Neeti had never thought much about dates.
She wasn't the type to dress up, giggle, or plan romantic evenings.
Her world was laptops, code reviews, research papers, and quiet corners.
But today… her heart wasn't quiet.
Because today was her first real date.
With Vansh.
The Surprise Pickup
She was standing near the entrance of the Bhati mansion, adjusting her bracelet, when a sleek black car stopped in front of her.
The door opened, and Vansh stepped out.
No suit today.
A simple white shirt, sleeves rolled up, soft fragrance that hit her instantly.
"You look…" he paused, eyes scanning her.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Different?"
"Beautiful," he said without blinking.
Neeti's cheeks warmed. "You always say that."
"I mean it every time."
He opened the car door for her; she hesitated.
"You don't have to open it," she mumbled.
"I know," he said. "I want to."
Some men show love in words.
Vansh showed it in actions.
Where Are We Going?
Inside the car, her curiosity finally spilled.
"So where is this date?"
"It's a surprise," Vansh said, eyes on the road.
Neeti frowned. "I don't like surprises."
"I know."
"Then why—?"
"Because it's cute when you get confused," he said calmly.
She turned her face toward the window, trying to hide her smile.
The Unexpected Date Spot
After 30 minutes, the car stopped.
Neeti blinked.
"This is… a beach?"
"Yes."
"But the beach is crowded."
"No," he said. "That beach is crowded."
He pointed ahead.
His staff had booked a private section of the shoreline just for them.
Fairy lights.
Soft music.
A small table on the sand.
And two chairs facing the sunset.
Neeti's breath caught.
"You did all this?" she whispered.
"I wanted your first date to feel like a memory, not an event."
She looked at him, and something inside her melted a little more.
Shy Conversation & Soft Laughs
They walked barefoot on the sand, waves touching their ankles.
Vansh glanced at her phone.
"Don't tell me you brought work."
She hid it quickly. "Just habit."
"Today, no coding. Today, you're mine."
Her heart skipped.
They sat at the table, and Vansh watched her order.
"Pasta?" he asked. "Again?"
"It's safe," she mumbled.
"Neeti, you eat pasta like it's oxygen."
"Maybe it is."
He laughed softly—a genuine, warm laugh that made her smile too.
The Moment That Changed Everything
After dinner, they walked closer to the water.
The sky was a canvas of pink and orange, the waves gentle and cold.
Neeti's foot slipped on the wet sand.
Vansh caught her wrist instantly.
"You okay?" he whispered.
"Yes…" she said, her voice trembling—not from fear, but from his nearness.
He didn't let go immediately.
Their hands remained locked, fingers brushing lightly.
"Neeti," he said quietly, "can I ask you something?"
She nodded, her heartbeat loud.
"Are you happy with me?"
She wasn't expecting that.
Her eyes lifted to meet his—soft, emotional, genuinely scared.
"I need to know," he said. "I don't want you to feel forced into anything."
Neeti gently squeezed his hand.
"I'm happy," she said softly.
"More than I expected."
The relief in his eyes was so pure it made her chest warm.
He stepped closer. "Then… can I hold your hand properly?"
She blinked. "You already are."
"No," he whispered, "I mean like this."
He slowly slid his fingers between hers—interlocking their hands completely.
A small gasp escaped her lips.
"Better?" he asked.
She nodded, unable to speak.
A Cute Ruined-Moment
Just when their eyes were locked, when the air felt too still, too romantic—
Splash!
A wave hit them unexpectedly, soaking their legs.
Neeti shrieked. "Cold!"
Vansh burst out laughing. "That wave is jealous."
She glared at him. "This is your fault."
"How?"
"You brought me here!"
"And I'd do it again."
She tried to glare longer, but he looked so happy that she ended up laughing too.
The Slow Walk Back
On the way back, she walked close to him—not touching, but close enough to show comfort.
Vansh noticed it.
Of course he did.
"You're walking beside me willingly today," he teased.
"I walk beside you every day," she whispered.
He smiled.
That one sentence was enough to make his whole world softer.
The Goodbye… That Didn't Feel Like a Goodbye
When they reached her house, Neeti opened the door to leave.
Then paused.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?"
"For today."
Vansh leaned forward just a little—not too much, not enough to scare her.
"Next time," he whispered, "I want to make you even happier."
She smiled—tiny, beautiful, shy.
And disappeared inside.
Vansh touched his chest lightly.
Her smile…
That was going to ruin him forever.
The End of Chapter 3