As we were at our dinner, he didn't want to exchange the soup bowl to my disappointment. So I had the one which he ordered and he had mine, I mean the one which I ordered. He asked about my family, my likings and dislikes, he was getting used to my non-stop talks, or maybe I felt in that way. We were about to finish our main course, he was quite a bit tense as the time went… he tried hard to control it but couldn't miss my eyes. His fear had passed a chord into mine… I started to sweat, it may be schezwan noodles..oh God... why am I blaming the things I like for this guy… 

We finished our dinner and were about to settle the bill, I don't want him to pay the full, I don't like when others pay for me, I will at least take a share. so I went to the counter to ask for a bill, the waiter saw my face and drifted to see him… I was like… Why? A girl shouldn't pay for her food? Is it mandatory that only a guy should pay for their dinner… my inner feminist raised inside my veins, but I controlled myself as he called me back for my seat with his cheeky-killing smile… Oh, man... Could you stop smiling the way…

“ want anything for dessert?” he asked me as I was busy thinking why I didn't have the bill... “ No, no. I'm already full" I touched my tummy which increased a bit after a long meal… suddenly I worried about the exercise I skipped today and may become fat tomorrow… ahhhh… concentrate here… I shouted to myself (mind voice)

Ahhh… I forgot to say… He called to dinner, not just a simple invite, he teased my expectations saying he had got something for me… Who doesn't like gifts? that too from a guy like him… I was also expecting something, I couldn't express what it is… But I wanted him to present me… make me a special person in his life… 

He signalled the waiter, YES, He came up with a tall cake, having pink shaded toppings, cherry fruits which added more colours to it, I was in a wow moment, as he saw my face which engulfed my cheeks all over… 

How did he find that I like strawberries?? 

“Why spend a full cake for a dessert”? Though I liked it, I don't want him to spend much on a dessert… “ let it be, you like it, right?" He asked with doubt but looking deep into my eyes… I said “…..” I was numb… no words came from my mouth…. It was written “Thanks” on the cake 🎂 

I asked, “Why thanks?” 

"To have the patience to meet a guy like me and share a dinner," he said… 

I was curious… was this his present to me??… I continued “So… was this the surprise you had for me”? 

“Oops… I thought you wouldn't ask… actually… I planned another for you… but I couldn't make it yet… I wanted to write 'sorry' on the cake… but I wanted to start with a thanks note for you, you know… it's a different day for me” he gulped a glass of water and looked at me…

We had the cake and winded up back to my room… he will drop me at my place… but I don't want to… Independent women… I always liked to call myself… 

And I reached my room… here I couldn't just sleep… He didn't impress me… he was not charming… but the little efforts he made to take care of my seat… to the impression he wanted me to have on him… is he winning me?? I don't know… he can't win me in a dinner… I'm sure… but will I lose…?? Time knows… 

The End