STUCK

6. Good Time:

Saanvi's POV

Saanvi: Indians say that we must always give company to people who is drinking and you walking on me seems very rude.

Olivia: (She looks at me for a minute and then says) So are you an Indian?

Saanvi: Yes. I am.

Olivia: Well, I don't want to be rude, so I will take a seat and give you company.

Saanvi: Please. (I picked another glass and poured some Vodka in hers as well as mine.)

Olivia: So, where are you from?

Saanvi: Chicago.

Olivia: And what brings you here?

Saanvi: Work.

Olivia: So, you came alone all the way to Kansas, fight with husband?

Saanvi: You are way straight forward girl. (I said with a small chuckle)

Olivia: What else we should talk then?

Saanvi: Since my wife disappeared on me, I am very much single. But how did you know that I was married?

Olivia: I am sorry. You have a ring in your finger.

(I looked at my left hand and saw my ring which Riley had given me on our wedding day. My eyes fell on Olivia's hand, she was also wearing a ring.)

Saanvi: The rough day you mentioned earlier, is it because of your spouse. (Unaware of her sexual identity, I used spouse instead of husband or wife.)

Olivia: Yeah.

Saanvi: Trouble in paradise.

Olivia: I don't wanna talk about it.

Saanvi: Okay. No stress. (I said and poured some more Vodka in our glasses. I don't know but I wanted to talk with her.)

We just talked about the city and then suddenly, the volume of the music got loud and then Olivia said, "Well that song is my favorite, I am gonna go and dance, you should come." I didn't hear her properly, but understood as she got up and walked to the dance floor and started dancing. I must say that she got moves. I just looked at her, alcohol was showing its effect on her as she drank 3/4th of the bottle herself, so she kept dancing. I saw the time and it was around 11 pm and I lost the touch of time while talking to her. My phone rang and as the music was loud, I had to go out and talk to my mom. After talking to mom for like 10 minutes, I asked the Valet to bring my car and went inside.

I looked for Olivia, but she was nowhere to be found. So, I got up, paid the bill and walked out of the bar. The valet brought my car and I saw her with a duffle bag in her hand. "I looked for you inside. Do you want me to drop you to your place?" I said. "Nice way to know my address, but bad luck. You can drop me across the street." She said. "You live in that building?" I asked her while pointing to the building just opposite to the bar.

"Can you see that bench over there in front of that shop?" she asked. "Yes." I answered. "I will be sleeping there." She said. "But why? Don't you have a place to live?" I asked. "I like to sleep on the public bench. I am feeling very sleepy. Good night, Saanvi, I had a good time with you. Good bye." She said and I was taken aback.

She turned around and before she could take any further step, I held her hand and said, "It's not safe for a beautiful girl like you to stay out at night, I have a place, you can be there tonight." I said with a genuine concern. She looked at me for a moment and then said, "We met just hours ago and you want to take a stranger to your place." "I mean no harm and I have no intention of doing anything wrong with you." I said. "You couldn't do it even if you had. Well thanks for the offer, but I don't want to give you any trouble." She said.

"It's no problem, besides I am scared to sleep by myself at an unknown place in an unknown city." I said while itching my hair. "Okay. Just because you are scared, I will accompany you. You got a ride." She said. I showed her my car and we walked to it. I opened a door for her and she said, "Quite a gentlewoman!" "Come on! Get in." I said and closed the door. I walked across and opened the door of my side and sat on the seat. "Put on the seat belt." I said and started the engine.

It was a half hour ride to the studio and within couple of minutes Olivia slept. I don't know why, but I felt protective towards her. I don't know what has happened with her, but I could see pain in her eyes and something that was eating her up. I drove slowly as I was drunk and didn't want to let anything bad happen by my hands.

I parked my car once we reached the studio. Olivia was deep asleep, I tried to wake her up, but was unsuccessful. I got out and opened the door of her side. I removed her seat belt, took her duffle bag, my side bag, put her out of her seat and struggled in it. I put her right arm on my shoulder and my left arm around her waist and walked inside the building to the lift.

The studio was on 8th floor of the building. I opened the door of my studio and walked inside. I turned on the lights and placed her on the bed. It was bit struggling but I did it. I covered her with sheets, while I went to the bathroom to change into comfortable clothes. I came out with a loose top and shorts. I drank a glass of water and slept on the big couch.