Chapter 38

2 years ago

varshaoforange

@varshaoforange

—Saturday, February 5, 2022, 11:33AM—

“It looks like the waiter is wandering around our table over and over again because he wants to see if we’re ready to leave and pay.” Dev chuckled, whispering to the rest of the table.

Radhika looked over at the waiter, “Yea. Poor guy, he must need to give the table to someone else. Are we all ready to go?”

Everyone nodded, and Aryan raised his hand to the waiter, signaling him to come over.

Imlei fished out her wallet from her bag, Aryan interrupted her, “It’s fine. I’ll just pay it.”

Imlie looked at him, “Why? Hum aapke hai kaun?” (Who am I to you?)

Aryan rolled her eyes, whispering back, “Horrible joke, Imlie. And I said I’ll pay it.”

Dev piped in, “I can see that Aryan’s plotting to pay for everyone at the table—”

Aryan looked up, taken aback, honestly he was just planning on paying for him and Imlie, but it didn’t really matter, “Sure, I guess—” 

Dev laughed, “Dude, we’re not going to make you pay. The waiter already knows we’re all going Dutch. Everyone just get out your cards or cash for what you ordered.”

Imlie took the time to pull out her cash, preventing Aryan from stopping her. She put it on the folder with the receipt. Aryan could tell she’d added a thousand for the dosa as well.

Aryan started to protest to Imlie. Imlie shot him down, “ABP if you make a big deal out of this I’m going to sing with the windows down every single time I’m in your car, even if it’s raining. So decide what you want.”

Aryan opened his mouth, but then shut it again, “Fine,” he added.

Imlie stood up, “I’m going to go use the washroom, I’ll be right back.”

Aryan wanted to stand up to show her where it was, but Imlie hurried off before he could get up. He realized that he could take this chance to get Imlie’s money back from the waiter, he has just left with the receipt.

Aryan stood up and made his way to the waiter, but someone held him back. He looked behind him, it was Chitra. As soon as he caught her gaze, she let go of his arm. They were a few feet away from the table. Dev, Radhika, and Shiv were happily chatting about the rest of their plans for the day.

“I was hoping I could ask you something, Aryan? Can I call you Aryan?” Chitra asked.

Aryan fought the urge to roll his eyes, she’d already been calling him Aryan throughout brunch, there was no need for this extra formality. His eyes looked towards Imlie’s retreating figure, and the waiter.

He looked back at Chitra, “Sure, what is it?”

Chitra smiled, what she hoped was a flirtatious one, but she hadn’t had much practice, “Well, I’m a very straightforward person, Aryan. Since we’ve met, I’ve felt a sort of kinship with you. We both take our work seriously, we’re both passionate about it, and we have clear goals. I think if we got to know each other better, we’ll most likely find even more in common.”

Aryan heard Shiv cough loudly from behind Chitra, he wasn’t sure if Shiv could hear, but it sure seemed like he could.

Aryan was taken aback, for one of the few times in his life, he was actually speechless. He wasn’t flattered, however, Chitra’s delivery of this little speech seemed to fluctuate erratically between flirty and downright business like.

Chitra wasn’t deterred by Shiv’s coughing fit or Aryan’s sudden stammering, “So I think we should explore this further. If you’re interested, I know a lot of restaurants in the area, as well as some great museums. I think of course, we should be mindful of each others’ work schedules. So when do you think we can pencil this in?” Chitra took a breath and looked at Aryan, hopeful.

Aryan finally found his words, “I’m...uh. Chitra, I’m very flattered. But, well. I’m a straightforward person as well. And while I’m sure you’re excellent at your job, I’m not really sure I’m your type. Nor are you mine. If you’ll excuse me, I have to—”

Chitra interrupted him, “Are you sure. Because, well I’m looking at the checklist I’ve made for myself in my head, and you definitely tick off all the boxes...” She trailed off realizing she didn’t even have Aryan’s attention any longer.

Aryan looked back at her, “Listen, again. I’m really flattered. But I don’t think you tick off the boxes for me.”

Imlie walked back to the table, noticing Aryan and Chitra standing beside it, deep in conversation. Actually, upon closer look, it was clear that Chitra was trying to talk to him, but he was...was he physically trying ot extricate himself from her grip on his arm? Imlie fought between two urges as she walked towards them: first, to laugh and spend the rest of the week, or perhaps the rest of the year making fun of Aryan for this; second, and more curiously, she found that she wanted to tear out Chitra’s hair. She’d never wanted to tear out anyone’s hair in her life, not even Malini or her mother. She put both thoughts to the side and made it to her seat, the long way around, so it wouldn’t seem like she was listening in on Aryan’s and Chitra’s conversation. But from what she could tell, Chitra had just said, ‘I think you’ll find that giving this one chance is probably best in both our interests. It just doesn’t make sense to not even attempt to see what else...’ From Aryan, Imlie heard, ‘Chitra, I’m really sorry but I really do have to decline.’

Imlie sat in her seat, unfortunately she could still hear their conversation. She looked over at Shiv, and it was clear he could too. But unlike her, he didn’t look like he wanted to tear anyone’s hair out. It was clear he was fighting between twin feelings of embarrassment for his colleague and pure joy at the hilarity of the situation.

