Landing in Dehradun, the air felt cooler, carrying with it a certain freshness that mirrored my own excitement. I stepped off the plane, heart beating just a little faster than usual, knowing that this moment would be something to remember.
The plan was simple: he thought I couldn’t make it because of exams, and now, here I was, standing in the city that held the ball party he’d been preparing for.
Yes, the ball party! It is a prestigious event at IMA and it is held to celebrate the significant milestones in the cadet's training.
I couldn't even think of skipping it. The idea of not being there, of missing out on that moment when he sees me across the room, dressed for the occasion we had both been looking forward to—it felt unimaginable.
Exams? Sure, they were important, but this was more than just a formal event. This was his night, a night of pride and celebration, and how could I possibly let something as temporary as deadlines keep me away?
I imagined the way his eyes would light up, first in disbelief and then in that familiar warmth when he realised I was there after all. No, skipping wasn’t an option. Not when I knew that being there would mean so much, to both of us.
I booked a cab and watched the hills of Dehradun passing by. The moment was almost here, and I could feel the excitement building within me, knowing that soon we would share this night, despite all the distance I had pretended would keep us apart.
After checking into my hotel, I decided to call him, keeping my voice as casual as possible, as if I was still miles away, buried under textbooks.
When he answered, I smiled, trying to sound nonchalant. "Hey Vayu! How's everything going? You must be getting ready for the ball, right?”
He started talking about his preparations, sounding a little disappointed that I wasn’t there. I could hear it in his voice.
It was getting hard for me as I kept the conversation going, asking him about the event. As we talked, I glanced out the window at the city, the night quietly unfolding. He had no idea I was so close, just minutes away from him.
“Well, I guess you’ll have to tell me all about it later," I said with a hint of mystery in my voice, barely containing the excitement bubbling up inside me.
“I wish you were here, Sunflower!” His voice was laced with pain.
‘I wish I could tell you that I'm just so near to you!’ I thought in my mind.
“I know, Vayu! But you know, I wanted to attend the POP, and I can't make another trip within a span of 15 days.” I tried to sound sad, hiding my anticipation.
Yes, his passing out parade is just a couple of weeks away. And I'm gonna attend that too.
“I understand, Sunflower!” He whispered.
“I'm sorry Vayu! But please don't spoil your mood, hmm? Please enjoy among your friends, okay?” I tried to cheer him up and he hummed.
I cut short the conversation because it was getting difficult for me to control my mouth from blabbering the truth.
As I started getting ready, I took out a saree. Yes, I decided to wear the saree he had gifted me—elegant and special, a symbol of his love.
I draped the saree carefully, the fabric flowing gracefully around me. The colours and the designs made me feel both overwhelmed and connected to him.
Standing in front of the mirror, I admired the way my look turned out. Each fold and pleat seemed to carry the fragrance of our bond, making this moment even more significant.
With a final check to ensure everything was perfect, I felt ready to walk into the venue and surprise him. The excitement built as I imagined his reaction, knowing that this saree would make the evening unforgettable.
I was feeling low, the excitement of the ball somewhat dimmed. How am I supposed to be enjoying it when my Sunflower isn't here with me?
I’d been looking forward to sharing this moment with her, but her exams came in between. And honestly I didn't want to disturb her. She has put in lots of effort and I couldn't let them go in vain.
I got ready, and headed towards the venue with fake excitement and a smile.
Upon reaching, I tried to indulge myself with my fellow cadets but the evening seemed less bright without her. I tried to enjoy the event, mingling and engaging in conversations, but it was hard to ignore the empty space beside me.
The grand setting and lively atmosphere felt a bit dull without her. Every time I saw a couple dancing or laughing together, I thought of her and how much I missed her presence.
As the night progressed, I was lost in thought, trying to enjoy the ball despite my lingering disappointment. The music played softly in the background, and I was caught up in a conversation with one of my fellow cadets when I glanced toward the entrance.
My heart skipped a beat. My eyes couldn't believe it. Before I could react anyway, a voice came, “Khada kya hai? Reya hi hai vo!”
There she was, standing across the garden in the saree, not just a saree but the one I gifted her!
The surprise was so perfect, so unexpected, that for a moment, I felt as if time had stopped. Our eyes met, and I saw her smile back at me, her eyes twinkling with the same excitement and love I felt.
In that moment, everything else faded away. The evening’s earlier melancholy was replaced by a profound sense of happiness. I couldn’t wait to hold her close, and made my way through the crowd, each step bringing me closer to her.
The chatter and music seemed to fade into the background as my focus narrowed solely on her.
When I finally reached her, I took a deep breath, letting the moment fully sink in. “I can’t believe you’re here, Sunflower!” I said, my voice filled with amazement and joy.
She smiled as she stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with the same warmth, “I couldn’t miss this,” she replied softly. “I wanted to be here with you.”
“But your exams?” I queried.
She looked up at me, her eyes shining. “I'll manage them, Vayu!” she said with a soft laugh.
Listening to her calling me Vayu made me smile intensely.
“I had to see you, afterall we have discussed so much about the ball, remember? How come I skip this?”
I shook my head in disbelief. “I was feeling so down about you not being here. This is the last thing I expected.”
“I was so eager to tell you but then I decided to surprise you! I wanted to see your reaction!” She chuckled.
In that instant, everything felt right. The room, the event, the crowd—all seemed to dissolve into the background as we stood there, sharing a moment of pure happiness.
“You look absolutely stunning.” I whispered leaning near her ear.
