A GIRL LIKE YOU

4

I walked into the packed lounge with music blaring in the background. The smoke and the lighting makes me nauseous. I hate lounges. The only good thing about it is that we'll have a private booth. I wonder whose idea was it. Mom said Aarav and his friends are having Surprise- Party. So I am positive, its not Ansh's idea. Aarav texted to say the last corner booth is reserved for us. So I walked towards it.
Don't you think, he should've been a gentleman and came downstairs to escort me here? But no. He gives me a booth number.
I spot the empty seat at the far corner. Wow. You invite people. And you're not present yourself. I looked down at my watch. As usual I'm 10 minutes late. So how come I'm the only one here?
Guess what? I'm not the only one here. I saw his curly hair first and then his complete gorgeous profile. He's typing hurriedly on his phone oblivious to my presence.
I can't avoid him. Its his birthday. Its a bad idea to be alone with him. But I have no choice. Give me a break.
"Hi." I said. He instantly looked up. He is surprised. He was not expecting me. He stood up.
"Oh, hey. I didn't know you were coming." He said.
"Happy birthday." I smiled at him and gave him the gift which is cologne. I didn't know what else to bring.
"Thank you." He said and gestured for me to sit down. I sat across from him.
He is trying hard not to stare at me directly. Me too Ansh. Me too.
But I can't help it. He looks haawwttttt.
"Where is everyone?" I broke the silence.
"Umm.. apparently my friends forgot to turn up at the surprise party they arranged for me." He said.
"Really?!"
"No. I'm just kidding. They're running late. All of them. Or maybe I'm just early."
"They gave you a time and place. How is it a surprise then?"
"It's a surprise cause I didn't arranged this." He gestured to the whole room. " I hate lounges."
I chuckled. Wow. I gotta ask. "Whose idea was it?"
"Aarav. He thinks its funny." He said.
Oh my god. This Aarav guy just keep getting more stupid by each passing second.
"I see." I said and looked down. Should I ask him?
"Kiara..." Wow. My name sounds so exotic from his mouth. I looked up.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"About the other day. Umm.. I didn't know about you. I mean I didn't see your picture. Aarav only got it a night before and I was busy so I didn't..." He trailed off.
"Hey its okay. I didn't know you either. It was an honest mistake." I smiled.
"Yeah. In a way I'm happy we met. We can be friends right?" He seems hopeful.
Of course. Its important for him to be friends with him. I am going to be his sister in law. Eww. I don't have sisterly feelings for you Ansh. I sound like Cersie from game of thrones.
"Yes. Of course." I finally said.
"Okay." He paused and then continued. "So I guess we can keep that whole encounter to ourselves? We don't have to tell Aarav or anybody." He said raising an eyebrow.
Why? Why don't you want to tell him? Do you have incestous feelings for me too, my Jaime Lannister?
Only, I didn't say that.
"Yeah. We don't have to tell anybody. It's not important." I said.
I need to cool down. I am sweating. My cheeks are warm.
"I am gonna go to the ladies room." I said and excused myself.
Instead of going to the ladies room, I just stood at the balcony beside it and took the cool night air in. The sound of vehicles giving me a little comfort.
When I came back, I saw Ansh still alone. Oh god. I can't do this again. Either I'll end blurting out my lusty feelings for him or I'll end up running away from here like a madwoman.
Just when I was about to turn around, Aarav walked right at the booth. He slapped hard on Ansh's shoulder. Ansh stood up and Aarav pulled him in the hug and spinned around.
"Happy birthday you fucker!" Aarav shouted. Oh so he curses. I walked towards them. Aarav's back was still to me. He hasn't noticed me yet.
"So you didn't bought any girls with you, you little shit. We are gonna get shit faced tonight. Then we're gonna go to the bar and pick out girls and flirt and..."
"Aarav." Ansh tried to shut him up. I raised my eyebrow at him.
"Don't say you don't wanna get laid tonight. Maybe you'll see Julie again. God Julie has the best rack and the best..." Ansh quickly slapped a hand on his face.
"Hi Kiara." Ansh said and gave a nervous smile to Aarav.
Aarav guy. You are so busted.
Ansh released Aarav. And Aarav turned around.
"Hi." I said, trying really hard not to laugh.
"Oh hey." He said and looked down. What is it with you, stupid asshole? Look me in the eye.
"Hey guys!" I hear a girly squeak and a girl with too short dress and too high heels sprinted towards us. She jumped both guys. " Happy birthday!" She shouted.
Wow. Slutty choice in friendssssss.
Come on, Kiara. Stop being a bitch.

And the next thing I know, we all got seated on the booth. Another couple joined us. And then a few other guys. We ordered. Aarav introduces me to everyone. I smiled and tried really hard to memorise the names, but couldn't.
I only remebered Preeti Advani's name. The slutty girl. The way they're talking it seems as, Aarav, Ansh and Preeti go way back. Way way back than college.
And wait, I take the slutty girl comment back. She is totally sweet and attentive to me and she's gotta sense of humour. She is married too. I like her.
I avoided Ansh but felt his eyes on me every now and then. Aarav gave me a vibe of a nervous guy. I hope he is not gay, only getting married so he doesn't have to come out of the closet.
The conversation flowed as they chatted and told me random stories of their friendship and college days. I only gathered that because rest of the time I kept tuning out and only focusing on Ansh. He has the most infectious laugh.
God, I've got to stop this whole thing.
As soon as they cut the cake, I excused myself. I am not going to let them paint me with the cake's cream. My makeup is expensive. So I went to the balcony and texted Aaliyah.

I still haven't found one attractive thing about Aarav. But I haven't found one dirty thing to break it off either. Screw me!!!
Her reply was instant.
Kiara, at least give him a chance.
I locked my phone. I am screwed. How do I convince my parents to move on from Aarav.
"Kiara..." That smooth voice again. I turned around to find Ansh standing whilst wiping his wet face.
There is still cream on the side of his face. I wanna lick it.
Eww. Where did that come from?
"Are you not enjoying yourself? Why are you standing here alone?" He asked, concerned, way more concerned than that stupid Aarav. He finally wiped the cream and looked at me attentively.
"Oh no. I mean, I am enjoying myself. I just didn't want to have cream all over me, so I left." I said.
He smiled in understanding. "Yeah. Its not pretty."
You still look pretty. And I bet you taste good too.
I cleared my throat. Keep your slutty thoughts to yourself.
"Well, the cake is gone. You can come back." He said.
This is my only chance. Only chance. I have to do this. Okay Kiara. Woman up. Ask him. Say it.
"Umm.. Ansh, can I ask you something?"

Here I said it. Now I have to say it. I have to.

...