The missing twinkle

"Let's go on a date in the evening, Dravid", said Sourav, barging into the room unannounced. Rahul was surprised? Yes, shocked? Not at all because one thing you learn when you live with him over a period of time, is that Sourav Ganguly is oblivious to the concept of knocking on doors and even before they had begun dating, Rahul's room was Sourav's room, so him knocking now was complete bullshit. 

"Huh why?", Rahul mumbled. Sourav's energy deflated instantly when he couldn't the happiness that he wanted to see in Rahul's eyes. Rahul looked at him and bit his lip in realization, so pulled Sourav down to sit beside him. He mentally hit himself and said, "Oh I'm sorry, of course we'll go. Where are we going?" Rahul had such a cute, apologetic smile on his face that Sourav couldn't help but smile back at him. Rahul Dravid was an absolute cutie with a heart of gold and Sourav Ganguly was very grateful for him, each day. Sourav chuckled and shook his head fondly. He threw his arm around Rahul's shoulder and squeezed it slightly,  "What's wrong Jammy? Do you not want to go?" 

Rahul smiled, "No no, we'll go."  

No shine in the eyes, no real happy smile on the lips, something's wrong. Sourav sighed and said,  "Are you sure?" 

Rahul clapped his hands and said, "Infinite percent sure, Sourav. You know I can do anything as long as I have you."

Sourav's heat swelled with love for Rahul. How pure was this man, how can he love someone so much, so selflessly. Sourav didn't know what had he done ever, to have the privilege of being Rahul's love but one thing he knew that he would cherish, honour and protect the auspicious bond they shared with utmost care. He pressed a kiss to the man's head and said, "You're to good to me Jam." 

Rahul laughed, "That's because I love you dummy."

Sourav smiled, "I love you too Rahul Dravid." 

"But where are we going?" asked Rahul. Sourav didn't know why he did what he did the next moment because usually he would be so hyper active that he would tell everything to Rahul about the dates he had planned, but this time Sourav took a moment and replied after a lot of thought, "It's a surprise."

Rahul raised his eyebrow and said, "You know that you are no good at keeping a surprise, a surprise for more than 6 or 7 hours."

Sourav groaned and replied, "Then let this time be a surprise. You will see that your boyfriend can not only keep a surprise but can also plan a surprise."

Rahul laughed, "That was quite a good use of anaphora you've put there."

Sourav made a weird face and Rahul pulled his cheeks. Sourav frowned and swat his hand away as Rahul laughed and settled back against the bedrest. "Go, plan your surprise date. Don't forget to tell Sachin to keep it a surprise as well", said Rahul, a playful smirk gracing his lips.

Sourav scowled, "I'm not even going to ask you how you know that."

Rahul bit his lip to refrain from smiling, "Go Ganguly, I have high expectations for the evening."

Sourav dramatically bowed, "On it Mr Dravid." Rahul laughed and continued to read his book. 

--

Sourav trudged out of his room, thinking about something deeply. Rahul had initially, almost instinctively denied to come on a date. Why? Had he done something wrong? He couldn't remember anything though. Rahul had smiled and assured him that he had a wonderful time, whenever they had gone on a date. Did he actually enjoy them? Sourav realized that he had never really asked Rahul. But why would he lie? Sourav was confused now, he needed some advice and even though Sachin had no real brain but he was Sourav and Rahul's best friend, so Sourav decided to approach the guy for help. 

Just like he did in their own, Sourav barged in Sachin's room the same way. Sachin who was sitting on the bed, reading jumped from his place. 

Sourav frowned at him, "You can read?"

Sachin said, "No I can't, I was just looking at the pictures in the book." 

Sourav nodded and sat on the bed, "Knew it." Sachin glared at him and said, "Did you come all the way here from your room just to comment on my reading skills Maharaj?"

Sourav sighed and looked down. "Oh no. Actually, I need your help. It's about Rahul."

Sachin sat up instantly. "What happened? Did you fight with him?" he asked.