She giggled but then her smile faded away replaced by discomfort. “Vayuu?” She whispered, her eyes never leaving mine.
I hummed, tightening my hold around her waist.
“Are you embarrassed that I chose a saree over a western dress?” She asked hesitantly.
I stepped closer, leaned down to her level and kissed her cheek and spoke, “Regardless of what you chose to wear, my admiration for you will remain effortless and unwavering!”
She looked up at me, her eyes softening, and a smile spread across her face. My words reassured her, and we shared a moment of quiet understanding before the music pulled us back to the dance floor.
“Let’s not waste any time, come dance with me.” I spoke up, pulling her towards the dance floor.
She smiled and took my hand. The orchestra was playing a soft, romantic melody, perfect for our first dance together. Not first but yes, first here.
As we danced, I spoke, “I was not expecting that you would wear this saree!”
“I had too! For you!” She replied, making me blush.
“My choice is always great! You see!” I said, rolling my eyes as we synchronised our steps on the dance floor.
“Oh really?” She asked with a smirk.
“Ofcourse! You, my best choice and then this saree!” I replied, making her chuckle.
“You always know how to make me feel special, don't you?” She asked with twinkling eyes.
“Obviously, Sunflower!” I pecked her forehead softly.
She smiled, resting her head on my shoulder. “You’ve made everything else fade away, the stress, the pressure. I feel so calm now! With you, even the simplest moments are extraordinary.”
As we swayed together, the world around us seemed to vanish. “I never imagined this night would end like this,” I said softly. “I don't think it could have been better.”
She lifted her gaze to mine, her smile warm and loving. “Me neither. As long as I’m with you, every moment feels right.”
We danced on, lost in our own world, the evening’s romance and love perfectly reflected in each other’s eyes.
And between dances, we found a quiet corner where we could catch up. We talked about her exams, the stress she’d been under, and how she managed to make it despite everything.
Her stories were filled with determination and a touch of humour, making me admire her even more.
As the evening progressed, we mingled with guests, laughed with friends, and enjoyed the various performances.
Introducing her as my fiance was totally unexpected for her. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet someone very special,” I began, my voice filled with pride.
“This is my fiancé. She’s the reason tonight is so incredible.” I spoke, locking my eyes with hers.
My friends greeted her warmly, their expressions full of admiration and curiosity.
“Ab pata chala ye poore time kiske khayalo mein khoya rehta tha!” one of them said, making everyone laugh.
“It’s wonderful to finally meet you,” the other one said, extending a hand.
“Thank you,” she replied with a smile, her eyes meeting mine with a sparkle of happiness. “It’s great to be here and share this moment with all of you.”
I squeezed her hand gently, looking at her with admiration. “She’s the one who makes every day brighter and every moment more meaningful. I’m lucky to have her in my life.”
My friends nodded, clearly impressed, and the conversation flowed along with them teasing me by her name.
The ball, which had started as a bittersweet experience for me, became an unforgettable night filled with love and celebration.
When the event was winding down, we found ourselves standing together, looking out at the city lights. I took her hand and squeezed it gently. “Thank you for making this night so special, Sunflower!”
She smiled up at me, “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. Being here with you makes everything worth it.”
We shared a soft kiss, wrapping up the whole event in each other's embrace.
My flight back to Delhi was scheduled at 2 am. Before reaching the airport, we enjoyed a nice dinner at a cosy hotel. The food was great, and we talked and laughed, savouring each moment.
“I’m really going to miss this,” he said, smiling.
“Me too,” I replied, holding his hand. “But don't worry, I'll be back to annoy you within a couple of weeks!” referring to his passing out parade.
After dessert, we drove to the airport. And as the night wound down, we found ourselves at the airport, the air filled with a mix of sadness and gratitude.
He stood beside me, his presence a comforting constant in the middle of the hustle of the terminal.
“Hours feel like minutes with you!” he said, his voice tinged with reluctance.
I smiled softly, holding his hand. “I wish I could stay longer, but I have to go, Vayu. I’m just glad we had this time together.”
He nodded, pulling me into a warm embrace. “Tonight was amazing. I’m so grateful for the surprise and for sharing this evening with you.”
I looked up at him, my heart full. “It was worth every effort. I’ll carry this night with me until we’re together again.” I said with a heavy heart.
As we walked to the security gate, he lingered with me, reluctant to part ways. “Happy journey, Sunflower!” he said, his eyes filled with a mix of love and sadness. “I’ll be counting the days until we’re together again. I love you beyond anything!”
I tightened my hold around him one last time muttering, “I love you, officer!” before stepping through the gate, feeling a mix of happiness from the night and longing for our next reunion.
I turned to look back one last time, and he gave me a final wave with a swift smile, clearly a plastered one.
As I settled into my seat on the plane, I took a deep breath and looked out the window. The city lights of Dehradun were fading into the distance, and I felt a sense of contentment.
The evening had been everything I had hoped for, a perfect blend of love, surprise, and cherished moments.
I leaned back, replaying the evening in my mind. The way he looked at me when I arrived at the ball, the warmth in his voice when he introduced me to his friends, and the quiet moments we shared over dinner—they all felt like pieces of a perfect memory.
I could still feel his hand in mine, the lingering kiss we shared before I walked away.
With the city now far below, I closed my eyes, smiling to myself, already looking forward to the next time we’d be together.
Tonight was proof that no matter the distance or the challenges, we could always find a way to make it work. And this thought filled me with a quiet sense of peace.
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