LOVE YOU, PENNY

Kunal adjusted his glasses. Shaili's face was glowing. Maybe it was the smile on her face that gave it the glow, he couldn't decide.

The evening had been perfect so far. Both of them had dressed well, the table had been booked well in advance, she didn't keep him waiting long, the restaurant had great ambiance, the starters and main course were superb, their drink was good. Hell, even the PDA Shaili had been showering on him had been superb.

"So", he said, picking up his wine glass, "You still upset about missing that BIG SALE of yours?" He took a small sip.

She nodded her head sideways and gave him a shy smile. "Naah", the tone was shy and meek. "I'm glad we came here."

"Think about it. All we'd be doing at that sale was running around half the time checking out stuff, and then spending the other half in those long billing queues. We'd never get to spend quality time together."

"Yeah", she said feebly, "You're my smart cutie pie, that's what you are."

He took another sip and gave her a smile. "You're a real sweetheart, d'ya know that? Thank you for agreeing to come here."

"I'm sorry sweety", she turned her gaze downwards, "I shouldn't have argued with you. I didn't know this would turn out to be such a wonderful evening".

"Any place with you by my side is wonderful baby", he said and kissed her hand, "Any place where we get to spend time with each other...talking...or simply gazing into each other's eyes."

"Next Valentine's can we go to the Ritz?"

"Aww babe, I told you, that place gets crowded too soon. Trust me, it wouldn't have been fun waiting for our turn."

"Hmm", she swept the kiss-curls off her forehead, "I really wanted to watch that movie, first day first show".

"Yeah, right, sit next to each other in a dark room and stare into a huge screen. what fun, no?", he chuckled.

She felt guilty again. "I'm sorry sweetu, this evening was the best I've had in months."

"I love you Shaili", he said and kissed her hand again.

"Let's go hun, it's getting late", she said. Then she waved her hand out in the direction of the chap who had waited on them, "Check please!"

"Why don't you go to the washroom and freshen up? I'll take care of the bill in the meantime.", he gave her the cutest smile he'd given in years.

"Okay, see you in a couple of minutes", she said as she trudged away in the direction of the ladies washroom.

Kunal quickly made his way to the billing counter. He pulled out his wallet, produced a paper cut-out from it and plonked it on the counter.

"Here's the coupon. 50% off, right?"

INFLATION IS A GREAT LEVELLER

Wishing You All A Very Happy Valentine's Day!

Cheers