A Business Deal [MxM]

Chapter 9: Vansh

The performance is underway. Round tables, with four chairs each, have been arranged in the brightly lit backyard-cum-lawn. The girl who hugged Dhruv, I later found out, is Nikhil's sister, Nidhi. Nikhil is with his friends on a table in the front. Dhruv chose to take the table farthest from the stage, so here we are with him. He is directly facing the stage. To his left is Nidhi, and to his right, Shashi. I had no choice but to take the chair to Shashi's right since he conveniently arranged himself beside Dhruv. I am the stranger here, so in an ideal situation, I should have been next to Dhruv to not feel left out. But that did not happen. Again, how am I supposed to get in between two men who are crazily in love with each other?

Dhruv hasn't said a word to Shashi yet, and the same goes for Shashi. I feel a romantic, as well as uneasy air between them. Nidhi is occupying all of Dhruv's attention. I and Shashi are two statues, just observing the performance. I reckon Shashi might be more involved in the performance than me. I am not even paying attention. Already on my fifth glass of champagne, I realize I have been going a bit too fast on alcohol. Although the mercury is dipping, and I can see dew forming on the grass under my feet, I do not feel cold. The alcohol is doing its job in keeping me warm. I did not, and do not have any plans of getting drunk, yet I have embarked on that path.

Shashi is observing Dhruv with a longing gaze. Not again. At least not in our room. Our. Right. I am sharing the room with Dhruv tonight. No way for Shashi to manoeuvre his way. Jaipur is not a small city, and Dhruv and Shashi not kids. They can find any hotel. From what I remember, Shashi stays in Jaipur. Where? Everything is in place for them to spend the night together. Sober, I cannot control my imagination. Drunk, I make matters worse.

I thought I looked perfect in the poshak until I saw Dhruv. He is a natural. The outfit falls on him so well. I'd rather see him wear that than anything else. It accentuates his shoulders and chest. The handlebar moustache is the cherry on top. I notice his glimmering earring; I never knew he had a piercing in his left ear. He is wearing a small loop earring with a single diamond embellishment. It adds to his charm. I make a mental note to tell him to keep that earring on as it suits him. However, who am I tell him that? With what authority? He is under no obligation to follow what I say.

If I don't put it across the right way-which I am sure of-he might assume that I am hitting on him. If he was straight, this would have passed as mere chiding. Considering that he is gay, I cannot take the risk. If he starts liking me...Why would he? He has Shashi. He has no reason to assume I would like him since I would be engaged soon enough. It hits me like a bolt. I would be getting engaged in a few months. I dread the day. I don't even like Yashika. She likes me, but a marriage cannot survive on a one-sided love. Dhruv and Shashi look so in love with each other. It is unfortunate that they would never end up together, but they at least love each other. How do I first get into, and then survive a marriage where I don't even like the person I am supposed to get married to?

The intensity of my thoughts is making my head spin. I have emptied the glass. I call for the waiter who arrives with a tray full of glasses filled with champagne and whiskey. I pick up two glasses of whiskey. I take slow sips enjoying the music. I think the performance is nearing its end. My watch says it is five minutes to eight. I nod to myself and take a few thoughtful sips of the whiskey. I hear some movement behind me. As I turn to look, I find that Shashi and Dhruv have swapped places. Dhruv is already sitting next to me, looking at me with concern. Shashi is about to sit on the chair, but before that, he gives me a look of annoyance. It does not bother me. I turn my head to focus on whatever remains of the performance, and alcohol.

Dhruv grabs my upper arm and slowly pulls me towards him. My heart starts racing a bit. It is alcohol. He leans into me and whispers in my ear. "Isn't that a lot of alcohol? Why are you acting this way?"