Girl Friday

CHAPTER 2

Anjali

Extremely tiring. These Malhotras host parties every other week. How can a simple girl like me buy new dress for every party? Thank god for I discovered an app that rents dresses, else I would have added a separate party dress allowance in my salary.

I looked at myself in the mirror wearing a mint coloured halter maxi dress that I rented. Good. I commented to myself as I left for the party.

Splendid. “Yaar*, how did these people get so rich?” I wondered out loud.

“These people use their brain and worked hard.” Said Arav as he came to stand by me. “You know brain?” he said tapping my head.”Do you have one?”

I rolled my eyes. “Very funny, but I can’t laugh today, I am very busy.” I said waving my hand.

“Arre, Anjali, you are here?” said Daadi cheerfully as she approached us and held my hand.

“Yes, Daadi, you look gorgeous today.” I commented smiling at her

“Really! You look very beautiful.” She commented cupping my cheeks. Then she turned to her grandson and added, “Isn’t, Arav?”

Ah! That man will never praise me even if his last breath depended on it. I heard him say, “Daadi, I think Rohan is searching for us. Come, I will take you.” He carefully dodged the question and walked ahead. When Arav Malhotra looked me over his shoulder, I just scowled at him.

“Oh! My pretty Anji, you are already here?”

“And most handsome Malhotra is also here.” I said clasping my hands together and turned to look at Yash.

“My date stood me up and I thought I am stuck alone until I saw you enter.” Said Yash making a serious face.

“Ain’t I your little saviour?” I said extending my hand and Yash took it easily and we both walked inside the hall.

“Why is my brother throwing daggers at our direction?” asked Yash after we were settled in a table reserved for Malhotras and lifted drinks for ourselves.

“Arav?” I asked

“Hmm.... at 2 O’Clock.” Said Yash. I sneakily stole a glance at Arav and Yash is right. Though he is talking to someone, his eyes are fixed on us.

“Your brother is jealous of me.” I said making a pricy face

“Jealous?”

“Yeah, because he has realized I am better artist than him.”

“Really!” laughed Yash on my face

“You don’t believe me?”

“I guess he is jealous. “ said Yash throwing a fleeting glance at his brother. “But I think it is because I am here with you.”

“What do you mean?” I asked narrowing my eyes

“Tell me, does my brother flirt with you?”

“Phew, Flirt! And Arav Malhotra! I don’t think it is legal for those words to be put in same sentence.” I said chuckling

“As much as I am the Cool Malhotra and Rohan Bhaiya* is Popular Malhotra, Artist Malhotra had been in more relationships.” Said Yash shocking me completely

“Are you kidding me!!!” I asked wide eyed

“He broke up with his third girlfriend, Manisha only two months before you came.”

“No doubt, she left grumpy Malhotra. But, yaar Yash, I didn’t expect your bhaiya to turn out like this. Three relationships!!”

“I can actually reveal many secrets of him if you are interested.” Yash said winking

“Yash.” We both turned to find Grumpy Malhotra glaring at us.

“Come, join us.” Said Yash waving at his brother.

“Yash, why are you wasting time here? Mom wanted you to meet someone, go.”

Yash turned to me and smiled, “BRB” he said making a V sign with his fingers and went to his mother.

“Sherlock, why are investigating about me to my brother?” asked Arav folding his arms and looking straight at me.

“Me???” I asked getting up from the chair and marching towards Arav. Thanks to my three inch heels I reach up to his chin now. “Your brother was only generously gossiping about you. Why were you looking at us anyway?”

“Why will I look at you?”

“I don’t know. Even Yashu told that you were looking at us.”

“Stop calling him that.” Said Arav in a rude tone

“I will call him whatever I want. Stop ordering me around like I am your girlfriend. In fact you should not even order around your girlfriend like this. I am sure your Manisha would have left you because of your bossy-ness only. ”

“That is none of your business, Anjali.” He said turning away from me

“But, boss, you don’t look like boyfriend material. I can’t believe you had previous relationships.”

“What do you mean?” he asked bemused turning to look at me.

“You!!” I said looking at him from top to bottom thoroughly. “You are one night stand material.”

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*Yaar – Friend

*Bhaiya - Brother