Vrishali was popularly known as the life of the party. She had a natural ability to make friends with anyone she met. Everyone adored her, and she had yet to find her perfect match amidst all the chaos of her college parties. However, she was not in...
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Vrishali's lips pulled into a straight line when the strange lady took long steps towards Padmanabh and hugged him tightly.
"Harika?" Vrishali heard Padmanabh.
Padmanabh was surprised to see Harika but even more surprised when she hugged him. She knew that he didn't like physical contact, which is why they had never hugged in their eighteen years of friendship.
"What are you doing here?" she asked him.
"I'm here with my family. What about you?" Padmanabh asked her, finally stepping away from the hug.
He feels uneasy and uncomfortable whenever people invade his personal space, even if they are his friends. He doesn't understand why Harika needed to hug him, but it would be rude not to return the gesture.
"I'm here on a business work. Wasn't expecting to meet you."
"When did you return from London? I thought you were in London," Padmanabh said.
He met Harika eighteen years ago through his close friend Vijay. Although she had been part of the trio, Padmanabh never really opened up with her. Padmanabh is aware of Vrishali standing behind him. He is waiting to introduce her.
"I was in London last year. I moved to India a while ago." Padmanabh nodded before turning around to face Vrishali. "Anyway, Vrishali, meet my friend Harika." Padmanabh then faced Harika. "Harika, meet my wife Vrishali."
Vrishali felt the relief flood through her body when Padmanabh stepped towards her. She watched Harika's eyes twitch when Padmanabh was smiling at her. Vrishali smiled and shook hands with Harika.
"It's nice to meet you," Vrishali said.
"Likewise. I'm sure I couldn't attend the wedding. I was in Tokyo, and I wasn't expecting Padmanabh to get married this soon." Vrishali didn't know what to make out of it, so she just watched Harika.
"Aren't you from India? Your accent sounds different."
"I was born and brought up in New York," Vrishali answered vaguely. She isn't getting friendly vibes from Harika. There's this bitchy vibe radiating from Harika. Harika is beautiful and she looks like one of those runway models.
Harika broke her attention from Vrishali and looked at Padmanabh. "Is your family here?"
"Yes, they are taking rest. Ma and Papa are out to meet a local minister." Harika nodded. "Well, it's pleasantly surprising to see you marrying a NRI. You never liked Westernised things." It was like a jab to Vrishali. Before she could utter a word. Padmanbh answered,
"Well, you don't know me well enough to throw the comment. And, things and beliefs change accordingly." Harika's cheeks flushed pink, and Vrishali felt smug.
"True. I'm sorry if I offended you. I was just surprised. Anyway, why don't we catch up? Vijay is in the city too. Let us three meet for lunch and catch up on our lives," Harika suggested.
