The Best Friend of the Bride (COMPLETED)

Chapter five

Chapter Five

Sunlight seeped in through the windows and caressed her skin. The warmth made her smile automatically. Still with closed eyes, she kicked off the blanket and felt the rays of the winter sun heating up her body. Still smiling, she sat up with her eyes closed. If there was something about Mumbai that she missed more than her loving family, it was the sun. Winter in New York was cold, dull and boring. The tropical climate of Mumbai made it impossible to snow here. She continuously missed the weather of Mumbai when she was in New York, especially during the cold months that she dreaded.

Engulfed in the warmth, she was picturing herself with Aryan strolling along the vast stretch of Marine Drive, looking at the setting sun. It was such a perfect setting. Those hypnotizing grey eyes looking into hers, while she started back at him amidst the spectacular backdrop of the sun and the tranquil Arabian Sea. The sudden beeping of her mobile made her eyes open wide with shock. Picking it up, she groaned. It was 4:40 pm! She had slept like a baby. It was long since she had had such a rejuvenating sleep.

Quickly, she checked her messages. Two of them were from Aarti- one inviting her for dinner and the second asking for confirmation, she had an email from her sister enquiring about the wedding functions and asking for pictures, and a few work emails and some notifications from her friends back in New York. She replied to most of them and declined Aarti's offer stating that she needed to spend some time with her father and grandparents. Partly, she declined because she wasn't ready to face Karan yet. Deciding to call Ankita at night because of the time difference, she got out of bed and freshened up before joining her grandparents on the ground floor of their palatial mansion.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. She spent most of it with her grandparents as her dad was at work. Once he returned, the four of them had dinner together and made small talk. Later, they watched the news together. After a while, thoroughly bored, Samaira decided to call it a night and went back to her bedroom bidding goodnight to the elders and touching their feet as a mark of respect.

Just as she placed her phone on the bed and started to make her way towards the bathroom to brush her teeth, her phone beeped. Picking it up, she was puzzled to receive a message from an unknown number. Shrugging, she opened the text.

Unknown number: I believe you owe me a drink. Care to share one before the wedding?

Startled, she reread the message. How in the whole wide world did Aryan get her number? It had to be him, who else could have boldly messaged her like that? He really got whatever he wanted, didn't he? She was sure he wouldn't be able to get her number, yet here she had a message from the devil himself. Did he actually enquire about her from his grandmother? Or maybe he had a detective? No. That would be stupid. She blushed as she remembered her thoughts about him from this afternoon. She just couldn't get her mind off him. Before she could reply, her phone beeped again, signalling another message.

Unknown number: Stop blushing Chocolate, you look really cute when you do. I don't want to miss seeing it.

Letting out the breath that she didn't realised she was holding, she hastily typed back a reply.

Samaira: How did you get my number?

She decided to ignore the second message. Instantly she got a reply.

Unknown number: Worrying about that will rob you of your beauty sleep, Gorgeous. Tell me, can I pick you at two? I'll need a drink if you're accompanying me to the wedding.

Samaira: I don't drink. Besides, I never agreed to go with you.

Unknown number: I'm not giving you an option, am I? I got your number, now all you have to do is say yes....

Samaira: That depends on where we are going?

Perplexed, she wondered where he would take her. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. He wanted to go somewhere with her! She was beyond excited. To distract herself from the anticipation of his reply, she saved his number.

Drink Boy: You'll have to see for yourself. So can I pick you at two?

Samaira: I can't go out with a stranger, can I Drink Boy?

Drink Boy: Please say yes already? I can't wait to spend some time with you other than being surrounded with a hoard of people. Pretty please Chocolate?

A blush crept up on her face again as she read the message. She really wanted to say yes, but she hadn't dated in like forever. How could she trust him? What if he broke her heart all over again? It had taken years to heal after her first failed relationship. And then there was Karan. She didn't know what had made him unexpectedly kiss her like that yesterday and profess his love for her. Hell, she didn't even know that he had been harbouring feelings for her! And Aryan, she didn't even know him yet! His eyes alone had such an intense effect on her, what if she landed up falling for his charm as well? In all likelihood she already had. She knew he was a gentleman, he had proven that to her. But could she trust herself around him? He was tremendously rich, that she could tell, but what if she was just his flavour of the week? Which millionaire wasn't known to have girls at their beck and call? Still unsure, she replied before she could change her mind.

Samaira: Nope. I'm really tired. Will see you at the wedding probably. Goodnight.

Drink Boy: Of course you're tired. You've been running through my mind all day!

Samaira couldn't believe her eyes when she read it. He was so cheesy! Maybe she should give him a chance. She was attracted to him; there was no doubt about that. His curly black hair made her want to run her fingers through them. He had a stunning smile and an equally flawless body. There was definitely a six pack hidden under his hard chest. And those eyes! Just thinking about them had her entranced. She hadn't even seen his entire face so far due to that stupid mask; still she was attracted to him. She wouldn't be in Mumbai for long, what was the harm in going out with him once? Before she could decide, she heard her phone's beep go off again.

Drink Boy: Come on Chocolate, please don't disappoint me. I promise to behave and keep you safe, and we'll also reach the wedding before time.

Sighing, she thought about his striking grey eyes as she typed back a reply.

Samaira: Alright Drink Boy, but that's just because you actually found my number. You're lucky I keep my word. :)

Drink Boy: You don't know how lucky I am, Gorgeous. Can't wait for tomorrow to arrive!

Samaira: It's settled then. I'll meet you at two wherever you want, I want to drive myself.

Drink Boy: That's not possible Chocolate, it's a surprise. I'll be at your doorstep at two sharp. Don't keep me waiting.

Samaira: I don't want my grandparents to question me about you. Can you meet me at the end of the driveway?

Drink Boy: Sure Chocolate. One last thing..... Please can I know your name now?

Samaira was baffled. He had her number; surely he'd know her name too. How did he get her number without knowing her name?

Samaira: Didn't you figure that out as well?

Drink Boy: Nope... I wanted you to tell me yourself. I'm no stalker you see ;)

Samaira: Very funny... You're just going to be disappointed then. I'm never going to tell you myself...

Drink Boy: I'll get it out of you soon enough, don't worry Beautiful ;)

Samaira: We'll see about that, Goodnight Drink Boy. Thanks once again for last night.

Drink Boy: It was a pleasure for me, please don't thank me for enjoying my evening. Goodnight Beautiful, sweet dreams. ;)

Grinning, she changed into her nightclothes. She couldn't contain her happiness. Finally, she was moving on. No more nightmares from the past. Beaming with joy, she rang Ankita to tell her the events of the last few days and seek the advice that only an elder sister can provide. After an hour long conversation once they hung up, she looked up at the ceiling and smiled. Ankita had approved of her decision. She was glad that her baby sister had finally decided to give herself a chance to date again, that too with a handsome man. Rolling on her stomach, she fell asleep soon.