Sourav frowned for the nth time and said, "You, Jumbo, my parents, my brother, all of you, do you think that I have no other work in this universe other than fighting with Rahul? Also, why would I fight with him all the time- "

Sachin interrupted his ranting seeing that he was genuinely upset, "Okay okay, I'm sorry. Acha tell me what's wrong?"

Sourav again sighed and said, "Actually I want to take Rahul out on a date in the evening."

"And the problem with that being?" asked Sachin.

"I don't know Sach, I've been feeling something since the last few dates", said Sourav sadly. "I feel like Rahul isn't really enjoying them Sach."

Sachin was confused, "Why do you think so? Did Rahul tell you anything?"

Sourav nodded in no saying, "No, Rahul didn't say anything. But there was something missing each time we go out. Today when Rahul initially denied for a date and then later agreed to it, it was different, but I think I know what is missing."

"What?" Sachin asked.

"The twinkle in his eyes. You know Jammy's eyes. They tell you more than his words can. Now that I realize Sach, that even though, each time he said that he enjoyed, each time the twinkle in his eyes was missing. The genuine twinkle was not there."

"Oh", said Sachin. Sourav turned towards him, his eyes holding a slight insecurity Sachin hated to see. 

"Sach", began Sourav. "Do you think that um-  maybe he um- doesn't love me or something."

"You absolute idiot", said Sachin hitting Sourav's head lightly. "If he didn't love you anymore, why would he agree to come for a date he did not like?" 

Sourav said, "So you agree that he does not enjoy our dates."

"Yeah", Sachin said slowly. "But I think I might know a reason for it as well."

"What?" asked Sourav sadly, his heart sinking at the realization.

"Sourav", said Sachin. "Where did you two go for your last few dates?"

"We had gone to the mall for shopping", said Sourav thinking. "Before that we had gone to some new restaurant and before that we had gone to a movie."

"Got it", said Sachin. "Sourav, you have been taking him out to every costly place you could think of. Not that you did anything wrong, I understand that you wanted Rahul to know how important he was to you and you never really considered money as a problem, but Sourav, you and I both know how Rahul is. Firstly, we know how much he hates public attention, he cant help the attention he gets due to his career, but on dates where its supposed to be something special, something momentous for both partners you take him to places which do nothing but draw more attention. And secondly, you know how awkward it gets for him in social gatherings. Sourav, I know you didn't do it intentionally nor did you ever want to hurt Rahul, but what I suggest is, tonight take him to some quiet place, where there are not too many people and do something which he enjoys, where there are only the two of you. Make it special and I know you'd enjoy it just as much as Rahul would."

Sourav stared at Sachin realizing that he was actually right. He had never thought about it this way. In his own slightly desperate attempts to give Rahul the best, to make him comfortable, Sourav had gone ahead and made him uncomfortable. Though he had never done anything intentionally, he now understood Rahul's initial hesitation. But he still had a question.

"Sach", said Sourav. "Why didn't he tell me?"

Sachin smiled fondly, "He loves you, idiot. He came out of his comfort zone for you. Now it's your turn Dadi. Your turn to show how much you love him."

Sourav mirrored his smile and breathed out in relief that Rahul still loved him. He said, "Yeah, yeah. I will do that. Thanks Sachin."

Sachin took his original position and said, "Anytime mate. But don't trouble Rahul too much."

Sourav grinned, "No I won't, be assured sir. Anyways I didn't know you had brains Sach. I got to know two things about you today. You can read and you have got brains. Absolutely brilliant day."

"Duniya ke itne saare logo mein se yahi mila tha kya Jammy tujhe", Sachin mumbled. Sourav laughed and hugged Sachin whispering his thanks. He got up and left the room with Sachin laughing and shouting 'all the best' from behind.

--

Sourav entered the room only to find Rahul taking out his shirt. "What are you doing?" asked Sourav. 

