Her Only Saviour

12. Iconic. Ironic

The door slammed open.

Not again. Seriously?

"Heyyy Ani, my baby!"

"Shut the fuck up, Viv. Move aside."
Before I could even process the chaos, Rudra and Sid barged in, pushing Viv out of the way like he was just another piece of furniture.

"Haww, you guys are so ehsaan faramosh (ungrateful)," Viv cried dramatically, brushing invisible dust off his shoulders.

"Shut up, Viv," Rudra and Sid chorused, clearly fed up.

I leaned back in my chair, smirking.
Where's my popcorn when I need it? This show's too good to miss.
"You guys want some?" I asked, purely for the sarcasm.

"So, Ani, what's the matter?" Sid jumped right in.
Do these people not have work?

"What's the matter?" I raised an eyebrow. "I should be asking you that."

"We're asking you the same thing-what the fuck is going on?" Rudra snapped. Seriously, how many times can Rudransh Malhotra drop the F-bomb in a single conversation?

"Stop beating around the bush and ask him directly," Viv interrupted, hands on hips.
"Ani, you're the one who did that to Parth, right?"

What the-?
Of all the things to accuse me of, that?

"Shut up, Viv. I didn't do shit. Yeah, I wanted to, but the car stunt? That wasn't me. I'm actually trying to find the one who did it."

"Come on, Ani," Sid said, voice softer now, "we're your friends. You don't have to lie to our faces. We can help you."

Seriously? These typical self-absorbed businessmen really think I need their help?

"I'm not lying, Sid. I didn't do it."

"Ooooh!" Viv squealed. "Who's that? Rudra's long-lost evil twin?"

Rudra glared at him like he was two seconds from actual murder.

He turned to me instead. "Whoever did this? Fucking impressive. I mean, they dared to mess with the Shahs and the Oberois. No media fear, nothing."

"Exactly," Sid added, settling back. "This guy knew exactly who Parth was-and still went for it. Bold move."

"Honestly," I said, sighing, "even I want to know who the hell pulled this off."

"Wait... where's Viv?" Sid straightened abruptly.

"Not again," Rudra groaned. "I swear, I'll kill that kid in a grown-ass man's body."

Just as he said that, we heard the unmistakable sound of clinking glass.

All our heads turned toward the minibar.

And there he was-Vivaan Sherawat-chugging down whiskey like he was in a frat party.

"Ohhh yesss, it's time for party babies!" he announced with a grin.
"Ani ek machhli... I mean, Parth paani mein gaya, chappak!"

That's it. We're literally babysitting a child.
A drunk child with rich parents and no sense of volume control.

But hey, he is the one who somehow makes us laugh... or wanna punch a wall.
Depends on the day.

"But tell me where's the lie, Ani?" Viv slurred, still dancing with the bottle.
"We should celebrate, right?"

"He got into an accident, Viv. He didn't die," I reminded him. "And he's still my brother, no matter what."

"Viv, you've got surgery at 3:40," Rudra finally snapped, turning toward the door.
"And Sid-you're meeting the Italians, remember?"