~ Rock, Paper, Scissors ~

I come with another Romance on the Clock One Shot.

If you not yet read the first two, then please do:

Charade [ROTC #1]

The Cursed Body [ROTC #2]

Rock, Paper, Scissors

“I’m so excited for this party!” Pinky squealed excitedly as she settled into the back seat of Maan’s sleek black car with Adi following her in.

Geet hummed in agreement from the passenger seat, her lips curving into a soft smile as she looked out the window. “It’s always grand, but Sasha really outdid herself this year. I heard the ballroom looks spectacular”.

“Everyone comfortable?” Maan asked, glancing in the rear-view mirror as he started the engine.

“Good to go!” Pinky chirped, while Adi gave a thumbs-up.

Satisfied, Maan eased the car onto the road.

It was the annual Khurana Enterprises Christmas party, an event synonymous with glamour and sophistication. Every year, it was hosted at one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, and this year was no exception. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the hotel boasted sprawling gardens, sparkling chandeliers, and an atmosphere of pure indulgence. With the venue being slightly out of the way, Maan had offered to drive them all, pointing out it was more eco-friendly—and practical—to take one car.

Geet had chosen a stunning white gown for the occasion. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, with an off-shoulder neckline and subtle embellishments that caught the light. Her makeup was understated—neutral tones that highlighted her natural beauty. Pinky, meanwhile, wore a navy dress that flowed gracefully with every movement, paired with silver accessories that added just the right amount of sparkle. She, too, kept her makeup neutral but opted for a bold red lip to match her vibrant personality.

The men matched the elegance of their partners effortlessly. Maan’s sharp black tuxedo was tailored to perfection, and Adi’s navy suit complemented Pinky’s dress beautifully.

“I can’t believe you two are ready this early” Maan commented dryly, his eyes briefly flicking to Geet before focusing on the road. “I half expected Pinky to still be deciding between snacks to sneak into her handbag”.

Pinky gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. “Excuse me, Sir! I’m a refined woman tonight. No snacks! At least not until I reach the buffet”.

Adi smirked. “And there it is. Five minutes in, and you’ve already mentioned food”.

“Don’t act like you’re surprised” Geet quipped, glancing back at Pinky with a knowing grin. “But at least she’s honest about her priorities”.

“Honesty is my best quality” Pinky declared tossing her hair over her shoulder.

“Debatable” Adi muttered under his breath earning a playful swat from Pinky.

Geet chuckled before turning to Maan. “Speaking of honesty, why is it that every time Sasha plans an event, she’s suddenly less... difficult to deal with?”

“Because she puts all her ‘difficult’ energy into perfectionism” Maan replied. “Annoying as she is, the results are always worth it”.

“That’s true” Geet admitted with a reluctant smile. “Sasha may have a sharp tongue, but the woman knows how to host a party”.

Maan smirked. “And you’re surprisingly generous with compliments tonight”.

“Don’t get used to it” Geet said, giving him a playful nudge.

“So, Geet” Pinky began, leaning forward from the back seat. “How does it feel to be on the arm of the most eligible bachelor in the city?”

Geet turned slightly and raised a brow. “Pinky, I’m not on his arm. I’m in his car”.

Maan smirked, his hands steady on the wheel. “Technicality, darling”.

“Right” Geet said, giving him a playful glare before looking back at Pinky. “But to answer your question, it’s exhausting. He spends so much time glaring at people who dare to breathe in my direction”.

Maan chuckled, shooting her a quick glance. “That’s called vigilance. I like to keep you safe”.

“From what? Overly enthusiastic waiters offering hors d’oeuvres?” Geet quipped.

“Exactly” Maan replied smoothly, earning a laugh from everyone.

In the back seat, Adi groaned. “Can you two keep it down? You’re making it hard for the rest of us to live up to these standards”.

Pinky patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Adi. I love you for your choices of snacks for me”

“Snacks?” Adi repeated, feigning offense. “That’s the best you can do?”

“Well” Pinky said thoughtfully, “and your face, I guess”.

Geet burst out laughing as Adi slumped dramatically against the seat. “Pinky, you really know how to flatter a man”.

“Thank you” Pinky said, grinning.

As the group stepped into the grand ballroom, they were immediately enveloped by the festive atmosphere. The soft clinking of glasses, the hum of conversation, and the glow of the chandeliers made the space feel magical. They looked around in amazement taking in the décor. Others had arrived dazzling in their attires, drinks were underway as they chattered and laughed.

Pinky’s eyes zeroed in on the buffet table. “Oh my God! Look at that table” she pointed as she squeezed Adi’s arm making him wince.

“Pinky, we just got here. At least pretend you’re here for more than the food and try not to scare the catering staff” Geet rolled her eyes at her friend with a small smile.

“I am here to enjoy the party, Geet. I’m here for Adi as well. And maybe the food and I will not scare the catering staff” she promised and grabbed Adi’s arm. “C’mon Adi, we need to check the food to make sure it’s up to our standards” she said dragging him with her.

“Pinky, slow down” Adi protested with a laugh.

“I feel sorry for Adi” Maan said in amusement wrapping his arm around Geet’s waist.

“Why?”

“He’s going to become kangal trying to keep up with Pinky’s food addiction”.

Geet laughed and thwacked his chest lightly. “Meany! Pinky has got enough money to feed the both of them. She could feed herself, Adi and their golu children”.

Maan chuckled and pressed a kiss to Geet’s temple. “Point noted” he said and glanced around. “Shall we go evaluate the buffet or dance first?”

“I’d like to dance so ask me properly” she responded with a mocking glare.

“Geet Handa” Maan said clearing his throat and offering his hand. “Will you dance with me?”