"Taking out my shirt", said Rahul. "We'll be going to some restaurant, won't we?" Sourav noted Rahul's look with a pang of guilt. He, who prided himself in reading Rahul Dravid like the back of his hand had failed to do so, this time. Sourav took the shirt out of Rahul's hands and put it back in the cupboard. He then proceeded to take out a sweatshirt and a pair of blue jeans.

"Here", said Sourav, handing it to Rahul. "You're wearing this tonight." 

Rahul was confused, "Okay so where are we going then?"

Sourav grinned,  "Have some patience, Jammy. You'll know soon."

Rahul was getting excited now. He pulled his best puppy eyes and requested, "Sourav please." Sourav chuckled, "You were telling me that I cant keep a surprise, you should instead say that these puppy eyes are the main culprit for making me reveal surprises ."

Rahul smiled, "Are they working now?"

Sourav nodded in no, bribing himself with a chocolate in his mind and said, "Not at all Jammy." Rahul pouted in defeat. "You may just as well get ready instead of pouting like a baby", Sourav said chuckling. 

"I am not a baby", mumbled Rahul. Sourav pulled his cheeks and said, "Yes you are. You are my baby." Rahul blushed and pushed him away. Sourav laughed and they both got ready to leave for this surprise place.

--

Sourav stopped the taxi near a building. Rahul looked at it and then looked at Sourav and asked, "You either to take me to a five star restaurant or to a random building. Don't you have a middle way to anything?"

Sourav couldn't help but chuckle at Rahul's complain. "Aww Jammy, you look so cute while complaining."    

Rahul groaned and said, "I am not cute." Sourav smiled and paid the taxi driver. As they were walking closer to the place, Sourav hoped that Rahul will not be disappointed this time. Rahul stopped in his tracks as he realized what the place actually was. Sourav waited in anticipation.

"Is this- is this a library?" Rahul whispered. Sourav nodded slightly, "Um yes it is and- " Sourav's words were drowned in Rahul's tight hug. "Thank you Sourav", Rahul said. "Thank you so much." 

Sourav tightened his grip on Rahul and said, "I'm sorry Jam. I'm really very sorry."

"Why are you saying sorry?", asked Rahul. Sourav looked into his eyes to find the selfless love, he had always gathered his strength from. He brushed a strand of hair that fell on Rahul's forehead and said, "Jammy, I know you didn't enjoy our dates and I know the reason as well. Only thing I don't know, is why would you do this? You could've told me Jammy. I never wanted to put you through all of this but yet you endured it for me. How? Why?"

"You gave the answer already, Dadi", said Rahul. "For you. The same way you are doing this for me. This is no barter system though, ha, it is just love. For the people we love, stepping out of comfort zones is the least one can do."

Sourav loved how masterfully complex yet beautifully simple his Rahul was. He made difficult things look effortless and plain things look exciting. There was A thorough thought process involved in whatever he did on field but yet when it came to matters of the heart, Rahul's did only one thing. Love. Pure, deep, unfiltered, caring, kind love. Sourav loved to be Rahul's love. It was an honour, a privilege, to be his chosen one. Sourav then kissed Rahul, slowly and softly, trying to pour his love into it, hoping Rahul feels what he wanted him to. 

When they broke the kiss, Rahul blushed and hugged Sourav, burying his head in Sourav's neck. Sourav smiled and held on to him. Rahul loved the way Sourav loved his people. He was kind and considerate and in spite of being from a rich background, Sourav was the most humble man you would ever meet. Rahul loved Sourav's fiery, outgoing nature, it complementing his calm, reserved nature beautifully. He loved how they were each other's missing piece, embracing each other's cracks and filling them with love, polishing each other's strengths and rejoicing them with joy. They were a team, Rahul and Sourav, an exceptional, inseparable one that too!  

"You know, before coming here I didn't think we'll just be standing at the entrance hugging", said Sourav grinning. "You surprise me Rahul Dravid, but not that I am complaining." 

Rahul laughed and pushed him away slightly, "Can we go inside please?"

"So you do remember that we have to go inside?" said Sourav chuckling. Rahul scowled and said, "You are mean Dadi." 

