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Fakir settled for lunch at the University Atrium.
It was his favourite place on campus. Two ancient oaks were planted as saplings, back when University was established. They were now taller than the oldest building on campus, but so was the University itself. It grew and spread around the oaks until all the new buildings surrounded the trees. It was then decided to connect the oldest buildings with the glass roof and keep the oaks inside. New plants, small fountains and study tables were added to the space and it became known as Atrium — the space where history was preserved.
It was also the quietest place on campus; not many students knew about it. The Atrium was tucked away in the old sections of the University, where the buildings were made of weathered sandstone and old cobblestones paved the roads that lead to them. The new section of the University was all shiny glass, polished metal and concrete. Most of the classes for the first years were held there. Fakir wouldn’t have known about the Atrium if his parents didn’t go to the same University years prior. This was the place where they had met.
Fakir sat down on the patch of grass and leaned his back against one of the oaks. This place was somewhat of a miracle; outside of the walls it was the middle of bitter winter. Snow had piled up on the edge of the glass roof, and despite the bright sun pouring through it, Fakir knew that the second he stepped out the cold would get him straight to the bones. But here it was eternal summer: lush green leaves of the ancient oaks fluttered in the artificial breeze, the water bubbled cheerfully in the fountains and the grass was as soft as it would be in the middle of July.
This space was an eternally preserved memory.
Fakir shook his head and opened his lunch bag. It was easy for him to slip into thoughts like these. They carried him far from reality stirring the words and stories inside his mind. It was easy to lose himself if he didn’t focus. And right now his focus was on lunch. He took out the container with a carefully packed sandwich, a pasta salad, an apple and a small bag of vegetables. Ahiru always made sure to pack him a few snacks in addition to lunch, as his days at the University tended to run long. Especially now, that he was nearing the completion of his Bachelor's degree. If he earned high marks this semester he would be admitted to the Master of Creative Arts program. This would allow him to have time to work on more of his writing and to continue studying in his chosen field. If he didn’t…. Well, he tried not to think about it too much.
Absentmindedly he took a bite of the sandwich and couldn’t hold back a smile. Ahiru wasn’t the most creative cook, but she did make amazing sandwiches. The meal in itself wasn’t too complex — sourdough bread from the bakery across from their apartment, high-quality smoked ham from the butcher and creamy cheese from the dairy store. All tied together with grainy mustard, fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Simple… yet, so delicious.
It would be his turn to pack the lunch for both of them tonight. Fakir pondered for a moment on what to make, that would work for both his schedule and Ahiru’s meal plan. As a ballet dancer, she had a specific diet to stick to. They still had some bread left at home and some smoked salmon courtesy of his uncle. Maybe a smoked salmon platter with bread crostini and hard-boiled eggs would work? He’d have to work on this once he got home. With a satisfied sigh, Fakir finished the last bite of his sandwich and picked up his lunch bag. His eyes caught a glimpse of something shiny at the very bottom of the bag. He reached in and got out a small chocolate heart wrapped in red foil with a note attached to it.
The note said: I hope this sweet heart makes your day a little better. Love you, Ahiru.
Fakir’s face burned with shame. It was Valentine’s day today and he completely forgot about it. He had nothing prepared, no present bought, no date planned. Nothing.
And after Ahiru had added such a sweet gesture to his lunch. He took in a steadying breath trying to think of what to do next. Flowers for sure. Maybe a nice dinner as well, they could go to her favourite cafe, but everything would be booked by now.
Still, how could he forget?
Fakir shook his head, he knew how. Valentine’s day wasn’t his favourite holiday, but Ahiru did find enjoyment in it. Her favourite thing, however, was the day after, when all the chocolate went on discount. She would buy as many dark chocolate hearts as she could — one of the few treats she enjoyed as a ballet dancer.
Thoughts in turmoil, Fakir packed up the rest of his lunch and headed to his next lecture. He’d have to come ups with a plan for the end of the day.
Ahiru was returning home from her daily practice. Her commute from the studio included a bus ride and a long walk to the apartment she and Fakir shared. There was no performance at the Theatre today, so she would be home a little earlier. Little bubbles of excitement were dancing in her body — today they started practicing one of her favourite ballets, the Sleeping beauty. Though she still didn’t have a soloist role in this performance, she loved it dearly. It was one of the first ballets she had seen and it made her fall in love with dancing. She had performed Aurora’s solo dance for her entrance exam to the Ballet Academy. The pas de deux from Sleeping Beauty was the first dance she shared with Fakir. She was awfully clumsy back then, though he had never mentioned it once in all their years together. So many beautiful memories and dreams were contained within this performance she couldn’t wait to share them with Fakir. When she opened the door to their apartment, Ahiru was greeted by a dainty bouquet of fluffy white carnations. Fakir was just behind it, looking slightly distraught.
“Thank you.” She beamed. “What a wonderful surprise to come home to! What’s the occasion, though?”
“Ahiru,” his voice sounded course. Fakir gulped and lifted his gaze to look her in the eye. Something was starting to feel off and Ahiru was getting worried.
“Fakir, is … is everything alright?”
“Yes, I’m… just…” He coughed and she immediately stepped closer and place her hand on his forehead. He didn’t feel warm, though his face was the deepest shade of red.
“Are you not feeling well? Are you sick? Will you have to miss school?”
“No, no, and no,” Fakir said shaking his head. “I’m so sorry. I tried to make this better, but I made it all wrong. Worse even. And I made you worried too…”
He drew a shaky breath and took her hand into his. “Ahiru, sweetheart.” He kissed her knuckles softly; now her face was burning up. “I forgot that today was Valentine’s day. I don’t have anything prepared. I was only able to get you these flowers… I’m so sorry… and the chocolate heart and your message in my lunch made my day. And I just love you so much…”
“Fakir…” Ahiru gently cupped his face. “Today is February 1st. Valentine's day is in two weeks.”
He looked up at her astonished. “Seriously?”
She nodded, trying to contain her laugh.
“But the chocolate heart…”
“They started selling them last week,” she explained. “I got a full bag in advance.”
“Then I…”
“You didn’t miss anything. But I do appreciate the gesture.”
Ahiru pulled him closer and placed a small kiss on his cheek.
“And I love you too, sweetheart,” she said before she let their lips meet.