Girl Friday

CHAPTER 3

Arav

I really don’t understand what is wrong with that girl. Every time she is in the same room as me she gives me blood pressure. What was she thinking when she called me ‘One Night Stand Material’? What does that even mean? That little minion doesn’t even reach my shoulder without high heels but bloody ready to tussle always. If not for mom who wanted me to greet the Ranas, I would have definitely taken her to task.

“Arav...” Called Rohan placing a hand on my shoulder. “Where are you lost?” he asked.

Currently Rohan, Yash and I are sitting by poolside and chit chatting about our lives, something we usually do and thoroughly enjoy, after tiring hassle of party.

I looked at Rohan and nodded my head saying, “Nothing.”

“Bhaiya.” Called Yash who till now was having a serious face.

We both immediately turned our attention to our baby brother.

“I have lots of work in office. I have just joined office and you are already flooding me with work.” Complained Yash

“Yash, you have come to office only one day and you read only one file that to an old one to analyze. “ said Rohan

“Isn’t lots of work?” asked Yash with a sombre face

“Really! Then it will be better if I put in papa’s* wing. He will handle you better.”

“Nooo.” Cried Yash dramatically. “I will only work with you.” He said hugging Rohan

Of course. Who would want to work with Mr.Varun Malhotra, I thought grimly. That man is a leach, a malevolent Midas, whatever he touches becomes dirt instead of gold. He will not think twice before ruining Yash’s innocence and torture him. I will never let my brother work under our father. It is enough that he was a tyrant with me and Rohan. Yash doesn’t have to undergo his tortures.

I was bought back from my thoughts by Yash’s loud voice.

“Bhaiya, to make my work easy why don’t you find me a very pretty assistant like you found one for Arav?” asked Yash

I turned to Yash bemused. “In which alternate universe I have a pretty assistant?” I asked looking at my brothers.

They both looked at each other smiling before they turned to me.

“Come on, you can’t deny that Anji is beautiful.”

“Yash, I think you need glasses. She looks no less scary than a Dracula. Have you seen her when she gets into fiery mood? I swear you will be scared for life.” I said holding my throat to emphasis my words.

“Really, Arav?” asked Rohan with a small smile. “Well, then.” he said turning to Yash. “Yash, you take Anjali as your assistant. Anyway, she is meaning to work in Malhotra Group of companies for a long time now.”

Yash’s smile widened when I looked at Rohan with a frown.

“No ways.” I said

“Why?” asked my brother in unison.

“She is very immature, in fact more than Yash. He cannot handle her.” I said

“Arav, if she is very immature than you should fire her. I will find you a new assistant.” Suggested Rohan.

“No.” I said immediately

“Why?” my brothers chorused again. Why? I asked myself

“Rohan, I....” I stammered, “Well, you know...”

“Yes, Arav. Tell me.”

“Anjali.....I am comfortable with her.... I mean she is comfortable with my working style now. So, if I change my assistant it will be very difficult for me, especially when lots of things are lined up now.”

“Bhaiya, Arav is in denial mode.” Said Yash with wide grin.

I didn’t know what he meant by that, but Yash and Rohan gave hi-5 to each other.

“Yash, shut up.” I said my only get away every time Yash makes fun of me.

Ignoring my brothers’ snickering, I picked up chocolate milk and began to sip it. Yash began to crib about his love life or lack of it and I began to zone out until I heard him call Rohan ‘Husband Material’

“Guys.” I called to get their attention. They both turned to look at me when I asked a very awkward question that I immediately regretted, “Has anyone called you One Night Stand material?”

Both Yash and Rohan looked at me as if looking at an alien and then they began to laugh. Damn! Why can’t I control my mouth? Being with Anjali is making even me forget that mouth has filter.

“Arav, who called you one night stand material?” asked Rohan between laughter

I looked at him offended. “No one.” I said determinedly. “I just read about it somewhere and thought if you guys have heard about it.” I said shrugging.

Yash gestured something to Rohan before he moved closer to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

“I think whoever told you this, assuming it is a girl, wants to have one night stand with you.”

“WHAT?” I asked shocked immediately moving forward in my seat.

Why would Anjali want to have one night stand with me? Is she mad? Yash is just blabbering. He is a dumb case just like Anjali. Both don’t know how to talk.

“No girl told me this, okay. Now, you both shut up.” I said slightly pushing Yash who was laughing leaning on Rohan, who by the way has still not stopped laughing.

“What is so funny?” I heard Riya bhabhi ask as she slowly walked towards us holding her baby bump.

I immediately stood from my place to help her settle in the chair in front of Rohan.

“All good, Bhabhi?” I asked eyeing her baby bump. Even after so many months, the prospect of baby in the house and idea of daddy Rohan is making me unreservedly happy. Riya bhabhi smiled at me and placed her hand on my cheek. “Your wife will be very lucky, Arav. If this is how you take care of your pregnant bhabhi, then I cannot imagine how you will be when your wife is pregnant.” She said.

I smiled as I kneeled down beside her. “I am already in love with junior Rohan.” I said touching her bump.

“A small correction. Its junior Riya.” Said Rohan in a matter of fact voice.

We three chuckled at Rohan’s confidence.

“Anyway, bhabhi.” said Yash breaking the moment. “We were discussing about Arav becoming papa but through one night stand.” He said the last four words in a mumble only for mine and Rohan’s ears

“Shut up, Yash.” I warned

I settled back in my place and looked at my brothers smiling at me.

“Anyway, bhabhi.” I said, “Rohan drops in my studio often nowadays and has lots of chit chat with someone there. Did you know my assistant Anjali even had a crush on Rohan when she was in college?” I said hoping that my pregnant bhabhi will roast her husband. After all, anything to take limelight off me.

Riya bhabhi looked at Rohan, but instead of anger her face showed amusement.

“What is he talking about?” she asked. “Doesn’t he know already who his assistant has a crush on?”

Rohan shook his head with his lips pressed together holding back a smile. While Yash chipped in saying, “Arav is in denial mode.”

Why do I like my frustrating (in a harmless way) family?

“I hate you all.” I declared as I stood up and walked to my room.

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*papa - Dad