Sourav said, "Well not everyone gets to see that scowl of yours. I enjoy my privileges. Besides your scowl is cute."

Rahul involuntarily scowled again but then realized what he was doing so he composed himself and said, "I. AM. NOT. CUTE." 

Sourav loved his life so he finally agreed and said, "Okay you are not cute. Can we go inside now? I want to see it."

"What?" Rahul asked. Sourav pushed him to walk forward and said, "That I'll tell you when we go inside."

They went inside the library and Rahul's eyes automatically glimmered with excitement. "There we go", mumbled Sourav. "Finally got what we were missing."

"What are you talking about?" Rahul asked. Sourav was confusing him now. 

"The missing twinkle", said Sourav seriously. "Got it back today. I am not going to lose it again." 

Rahul frowned, "You aren't making sense."

Sourav said, "Don't worry about it now. Which section do we start with first?" 

Rahul looked around but was surprised to find that it was empty. "Why is no one here?" he asked.

Sourav smiled and said, "I got the manager to put up a notice saying that the library is closed for today. It's just the two of us here. We are going to spend the entire evening except for dinner which will arrive at our regular time."

Rahul said, "From where is it going to arrive?"

Sourav raised his imaginary collars saying, "From the hotel nearby. I already pre ordered it saying it was for Rahul Dravid. Special discount he gave me. Man was a big fan of yours."

 Rahul chuckled, "You're impossible Sourav Ganguly."

"Hehe", said Sourav. "I know. My mom tells me that every day. Don't know whether it is a praise or taunt", he shrugged. Rahul laughed once more. He linked his arm with Sourav's and they began their date. They went up and down the aisles of the library, with Rahul exploring each and every section. Sourav didn't understand Rahul's interest in every genre possible. He knew every individual have their own preferred choice of categories of books, movies or anything in particular. But Rahul knew about everything. It was his habit that whenever he tried a new thing, he loved to research about it beforehand. His knowledge varied from Dravidian literature to planets; Rahul Dravid was a walking Alexa even before Alexa was born. 

But Sourav didn't mind. In fact he had made a special effort to know and study about the things Rahul loved. It wasn't forced, Sourav just wanted to be able to participate in discussions with Rahul, he wanted to be a part of Rahul's little world. He loved seeing Rahul's eyes shine while talking about his favourite author, his eyes scrunching in annoyance at the ending of some books, sometimes welling up with tears as he highlighted a particular paragraph he had liked, Sourav found himself completely entranced by the black orbs. His favourite though was when Rahul's eyes twinkled. It gave Rahul such an adorable, childlike aura that made Sourav fall even more in love with him. Sourav loved being in Rahul's world, in fact he would do anything to live in Rahul's world.    

Rahul thoroughly enjoyed himself. Why wouldn't he? He was doing the activity he loved most with the man he loved most. For Rahul nothing else was better than seeing Sourav's indulgent, fond smile as he listened to Rahul's rants, giving his inputs with the knowledge he had garnered being with Rahul without being just a bored yes man. This was his world, actually anything with Sourav was his world.   

Their day finally ended with a magnificent dinner arranged by our (sorry Rahul's) very own Sourav Ganguly. They laughed together, dinner proceeding with Sourav teasing and Rahul scowling then Rahul teasing and Sourav frowning, surrounded by the purest energy in the world. Love. And Sourav and Rahul needed nothing more. 

--

As they were going back to the hotel in the taxi, Rahul hugged Sourav and whispered, "Thank you so much. Today was really special. It means the world to me that you did all this."

Sourav kissed his hand and said, "You mean the world to me Rahul. I'd do anything for you, any day. As long as you are happy, I don't care about anything else."

Rahul kissed his cheek in joy and said, "I love you Sourav."

Sourav chuckled, tightened his grip around Rahul and said, "I love you too."

:

Hey guys, I am back! Hope you liked this one. Do drop in your reviews. 

Good luck mates, thank you for taking out your time and reading this.    


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