The Arranged One | ✔️

Chapter 10 - Like A Couple In Love???

"So Abhimanyu! How's life?"

Manav asked as they waited for the girls to come back from the restroom. Abhi could think of a thousand infinitely more enjoyable ways he could have spent his Sunday afternoon, and none of them included the douche bag sitting across from him.

They had placed their orders and were sitting on the rooftop of one of Mumbai's most expensive restaurants. Trust Manav to choose a flashy restaurant.

Abhi and Siya enjoyed good food that didn't need a fancy brand to go with it. The small Udipi diner right at the corner of their Main office was a frequent stop for both of them. He only had his father to thank for teaching them to value money. Neither he nor Siya had an airs of being among the top few richest people in the country.

Unlike Manav. The Bombay Times had followed Manav's lifetime worth of indulgence in various parties, sport cars and women.

"Life's cool. Wonderful actually!" Abhi replied in a cool manner.

"Really? What have I missed in these years? Any new girlfriends?"

"Yeah actually. Wanted to tell you something, but let's wait till the girls get back. Tell me about yourself. Any new girlfriends?", suddenly Abhi couldn't wait to break this news to Manav.

"Nah! Actually that's partly why I came back to India, you know. Dad wants me to settle down and for once I agree with him. I'm 26, and while it's a little early to settle down, I think I've had enough fun to last me a lifetime. Now I want a wife who will care for me, a serious relationship."

"Oh. So you've come bride-hunting to India then?"

"Yeah! Where else would I go! Broke up with Tiffany before coming to Mumbai, you know the Victoria Secret Model."

"Yeah I know"

"I've heard you've had your share of ladies! So how many girlfriends have you had?"

Abhi raised his eyebrows at the question. What the hell was taking them so long in the restroom?

"Three" He answered finally.

"That's it? Come on Dude. With the kind of money you own, the kind of profile! And not to mention, you are easy on the eyes. I can bet on my Jaguar women must be throwing themselves at you."

That was true. Abhi had always received more than his fair share of attention from women. He was a man, he had needs, so he did occasionally indulge them. But he had had only three serious relationships. After the last one ended so bitterly, he decided against serious relationships. So for the past three years, he didn't have a steady girlfriend. He went on dates, occasionally had a one-night stand or a short fling. But he made it clear to all the women that he didn't do relationships.  Not that he was going to indulge Manav in any of the details of his love life. He was a very private person and that would never change.

"Not everyone can manage the attention as well as you do Manav!" He finally said, hoping to close the topic for good.

Thankfully the girls chose the moment to reappear.

"You girls were gone long!" Manav exclaimed, giving his trademark smirk to Siya, who tried her best not to roll her eyes.

She was annoyed by his constant attempts at flirting with her. Just what was he on about? She didn't remember him being so bothersome. She only hoped Abhi wasn't pissed off by the whole scenario.

"So Abhi, now that the girls are back, you were going to say something." Manav reminded Abhi.

Abhi was so busy glaring at Manav's pathetic attempts to flirt with Siya, that he had forgotten about it. He looked at Siya. She looked exceptionally beautiful in a light blue top and dark blue sleek skirt, her hair falling in waves on her shoulders. He'd been distracted by her smile and laughter ever since they'd left from home, much to his displeasure, Manav had taken notice of this too. He was going to put a stop to this.