Girl Friday

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 19

Anjali

Imagine the most crucial pre-semester days in college when you have loads of assignments, notes, projects, reports, vivas, preparation etc and then double it- that is your average day work at Malhotra industries. Isn’t difficult? It is like moving a whole mountain single handed while comparing working with Arav. Ah! I miss those old times. However, working here has its own perks. I have learned so much more in these fifteen days than all my college years. Rohan is definitely a tyrant. Though I report only to a person who reports to a person who directly reports to Rohan, I am present in some of the meetings and he is scary.

“You will get used to it.” Said Yash patting my shoulder, but I guess I will not be able to see Rohan in the eye anymore. Few more days more and I am going to get nightmares about him.

In all these tough days, what really keep me charged are constant messages and occasional calls from certain someone. Yes, it is weird that I have suddenly become best friend with my boss, ex-boss. Strange, we worked together for almost a year and yet only these fifteen days has bought us much closer. Initially I used to think I was being a total annoying girl to be messaging him constantly, but he reply without fail and call back all the time. Eventually, everything fell in place and I found a friend in my ex boss. I didn’t really make friends out of school and college and all my friends are around my age only. So, it is really refreshing to be friend of someone who is completely contrasting to my personality. I am glad I didn’t make a fool of myself due to the little crush I had on him while working with him. That would have been so embarrassing. So cliché for a just out of college girl to fall for her boss. How silly was I to think about him in an amorous way? It would have totally complicated things for us now and also then. He is a good friend of mine now and I wouldn’t want to trade it for anything else. No silly crush, no drooling and definitely no fantasies on quiet lonely night. Arav Malhotra is officially friend zoned now.

“Anji.” Greeted Yash in ever cheerful voice. I was dubious about being on first name basis with one of my bosses initially, but then seeing how charming Yash can be and how he easily gets along with all staff, I became comfortable.

“Yashu” I greeted with a grin.

“Are you doing your work well? You see it is my duty to know how freshers are performing.” He informed making a serious face

I narrowed my eyes with a mocking glare. He made a puppy face and pointed at Nia who he was totally trying to woo.

“Sure, Yash sir.” I said in a timid tone. “I am doing everything exactly the way you taught me. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me.” I said batting my eyelashes dramatically.

Yash looked at Nia who was passing by with what he called his lady killer smile and I only sniggered.

“You will make a bad wingman, Anji.” He complained

I shrugged. “I lack experience you know.”

“I can help it. Don’t worry.” He said with a grin and I am sure he has a plan in his mind. “We are planning to hit the club this Friday. You should join us.” He suggested

“Who are this ‘we’?” I asked

“Rohan bhaiya, Arav and Riya bhabhi. It was supposed to be a boys’ night initially. But, then mom was free and offered to look after Asha, so Riya bhabhi is joining us. It has been ages since she breathed without smell of baby powder.” Said Yash in a pitiful voice.

“But, how can I? It sounds like a family outing.” I said. I know Malhotras before I joined here, but that doesn’t mean I can social with them easily without raising eyebrows.

“Doesn’t sound like a prude, Anji. Anyway I want a wingman for the night. Arav is no fun I tell you and Rohan bhaiya is going to be the perfect husband tending to his wife.”

“Yash I think I shouldn’t...”

“Shhh.... I am not hearing the end of it. Be ready on Friday and we will pick you at 7.” Said Yash walking backwards grinning at me and giving a thumbs up.

*_*_*_*

I have visited clubs with friends when I was in college, but not this one. Well, none of us were really well off then to afford such an elite club. So, I was completely blown off for the second time that day by the interior, once I entered. The first time being when I saw Arav get out of the car in a navy blue chinos, white turtleneck sweater and black club jacket. I know I literally let my mouth fall down in an unladylike manner at the sight of Arav out of extra lose casual shirts and formal trousers. It was Yash’s wolf whistle and his comment, “Arre! Do you guys want to go to club or just head back inside alone?” bought me back from my trance. Trying hard not to blush I raised my eyes to look at him and was met by pair of extremely amused eyes and grinning lips. To make matters worse he bent his head to my ear level and whispered, “You look good.” I am damn sure I blushed. Secretly, I wore this blue lace, off shoulder dress to fish for compliments. I know I look good in this outfit. But, to be complimented directly by Arav caught me off guard. I did it again, totally embarrassed myself by drooling over him in front of his family and giggling at him like a school girl. Now they will kill me by teasing mercilessly as if they are not doing it already. But look at him, how someone can look so hot in the simplest of clothes!! So much for friend zoning him.

Deciding to take one step at a time, I decided the motto of the day was to stay away from Arav Malhotra.

“I have a table for us in the VIP section, guys.” Informed Rohan making Riya roll her eyes. She was more of an in the moment kind of a girl and Rohan was well he was just he, thinks and rethinks about every possibility. They are complete contrast to each other; probably that is what ticks for them.

I was walking behind the Malhotras meekly while climbing the steps to reach the table reserved. That was the reason I missed the best seat or it was just another one of the Malhotra’s plan to tease me, because there cannot be another reason why Arav and I got one of the two couple seats while Rohan and Riya took another and Yash sat on a high chair.

No touching, no touching. I kept mumbling to myself and that is the exact moment I felt Arav’s leg close almost brushing mine. Damn! No more knee length dress to club. Our legs casually brushing just separated by the thick fabric of his chinos. Does he feel it too? Don’t think about it Anjali, just move away your leg, I reprimanded myself. I slowly moved aside creating distance between us. None of the Malhotra noticed as they all were too busy discussing drinks to order. Great! With sigh relief I leaned back and my eyes widened in shock. Arav has rolled up his sleeves, probably after discarding his jacked in the seat, so my bare back peaking from the pot neck of the dress made direct contact with the bare skin of his forearm. The contact was made in one part, but I could feel the effect on other parts of my body. What is wrong with me? I moved forward immediately as if stuck by lightning pushing the table slightly in the process. That gained Malhotras’ attention.

