chapter 28

As the days passed, the relationship between Kabir and Aarti grew stronger and stronger. One day, Aarti was leaning on the railing of her balcony and watching the city lights twinkling from a distance. That night, there was a slight warmth in the air and the smell of some delicious food was also coming. It was certain that Kabir had done some new kitchen experiment today. Aarti was thinking the same thing and from the next balcony, Kabir extended his hand and asked her gently, "Aarti, why are you staring at the sky, any deep thought?" Aarti gave him a small smile and said, "Not a deep thought. Just... how has everyone in this building decided that we are secretly engaged? That's all I was thinking about." Kabir smiled and said, "Oh, did the "Great Balcony Gossip Network" attack you again?" Aarti nodded and said, "Yes, something like that. And honestly, I don't like to hide it either. I think we should tell those people the truth..." Kabir smiled and said, "Are you saying we should officially announce that Aarti Mehta is dating Kabir Singh?" She nodded in agreement and said, "Yes. But in our own way." Kabir's lips parted even wider, "Sounds interesting. We will do that." At that moment, seeing Kabir's facial expression, Aarti understood that some idea had definitely come to Kabir's crazy mind. She wanted to see what he was planning? The next evening, unbeknownst to Aarti, Kabir had turned his balcony into a small picnic spot. Fairy lights twinkled on the railing, and the aroma of fresh ginger tea and samosas filled the air. Kabir placed a food tray on a small table and, looking at Aarti, said, "Okay Aarti, ready for the announcement?" Aarti raised an eyebrow.  "Kabir what are you planning? Now will you say like in the movie Sholay...Gauvaaloo...please don't do it" Aarti kept saying but Kabir said"It's too late now." Before Aarti could stop him, Kabir quickly took out his phone and typed in their building's group on the social networking app, "Dear all neighbours, I want to tell something but please come in your balconies." Kabir's message spread like wildfire. And Aarti was now feeling scared. She said in a panic, "Oh my God, Kabir..."But within a few minutes, many people came out of the windows and balconies and started looking at them. As soon as Mrs. Shah came into the balcony from the third floor, she shouted, "Hey son, what happened?"Kabir smiled and addressed them all, “I know you all are very interested in knowing what is going on between Miss. Mehta and Mr. Singh.” He looked at Aarti and said, “So, let’s declare it officially.”Aarti was feeling scared but she smiled and walked towards Kabir. Once again, the whispers in the building started. Mrs. Shah said, “I knew it!”“Yes, and that’s right. So, let’s celebrate together now. Hot tea and samosas are waiting for you all. A warm and friendly get-together.” Kabir said, pointing to the tea and samosas placed on the table in the balcony. Kabir also brought another tray full of Gujarati and Punjabi snacks from the kitchen—khaman, fafda, paneer tikka, and stuffed paratha. Within a few minutes, people started coming to Kabir’s balcony. Mrs. Shah brought sweets, someone else brought a few extra cups for tea. People started congratulating the two of them. Kabir also said that it was a yes from both their families and that soon they would give the good news of the engagement and a party to the neighbors. Gradually, as the mini celebration ended, people started going to their homes and only Kabir and Aarti remained on the balcony. “So how did you feel?” Kabir asked Aarti, smoothing his hair. "Unbelievable Kabir." Aarti was very happy that Kabir was not keeping their relationship a secret but was celebrating it and maybe that was his dedication to her. . To be continue...