CBG#1 CHASING HER (UNDERGOING EDITING)

Chp:-5 Catching Up With Buddies (EDITED)

ROHAN DEV RAICHAND

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Life has completely changed. We're all in different corners of the world. Mehras are in Dubai, Goels in California, Raizaadas and Hindujas in Mumbai, Mirchandanis in London, Singhanias in Washington DC and we're in Canada. My friends Sanket and Akash who are from a multi billionaire family just like me, live in Mumbai. Randheer is also from a multi billionaire family he lives in London with his family.

I find myself in London presently. Initially, it was meant to be a brief two-day stay for a business meeting. However, upon learning of Randheer, Akash, and Sanket's impromptu get-together, I extended my visit. I stayed with Randheer at his family mansion, and our rendezvous was set at 'Seven Park Place by William Drabble' in London.

Randheer and I arrived together. To my surprise, Abhishek, Abhinav, Akash, and Sanket were already seated. I greeted them with a bro hug, thrilled to see familiar faces after two long years of being immersed in work. Our businesses, all six families, have flourished, overcoming challenges. It's gratifying to witness the success we've achieved through hard work.

Inquiring about their unexpected presence, I said, "I'm so glad to see you assholes. I didn't expect you guys to be here. How come you're in London?"

Abhishek explained, "I came for some business with Saira." (A:N - Saira Singh Raizaada, Abhishek's sister and first cousin, may or may not be mentioned in this story.)

Abhinav added, "I'm here to visit my twin siblings, Amay and Anika. They're studying at the London School of Economics and Political Science, you know."

I remarked, "Great. Mom's right. Unplanned and unexpected things are the best."

Our conversation delved into various topics as we relished catching up. The lunch was delightful, and we lingered at the restaurant, reminiscing like old friends separated by decades. Our discussion was a mix of crazy, stupid, ridiculous, and, at times, touched upon personal and professional lives.

Sanket, ever the instigator, asked, "So Ronny, tell us about your new relationship. Who's the next girl?"

"I was in a relationship, but now I'm single and not ready to mingle. I broke up," I confessed.

Akash teased, "30th girlfriend, right?"

Randheer interjected, "No, no, 25th."

My dating history involved numerous blind dates, with only a select few evolving into meaningful connections. The rest were fleeting encounters or one-night stands. Surprisingly, our billionaire circle knew about my playboy reputation, but it remained concealed from the media and the outer world.

Abhishek brought up Urvashi Desai, "Urvashi, Urvashi Desai was the girl with whom you had your longest relationship of about 3.5 months, correct?"

"Yeah, I broke up with her just before coming," I revealed.

Abhinav expressed disbelief, "It's hard to believe that Dev is not dating anyone. What happened, dude? Why did you break up?"

I sighed, "She was like other girls, with me only for money, fame, social status, etc. I've never found true love. Maybe this is the wrong way to find it. I want someone who will love me for who I am, not just my wealth. I don't even know if I'll find that. People see me as a ruthless playboy, but I have feelings too!"

Randheer, the voice of reason, advised, "Take a break, bro. Understand that they don't want you; they want your money. Ignore and forget. Enjoy your life and wait for that special one. Be a one-woman man. You'll meet her soon."

I teased Randheer's transformation, "Woah, woah. Randy is no longer a playboy. Dude, Ayesha Mehra has changed you a lot. No wonder you go to Dubai alone just to see her. You're whipped dude."

Randheer clarified, "You're trying to say I love Aysh. She's just a very good friend. Her dad is arranging her marriage with Sameer Dobriyal, a businessman from Delhi. She's happy, damn happy."

The conversation shifted to my past relationship with Urvashi and the real reason for the breakup. I disclosed, "The real reason is the girl with whom I shared the best and most passionate kiss of my life." Natasha Alia Singhania, this girl has driven me crazy!

In unison, they exclaimed, "It's Natasha Alia Singhania, right?"

Acknowledging, I continued, "Yes, it's her. I still remember that day vividly. I don't regret kissing her, but it created an awkward situation. Her image lingers in my mind. It's been 7 years, and weirdly, she occupies my thoughts. I've hardly seen her in the last 7 years. Whether we'll meet or remain like this is uncertain."

Abhinav noted, "Dude, you really like her. Just think about it. I hope, somehow, you realize it. She's a definition of an ideal girl—good inside out."

I concluded, "I don't know what's happening, but I've decided to take a break from relationships. I want to focus on my life, career, dreams, family, and friends."

Sanket chimed in, "Yeah, you're right. Great decision, bro."

Akash reassured, "Everything will be perfect, dude."

Abhishek offered his perspective, "All you need to do is just go with the flow."

Randheer, injecting a touch of nostalgia, remarked, "Of all the girlfriends, I'm sure Sanya was the best. Did you come to know why she broke up with you? Are you in good terms with her?"

I responded, "Yeah, we're still good friends, like before. Things are good between us. We don't have any romantic feelings for each other. Why she broke up with me is still a mystery, and I don't want to force her to tell. She'll share if she wants to. We're not getting back into a relationship, that's for sure, and I believe she feels the same way."

Our conversation continued as we ordered desserts, settled the bill, and eventually parted ways. It had been an enjoyable day spent reconnecting with friends.

Later in the evening, my phone rang, and it was Gautam calling. I answered, "Hey Gautam bro, how are you, man? How's life? Let's meet up, bud."

Gautam informed me, "Hey Ronny bro, I wanted to know whether you can make it to Alia's pre-graduation party here in New York City. We're throwing her a surprise party. She's come out with flying colors, you know. We'll all be there—me, Dolly, Nik, our second cousins Karan and Kriti, your sisters Sammy, Dakshi, then Ayesha, Sanya, Riya, Adheer, and the gang. Can you make it? The venue is 1 Oak, the celebrity club VIP lounge, 453 W 17th St. New York, New York."

I regretfully declined, saying, "Bro, thanks a lot for inviting me, but I'm in London right now for an important meeting. I'll be returning day after tomorrow. We'll catch up soon. Last time I came to DC, now you, Dolly, Nik, and Alia have to come to Toronto and stay over."

Gautam agreed, "Sure, bro. Have fun in London."

I replied, "Yeah, you too have fun with our folks. Bye. See you soon."

And with that, we ended the call.

As I pondered what would happen next in my life and when I might meet Natasha, the uncertainties of the future loomed......!