me and smiling like that?"

Vikram stepped forward, gently took her hand.

In that moment, the world stilled. Time slowed. The air changed.

He pulled her into a hug, holding her softly but protectively. Then he cradled her face, and kissed her forehead like a silent thank you—for being in his life.

He gently rubbed his nose against hers, smiling.

Tara's heart raced—but she didn't move away.

Vikram's gaze drifted to her lips.

He paused.

Then, remembering his promise, he placed a finger gently over them. He lowered his head…

…and kissed his own finger instead.

But before he could pull away—

Tara slowly took his hand and removed his finger from her lips.

That one small act… said everything.

A silent yes.

Their eyes met. The tension between them sizzled like a live wire.

Vikram's hand moved to her waist. He pulled her gently, slowly, deliberately closer.

So close that the night, the wind, the moon—all faded.

Only their breath remained.

Only their gaze.

And the truth that didn't need to be spoken.

To be continued… 😌✨

---

More Chapters