This is Perfect...

16

Another week went by. Rajat and I were on good terms but we didn't talk after our 'Talk'. Finally, one day while returning back from work, he called me. I was unsure at first but then I answered it anyway and pressed the speaker button, as I was driving.

"Hey Rajat. What's up?"

"Hey. Nothing much. Actually my friends and I are meeting today in the evening. Do you want to join us?"

I blinked, eventhough I knew he couldn't see me. Why did he want me there?

I cleared my throat and replied, "Umm. I'm not really sure. They're your friends. What will I do there?"

"My friends are too welcoming! And I'll never let you get bored."

My eyes widened. What was I supposed to say? But I heard Rajat clear his throat nervously and he said, "Come on! It'll be fun. Anyway, you don't have friends. You can make new ones!"

My eyes popped out of my head. How did he know I didn't have friends? I replied as confidently as I could, "I've got plenty of friends! What makes you think I don't have any?"

"First of all, you suck at lying."

I swallowed. Why was he so smart? And observant when not necessary?

"Secondly, have you seen your followers on Instagram? I can count them on my fingers!"

A smile made way on my face. He went through my account! But I cleared my throat and said, "I don't have friends because I find it hard."

"So I'm giving you an opportunity. Because of your isolation, you don't even have a boyfriend."

I blurted, "I don't have a boyfriend because of you."

My eyes widened. I even covered my mouth with my hand. There was silence in the line when he asked softly, "Is this true? Is it because of me?"

I cleared my throat and said, "Its nothing like that. The bottom line is, I am not really keen to be there in the evening."

"What if I say that I have a friend who's gay and I can set you guys up?"

I didn't have an answer. So I mumbled with irritation, "You're just saying it."

"I heard that'!" Rajat snapped. He then continued, "His name is Karan. He's a really good guy. He's a little pushy and impatient but he is very caring and smart. You should give him a try."

"Does he know about me?"

"No. But I could introduce the two of you tonight. What do you think?"

"Okay fine. I'll come today. Send me the address."

"That's the spirit! I'll pick you up."

***

I was wearing a full sleeve black sweatshirt and jeans. I was nervous and excited at the same time. When Rajat called me saying he was waiting for me, I rushed outside my house and slid in his car.

As usual, he was wearing his casuals and his hair was open. God! He looked sexy in the simplest of outfits. He greeted me, "Hey!"

Soon, he started driving and I said, "Hi."

We were silent for sometime but then, I asked, "How many people are going to be there?"

"Umm, " his eyebrows furrowed as he mentally started counting in his head. Then he announced, "Seven people. Including you, Karan and me."

"How are your friends like?"

"Don't bother about fitting in. They are good people. And even if they do something weird, I've got your back."