With You

Chapter 4

The Waterfront is one of the most expensive restaurants in Hyderabad and I wonder how he could afford to pay for the two of us? maybe we should just split the bill. Again, not a feminist but I do not want to burden him with so much of an expense. We take a seat at one of the best tables that has a view of the entire city. The restaurant is about 350 feet high, and it takes exactly 30 seconds to get there in the lift. I read about it when I searched on Zomato for the menu and tariff. I can only afford the Paneer Tikka which alone costs about 850 rupees. Do they dig the Paneer from a gold mine or something? a very well-dressed waiter comes alongside a server who is dressed in traditional Indian attire. The headgear is way too big for his face and I almost want to spit out the water from my mouth. It is very funny when people wear such costumes and plop around.

"Welcome to the waterfront sir. After dinner, we would be offering you a ride by the lake downstairs. I hope you are placed well and I would like to add this is one of the finest tables in the restaurant. It has a cent percent privacy, and you will be able to call for the waiters by the click of a button. This is your butler for the day, his name is Saravanan, he is from Chennai. I am Arjun. Would you like to place your order?" his introduction is breathless. How I wish I could breathe for him. It makes me uncomfortable when there are no pauses and breaks in a sentence. Almost like he is accustomed to rehearsing the same four lines throughout the day. Even If he is, I wish he is a little more emotive. Not like some programmed robot.

"We'd like a glass of Chardonnay and what would you want to eat, Anu?" he asks, the voice is low, concerned and loving. Karthik is more relaxed, like someone that I will have to take care of.

"Anu?" I blink my eyes twice drifting back to reality. The first thing that comes at the back of my head is Paneer Tikka, might as well order that.

"Paneer Tikka?" I ask in a more questioning tone expecting a confirmation or a rejection from Viraj.

"We'll have a Paneer Tikka for the starters, please," the waiter types something into his tablet phone and leaves us to ourselves. Viraj pushes one of the buttons on the remote that the waiter gives him, and the doors close. It takes at least twenty minutes for the order to arrive in such fancy places.

"Thank you for the dinner, sir. You did not have to do this," I am back to square one. I have never addressed my boss with their first name, never ever. Though he starts off as a friend, I cannot take that to my advantage and call him Viraj, or can I?

"Oh, please. It is nothing. You don't have to call me sir. Call me Viraj, Anu!" he sounds annoyed. I am yet to figure out if it is because of me or because of something else.

"That is just out of habit. It's just that you are my boss," he cuts me off.

"pfft! please, I don't think bosses are as nice as me," I chuckle a little. There is a smile at the corner of his mouth. I am relieved that the tension from his voice sounds a little relaxed.

"So, Anu. Tell me about yourself," Is this some kind of an interview? this is the first question that interviewers ask.

"What about me? You already know where I am working. I have graduated with a Masters in Literature; I have been the topper of my college. I have always wanted to become a writer," he cuts me off. I take a deep breath and analyze the expression on his face. There is a slight smile popping through his eyes. I can see the grey eyes dilate and look at me with awe. He definitely is something, his very presence makes me feel nervous. I am never nervous when Karthik is around. Why am I even comparing Karthik to Viraj? Anu, Karthik is your boyfriend, you Idiot. He lets out a laugh and takes a step closer to me. He did not take a seat since we arrive. He has been looking out through the window and taking in the magnificent view of the city, which is pretty much lights everywhere. I cannot stand for so long since my heels are new, and I already feel like there is a shoe bite slowly developing. Moreover, this long black gown keeps coming in my way, I'd rather sit.