He put her down after the twirl, but his hands stayed at her waist a second longer than necessary.
She looked up at him, slightly breathless.
"Let's go out," he said directly.
She blinked. "Right now?"
"Yes."
She crossed her arms. "Today is Sunday."
"And?"
"I wanna go shopping."
He didn't hesitate.
"Whatever you say, baby."
She rolled her eyes. "You just woke up."
"And you just hijacked my morning."
"You gave me the keys."
"Temporary privilege."
She stepped closer.
"So? Are we going or are you negotiating?"
He grabbed his keys.
"Ten minutes."
"You take forever."
"Watch me."
10:20 AM
She was waiting near his car.
He walked toward her adjusting his watch, hair slightly messy, clearly rushed.
She scanned him slowly.
"You didn't even fix your hair."
"You didn't give me time."
"You had ten minutes."
"I used eight thinking why you were this serious about shopping."
She smirked.
"I'm usually confused."
"That's true."
She narrowed her eyes.
"I am."
"You change your mind every five minutes."
She stepped closer.
"But once I decide…"
He held her gaze.
"… I don't let it go easily," she finished.
Something shifted in his expression.
"That sounds like a warning."
"It is."
He smiled slightly.
"Good."
Inside the store, the difference between them became obvious.
She moved fast.
Look. Decide. Move.
If she didn't like something, she didn't even touch it.
He touched everything.
Fabric between fingers. Checked stitching. Measured fall. Compared shades.
She leaned against a mirror watching him inspect a sleeve.
"You act calm but you're secretly intense."
"I test what I invest in."
"It's a dress."
"It's on you."
She didn't reply to that.
He held up one.
"Try."
She took it without argument.
"No confusion?" he asked.
She shrugged.
"I get confused about everything so I don't think much I will just feel it, and also I will just trust your choice."
She went inside the changing room and came out wearing the dress.
He went quiet.
His eyes moved slowly — not hiding it.
"You're staring."
"I'm evaluating."
"Tharki."
"Selective."
"You look calm but you're scanning every detail."
She folded her arms.
"It suits you, lets get this one" he said.
At billing, he stepped forward.
"I'll pay."
She tapped her card first.
"No."
"At least let me."
She looked at him, playful but firm.
"I don't take what I didn't ask for."
He leaned closer.
"And if I want to give?"
"Ask better, baby."
He exhaled softly.
Dangerous girl.
Her turn.
She walked into men's section and picked one black shirt, one jacket.
Done.
"That's it?" he asked.
"Yes."
"You didn't check anything."
"You'll look good."
"That's your criteria?"
She tilted her head.
"I don't doubt my feelings."
He went to try them.
When he stepped out—
She paused.
Just a second too long.
"You look… annoying."
"That means good."
"Don't assume."
"You looked longer."
"Shameless."
"Honest."
He paid for his things.
Balance.
Music suddenly echoed nearby.
"Couple competition starting now!"
She stopped mid-step.
He already knew that expression.
"No."
"Yes."
"We're not—"
"Don't be boring."
He studied her for a moment.
"You're serious."
She met his eyes.
"Yes, Please."
He sighed.
"Fine, baby. If we lose, I'm blaming you."
"We're not losing."
Paper dance.
Small sheet beneath their feet.
Music started.
She moved freely.
He moved controlled.
"You're stiff," she whispered.
"You're too close."
"Scared?"
"Not of you."
Paper folded smaller.
Now there was barely space.
Her hand rested on his shoulder.
His hand were on her waist respectfully, they were enjoying the moment.
"You act calm," she murmured.
"I am."
"No. You just look calm."
"And you look confused."
She smiled faintly.
"But I'm not."
Music stopped.
They were still on the paper.
Cheers erupted.
She stepped back first.
He didn't.
Blindfold round.
Noise everywhere.
She called softly, "Arsh?"
A hand brushed hers.
She grabbed it instantly.
No hesitation.
Blindfolds off.
They were inches apart.
"You found him fast!" the host laughed.
She shrugged lightly.
"I know what I choose."
He looked at her differently this time.
Final round.
Balloon between them.
They had to move without bursting it.
Close.
Too close.
She leaned slightly.
He adjusted automatically.
No words.
Just rhythm.
They won.
Matching hoodies placed in their hands.
And a five-day trip voucher.
She stared at it.
"For five days, Wow! Its great."
She looked at him.
"The dates are from 20 to 25, I will apply for leave tomorrow."
He swallowed lightly.
"If you want to go, we will go."
They walked back to the car with the hoodies and the voucher still in her hands.
She was practically glowing.
"Five days," she said, unlocking her side. "Five whole days."
He glanced at her while starting the engine.
"You're very excited."
"I've never been on a trip like this."
He looked at her properly now.
"Like this?"
"Alone."
He frowned slightly. "You've never travelled alone?"
She shook her head, still smiling but softer now.
"I've only ever gone with my parents. Or my sister. Never with friends. Never just… like this."
"Really?"
She nodded.
"You don't look like someone who asks permission."
She laughed lightly.
"Oh, I do."
He raised an eyebrow.
"My parents call me every two hours when I'm out," she said dramatically. "You won't believe it. Even right now they'd be worried."
He watched her expression.
It wasn't irritation.
It was affection.
"They're strict?" he asked.
"Protective."
"And you've never gone without telling them?"
"Nope."
"Not even with friends?"
She shook her head again.
"Didn't get permission."
He processed that quietly.
"Then how are you planning to go on a five-day trip?" he asked calmly.
She leaned back in her seat, thinking.
"Maybe I'll say it's an office trip."
He glanced at her.
"You're lying now?"
She smiled mischievously.
"Strategically informing."
He almost laughed.
"They'll call."
"I know."
"They'll worry."
"I know."
"And?"
She turned to look at him.
"For once… I want to go."
That hit differently.
He didn't tease this time.
He just nodded once.
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah."
"That's it?"
He shrugged slightly.
"If you want than why not…"
She smiled slowly.
He looked at the road.
"Then I guess we're going."
The rest of the drive was quieter.
Not awkward.
Just… thoughtful.
They reached her building first.
She gathered her bags, hoodie, voucher.
She opened the door, then paused.
"I'm actually really excited," she said again, softer this time.
He looked at her.
"I know."
"You're not?"
"I don't show it."
She smiled.
"Calm outside. Not calm inside."
He didn't deny it.
"Go before your parents call," he said lightly.
She laughed and stepped out.
"Text me."
"Always."
She shut the door.
He waited until she entered the building before driving off.
She went to her home.
He went to his.