Destined to a Gangster

17 - The Party

Pallavi walked into the Venue with her arm linked with Nikhil. The building they were at was gorgeous both inside and outside. Per Nikhil his boss owned the entire building but only the top two floors were their offices. The rest of the floors were rented out office spaces. Except the first two floors. On the first floor there were a vast number of shops either offering eating or shopping opportunities to the people that worked in the offices.

Of course right now all that was closed but Pallavi could just imagine how amazing it would be for the office workers. She saw a particular shop that had its windows empty and had a for rent sign on it. She walked towards the shop with Nikhil and clicked a picture of the number posted. This little shop would be an excellent satellite place for their saree shop. The location was different then the mall and in a posh neighborhood so the Clientele would be different.

Nikhil continue to explain that the second floor had a similar setup as the first. All the stores were on the left side because the right was reserved for the ballrooms. There were two small one level ballrooms on each floor and one large ballroom that extended on both levels. Since the party includes all the employees it was hosted in the larger ballroom. Nikhil guided Pallavi towards the ballroom. As they walked in he started pointing out different people to Pallavi.

Pallavi focused on more on Nikhil then she did on his explanations. She couldn't believe this was the same kid she had met years back. When she had first met Nikhil he was just becoming a man. He was struggling to figure what he wanted of his life. The Nikhil whose arm she was holding seemed more mature, settled and definitely sure of himself and his path. He spoke of projects, responsibilities, career paths. Today watching him interact with his co-workers, talking about projects and responsibilities made her realize just how grown up he was.

Nikhil was talking to a group of his co-workers when Pallavi's phone dinged. She pulled it out of the clutch, saw that it was from Raghav and placed it back inside unseen. She wondered what he wanted, unfortunately she could not reply to him without Nikhil asking any questions. A few minutes later the phone started to ring. Instinctively she knew who it would be. She excused herself from the group and walked towards a quiet corner.

"Hello"

"You look breathtaking Sweetheart"

She sucked in her breath, and started looking around not believing that he was here. She heard his laughter maybe because she was looking left and right like an idiot.

"Where are you?"

"It doesn't matter. What matters is why you didn't send me a picture?"

"Why should I send you a picture?"

"In that case I will just hang up. Since it's the same reason we are talking right now. Bye Pallavi"

"Waitttt" she spoke quickly. Afraid that he would hang up on her. "Where are you? Why are you here?"

"So I don't deserve a picture but I have to answer your questions?"

Pallavi sighed. Clearly he won't give up. Just then an idea popped into her head. "Okay fine. I will send you a picture. Now answer my question"

"Sweetheart I know that you haven't seen my full Raghav Rao form but that doesn't mean I have gone soft. So here's the deal. I will take a picture of you because I don't want you funny face or blurry picture. Agreed?"

"How did you know?"

"I know you very well."

"Fine you can take a picture. Now will you tell me?"

"I will do better. I will come get you."

"But Nikhil"

"Don't worry about him. See you soon sweetheart"