I am officially bored this week and hence you are seeing a lot of me. Before life and work resumes next week, I will take the opportunity to encroach on your reading hospitality for a while more. You can read my previous works linked here.
Right this is yet again from the prompt thread and yet again by oye_nakhrewali. Note my Priya and Ram are quite OOC.
Prompt : Priya is a successful CEO of an Australian company and is in Mumbai to attend her step sister's engagement, her step family hates her for leaving them out cold and penniless and then showing up, years later, just for appearances. The party is slightly tolerable because of a certain blue-eyed man. Title is inspired by yet another movie I saw, which had a similar premise regarding the table. This is set in an alternate universe!
Peace out homies!
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Priya was on one of the tables at the back, downing what was probably her third drink. Up ahead there were some dance performances happening which did not interest her in the least, butwas forced to sit through. She shuddered as she felt the liquid burn her throat.
“Why don't you try the Monkey 47 gin for the next round? It's incredibly smooth and probably a bit easier to down multiple shots.”
Priya turned to her right and saw an incredibly good looking man with shockingly blue eyes make this comment.
“Is that a sly comment on my excessive drinking?”
“Au contraire, I’m actually letting you know how you can drink more without the hangover.”
“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind”
“Ram Kapoor.” He held out his hand to shake hers.
“Welcome to the table of the rejects. How did you end up here?”
“Priya Mehra. Im the step sister of the bride-to-be. I wasn’t invited to the event and thus ended at this table.”
“Wait, not Priya Mehra of Vixen? The CEO of the hottest Australian luxury and vintage e-commerce platform?”
She smiled in agreement and felt pride that despite not being in the Indian market, her baby, her brand was making waves.
“Wow, you are an inspiration. The last valuation of your firm was at 1bn AUD and you’ve been in business only for six years! It’s an honour to meet you Priya”
“Thanks Ram, and what about you? How are you at this table of rejects with me?”
“Well, it’s a long story that I’ll tell you in short. The groom-to-be is the brother of my business partner who is married to my ex fiancée. I’m pretty sure the boy is in love with my stepbrother who is chasing tail elsewhere. I’m way more successful than my partner who doesn’t like it and hence automatic relegation to the rejects table.”
“I think I’ll need a flowchart to follow all that. Especially after my three G&Ts. So what sort of business are you in that makes you more successful than your ex fiancées now husband?”
“I am involved in real estate and also I run a venture capital fund. Have you heard of…..”
Before he could finish, they were interrupted by an announcement by the emcee welcoming the bride’s family for their special performance.
“So, what gets you disinvited to a family do?”
“It is a long story”
“I’ve got time if you do.”
Priya looked back at Ram and didn’t really know why she felt comfortable around him. It wasn’t the alcohol, he just gave a vibe that immediately put her at ease and she didn’t think it would be catastrophic to share her story a bit.
“My father, that man who is trying to shava shava unsuccessfully in that ill fitting sherawani…he cheated on my mother years go, she died of a broken heart (literally) and I decided I needed a fresh start. I used my mothers savings, moved to Australia, studied, worked, started my own company and the rest is history.”
“But that still doesn’t explain why that wouldn't get you an invite?”
“Wellllll let’s say that I’ve not been really generous with my wealth with the Sood family. My father is probably neck deep in loans and I’ve never helped despite his threats. The only reason I’m at this event is so I could meet an investor who unfortunately suggested we meet here and I have to keep up appearances.”
“Ah I see! Tricky predicament.”
“Why are you at this event? Surely you don’t need to keep up appearances?”
The waiter came up just in time with their latest orders.
“For years, I’d attend these events, mooning for my lost love” he used air quotes when he said lost love.
“Don’t laugh, I know how pathetic it sounds. However my dad and Sid’s dad were great friends and it is for that friendship that I am attending this sham of an engagement. An added bonus is the ability to make fun of them, and of course meeting you!”
“I'm flattered.” The excited emcee interrupted their conversation the second time that night but this time with a call to the masses to join them on the dance floor.
“Shall we dance?”
“No Mr. Kapoor, Im a bit tipsy and think it’s better to sit this out.”
“Mr. Kapoor was my dad, call me Ram please. And the dancing will do you good after sitting here for the last hour or so. Also, if we don’t leave, I think the Sharmas who are desperately trying to eavesdrop on our conversation will self combust.”
He put out his hand and gave her what was the sweetest smile and she melted. She took his hand and they walked up to the dance floor drawing murderous looks from her family and a well dressed gorgeous woman.
“I’m guessing that’s the ex?”
“Bingo! Aaj kal she’s trying to get back into my good books and win me over. I have to warn you to check all your food and beverages for poison or drugs starting now because you’ve been marked.”
Priya hadn’t laughed this much in years! Conversation with Ram was easy and sweet. He was funny, genuinely interested in her thoughts and a fantastic dancer.
As she danced the night away with him, she was glad that an evening she dreaded had turned out to be the best night she had experienced in years. All thanks to one blue-eyed boy.
Fin
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