Here” Lavanya said as she finally found the bag she was looking for. The plastic bag contained dried and wiggly long strand fungi; slender stems and small caps. Arnav recognized the psychedelic and then looked at Lavanya incredulously. Somehow, she never seemed to be the type. She was always the goody two shoes in the industry. The drinks were served again.
“I didn’t peg you for someone who would…” He said as Lavanya laughed again.
“How would you know anything about me?” She said with a raised eyebrow, her eyes glossy as the alcohol took effect. “You never tried” She finished.
“Touché” Arnav said as another glass was emptied.
“You seriously won’t try even one? Ever?” Lavanya asked as she attempted to open the pack unsuccessfully.
Arnav looked at the packet once again. He knew she was offering an escape and right now he desperately needed it. However, he let the better sense prevail and spoke again.
“I have a proclivity for addiction. Keep it away from me” he said earnestly.
“Me too!” Lavanya’s giggle was louder this time. “A proclivity for addiction I meant” she said as she put her head down on his shoulder.
Arnav stiffened. Nobody had ever dared to behave this way with him and Lavanya in the past had been nothing but professional. He blamed the alcohol in her system for the sudden liberties she seemed to be taking and immediately looked around for her shadow, the manager; his head massively dizzy with the booze too now. He saw Manali in a corner, eagle eyed, completely sober and definitely looking at their direction. That woman had always unsettled him. He raised his hand and Manali acknowledged. He then mouthed that maybe Lavanya was too drunk and needed to be taken away. In a second Manali was next to them. She straightened Lavanya with Arnav’s help as he stood and picked up his glass. Lavanya had been silent during the whole episode, furthering his belief that she was out of her mind drunk.
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