Sweet 'n' Sour | ✔

nine

9. Goregaon ka Shah Rukh Khan (Goregaon's Shah Rukh Khan)

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"Don't respond." I shook my head.

Mom frowned at me. "So I just ignore the messages? What if they call?"

I swallowed.

"Give the phone to me," Dad commanded, holding out his hand for her phone. Mom leaned forward to give it. "I'll call Reshma and tell her to not poke her nose in the matters that don't concern her." He said and dialed the number.

Mom gasped. "What? Don't do that-"

Dad held up his hand to silence her. "She is my sister. I know how to handle her." He said and left the living room.

Mom stared after him in annoyance. "He does things like these and then I've to clean after him. Do you have any idea of the taunts I'll have to hear for the rest of the year now?" She shook her head at us.

The three of us narrowly escaped. While I love my family, I don't love the drama and the politics they play within the circle. It's crazy how invested people are in the life of others that changes nothing significant in their own. Like, mind your own goddamn business. Is it that hard to understand?

Closing the door of my room, I made my way inside.

It's been so long since I laid on my bed with a woman in my mind that's not fictional. I can't believe it either. Never had I thought a woman will drive me so crazy that I'll compare her with all those that had once made me wish they were real. But to be honest, Priya is a lot better than all those women I've read in fiction. That's because she is real. And while the reality is oftentimes disappointing, if it's as beautiful as Priya, then I can get through life with ease.

I can't wait for Tuesday to come. Can it arrive already? It's already tough to function as a regular me with nothing usual left in me. I feel like a new man every day. How can I not? I'm a man with a woman now. My woman.

Oh my God.

I clasped my hands on my face, holding back the urge to laugh. Getting up, I strode to the mirror and sat down on the stool. My reflection no longer seemed pitiful. I grinned like a fool. "Congrats, Dude. Even if late, you hit a jackpot." I chuckled. My phone rang catching my attention. I stood up excitedly, assuming it was Priya calling me. Well, my hope shattered quite disappointedly when I saw Vikram's name flashing on the screen.

Just as I answered, he burst like a full-fledged lawyer, asking me all sorts of questions. I sighed, waiting for him to stop so I could start.

"Why aren't you saying anything? I'm asking you how did the dinner go? Was it an episode of Big Boss or a copy of Sooraj Barjatya film?"

I rolled my eyes. He can be so dramatic sometimes. "It was like the usual dinner with guests. I took Priya out on a stroll and we had a good time."

"Oh," he whispered sounding relieved. "What's next then? Probation period?"

I frowned. "No. Actually, we're going on a vacation this Tuesday to Mussoorie."

"With her family?"

"Yup." I laid back on the bed, my left arm folded beneath my head.

"That's good progress." Vikram hummed. "Anyway, you said the walk was good? Why? Did you feel any chemistry with her?"

I snorted. "Why else would I want to marry her, dumbass? For sure I feel something for her is the reason why I'm so firm on my decision of marrying her. And to answer your previous question, yes, the walk was amazing. The best stroll of my life!"