The Shy Extrovert

Chapter1

It was my 20th birthday. That day, two big things happened. One, the shyest person I had ever known had his startup presentation with investors in which he just came out like a cake walk having his deal cracked. Two, I got a grand party from Ashu. He wanted to celebrate his success and as I said I was the only friend of that shyest person.

"Why don't you mix-up with other people at college?"I asked him. His reply was modest ever, "I have you, my constant. Why do I even need any more people?" I was almost shocked. I deliberately invited Vrishti. Let me bring some colors to his life. I was full prepared to hit with a thunderstorm. A thunderstorm, named Vrishti. That day they were introduced but none of them initiated a conversation.

Months passed and Ashu's startup "Divyashree Events" was a hit. He was short of dates and had contracts from all over country. "I never knew you could deliver presentations with ease. You don't talk usually. I still remember it was me who kept on barking till we were friends. You hardly spoke to anyone. And you are the youth icon right now." I exclaimed. "I have talents, you know that." He said. "Yes Mr. Topper."I replied. And we both laughed our lungs out.

A couple of years passed on and ashu was a billionaire. He worked hard and his hard work paid back. "Divyashree Events" was an international event management company with hit events all over globe. We still talked every month even if he was busy to breathe. After all, I was his constant, his best friend. He was going towards airport in his car for a business meeting when he called me.

ASHISH: "Hello Vaishnavi! I was going to Goa for a party. How are you doing?"

VAISHNAVI: "Hi Ashu! I am doing well. Goa is great and I hope you finally get a girl over there to settle for."

ASHISH: "You started again. Why don't you give-up your plan of getting me settled for a girl."

VAISHNAVI: "Ask your maa who gave me responsibility of finding someone who will love you and not your money."

ASHISH: "You're my friend or maa's?"

VAISHNAVI: "Yours but if you don't settle for a girl you won't let me marry my boyfriend. I know you duffer."

ASHISH: "The world calls me youth icon and you call me duffer. I will see you someday."

VAISHNAVI: "Hope that day comes soon it's been a year since we graduated and seen each other. You're a rich man now. Why would you see your middle class friend?"

ASHISH: "Again started taunting me? You're heartless Vaishu."

VAISHNAVI: "Okay sorry. Go ahead for the meeting. You will rock the event and shine the meeting. Best of luck! Take care."

ASHISH: "Take care."

-----------------

As he hung up, I made a meet up plan after his arrival from Goa. Meanwhile my arrangements were going on, Vrishti called.

VRISHTI: "hey sweetheart! Where are you these days?"

VAISHNAVI: "Just working with a firm. I told you about that. There is so much of much that I hardly get time."

VRISHTI: "What new is happening?"

VAISHNAVI: "Nothing! Just all that bore old stuff! Ashish called. He does so almost every month. That shy entrepreneur is still same as he was in school."

VRISHTI: "I called you regarding him. I have my MBA pursuing from management and I want to have an internship under him."

VAISHNAVI: "Nice choice girl. I will talk to Ashish and you should apply for interview as well."

VRISHTI: "Already did. But you know that I am a mess."

VAISHNAVI: "Vrishti, dear, you're a masterpiece as well."

VRISHTI: "Okay. Talk to you tomorrow. Good night."

VAISHNAVI: "Good night. Take care."

-----------------------

My failed plan was ready for revive. I was not doing because ashu would not let me marry my imaginary boyfriend but because he needed to see outside his well. My best friend actually needed some life. He was rich but he was more than simple. The only change I had noticed was he had started to expend without hesitation. That's it.

I added Vrishti to the meet up plan to introduce them again. And this good time, they could talk to each other instead of talking just to me.

Next day, Vrishti mailed me her CV and called me again.

VRISHTI: "Hey! Did you speak to Ashish sir?"

VAISHNAVI: "He's been to Goa for a meeting and an event. We're meeting after he returns. Why don't you join us? I would introduce you both again and even talk to him about internship."

VRISHTI: "Okay. I would see you the same day then."

VAISHNAVI: "Yes. It will work. Sunday, the New York café at 10 am. And be punctual. Ashu is really very sensitive towards punctuality."

VRISHTI: "Okay done."

VAISHNAVI: "Take care."

-------------------

This time destiny was on my side and the story of storm hitting the peaceful ocean had started. Three of us were waiting for Sunday eagerly, but with different reasons. Ashu wanted to see his best friend and share his feelings; Vrishti wanted to get her internship and I was waiting for the climax to begin.