Far yet closer ✓

First meeting

~~Robert~~

"Sanju, this is Robert Tango. Robert, this is Sanjana." Sam introduced us when she approached us along with John and Ash. I stood up but for a moment I felt frozen. All I could do was just stare at her drinking in her beauty. 

"Mr. Tango." Her smooth voice felt like honey to my ears. 

"Ms. Sharma." I extended my hand. 

"Finally, happy to put a face to the name that I have known for so long." She said flashing her beautiful smile and I couldn't look away from her. Her entire face lit up with her smile but even then it still didn't reach her eyes. Her smooth little hand perfectly fit in mine. Right at that moment all I want to know is whether she also can perfectly fit in my arms. 

"Knew me for so long?" I asked and Sanju turned towards John who just shrugged.

Of course, they would have talked about me. And I'm really hoping that they didn't say something crazy. Sensing that we are still holding hands Sanju released me. I immediately wanted to drag it back. 

"So what is he saying?" Sam asked Sanju, referring to Michael.

"Nothing. Just giving me company in this unknown crowd." She said and her lips thinned for a moment. 

"That's the reason why I always tell you to tag along with me." Ash scolded her.

"To all your crazy parties? No thanks, please." Sanju just waved her hand dismissively at Ash. My eyebrows shot up. This is actually the first time I'm noticing someone dismissing Ash. 

"Hello guys.... waiting for me....." Isabella drawled beside me. I haven't even seen her approaching us.

"Isa... you look stunning." I hugged her. She returned my hug, "Thanks Robert," and turned towards Sanjana.

"Sanju..... you look beautiful." 

"So do you." They both hugged. I can clearly see that Sanju has really bonded well with Ash and Isa. No wonder that John ad Sam are treating her like a family. 

"Robert....." A loud squeal from behind startled me. I turned back to the person that addressed me. My heart sank. Oh shit.... It's Lisa. The person I'm avoiding. 

"It's been so many days," squealing again, she hugged me. Hard.

I have no intentions to hug her back. I should have guessed that she would be here. I managed to release her and then she started speaking but nothing reached my ears. I turned towards Sam and John to ask help. Those bastards are smiling at my situation.

I'm gonna kill you idiots. I warned them with my eyes and they started laughing hard. My shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Mr. Tango." Suddenly Sanju called me.

"Yes, Ms. Sharma," I immediately turned towards her, ignoring Lisa.

"Well..... I need a word with you.... Work related. Umm... When can I get your.... appointment?" She asked hesitantly and I found a gateway!!

"Now is the better time."

Grabbing her hand, I dragged her towards the back door which leads to a small lawn at the back side of the house, without looking back.

Depositing her on a lonely bench I took a deep breath to control my nerves. I felt like an idiot to run away from a woman but with Lisa who is interjecting me in every way possible and every moment available, I will run away to the mountains.

A moment later I turned towards Sanju who was looking at me with an amusing expression on her face. "Sorry about dragging you like that. Well, you said something about work. What is it?" I asked.