New SS: Love.... Pt33B pg143 13/07 - Page 94

Raman Bhalla !' he offered his hand to the other man, who initially appeared disgruntled at the interruption. Least affected, Raman inserted himself between Ishita and Prateek.

Hello Mr Bhalla. Its a great party!' Prateek crooned, realizing he was talking to the host and a Bhalla.

Ishita, could you sit with bhAbhi?' Raman requested.

Sure, nice meeting you Prateek.' Biting her lips, Ishita swiftly walked away form them. Mihika was really coming in handy.

What have you done to yourself?'

I knew I married the wrong friend!'

How pretty you look, chitti!'

Shagun, Ashok and Advey khanna bumping into her, greeted her simulTaneously.

Look at you, Ms Priyanka Chopra and Megan Fox, rolled into one.' Ishita then turned to Ashok,' I told you at the day of marriage itself! Thank you darling... you look very handsome yourself,' Ishita cheerfully picked up the tot into her arms.

Please get us a drink and take your son too,' Shagun, piped to her husband.

At least lets meet the Bhallas, and then you can harass Ishita. Ashok said, not falling for the please get us a drink' trick.

Ash, promise five minutes... and I'll be right with you!' Shagun vouched. Ashokholding his son, relucTantly, moved away from the two.

Okay, whats going on?' Shagun fired at Ishita.

Nothing, what do you mean?' Ishita replied.

Ishu, why are you looking like a Christmas tree?'

Is it wrong to look your best?'

Of course not! But why today?'

Now that I have officially put myself in the meat market, I might as well look my best to attract the bestest,' Ishita replied.

Not making anyone jealous are we?' Shagun gave her a sly look.

I have no clue what you are talking about!' Ishita countered, rolling her eyes.

Okay! Just a FYI, he's coming this way, towards us.'

Who... Davy jones?' Ishita shot.

Shagun chuckled. Davy Jones is that character in the Pirate series that has no heart... right?'

Something like that!' Ishita replied, snickering.

You don't know! You have seen those movies like twenty thousand times!'

Yup, for Johnny Depp!' Ishita shot back. Anyway, how far is he?'

Shagun, a stiff smile, pasted her lips, said, Almost upon us, you cant avoid"

Bye, bye the!' Ishita whispered, traipsing off.

Ishita, come back...' Shagun threatened, but the other girl was gone.

Irritated, Raman came to a standstill. He was too close to act as if he was headed beyond Shagun. How are you?' he asked, stiltedly.

Well, very well. Thank you,' Shagun equally, awkward, responded.

Can I get you a drink?'

My husband is getting me one, but thanks.'

Well then enjoy yourself.' Raman said, turning away from Shagun. He grabbed a passing waiter and guzzled a glass of neat scotch from the tray. Making his way through the crowds, Raman purposely did not stop at any calls. Finally, he found Ishita! Again, she had company.

A tap on his back made Raman turn around. Tanya stood there, remorse written over her face. I am sorry for all that I said. It was very wrong of me!'Raman relented. Do you mean that?'

Yes I do, sorry Raman.'

Raman brought Tanya's hands to his lips. I have very high regards for you and don't want anything to jeopardies our" Raman corrected himself just in time, replacing friendship with relationship.' He pulled her close.

Tanya sniffed the air between them, Have you been drinking?'

Yup, you mind?' Raman gave her a lopsided grin.

Tanya caught her breath. Go right ahead!if this is how you behave after it.'

Hey love birds,' interrupted a loud voice. A man not much older than Raman was making his way towards them.

Tanya waved exuberantly. You know him?' Raman asked.

That's one my closest friends.'

DO I have competition' Raman drawled.

Oh please no! if we were any closer we'd be brother and sister,' Tanya assured, cheerfully. Briefly, she disappeared in a bear hug. Get off me you klutz! My hair! she complained, laughing.

Wow! You looking stunning! Congrats! You guys make a great couple.' The new comer heaped praise.

It is so good to see you. I am so glad you could make it, Mani. This is Raman, my finacee"

You look familiar,' Raman said, shaking the other man's hand.

Oh! Abhimanyu is all over the news. His company is a known trader of diamonds and other precious stones in the south east and quite a few parts of Europe,' Tanya informed.

Abhimanyu Raghav?' Raman remembered.

Guilty as charged! You are one lucky man for landing Tan.' Mani extended a velvet box in Tanya's direction.

Mani, the engagement isn't today,' Tanya, reminded.

I know Tan, but I am tied for a couple of weeks. This is the only time I could take out to meet you and Raman.'

Oh! C'mon Mani, you cant do this?' she protested.

I'll be there at the wedding. However long it s!' Mani assured.

Oh wow! I have changed my plans, I think ill stay on for the engagement and wedding and whatever comes in between and after,' Mani crooned, gesturing at someone behind.

Raman and Tanya shifted to see whom he pointed at. Please tell me that gorgeous creature is available?' Raman's mouth tightened, but Tanya laughed.

You are in luck! That is Ishita, daughter of our family friends. She just announced her availability, today itself!' Tanya was all smiles.

Then why are we wasting time standing here. You've found your match, help me find mine!' Mani coaxed.

Arent you going through a nasty divorce?' Raman bit out, the smile did not reach his eyes. Tabloids had been full of the sordid details on the Raghav wedding and the tumultuous divorce, merely a year and half later. The pitfalls of marrying a famous page 3 socialite.

Raman!' Tanya reprimanded, embarrassed.

That's okay Tan. To answer your question, Raman, I was going through a nasty divorce which is thankfully over and done with,' Mani responded, genially.

Firmly grasping her friend's arm, Tanya led him to where Ishita stood with Mihika and few others.

This is mihia bhabhi and Ishita. And this is a very close friend of mine, Abhimanyu raghav.' Tanya made the introductions.

Mihika and Ishita immediately recognized Mani; it was hard not to, with all the channels constantly running pieces about him and his estranged wife.

You've probably seen me on TV?' Mani said, dryly.

Yup! Though you look better in person,' Ishita bantered, taking the awkwardness away.

So do you!' Mani replied. Within minutes, Ishita and Mani stood chattering nineteen to dozen. Suddenly Mani's eyes narrowed and the glass in his hand jerked.

Are you okay?' Ishita asked.

Yes, I'm fine! Thanks!' he replied, even though his gaze remained pegged at a certain someone.

Ishita peeked in that direction. That's Shagun; she is happily married with an adorable eighteen-month-old.'

Hastily, Mani glanced away. She just resembles someone I once knew.'

Toshi interrupted them. Ishita come inside, the rituals are about to begin.'

What rituals?' Mani asked.

Its my DIL's godh bharai'; indian style baby shower.' Toshi explained for the umpteenth time. The gathering was spotted with several UFOs (un-understanding foreign objects).

I get godh bharai. I was born and brought up in Jaipur,' Mani said.

Soon all the women trooped into the large hall inside. Mihika was made to sit on the huge sofa, all by herself. She resembled an over-fed, over-dressed turkey. Lucky for her, thanksgiving was not one of the few zillion traditions celebrated in the country.

Where is Ishita?' Toshi muttered, looking around. She spied her standing at some distance. Ishu come here! Help me with all this.'

Discreetly, Ishita pointed Tanya. The gesture was duly noted by Tanya who made way towards her future MIL. Maybe the neighborhood is not so bad after all,' Tanya muttered.

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