At The Mall:
Aradhna was used to having people suggest her left, right and centre even without asking for it. She never really minded them because she was used to that, courtesy her family background that reeked of experience. She seldom came across people who didn't keep themselves at a pedestal while offering a suggestion or expressing an intelligent opinion, especially when she was the one seeking it.
Abhimanyu's humble suggestion forced a wide smile on her face much and Abhimanyu was happy with the sudden shift in her mood. He attributed it to Neil's arrival though. Just on cue, Neil and Abhir reached there and they were huffing. They had an intense air hockey session that drained them out considerably. They were sweating and didn't look presentable from any angle.
"What's wrong with you guys? Aisi haalat kaise bana li tum donon ne. You both really look pathetic." Aradhna commented without mincing words making them both turn to Abhimanyu for support.
"Gym toh ho nahi raha yahan pe. I am glad that you guys had some sort of cardio." Abhimanyu remarked diplomatically and Aradhna was mocked by Abhir and Neil.
"Bhai! Ab kya yeh aise hi rehne wale hain poora time? Are you in favour of that?" She enquired.
"Excuse me Ms.Bansal! Hum hamesha aise hi enjoy karte hain. Get used to it." Neil retorted.
"Fine then. Just keep your distance. Yeh mujhse handle nahi hota." Aradhna creaked in disgust.
Neil went ahead and hugged Abhimanyu just to mock her stance, knowing well that he won't pull back.
Aradhna rolled her eyes and royally ignored it. Abhimanyu moved and let them take their places. That is when Manjari and Roohi walked in looking fresh as daisies after the spa. Aradhna reached out and hugged them both just to mock Neil. She was happy to see Roohi and Manjari sitting by her side. She was actually happy that they were avoiding the sweaty boys just like her.
"Abhi! Tu inko itna khelne kyun deta hain? Dekh kaise lag rahe hain dono. Aur tera yeh haal kaise hua? Tu inke saath khel raha tha kya?" Manjari expressed her disapproval.
"Are nahi Dida. Poppy toh mere saath the. Woh dekho na kitne saare shopping bags hain. He was helping me out." Roohi answered.
"Aunty! Yeh toh aap Neil se hi poocho. Bechara Abhir bhi isse zyada samajhdaar hain." Aradhna ratted him out.
"Neil! Teri harqat hain yeh? Tu paseene mein latpat hua aur Abhi ki bhi Tshirt paseena paseena kardiya." She snickered and whacked Neil who happened to sit to her side at a small distance.
"Maa! Kya kar rahe ho aap? Mall hain. Log hain. Dekhlenge" Neil whined.
"Haanji. Toh janaab ko abhi yaad aaya lagta hain." Aradhna didn't hold back the taunt, and everyone cracked up looking at Neil's sulking face.
YOU ARE READING
The Birlas' - CHAKRAVYUH
General FictionThis is Part - 4 of a story that takes off from where it ended in The Birlas' - BHAVANA. This book will see a lot of new characters in play, a newer setting and new challenges. It is a maze set up for the father in Abhimanyu to decode. Well! This is...