Aryan finally realized that Imlie was back at the table, and he saw the waiter coming back to bring their receipts for their signatures. He’d lost his chance. He looked at Chitra one last time, “I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear, but I’m not interested Ms. Das. Thank you again.”

Shiv choke laughed and failed to disguise it with a cough. As the waiter approached, Dev, Radhika, and Shiv grabbed their receipts as if their lives depended on it, signed, and stoop up to leave.

Shiv handed Chitra’s receipt to her, “Sorry to interrupt, but here’s your receipt. Aryan, yours is on the table.”

Aryan thanked Shiv silently for letting him escape Chitra’s clutches and went back to the table to sign the receipt. Then he looked at Imlie, and gestured to her with his eyes that they should leave now.

Dev chuckled, “Imlie, I think Aryan’s had enough socializing for today, you’re going to have to take him back to the office, or he might spontaneously combust.”

Aryan glared at him, but was secretly happy at least someone understood him right now.

Imlie nodded, “I have some work to finish too, actually. It was great hanging out with you all, we need to do it again some time soon!”

Shiv faltered, “Oh, I thought since it was Saturday, you didn’t actually have to work? I was wondering if you wanted to check out this bookstore I saw on my way to work the other day?”

Imlie perked up at the idea, she hadn’t been to many bookstores since coming to Delhi, in fact, she hadn’t been much of anywhere besides, work, school, and home, and obviously the temple.

“That does sound fun, but I think another time, probably. I’m still working on the pharma story, I want it done soon.”

Shiv nodded. But Aryan bristled at the idea. He didn’t want Imlie to come back to the office today, she had already wasted so much of her time on the nonsense with the Tripathis and Aditya, she should have at least the weekend to rest.

“I was just going to drop you off home, because you’re a freelancer, Imlie. I’m not going to pay you overtime for today, you know?” Aryan muttered to her.

Imlie glared at him, “If you think I’m going to be dissuaded by no overtime or whatever other excuse you have up your sleeve, get over it. Half the reason I’m coming back to the office is to make sure the dormant volcano of your feelings because of this morning doesn’t blow up at the rest of the Saturday team. So, are you driving me, or am I catching an auto...or a ride with someone else.”

Aryan tried not to sound too frantic, but it just came out as angry, “Fine, but honestly, your article better be worth it, or—”

Imlie interrupted him, already waving bye to everyone else and walking outside to the car, “As if my articles are ever not worth it. Don’t embarrass yourself.”

Shiv tried to put on a friendly expression instead of the laughter bubbling up inside him when Chitra turned to face him.

“What just happened?” Chitra asked, “I was so sure...”

Shiv sighed, “I’m sorry, but, those two, they’re basically already in love. I know it’s a disappointment but, what can we do?”

Chitra pondered this, “But they’re not actually dating...nor do they seem to know that they like each other?”

Shiv nodded, “Yes, but that doesn’t leave room for anyone else, unless you’re interested in heartbreak, Chitra. I know you’re technically my superior at work, but in this case, I know the two of them...albeit only for like three days longer than you, but it’s obvious after even a couple hours with them. Trust me on this.”

Chitra nodded, “Oh well, I guess I can give it another go if they don’t get their act together.”

Shiv bit back a smile, “Sure.”

Imlie sat silently in the car, but then she couldn’t hold it back any longer, “Wait, you have to tell me. Why did you say no to Chitra. She seemed perfect for you. I can tell Kaki Maa would love her.”

Aryan grabbed onto the wheel of the car tighter, “So you heard that...”

Imlie looked at him, as if he was asking her the most inane question ever, “Yes, ABP, the whole restaurant probably heard. It didn’t help that you were literally trying to run away from her. So, spill. Why didn’t you give her a chance.”

Imlie didn’t know why, but she was hoping Aryan would give a thorough answer for once in his life. It bugged her that Chitra didn’t seem deterred by Aryan’s refusal. In fact, Imlie was surprised to realize she was angry at Aryan for not denying her faster.

Aryan glanced sideways at Imlie at an intersection, he was surprised to see that she was clearly less curious and more annoyed.

“She’s just not my type.” Aryan said, matter of factly.

Imlie looked curiously at him, narrowing her eyes, “Why? She’s successful, tall, well put together. She seems perfect.”

Aryan had to press his tongue into his cheek to stop from smiling. He didn’t fully understand why Imlie was pouting, but it was amusing. He pulled into the office parking lot and took out the car keys, turning to Imlie.

“Who said ‘put together’ was my type? I like women with a bit of mystery, you know that feeling when you’re talking to someone and you have absolutely no idea where the conversation can go? Or when someone is so wild, they can’t sit still for a moment. Put together people are boring. A little bit crazy and a little bit wild is what I look for.” With that Aryan got out of the car, leaving Imlie pondering his words.

She hadn’t expected that from Aryan. It didn’t seem like he wanted anything out of his control in his life, because it just went against the way he lived his life every day. At the same time, she felt a little happy at the idea.