“Oh, you're gonna love it, baby!” He grinned. In his excitement, he forcefully twirled me around as if we were in a fucking ballet. After spending a few minutes in getting ready, he took his bag to the door. “Spare some time in the evening and meet me in our usual spot.” 
“And what makes you think I'll do that?” 
“It will be accompanied by sex, don't worry,” He said and winked as if that's supposed to convince me. He kissed my cheek. “Wear something nice. See ya!” 
* * * 
If you knew me by now, you'd know I wouldn't willingly spread my legs on surprises. Yet my two stubborn, ass bitches played a life alternating role in dressing me up like an enchanting witch and prepping me up with lessons about love. Gee, thanks, ladies! 
So here I was, in front of the door of Rithik's family apartment. Obviously his parents weren't there. 
“If you're done gawking at me, can we please proceed?” I said to Rithik as he sized me up in my black one piece dress draped in a red jacket, red heels and red lipstick. Although I didn't miss a beat in checking him out in his navy blue coat, white shirt and blue pants. “Why are we dressing fancy when you're only inviting me to your home?” 
“You'll see.” 
In Rithik's pathetic romantic language, he closed my eyes with his palm and walked me until I was told to stop. Cool winds gushed in from where I stood. Either it was a huge window or balcony. 
“You can open your eyes now.”
Instinctively one's attention goes to the prettiest thing in the room when they open their eyes. Mine went to well... everywhere. 
It was a balcony, alright. The whole balcony was lit in gold. From golden rice lights coiled like a twig around the balusters to the star shaped lights around the ceilings. The corners of the space were filled with pots of different plants and flowers. Even the floor was laid with an artificial grass mat. Amongst all these, stood a table for two lit by two red scented candles.  The wind chime played it's tune against the fleeting wind, accentuating the vibe of this space. 
Basically the whole setup screamed romance. 
“Wait! Are you gonna propose me?” I  jumped straight to the gun, astounded as Rithik entered with a bottle of wine and two glasses. 
“No ‘wow’, no ‘awesome’, really? After all I did to decorate this shit.” He looked back at me, aghast. 
“Forget that. Kindly be a darling and snap a few photos of me. This is totally Insta worthy!” I beamed, already taking a few selfies with my phone. Rithik let out a heavy sigh before taking my phone to click photos. I nearly giggled. Poor guy! 
At the end of the shoot, I called Rithik to take a picture of us together. Come to think of it, we rarely had those. Like a simpleton, his face glowed like the lights behind us. He simply dug the word ‘together’ too much. Love-sick dunce! 
It was only when Rithik caught me gazing longingly at the balcony did he realize. He was bringing starters to the table. “You do like the getup, don't you?” 
“Well, since you took the pain to decorate it, I'm obliged to say thank you.” When he continued scowling, I gave in. “I love it. It's like you created a piece of paradise inside this home.” 
“Phew! I thought you'd be mad or something.”
“I was about to but this place changed my mind,” I pulled his hand, urging him to sit on the other chair. “I'm not a guest, Rith. You can bring the rest later. Let's eat.”