On the much-anticipated Friday, Varsha, after her morning bath, applied lotion and prepared for the day ahead. As she locked her home to leave for work, her phone chimed with a WhatsApp notification from Anant, revealing the location where they would meet for dinner in the evening. Varsha acknowledged the message with a simple "okay."

While in the car on her way to the office, her mind swirled with thoughts about the upcoming evening. Wondering about the person Anant would be, she experienced a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from nervousness and panic to a cautious concern for her own safety.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Anant had taken the day off from work, deciding to invest time in creating a memorable experience. He meticulously applied multani mitti to his face for a glowing look, trimmed his facial hair to achieve a clean-shaven appearance, and leisurely indulged in a refreshing bath. A visit to the barber was also on his agenda, ensuring his hair was perfectly set for the evening.
Anant put considerable thought into selecting the perfect place for dinner. He not only made reservations but went the extra mile by arranging for flowers to grace the table at the chosen restaurant. He hadn't made such efforts for any girl he had met before for the purpose of marriage; there was something different about Varsha. A glance at her picture and the brief WhatsApp conversation had sparked hope within him—a feeling that Varsha might be the one. If their paths merged into marriage, Anant wanted this first dinner together to be etched in their memories as a beautiful and romantic moment.

Both Varsha and Anant, amidst their respective preparations, were engulfed in emotional turmoil. Varsha grappled with a mixture of nervousness, panic, and cautious optimism, while Anant, driven by newfound hope, invested time and thought into creating a memorable and impressive experience for their first evening together. The anticipation of the night hung in the air, weaving a tale of emotions and possibilities for the duo.

As the day settled in, around 2 PM, when Varsha had just finished her lunch and was ready to dive back into work, her phone unexpectedly started ringing. It was her Mumma! She picked up, expecting the usual motherly check-in, but today, her mother's excitement was palpable.

"Mumma, what's up?" Varsha inquired.

Vandana, with a hint of eagerness, asked, "What are you planning to wear this evening, beta?"

Surprised by the heightened interest, Varsha chuckled, "Mumma, I'll be going straight from the office, so whatever I'm wearing right now."

Vandana, not easily swayed, insisted, "I told you not to go to the office today. You never listen to me. Go back home right now and start getting ready for dinner."

Varsha, slightly annoyed, retorted, "Mumma, I am not even married yet, and you're asking me to leave work?"

Vandana clarified, "Beta, I am not telling you to leave work. I was suggesting that you get ready nicely."

Varsha, expressing her genuine self, said, "Mumma, I want him to see the real me because I can't pretend my whole life. If he can't see me for who I am as a person, then what's the point?"

Vandana, with motherly wisdom, explained, "It's not about hiding your real self or going overboard to impress him. I am asking you to dress up because this might be a new beginning for you. I want you to remember how you welcomed this start later in life."

Hearing her Mumma's words, Varsha was overcome with emotions and broke into tears over the phone. She shared her internal turmoil and expressed concern about her safety since it was her first time meeting someone in this manner. Vandana comforted Varsha and reassured her. She also mentioned that Anant's mom, Anjali ji, had updated on the app about the meeting, including the location. Vandana conveyed her belief that the Kumars were genuine people. Plus the app runs verification before allowing people to connect with each other so there's nothing to worry about.

With Vandana's persuasive words, Varsha found herself convinced to leave for home immediately and start preparing for the evening, understanding the deeper significance of the moment unfolding in her life.

As the evening unfolded, Anant eagerly awaited Varsha at the designated restaurant, Tresind, clad in a stylish navy blue shirt. With a rooftop table booked and a desire to make a lasting impression, he found himself Googling pickup lines to add a touch of flirtation to the evening.

Just as he was practicing a line, a message from Varsha lit up his phone – "I am here." Anant, filled with excitement, responded promptly, "I am at the rooftop, just coming to take you." However, Varsha, independent and determined, insisted, "Don't trouble yourself; I'll come on my own."

Unable to contain his enthusiasm, Anant rushed to find her. When the lift opened for him, there she was – Varsha, radiant in a powder blue suit, resembling a fairy. Anant, captivated by her presence, momentarily lost himself in admiration. Varsha, noticing his distraction, playfully waved her hand to bring him back to reality.

Anant swiftly composed himself, extending his hand toward Varsha, "Hi, I am Anant." Varsha reciprocated with a warm smile, "Hi, I am Varsha." Anant, enchanted, escorted her to the reserved table. Pulling out a chair for her, he gestured for Varsha to take a seat before settling into his own.

The evening began with a subtle awkwardness that lingered until Anant, breaking the silence, complimented Varsha, "You look beautiful, Varsha." She responded with a modest "Thank you," revealing a hint of shyness. Sensing her reserved demeanor, Anant decided to initiate a conversation by asking about her drink preference.

