Red Love

Ishani:

It’s 7:00a.m. I got ready for college. After having breakfast, I am set to leave for college. Breakfast is a mandate in our home otherwise mom will not let us leave. Us being me and my father. I love my mom and dad; they are so sweet. They know about Ahaan and his obsession. Oh! Did I mention he is obsessed with the red colour? He wants red in everything, literally everything, red roses, red clothes, red accessories and whatnot.

“Aadhya, are you ready? We have to leave.”

She is my best friend since childhood. She is our neighbour. We went to the same school, the same junior college except for now. She is a B.Tech student. Our college is in the same direction.

“Coming!” She responded. “Mama I am leaving. Bye.” With this, she came out.

“Bye, aunty!”

“Bye, dear! Take care both of you.” We both smiled and nodded.

“So, how is it going?”

“What?”

“Nothing, Ishu. Your exams are approaching. Are you stressed?”

“No, babe! Everything is fine. Even Ahaan is helping me.”

“Ahaan! Huh!”

She and her teasing. I can’t help but smile. We talked about random stuff and reached out.

Ahaan and I are in our BSc final year. I know him for 3 years. He is a sweet and genuine person with a good sense of humour. But I can’t deny the fact that I am attracted to his simplicity.

“Hi, Ahaan!” Aadhya said, and I observed Ahaan waiting for me as usual. These small things make my heart flutter.

“Hi, Aadhya!” He waved. Aadhya also waved and left for her college Her college is far compared to mine. She drops me here and leaves for her college.

“Hi, Ahaan!”

“Hi dear!” And just like that, I blush. I cast my head down so that he can’t observe my red cheeks.

“Are you fine?” His voice was laced with worry.

“I…I am fine. It's just the exams.” I lied.

“Don’t worry! We both will pass with flying colours. And if you still have doubts, you can always ask me for help. Come, let’s go.”

Time passed and we approached our exams. All the exams went well for which I am glad. What a relief. I’ve informed mom that I’ll be late. She was fine with it but asked me to return by 6:00 pm. Our exam was over by 1:00 pm. So Ahaan and I had plenty of time.

We went out for lunch. After lunch, we went to an ice cream parlour. After having our ice cream, Ahaan took me to a flower store and asked the florist if the flowers he asked for are ready. The florist said yes. I was curious to know which flowers he has ordered and when. But I am pretty sure all the flowers might be red. The florist went inside and brought the flowers. I was shocked to see different types of flowers for which I didn’t even know the names. Ahaan purchased a bunch of flowers and handed it to me with a proud smile. I took those and inhaled the scent. I was curious to know why has he ordered different types of flowers. I bet all these flowers are not available in a regular florist store. But this florist store has it all. Is there something else I have to know? Not to sound rude but all the flowers ultimately mean the same thing if I am not wrong because of the colour, Red. And honestly, even if he gave me a single flower, I would have been happy. He didn’t have to go through all these. All I want is his love and care.

As if reading my mind, Ahaan cleared “Camellia to let you know- you’re a flame in my heart.

Red carnation to let you know- how my poor heart aches for you.

Columbine to let you know- how anxious I become when I don’t find you.

Hibiscus for delicate beauty.

Lily and tulip to show you my love and passion for you. By the way, both belong to the same species.

Lotus for compassion and selfless love.

Chrysanthemum and Rose to say, I love you so very much.

And finally, Salvia to let you know,  you are forever mine, my love.”

I don’t know when my tears started pooling until he wiped them off using his thumb.

“Why are you crying?” He asked and I can’t respond. The only thing I did was hug him tight and he hugged me back.

“This is the best gift I have got. Thank you so much.” I sai

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d and wiped my fresh teardrops. He smiled and it was so heartwarming.

“By the way how do you know this much about flowers? And when did you plan this?” I asked after settling my emotions.

“I researched.” He said simply. I was waiting for another answer. He understood and replied “I wanted to do something special and didn’t know what to do. I thought of this just before the exams. I went to the florist and gave the list and the date when I’ll collect the flowers.”

“You know what, I love you so very much,” I said and I can feel the blush on my cheeks.

2 years later:

I started working while Ahaan wanted to pursue higher studies. He had to leave this city. He returned this Tuesday. He got a very good job here for which I am really happy. After a long time, saw each other. We used to have video chat but seeing someone in real is a different feeling.

Today is Saturday and I wanted to plan something special so I asked my friends Aadhya, Sidhi and Rishabh. I wanted to plan a surprise at my home tomorrow but my friends insisted on planning a surprise in the hotel which was weird to me because they agreed to decorate my home earlier but they changed the plan suddenly. I agreed to reserve a room in the hotel and talked about the decorations. Finally, I can say what I wanted to say for a long time.

I entered the room the very next day and was surprised to see the room was decorated so beautifully. I stressed more on red colour but I can see different colours as well, which makes the room even more beautiful. The flowers, scented candles, music everything was perfect. But there are certain other things that I don’t remember mentioning were added. I asked my friends and they said that they told the hotel staff to do so. I don’t know but I feel there is something they are hiding.

They went out to check if Ahaan has arrived. But why did everyone leave? Ahaan is coming, said Aadhya while talking to someone on her mobile. She went out again. Why are they doing this? Why leave me alone? Maybe to give privacy but we planned this together. Aadhya called me out with her. I went with her confused; because I should stay in the room, in fact, every one of us. Aadhya told me that they will switch off the light for 10 sec and in the meantime, I can take the sheet which I decorated so beautifully and stand in front of Ahaan. I asked why because I didn’t feel the necessity but she insisted to which I agreed reluctantly.

I went to the room and found Ahaan already present. I facepalmed myself to which his reaction changed.

“Hey! Didn’t you…”

“Guys! Hold on. We are here for you guys. Let’s enjoy a little bit.” He brought his friends as well. He looked at my friends confused. Rishabh is our common friend and he knows Aadhya. So I thought of calling them. As for Sidhi, she didn’t interact much with Ahaan maybe that’s why. But she is my best friend apart from Aadhya.

We had a little chat. Aadhaya slowly came to me and said now. It was awkward to do what I wished to in front of his friends because I didn’t interact much with any of them. Anyway, I was ready they cut the light off and I got my sheet. The lights turned on and I saw Ahaan on his knees. I was totally confused now. He looked at me with the same expression. On the other hand, my friends were trying hard not to laugh.

“What is this guys?” I asked. They finally started answering.

“Actually, you both planned to surprise each other today. Ahaan planned a surprise in this hotel and you at your home. And we being friends from both the end we can’t say no to any of you. So, we came up with this alternative. Now you both are surprised as expected.” Aadhya explained and we both looked at each other and then at our friends in awe. We all burst into a fit of laughter. Later, we both agreed to become each other’s life partners because that’s what was written on my sheet. And as for Ahaan, he bought a ring. I got to know Ahaan is not so obsessive with red colour now. In fact, he is the one who told to add different colours to decoration. I am so happy today. I plan to live like this forever with Ahaan and my dearest friends.