Until We Meet Again - I

Chapter 8: The WHAT?

Our stay in Goa was of 4 days, the next 2 days went by pretty fast. We all toured the various beaches and other tourist destinations, also, we i.e. Emma and Anaya shopped till their feet hurt and we i.e. boys just followed them around.

We went on late night drives around the city, visited the churches and also attended a beach party. We all shared our secrets, recounted our childhood days, our bond strengthened in these 4 days. We left Goa with thousands of memories.

My friendship with Anaya also progressed. We now talked about nothing and everything. I tried my best to impress her and win her trust, but seemingly Anaya isn't that easy to be impressed.

As we both went our own ways, we made a promise of keeping in touch with each other. I boarded my flight for Delhi, whereas Anaya boarded her flight for Mumbai.

As the plane took off, Adi asked, 'So, what's the plan now?'

'I have no idea, but I'll figure it out before her engagement.' I said as I looked outside at the clouds.

'I wonder though, why did Ranbir left Goa, if he had to leave so early, why even bother coming, he didn't even stayed till the next morning.' Adi said

'I have no idea where he went, but Anaya was pretty mad at him. He sent her many sorry messages throughout our stay. But she mostly ignored them. He texted her saying he had a business emergency so he had to leave early.' I told Adi.

'How do you know what he texted Anaya?' Adi asked, raising his eyebrow.

'He sent it when we were having breakfast, Anaya left her phone as she went to get her breakfast.'

'Ranbir and missing a chance to party in Goa, for a business meeting. that's not Ranbir, I bet he had some other "business".' Adi said.

'Don't worry. I'll figure something out.' I said as the flight attendant served us our food.

The next few days in Delhi passed in a blur. It felt great to sit around and talk with everyone. Emma got so involved with everyone, that she felt like a part of our family. 

Soon, it was time for Christmas. Since Anaya's mom was a Christian, so the Malhotra's always threw a big Christmas eve dinner party. Kalpana aunty personally came and invited us. Anaya was also gonna be in town, she'd reach on the morning of 24th December.

As were having our evening tea, Rudra got a call from his boss, he was called to fly from Delhi to Paris. The pilot was sick, so Rudra was called to cover from him. Within the next 2 hours he left for the airport while we all left to attend the Christmas dinner at the Malhotra's residence.

The party had the Christmas dress code, so I wore a red sweater with white shirt and white trousers. We reached the Malhotra Residence and were greeted by Hemant Uncle and Kalpana aunty. The party was a lit affair, it was too crowded. i thank god that I had Em for some company or else I would have died of boredom. Anaya was nowhere to be seen.

My eyes searched the whole party to catch a glimpse of her, but she was nowhere. So I texted her.

D: Hey! Where are you? Em and I are waiting for you downstairs

A: Hey there! I am just coming down:) 

Em and I went to the bar to get ourselves a drink. As I was ordering our drinks, Em nudged me.

'There she is.' She said as she pointed towards the stairs with her eyes.

I followed her eyes, and saw her. She looked perfect in that wine red and white dress. I couldn't look away from her, my heart fluttered as our eyes met and she waved a hello with a big smile. I just gave my best smile in return, it was then that I looked behind her and saw Ranbir following her. He wore a wine red suit matching Anaya's. Soon he caught up with her and they walked together with his hand around her waist.