The next day, Amartya met up with Yatharth after work. Yatharth, brimming with excitement and a touch of nerves, had roped Amartya into helping him pick out an engagement ring for Aarohi.
"So, ring shopping, huh?" Amartya asked as he slid into the passenger seat of Yatharth's car. "You're really going all out for this, aren't you?"
Yatharth grinned, his nervousness evident. "Yep. Figured I needed a wingman who won't let me screw this up."
Amartya chuckled. "Well, I'm honored to be your ring advisor. Lead the way."
They arrived at a high-end jewelry store that seemed to radiate opulence. The walls were lined with glittering displays, and the staff greeted them with exaggerated enthusiasm.
"Alright, what's the game plan?" Amartya asked, looking around at the dazzling array of rings. "Are we going for the 'I'm so rich' look, or are we avoiding anything that screams 'midlife crisis'?"
Yatharth laughed. "Definitely avoiding the midlife crisis vibe. I want something that says 'forever' without looking like I'm compensating for something."
They were soon approached by a well-dressed sales associate. "Good evening, gentlemen. How can I assist you today?"
Yatharth cleared his throat. "I'm looking for an engagement ring for my girlfriend. Something special, you know?"
The associate's eyes lit up with the prospect of a big sale. "Of course! We have a wide selection. Do you have any specific preferences?"
Yatharth glanced at Amartya. "Any advice, Amartya? I'm kind of lost here."
Amartya shrugged, pretending to scrutinize the rings with an exaggerated seriousness. "Well, let's see. Does she like classic styles, or is she more into something unique? You don't want to end up with a ring that's as memorable as a bad date."
Yatharth laughed, but the anxiety was still visible. "She's more on the classic side. I want something timeless."
The associate nodded, leading them to a collection of elegant, traditional rings. Amartya watched as Yatharth tried on several options, each one met with varying degrees of enthusiasm or disapproval.
"So, how are we doing so far?" Amartya asked, trying to lighten the mood.
Yatharth sighed. "It's tougher than I thought. I want it to be perfect, but I'm afraid of making the wrong choice."
Amartya nodded sympathetically. "Hey, it's a big deal. But trust me, when you find the right one, you'll just know. It's like picking out the perfect pizza—you might sample a few, but eventually, you find the one that's just right."
Yatharth chuckled, clearly feeling a bit more at ease. "That's a weird but surprisingly comforting analogy."
As they continued their search, Amartya noticed Yatharth's tension easing with each ring they looked at. By the time they found a beautiful, classic piece that seemed perfect, the decision felt less daunting.
"Alright, I think we've found it," Yatharth said, holding up the ring with a relieved smile. "What do you think?"
Amartya examined it and gave a thumbs up. "Looks like you've got yourself a winner. Now all that's left is the proposal."
Yatharth grinned. "Thanks, man. I couldn't have done it without you."
After leaving the jewelry store, Amartya and Yatharth decided to grab a bite at a nearby café. They snagged a cozy corner table, the kind that felt like it was built for deep conversations and people-watching.
"So, what's this grand proposal plan of yours?" Amartya asked, casually stirring his coffee. "You've got me intrigued. Is it just the ring or are you pulling out all the stops?"
Yatharth leaned in, clearly excited. "Oh, it's going to be epic. I'm thinking of a surprise trip. Something that screams romance but doesn't come off as over-the-top cheesy."
Amartya raised an eyebrow, smirking. "A surprise trip, huh? So, we're talking about one of those Instagrammable getaways where you're both wearing matching outfits and eating overpriced meals?"
"Exactly!" Yatharth said, laughing. "But seriously, I want it to be special. Maybe a weekend getaway to a nice resort. Some place where we can just relax and, you know, make memories."
"Nice," Amartya said, nodding. "As long as you don't end up in one of those tourist traps where the highlight is a 15-minute boat ride and a selfie with a llama."
Yatharth chuckled. "I'll do my best to avoid the llama selfies. I'm thinking more along the lines of a cozy mountain cabin or a beachside resort. Somewhere we can both unwind and just enjoy each other's company."
"Sounds solid," Amartya said. "So, what's the plan for the actual proposal? Are you going to do it during dinner? On the beach at sunset? Maybe on a cliff with a dramatic monologue?"
Yatharth grinned. "I'm still working out the details, but I'm leaning towards something intimate. Maybe a private dinner at the resort with a view. I want it to feel personal and not like a scene from a rom-com."
"Good call," Amartya said, raising his coffee cup. "Keep it real. And remember, the more you try to be elaborate, the more it can come off as forced. Sometimes simple and heartfelt works best."
"Got it," Yatharth said, taking a sip of his drink. "I just want it to be perfect. You know how it is—pressure's on."
Amartya grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Pressure's on, but you've got this. Just don't overthink it. And if you need any more help, you know where to find me."
"Thanks, man," Yatharth said, looking relieved. "I appreciate the support. And hey, if you need any tips on dealing with overbearing parents or unexpected proposals, just let me know."
Amartya laughed. "I'll definitely keep that in mind. For now, though, let's just enjoy this coffee and plot how to avoid any more unplanned ring shopping."