"What would you like to drink, Varsha?" he inquired. Her response, a simple "Anything," prompted Anant to remind her of their arrangement – he picks the place, and she orders the food. Varsha, hesitatingly, expressed, "Umm, yes, I'd like an orange mojito." Anant, keen on ensuring a pleasant experience, further asked about starters. Varsha, recalling a previous choice, suggested trying something new.

Politely gesturing to the waiter, Anant ordered 2 orange mojitos, and requested menu cards for additional selections. Varsha, feeling a bit self-conscious, mentioned that Anant didn't have to order exactly what she said. Anant simply replied, "I wanted to."

As their drinks arrived, Anant continued to steer the conversation, asking about Varsha's workplace. She shared that she works at Fortis BKC, earning an impressed acknowledgment from Anant. Encouraged by his efforts, Varsha reciprocated by asking about Anant's family.

Anant enthusiastically shared, "Maa, papa, me, and my younger brother Arjun. We have a bua too, living in Juhu." Varsha then revealed details about her family, including Mumma, Papa, Taiji, Tauji, and an older cousin brother in the US with his family.

Curious about Varsha's family dynamics, Anant asked if her parents live alone in Surat. Varsha clarified, "Not exactly, Taiji, Tauji Mumma and Papa live together." Anant, appreciating the close-knit family, smiled.

As their conversation flowed, Varsha decided to address a crucial topic. She inquired about Anant's expectations from marriage. Anant expressed, "I want us to live together even after marriage, with Maa, Papa, and Arjun." Varsha, in agreement, assured him, "But obviously." Anant, grateful for her response, continued, explaining that while it's common for the younger generation to live separately, he values familial togetherness.

Their conversation took a light-hearted turn when Anant playfully flirted, "Varsha but I do have a non-negotiable expectation from you." Varsha becomes nervous and asks, "Umm what is that?" Anant expresses his desire, " I have a fantasy of my wife making me a tie and setting it round my neck while I hold her close to me every single day." Blushing uncontrollably, Varsha realises that this man across the table is a hopeless romantic. In that moment, she contemplated the possibilities of a future together, envisioning a life filled with love and companionship with him. Varsha emerged from her thoughtful trance when the waiter arrived to take their order. Anant, ever polite, encouraged Varsha to make the selections. Following their agreement, Varsha asked about Anant's allergies, and he mentioned being allergic to cabbage. Disappointed by this revelation as she was in the mood for Chinese, Varsha tactfully asked about his favorite cuisine. Anant's response, "It doesn't matter tonight; we're having what you want to eat," touched Varsha deeply.

Honesty prevailing, Varsha, openly addressed the situation, asking the waiter if they could prepare Chinese without cabbage. The waiter, obliging, agreed. Anant, seeking to keep the conversation flowing, inquired about Varsha's expectations from marriage. She expressed a desire for a respectful partner, a loving family, and support for her dreams and choices. Anant, displaying humility, asked if she thinks he would fit that description, leaving Varsha momentarily speechless. Before she could respond, the waiter interrupted with their food.

Anant's enthusiasm for the meal was evident as he exclaimed, "All this looks so good!" They engaged in conversation while enjoying their meal, sharing insights into their work, family, and life. Anant, attentive to Varsha's preferences, asked her to order dessert. Varsha denied but then Anant convinced her for icecream afterwards. The evening unfolded with stolen glances, affirmations, and the unspoken realization that they might have found their match.

As the waiter presented the bill, Varsha suggested splitting it. Anant, playfully flirting, remarked, "Beautiful girls don't pay when they are with guys who really like them." Initially perplexed, Varsha soon understood his comment, blushing in response while Anant flashed a soft, flirtatious smile.

As they stepped out of the restaurant, Anant extended the offer to drop Varsha home in his car, and though initially reluctant, she agreed. Anant courteously opened the passenger seat for Varsha, and after she settled in, he handed her a beautiful bouquet of lilies, saying, "For the first girl after my maa who graced to be my passenger princess." Varsha's cheeks turned a shade of red, and her blush seemed boundless as she accepted the bouquet with a soft smile.

During the car ride, Varsha decided to pose a significant question to Anant: "Anant, do you want kids?" His reply carried an air of flexibility, "If you want, I do. If you don't, even I don't." Varsha pointed out that the decision was a joint matter. Anant expressed his understanding, mentioning the physical changes associated with having kids and affirming that the binding decision rested with her. Varsha, impressed by his response, fell into a reflective silence, perhaps already sensing that he might be the one.

Anant skillfully drove them to the famous "barf ka gola" spot, where he opened the car door for Varsha to step out. In a comfortable silence, they enjoyed the icy treat before settling back in the car for the journey to Varsha's place. As they reached their destination, Anant adhered to the evening ritual of opening the car door for her. Before parting ways for the night, Anant conveyed, "I'd be waiting for your answer." Varsha, with a twinkle in her eyes responded, "Do I know your answer?" Anant, expressing sincerity, shared, "It's you, Varsha. I was waiting for you all these years." Varsha, at a loss for words, managed to say, "Can I tell you tomorrow?" Anant warmly replied, "I'll wait for as long as you want."