Chapter 333

Now she had a reason to wear a new outfit. And it was easy finding one as she had already kept three of them aside for this day. She picked out the one that she liked the most, a white denim Capri with a bow at the end on both legs and a large pocket just above the knees. The pockets were the one that made the statement in the Capri. There were not just any simple pockets that one finds in any Capri or pants but they were decorated with black and white laces in the shape of a heart with a thick velvety red layer inside that was peeking through the black-white lace adding an extra special touch and uniqueness. It was a designer piece that she had fallen in love with. It had taken her quiet some time to find a matching top to wear with it, so she had kept it aside for a long time. She had found dark lavender top by accident that seemed to go well with it. The top was quite simple with a wide neck and a short relaxed sleeve. The neck sat just at her chest elegantly leaving enough space at her neck to show her tiny little white stone pendant that she was wearing. The top was of a transparent material with a lining all over except the hands which alone had unconventional design of a lighter color. The same pattern made the border of her top that completed hid the waist of her Capri thus making her look at least a couple of years younger. She picked up a white purse with a red heart as a lock. She slipped onto a simple white platform flip flop with decorative multi colored straps. She felt pleased looking at the mirror. She heard a knock at the door.

Just as he told her over the phone Pryag was at the door in five minutes. He had a light blue collared t-shirt on with one thin orange stripe going across the chest bearing the Polo logo on the left. He had his shirt tucked in with a belt holding his light blue sober looking jean in place. Her heart was beating a little faster when she opened the door. She noticed that his hair had grown back and he had put on some weight. A few months made a big difference in him. He looked healthy and handsome. He greeted her by giving her a hug and a peck on the cheek and said “Happy Birthday. I think you are the only person who really works younger every year instead of getting older. How old are you now? Twenty three or twenty one? “ They both laughed and she said, “That is very sweet. I have really missed you. You look quiet handsome” She rubbed her hand on his head and said, “You hair has grown back” She gently pinched his cheek and said, “You have put on some weight and I feel like singing - Chubby cheeks…” He rubbed his belly and said, “Yes. I have. My mom has been feeding me very well and talking about it, I am hungry. My dad dropped me off on our way back from the temple and we have to take your car.” She said, “That is fine” He raised his eyebrows and signaled her to wait for a minute and ran his hand inside his pocket and picked up a small rose. “This is for you. Prasad from the temple. We did an archana for you as it is your birthday. “ Diya was touched. He said, “You know my dad. So…. “ He paused. “Come on let’s get going. I am famished” She took the flower and took it to her eyes and kept it in her bag and stepped out. He asked, “What are you in a mood for today? Chinese? Mexican? Italian?” She smiled and said “Indian” Pryag was surprised and said, “I did not expect that. Sounds good to me. I will take you to a new restaurant in town that was opened recently where you get both North Indian and South Indian food.” The elevator screeched and came to a halt and both of them disappeared along with it.