As they continued their conversation, the weight of the past few days seemed to lift, replaced by the excitement of Yatharth's plans. For a moment, at least, the chaos of Amartya's own life felt a little more manageable.
Yatharth arrived home feeling a mix of relief and excitement. He tossed his keys on the kitchen counter, headed straight for the shower, and let the hot water wash away the remnants of the day's stress. Once refreshed, he grabbed his phone and dialed Aarohi's number.
"Hey, Aarohi," he said when she picked up, trying to sound casual despite his nerves. "Got a minute?"
"Hey! Sure, what's up?" Aarohi's voice was bright and cheerful, instantly lifting Yatharth's mood.
"So, I was thinking..." Yatharth began, "how about a little getaway? Just the two of us. I'm planning a surprise trip and wanted to see if you're up for it."
There was a brief pause on the line, and then Aarohi's voice exploded with excitement. "Oh my god, yes! That sounds amazing! I've been wanting to get away for ages. Where are we going? Do you need help with planning? Because I am so ready to dive into this!"
Yatharth laughed, relieved by her enthusiasm. "Well, I was thinking a weekend at a nice resort or something. But, uh, I didn't expect you to go full-on event planner mode just yet."
Aarohi was already buzzing with ideas. "Oh, but it's so much fun! We could go somewhere with a beach or a mountain view—anything that screams 'romantic getaway.' And hey, we should definitely include Maya and Amartya. It'll be like a mini group vacation. We all need a break! Babe you know how stressed Maya is lately and Amartya is busy with stuff too we gotta rescue them right?"
Yatharth raised an eyebrow. "Maya and Amartya? I thought this was supposed to be our trip."
"Well, Maya and I are best friends," Aarohi explained. "And Amartya's your best friend. It just makes sense to bring them along. Plus, Maya and Amartya are great company. It'll be fun!"
"Alright," Yatharth said, trying to keep up with the whirlwind of Aarohi's planning. "But let's not go overboard. I was hoping for something a bit more intimate."
Aarohi's excitement was palpable. "Don't worry! We'll make it special. I'll handle the details—travel arrangements, itinerary, all of it. And don't be surprised if we end up turning this into a group celebration. It'll be amazing!"
Yatharth chuckled, shaking his head. "Okay, okay. If you're on it, I trust you. Just keep it cool."
As the call ended, Yatharth stared at his phone, bemused. It seemed like Aarohi had turned his simple idea into a full-blown event. Smiling, he decided to give Amartya a quick heads-up about the sudden influx of vacation plans.
He shot Amartya a text: "Hey, quick heads-up: Aarohi's making our trip a group thing. You in?"
Waiting for Amartya's response, Yatharth couldn't help but laugh at how quickly his quiet getaway had turned into a social event.
He can't stop but imagine how he's gonna manage it his big proposal, it's like fixing the Lego block of proposal in Aarohi's big vacation castle.
Yatharth's phone buzzed almost immediately after sending his text. It was Amartya. He picked up, ready for whatever sarcastic comment his friend had in store.
"Hey, Amartya," Yatharth said, "what's up?"
Amartya's voice came through with a hint of amusement. "So, I hear we're turning a romantic getaway into a group vacation. That's a plot twist I didn't see coming."
"Yeah," Yatharth said, "Aarohi's on a mission to make this the event of the century. But I guess you're already up to speed. What do you think?"
"Sounds like I'll be trading in my quiet weekend for a party," Amartya said. "But hey, if it means I get to hang out with Maya and you two can have your moment, I'm game."
Yatharth chuckled. "Oh, so you're volunteering to keep Maya entertained while I have my romantic time with Aarohi? You're a saint."
"Well," Amartya said, "I suppose I could keep Maya occupied. And by 'occupied,' I mean making sure she doesn't steal your spotlight."
Yatharth raised an eyebrow, a grin spreading across his face. "Are you sure you're not secretly hoping for some alone time with Maya?"
"Please," Amartya said, laughing. "Maya's cool and all, but she's not my type. I'm more of a 'keep things casual' guy. You know how it is."
"Uh-huh," Yatharth teased. "So, you're just offering to be the designated 'hangout buddy' for Maya. Got it."
Amartya let out a long sigh. "Exactly. Just making sure the trip doesn't turn into a Maya-and-Yatharth show, she roasting you and you getting back at her. I'm perfectly fine with my role."
"Fair enough," Yatharth said, chuckling. "I appreciate the backup. I'll make sure Aarohi knows you're a willing participant in the group fun."
"Looking forward to it," Amartya said with a sarcastic edge. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare for the grand adventure of pretending to enjoy group vacations."
"Sounds like a plan," Yatharth said, laughing. "Talk soon."
As he hung up, Yatharth couldn't help but smile at the ridiculousness of it all. The trip had gone from a simple romantic getaway to a full-blown group event, and he was here for every bit of it. The added layer of Amartya's dry humor and the subtle teasing about Maya just made the whole situation even more entertaining.
With a sigh, Yatharth set about mentally preparing for the upcoming trip, knowing full well that it was going to be anything but ordinary.