Arhi SS/FF ORCHIDS CH 10 (68) 20/06 PM's LATER - Page 19

Chapter 5

"How are things here, Khushi?"

I heard Shashi and put the spoon on the bowl before raising my head. "Everything's fine, thanks." I took extra care not to call him by his name. It might offend him. I didn't feel like calling him 'Dad', so I just avoided, answering point to his questions. It is my first weekend here, and tomorrow, I am going to spend extra hour with Arnav. I had many things to do for tomorrow. I need to have a look around the place and find out about book stores, and needed to enroll in the city library. And there are this dance classes I would love to join to improve myself and learn different styles.

I cursed myself for keeping mobile on the table as its vibration distracted the whole family. I pulled it onto my lap but ignored the message. It must be from one of my friends back there, or to my utter luck, from Mike. "So, what are your plans for the weekend?" I asked, turning towards my left to where Rina sat, her eyes glued to her plate. She looked at me, a smile broke on her face as she straightened in her seat.

"Nothing much, Di," she chirped, excited, "I have home work to do and then I am free. Actually, I am thinking to go to any movie, do some shopping and stuff. Veer, you and me… no parents or elders. This is our first weekend together, so we will rock, what say?"

Rina looked happy and excited to have me with her here. This is new. Other than Mother, I have no one to call as my family and now, I have siblings who take care of me. This is different and I felt good. Nice. If this is what I will have in my life, I decided, I will take it with open arms. "Of course," I said, agreeing with the plan, "I need to visit city library and enroll there. We will have our day out and no elders for sure." I smiled at Shashi and his wife, who had tears in their eyes as they watched us. I could see whatever I had with Rina is fading and we are getting close, just like Veer and I got along. My mobile vibrated, indicating another SMS and I opened it to find them from my director.

Khushi,

Did I inform you that I will need your help in picking up costumes…?

Arnav

Khushi,

Are you free tomorrow…? If so, can you drop by in the university…? There's a thing I would like to discuss with Lavanya and you regarding the play.

Arnav

I rolled my eyes at the professional messages. That irritated me, surprisingly. I never expected all friendly SMS from him, but I never expected to be all professional too. I realized, I like to have a chat with him more than I like to think. Ignoring every thought, I pressed reply button and typed, keeping it strictly professional.

Director,

Yes, you have informed me about picking up required costumes but didn't mention any time. Can you please inform about the timings tomorrow and how long the discussion will be…? So that I can change my personal plans accordingly and drop by at the University.

Khushi

I turned the mobile into silent and put it back on the table and continued with my dinner. I tried to ignore the blinking but was unable to hold myself for so long. Within 5 minutes, I pressed open button and started reading new text.

Stage Manager,

I am glad you replied. I was not sure whether you will have your mobile or to my utter luck, one of your family members reads it. Though the content is true, I hate being professional with a beautiful girl with whom I walk/jog. Tell me about your plans, so that I will manage our meeting schedule. Now, are you free…? If so, can I have your time for a while…? (Strictly unprofessional, and no rules broken…)

Director

PS: Can we switch into names…? Not that I hate to hear 'director' from you. ;)

I smiled at his flirting. Clutching the mobile in my fist, I excused myself from them all and locked myself in my room. I felt their eyes all the while as I climbed the stairs. Giggling to myself, I pulled out the clip from hair, setting it loose, only to have images from this morning when he undone my hair in the same way. His hot breath still lingered on my neck, as he whispered those words. Shutting my eyes, I fell on the bed on my stomach, grinning like an idiot as I read and re-read the last text.

Arnav,

So much of flirting for being a friend, but do remember it is a walk/jog friendship. Being away from university doesn't change the fact that we are still related as professionals. Anyways, I need to go to city library to enroll and Veer and Rina are planning to have a day out – shopping and movie. I will manage my schedule, just inform me the timings.

Khushi

PS: Climb down the hill, Director. Or else, you will fall one day… don't sit in the air.

Khushi,

Firstly, I never said you are my walk/jog friend. Much more than that kind, girl. Secondly, are you okay with this flirting if we aren't working together in this project…? ;)

What about 09:30…? We can have meeting for three hours and then you carry on with your plans.

Arnav

PS: Have lunch with me…?

I am sure my cheeks turned into deep red. It is like, I am on fire with his words. I can feel his husky voice in my ears, with him so close to me that I could feel heat radiating from his body, mixed with his cologne. He is asking me for lunch. Is he really asking me out? In a real sense? I am not sure how serious he is, and I am not sure what to answer him. Leaving it, I went to washroom to prepare myself for bed.

Standing in front of the mirror, I wiped kajal with a tissue and then wash my face, breathing in jasmine body wash. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and changed into Mickey Mouse PJ's and a tank top. And as expected, there stood a message from him.

Khushi,

Let me be more specific in asking to avoid any confusion. I would love to know more about you, Khushi, in person. I love your company and always look forward for our morning walks. I lost my senses and even went to break my own set of rules for you. And I liked to break them. Now, will you have lunch with me?

Arnav

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