Sumit reached Nehru Place with his friend, one of the Asia’s biggest electronics and electronics spare parts market a few hours before the scheduled time. Both did some shopping, and then enjoyed their meals in a local restaurant. Having finished their meals, and shopping, his friend left for his home. Sumit checked the time in his watch, and it was 3:40 PM, just about the right time for their planned meeting. 

After his friend left, he dialed Shashwat’s number. He himself wanted to hand him over all his belongings and quickly leave for his home.

Shashwat picked up the call as if he was just waiting for it. He confirmed Sumit meeting in next 15 minutes at the designated location at Nehru Place. It was just outside the restaurant where he finished his lunch.

Sumit was waiting for Shashwat to arrive patiently. It was hardly 10 minutes when Sumit’s phone buzzed. It was Shashwat on the other side. Sumit was about to pick up the call when he saw a charming personality waiving in his direction from a distance. The man was in Red and White attire,  as bright and shiny as the untouched snow garnished with Rose petals. The color combination was a little bold but was suiting him. He was looking fabulous and divine in this attire, which was sufficient to pull the attention and keep the people spell bound for a moment whoever glanced at him.  Sumit answered the call received on his mobile.

“Hi ! I just reached here”, said the other side.

“Hi!”, replied Sumit. In the mean time, he noticed that the man in Red and White attire, waving at him was none other than Shashwat. He just couldn’t believe his eyes. He was looking much younger and attractive in a tight-fit, round neck T-shirt. His slightly toned biceps, flat broad chest and shoulders were a clear indication that he must have been regular at  gym earlier.

“Is that you in blue denim and white T-Shirt?”, asked Shashwat. “I am wearing Red T-shirt and waving at your side”,  he confirmed his identity.

“Yes, that’s me.”, Confirmed Sumit while waving back at Shashwat. By this time, Shashwat had already reached Sumit. Both shook hands.  He was an ordinary looking north Indian man, but his simplicity was his best strength that added to his charm. Shashwat’s eyes and smile were very welcoming, full of tender of love and friendliness.  Sumit kept glaring at him. It was hard to control his urge to keep looking at this handsome hunk with an attractive smile. He knew he won’t get another chance after this and this was making it irresistible.

That staring made Shashwat a little uncomfortable. He coughed deliberately to politely hint Sumit about his act of staring at his face for a prolonged period. It was sufficient for Sumit to notice the hint.

“Here you are….!”, said Sumit, while taking out the items from his bag and handing over to Shashwat. “Please verify that it covers everything”, added Sumit.

Shashwat just focused primarily on the USB pen drive as if it was the only thing that mattered to him, and then graciously thanked Sumit for his kind act. He cleared his right hand by moving all items he was holding to his left hand, took Sumit’s right hand in his right hand, and said, “This (pointing the USB pen drive) is all what mattered to me ! I am really obliged for your kindness”.

Sumit who was listening to Shashwat more from his eyes than the ears, felt an urge to dive deep in those beautiful eyes and surrender. The eyes, which were full of all unspoken assurances one may seek. These were mesmerizing. His ears lost the words what Shashwat’s beautiful moving lips were singing with a smile intermittently. He felt the touch of Shashwat’s hand on his hand so comforting, that he held it firmly as he didn’t want to let it go and covered it between his both hands. It was magical. It was not  physical. It can’t be. Both kept holding each other’s hands for a long time. 

Shashwat was still talking something but Sumit was unable to hear anything. Little did Sumit realize that his thumb had already started exploring and caressing the Shashwat’s hand held in his grip.  There was no apparent reaction from Shashwat. Or may be there was, but Sumit could not notice it as he was on a different level, unable to hear or understand anything. He was just a consolidated feeling.

“Are you with me?”, heard Sumit when Shashwat tightened his grip on Sumit’s hand to draw his attention.  Open eyes cannot fake the presence of mind for long.

“Yeah… yeah.. ! I am …”,  replied Sumit awkwardly as if he was caught red-handed.

“Let’s go inside and see what’s in the menu today.”,  Shashwat said and started moving towards the restaurant outside which they had decided to meet.

“Umm… !  eh… ! I am sorry Sir, but I just finished my lunch before I called you.”, replied Sumit. Now he realized what his thumb was doing with Shashwat’s hand without his attention. He felt embarrassed for it, “What will he think of me?”, he asked to himself, and his face turned red with embarrassment thinking about his perceived personality by this gentleman.  He gently relieved his grip on Shashwat’s hand and tried to pull it out but Shashwat did not let it go.

“It’s okay, we can have some snacks or sweets.  Deserts are always served at the end, isn’t it?”, said Shashwat with a wink. “You should at least, give me a chance to thank you properly”,  Shashwat added.

“Sir, you don’t need to thank me for anything. It was my duty to handover your belongings to you.”, Sumit replied and then added, “I have some urgent work to do and have given time to meet someone in half an hour, so I need to leave now.”

“That’s not fair ! You have to be a little considerate on my part. I should be given a chance.”, Shashwat was not happy, anyone could easily make it out from his expressions. “And, by the way, my name is Shashwat, not ‘Sir!’. Please call me by my name.”, he emphasized. Shashwat was still holding his hand.

Shashwat waited for a few moments but when he did not get any reply, he suggested, “Let’s do one thing. We can plan for next weekend. You can join me for a lunch and a movie show coming Sunday. Do you like watching movies?”

“Yes, I do. But it’s not really necessary. “, Sumit replied. 

“Then it’s done. I shall give you a call on Thursday to finalize the program and your availability”, confirmed Shashwat. He was looking fabulous with a smile again on his face. Sumit nodded in agreement. “And one more thing, it was a pleasure meeting you today. Have a nice evening”, Shashwat complimented and released Sumit’s hand.

“See you next week then… bye!”,  Shashwat said and started moving to the same direction from where he came, waving at Sumit a “good bye”.  Sumit kept looking at Shashwat with mixed emotions and confused state of mind, also reflecting from his face clearly.