The Lunch Date ~ A taste of jealousy on the side ~
"One super deluxe chocolate milkshake, a veggie burger, mozzarella sticks with hot sauce and extra large fries.. Or no.. Uhm.. Make that a normal size fries and a salad please. I am dieting you know, for the wedding outfits and all.." Soumya winked to the girls Nisha and Neha.
The girls smiled politely. Secretly, they craved for all these tasty fatty snacks as well, but they just ordered a salad and a diet coke, caring for their appearances too much. They admired Soumya for her I don't care, I eat what I want'-attitude.
They seemed like nice girls, but Priyanka did not like the fact that she sat next to him. She being Nisha. Him being no other than Ranveer. The two of them seem to have a great connection. They understood each other's jokes and could finish each other's sentences. How annoying! And how rude! Do they not realise there are people at the table!'
Priyanka looked around as she waited for her caramel ice coffee with chocolate sprinklers and french fries to arrive. She sat at the top of the table. At her left sat Dev, with next to him the stunning Nisha. Ranveer was stuck like glue to her. The latter two seemed not be aware of anyone else at the table.
Across of Ranveer sat Soumya, then Rehaan, with next to him Neha. She looked well rested after taking a power nap. A beauty sleep was not required in her case. She looked absolutely beautiful. Dev and Neha seemed to have instantly connected as well. The fact that they sat across each other and got a long so well, did not bother Priyanka at all.
Priyanka was trying very hard to ignore them, but without success. God.. Does she ever stop laughing? I didn't know he was that funny! Wonder where all the humor goes to when he is talking to me!'
Unknowingly, she made a face which clearly showed her mocking Nisha and showed Priyanka's annoyance. Everyone else at the table did not notice, being preoccupied in their conversations. Or almost everyone...
Ranveer had caught almost her every expression. It came natural to him to spy undercover and notice every little detail of the subject of his suspicion. Only now, suspicion had made way for admiration. Or dare he even say affection? Whatever it was, the person of his interest was sitting right there, perfectly at that spot where he could watch her effortlessly. Priyanka was the one who dominated his mind and he enjoyed intensely that she was affected by him. A spark of hope made him believe she also felt that chemistry between them.
After lunch, the girls went to powder their nose. Soumya was contemplating whether to take a dessert to go, while Rehaan stared at her in admiration. Dev went to settle the bill.
Ranveer got up, only to come sit next to her. "What's wrong Miss Oberoi? You did not seem to enjoy the food much. By the way.. Fries, chocolate shake? Should you not lay off the junk food? After all, you too have to fit in your wedding dress right?"
Priyanka looked at him. Her eyes piercing right through him like a sharp weapon. Finally, I have his attention and this is what he says to me?!' She decided to leave him in the dark regarding the wedding and the engagement to Dev. It was none of his business!
"I see you are quite the comedian? Nisha was laughing nonstop. You should try your jokes on others too sometimes. Who knows, people might actually warm up to you."
"I would say, things are heating up pretty well between us, not?"
She blushed heavily. How dare he say that? He was right, but the audacity to bluntly say that to her! She thought about emptying her leftover shake right in his lap. That would cool him off! But a familiar voice caught her attention. And not only hers...
"So beautiful ladies, don't forget. You are both invited to my Amazing Sizzling Christmas Party. It will be THE event of the year! I will text you all the details and.. Don't be a stranger.. Just text me back.." He winked at the ladies as he walked them to their table.
"Rudra!" It was his voice which brought Soumya back to reality from her deep thought whether to order a dessert or not. Seeing Rudra talking to these beautiful girls instantly pissed Soumya off and she got up. "Rudra! What are you doing here? How do you know these girls?"
"Soumya! What are you doing here? And how do you know these girls? And why have you not introduced us before? And Soumya.. Today is my cheat day.. But what is your excuse? Everyday is cheat day for you!" Rudra looked around at the table, leaving Soumya to breathe fire through her nose. His eyes rested on Rehaan for a few seconds longer than required. Rehaan was visibly uncomfortable. Dev and Ranveer were also not Rudra's favorite people but he greeted them politely, only offering his hand to the ACP.
"You all know each other? What a coincidence! We just met him on the way and guess what? We have already our first invitation for THE Christmas Event of Mumbai! We should all go!" Nisha and Neha were super excited and very impressed by Rudra's charms and appearance.
"Prinku.. Soumya.. Come.. You can come with me. I am with the car and heading home."
Ranveer watched Priyanka leave. He smiled and got up. "Ladies, gentlemen, I will take my leave now. Thanks for lunch. I have some urgent business to attend to." He left, thinking what Christmas gift to buy for her and what one should wear to THE event of the year."