“Are you okay?” asked Arav looking concerned. How can he be so cool? Didn’t he feel anything like... like current, maybe?

“Yeah!.” I said nodding wiping my forehead with a foolish smile. “Nothing to worry.”

Arav looked at me curiously; however he seemed satisfied with my reply. They all began to discuss drinks again.

When one round of drinks was over, I already felt better. Drinks can do magic, I am sure. Yash has already a spotted a girl he want to pursue and Rohan and Riya were laughing to themselves in the most couple like manner. That left me with Arav. I turned to look at him and saw him looking at the dance floor shaking his head to the music subtly. What was he looking at? Is he checking out girls?

“Is it the red one?” I asked following his line of vision

“What is that?” asked Arav turning to look at me.

“Are you looking at the girl in short, strapless red dress?” I asked frowning

“Why? Is she beautiful? Should I look at her?” he asked smirking

I shrugged mumbling whatever and grabbed the second round of my drink. I am getting there, I am feeling light now.

I stood on my foot flipping my hair and declared, “I am gonna hit the dance floor.”

“Finally, I have company.” Said Riya following my suit and stood up. She was probably going to be the sober one among us as she is still feeding Asha. We both giggled at each other as we went to the dance floor leaving behind the men with our drinks.

Ah! I just bollywood and they just have to play this awesome song when I decide to dance. “Abi toh party shuru hui hai!!!” I sang in a tune of my own as Riya and I began to shake our legs in rhythm. Soon, the song in the background was forgotten as we began to dance for the song of our own copying each other’s steps, teach each other favourite steps and just letting lose. While swirling myself in gleam, I noticed Rohan looking at Riya lovingly. I was about to inform her the same when my eyes fell on another Malhotra. Why was he looking at me like that?

“Like what?” shouted Riya loud enough for me to hear

“Huh?” I asked. Did I say that out loud?

Riya’s eyes turned to the table and her grin widened at the sight of Malhotra brothers. Yash was already out somewhere probably dancing with the girl and other two were ogling shamelessly.

“Poor boys. Should we invite them to dance with us?” she asked. But it didn’t actually seem like a question as she was already walking towards them.

No.No. I wanted to shout but she dragged me along with her.

“Wanna join me handsome?” Riya asked tracing her finger on Rohan’s face making him jump off his seat immediately.

Before heading to the dance floor with her husband, Riya turned to me, winked and gestured at Arav. My eyes widened in shock and when I turned to Arav I saw him looking at me with raised eyebrows.

“Anjali...” he said as if prompting me to speak something.

“Huh?”

“Don’t you want to dance?” he asked

“What?” why is he asking me that?

“I mean. Don’t you want to go and dance anymore?” he asked

“I...” Say something soon, Anjali. Don’t be dumb. “Well, I want to dance.” I mumbled.

“Okay.” he impelled again

“Well, if you are bored, you know.... you can join.” I said

I was sure he will definitely decline it. Never have I ever seen Arav dancing. So, he will not come with me, will he?

Arav stood on his feet towering over my height and looked at me and smiled a secret smile. “If you insist, Anjali.” He said. Then wounding his arms around my arm he led me to the dance floor.

The only thought in my mind was not to make fool of myself while dancing. But once we set foot on dance floor and he pulled me closer holding my waist, every rational thought left my mind. Not even five more rounds of alcohol would have prepared me for it.

He twirled me around, pulled me closer and placed my hand on his shoulder. No inappropriate touch. His hands never left even an inch above or below my waist. His eyes never went beyond my eyes. But, he was making me hyperventilate highly with his closeness.

“Arav...” I whispered as we swayed to the slow music playing in the background. I looked around to find Rohan and Riya dancing too close to even find which arm belongs to whom. Yash was back to our table now chatting with a girl. Am I the only girl in the room feeling so affected by a man’s closeness? “Arav...” I whispered again. It was as if I had to say his name again and again to keep myself sane. As if his name was the drug to the weakness. What is wrong with me?

“Are you okay?” asked Arav placing his hand my shoulder.

“No.’” The words in mind left my mouth effortlessly. He being the perfect gentleman he is immediately led me to the table.

“Hey Anji, meet Bhavya.” Introduced Yash to girl in the white dress he was talking to. I smiled at them both, but my mind was otherwise occupied with god knows what. Arav, Yash and Bhavya picked a conversation immediately and were soon joined by a tired Riya and Rohan. I was the only one zoned out with thoughts and doubts of my own. What happened to me? Why is his closeness affecting me so much? Didn’t I just decide in the morning that I am not going to make a fool out of myself by bringing back my stupid crush between us? Then why am I back to the teenager phase?

“Guys, it is really getting late. We should go. I miss Asha already.” Said Riya. Soon everybody agreed and we decided to call it a night.

I was quiet throughout the ride to my house. I didn’t even pay much attention to the usual banter of the brothers that generally provides great entertainment. I was extremely disappointed with myself for being affected so much.

“Bye, everyone.” I said I stood in front of my apartments.

“Bye!!” everyone chorused.

“Arav, if you want to say bye to her alone, then we can wait for couple of minutes here.” Teased Riya

No more for the night, God, please.

“Bhabhi please!!” I heard Arav say. Though I couldn’t see his face, his voice, kinda, felt dispassionate and that pricked me.

I didn’t wait there anymore. Waving my hand frantically at no one in particular with a fake smile, I ran to my house. It was one hell of a night!!

*_*_*_*