Tender Storm

Chapter 8

"Bingo!"said Amit in excitement as he pushed another ball into the clean alley "that's a clean sweep!"

"Great" Aman said, watching his brother in amusement "is this why you call me to the bowling alley?
To watch me lose?"

Amit gave a hearty laugh "oh come on! You used to love bowling before...what happened to you huh?"

Aman didn't laugh "lost interest I guess...I don't understand what's so great about it anyway"

Amit came back to sit on the lounge "you should stop painting and concentrate on other things...like going outdoors, trekking and that sort of stuff".

"Like I said, it's not my cup of coffee" Aman sipped his cappuccino "Akhil called about the party on the beach..what's the jerk celebrating anyway?"

Amit chuckled "his big promotion" he shrugged "you're coming right?" Aman thought for a brief moment "I'm not sure..."

"Come on man! All of our old friends are coming...it'll be like a small reunion" Amit coaxed "you're here for the week right? Make the best of it!"

Aman gave a small smile "fine...what have I got to lose?" They sipped the rest of the coffee in silence and then Aman spoke "how's it going with you and Sakshi?"

Amit looked at him "she hates you" he remarked in amusement. Aman didn't mind "it's okay...sometimes I hate myself".

Amit didn't share the joke but seemed to be deep in thought. "What's wrong? Whenever I talk about her, you seem off put...as if you don't want to pursue that topic" Aman pointed out.

Amit bit his lip "she's a nice girl and I like her" he explained "although we hardly meet, we spend hours on the phone...while she talks about her research work and hospital, I talk about mine...that's it. I feel it's so superficial".

"What else do you want to talk about?" Aman winked "kinky bedroom stuff?"

Amit blushed "you asshole!"he blurted "what I meant was...I want to be closer to her..like I want to feel what she's feeling..."

"Then get closer to her" Aman said in a matter of fact tone "hey! Why don't you take her to the party? That way, you guys can spend sometime together".

Amit's face brightened "that's a great idea! But how will I tell her father? Both our parents will eat us alive".
Aman rolled his eyes "you're a certified jerk!"he patted his back "lie to him...tell him anything but the truth".

Amit thought for a moment and then nodded "I've got an idea to convince her father...but promise me you won't rat out to our parents about this party....it should never come out".

"You're such a ninny" Aman teased "fine I promise...they won't know".

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"Aman?" Ranjit gaped at his daughter in shock "what's he got to do with anything?"

"Amit lied to you but he told me the truth after I sat with him in the car.. Aman was there too" Sakshi explained "it was their best friend Akhil's party on the beach resort..."

After she had explained everything in detail, Ranjit looked shaken "oh my God! So many lies!"he gasped "why the hell did you go there? When he told you everything, why did you go with him?"

Sakshi wiped her tears "I...wanted to enjoy once in a while...I'd never been to a party before so I thought of..."

"This is why I always was strict with you!" Ranjit growled "now tell me who did you sleep with?"his voice rose higher "did you...sleep with Amit?"