Contract Wedding

four

"Are you sure you don't need me to follow you guys?" Misha asked for the umpteenth time.

Misha had invited herself over to help Neelam get ready for her date with Noah, despite Neelam telling her not to. She wasn't stressed about it.

Neelam took a deep breath in before giving her a look. "For the millionth time, Mish, no," she responded as she tied her hair up in a french braid. "My location is on and you're already dropping me off. If I need an out, I'll text you the secret word."

"It's still ladoo, right?" Misha asked as she continued to throw Neelam's stress ball up and down.

Neelam laughed. "Of course it is," she responded, appraising herself in the mirror.

It was mid-March but it had started to warm up earlier than usual so she had opted for a white camisole that was more dressy than casual and a pair of leggings. She threw on a tan cashmere cardigan that was a size too big and a black pair of booties. "Do I look okay?" she asked, turning around to face Misha.

"Beautiful," Misha responded, grinning. "Want me to do your makeup?"

Neelam shook her head as she put her keys, wallet, and phone into a cross-body purse. "No, I'm not wearing makeup tonight. Besides, it'll be a bitch to take off when I get back when you do it."

Misha laughed and stood up, forcing Neelam to look at her as she placed her hands on Neelam's cheeks. "I'm so proud of you," she said.

Neelam rolled her eyes, swatting Misha's hands off her face. "It's just a date, Mish, it's not that serious."

She didn't have to turn around to know Misha was rolling her eyes behind as they walked towards the living room.

To be honest, Neelam was nervous. This was the first date she had ever been on. Richard had kept her and Shania on a tight leash, however Shania's loosened when Richard found out Raj's family was wealthy. Neelam, however, was sold to the highest bidder and what a disaster that turned out to be.

Misha drove Neelam to Mughlai and dropped her off by the entrance. "Don't forget to text me if you need me okay?" she reminded before Neelam could even get out of the car.

With a roll of her eyes, Neelam pecked Misha on the cheek and bid her goodbye, giving her a small wave as she entered the restaurant. 

The moment she entered, she could smell the fresh garlic naan and her stomach grumbled. "Hungry aren't we?" a familiar voice said behind her. When she looked back, she was shocked to find Noah smiling down at her. "Hi."

"Hey," she said with a small smile, stepping aside to give him some room. "Yeah actually. Shall we?"

Noah led her towards the concierge who led them to the table within seconds. They were seated at the table near the back of the restaurant and were given menus. "How were your classes?" Noah asked, initiating the small talk.

Neelam rifled through the menu, despite the fact that she already knew what she wanted. "They were okay. Midterms are already coming up so things have been piling up."

"I don't miss that," Noah said with another smile. It wasn't until that moment that Neelam really took him in, noting that his hair was tamed back in that new hairstyle almost all the guys had. He was in a striped shirt and jeans with a brown leather jacket. She had to admit, the man had a sense of style and was fairly attractive -- which only made her put her guard up.

Noah continued to ask her questions, trying to get to know her and she answered them as truthfully as possible. As much as she wanted to relax, however, she couldn't. Noah seemed like such a decent guy but she's only ever had one relationship and it had nearly killed her.