“I sure will” she answered placing her hand into his allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. Everything disappeared as they looked into each other’s eyes and swayed under the chandeliers.

“Enjoying yourself?” Maan murmured into her ear.

Geet smiled slowly resting her chin on his shoulders. “How could I not, Maan? It’s beautiful here, the music, the décor is perfect. And most of all, I am here. With you”.

“You’re the only reason this night is perfect for me too. Otherwise, you know I don’t like attending these parties”.

“I know” she pulled back slightly and smiled up at him. Her eyes radiated with love. She thought of the ways he cared for her, she had yet to confess her feelings for him. She wanted to say it but she wanted it to be special as well. He had done so much for her.

“You’re perfect, Geet” Maan whispered.

“Careful, Mr Khurana. If you keep smiling and looking at me like that, you might ruin your reputation as the icy businessman”.

“I don’t care. They should know you’re the one who melted the ice around my heart and stole it”.

Geet grinned and burrowed her face into the crook of his neck. Maan curled his arms around her and danced along to the music.

As the evening drew on, Maan and Adi headed to the hotel’s reception desk to book a room for the night. Geet and Pinky were impressed by the elegance and beauty of the hotel and its surroundings and neither men wanted to disappointment their girlfriends.

“We’d like to book two rooms please” Maan informed. “Please put it on my company card” he added placing his card on the counter.

“I’m sorry, sir but there is only one room left” the receptionist, Sneha replied apologetically.

Maan and Adi exchanged a look as they stepped away from the reception desk not wanting the woman to witness them debating over a room.

“It’s mine” They both said simultaneously.

“I’m paying so I am going to take it” Maan said confidently.

“No, I’m willing to pay for it” Adi countered pulling out his card. “Pinky’s been talking about staying here all evening. She wants to raid their mini fridge as well”.

“Geet has been talking about it as well – except not the raiding of the mini fridge”.

“This isn’t a corporate takeover, Maan. Let’s settle this like real men”.

“And how is that?” Maan asked with an arched brow.

“Rock, paper, scissors” Adi suggested with a cheeky grin.

“We’re nor children” Maan deadpanned.

“Are you a chicken?” Adi retorted then paused. “You don’t know how to play, do you?” he said with a laugh. “Oh my God! I need to tell Geet”.

“Fine” Maan snapped. “I don’t lose, I am warning you now”.

“Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!” Adi called out throwing paper.

Maan smirked as he had thrown scissors.

“Told you” Maan said smugly and walked the few steps back to the reception counter. “I’ll take the room, thank you”.

“Oh…I’m so sorry, sir, but that older couple just booked the last room” she responded pointing to the couple who walked to the elevator.

Maan stared stunned, his triumphant smiled had now disappeared. “What!”

Adi burst out laughing, doubling over as Maan glared at the receptionist.

“You knew we wanted that room!” Maan snapped gesturing between himself and Adi. “You should’ve held it while we figured it out!”

Sneha looked like she was about to cry. “I’m very sorry, sir. I didn’t realise…”

“Of course, you didn’t realise!” he rolled his eyes at her. “We were right there” he pointed to the spot a few feet away. “Right there deciding and you could have called us to let us know that…”

“Maan!” Geet’s voice cut through his tirade as she and Pinky arrived. “What’s going on here?”

Maan turned to her, still fuming. “The receptionist…”

“Was just doing her job” Geet interrupted crossing her arms. “Don’t take it out on her” she said firmly.

Adi, meanwhile, was wiping tears of laughter from his eyes as he recounted the story to Pinky who started laughing uncontrollably.

Maan glared at them both before he rolled his eyes when Geet glared at him. She softened as he stepped forward and apologised.

“I’m sorry. I… I just didn’t want to disappoint my girlfriend” he said apologetically.

“It’s okay, sir. I… I can check whether anyone has missed checking in or left early” she suggested slowly looking between Maan and Geet. Maan nodded and waited.

Geet turned to Maan. “See? A little kindness goes a long way”.

Maan rolled his eyes but said nothing as the receptionist typed furiously on her computer. After a few tense moments she smiled. “The penthouse is available as a couple has not yet checked in”

Maan and Adi both leapt forward. “We’ll take it!” they said in unison then looked at each other.

“Sir” Sneha tried interrupting but failed as once again they started arguing about who would have the room. Geet and Pinky watched baffled as their men started playing rock, paper, scissors once again to attain the penthouse.

Geet turned to the receptionist. “How many rooms does this penthouse have?”

“That’s what I was trying to say. There are 2 rooms inside the penthouse”.

“Please go ahead and book it on the company card” she responded pulling out her company card and handing it over to the receptionist. Once that was complete, Pinky and Geet turned to their boyfriends who were playing best out of 3 of rock, paper, scissors.

“You wouldn’t think they were 30 odd year olds, would you?” Pinky remarked.

“Definitely not” Geet said with a laugh. “Both of you are impossible” she called out and waved the key. “We’re booked the penthouse. You can join us once you’re done with your kiddie games”.

Maan’s smug smile at beating Adi once again faltered as he registered Geet’s. “Wait… What?” he asked confused.

“We’re sharing the suite” Pinky stated. “You men…”

“Boy” Geet corrected.

“True, boys can thank us later”.

Geet chuckled and together the two friends walked towards the elevator and their better halves looked at each other confused.

“What just happened?” Adi asked. “Forget that! I think we both won”.

“I actually won – twice” Maan pointed out.

“Seriously?”

Maan grinned. “Okay, fine” he said with a sigh. “I’ll let you share my win”.

“You’re so kind” Adi said rolling his eyes as they stepped into the elevator.

“I know” Maan responded with a cheeky smile. “Merry Christmas, Adi”.

“Merry Christmas, Maan”.