As long as you love me

Quid Pro Quo

We had this fresher's party going on tomorrow! Trust me, the first few months of life in Engineering college always feels like a vacation.

I rented a suit for myself and so did my friends, the whole department was decorated.

Preethi's black laced gown with her hot looks got the class stunned and Deepika"s long red salwar, froze the rest of the audience but none got my attention, I was waiting for Ria. I kept my eyes glued to the doorway!

A sudden noise emerged as a white glittering Audi approached.

And I was shocked when I saw Ria step out of the car. Glittering gold necklace, lose wavy long hair, a red saree with a golden border.

She was like a bride that ran away from her marriage! The necklace and the earrings reflected the sunlight and shined around her face making her look like an angel! I was floating!

Damn man! What kinda girl would come dressed like that to a college festival? Kavin astonished.

A girl that's rich Shoab joined!

She looks like a princess! said Kavin!

She needs a prince like Rahul right? Aravind! interrupted.

Huh? Rahul is a saint said Siddharth smiling. He's got no interest in girls.

Ahem! Didn't he say, you guys? that he's on to her since the first day?

said Aravind and walked away slowly like his job for the day was done!

Oh! god really?

Rahul? Tarun looked at me!

I smiled and nodded my head slowly!

Look at her man! Her money could crush you! What's her father drug-lord eh? Siddharth chuckled!

No! He's a businessman. Ravinder Group of companies, you heard? She owns a hotel, a construction company, a finance company, and a manpower agency. It's called kinda RM something Tarun said!

RMC group? I corrected it!

Yeah man, how do you know?

My mother works there! I said.

Oh, fuck! that's a dead-end for your love story I guess, Kavin scoffs!

Come on! man, don't lose hope Siddharth patted on my shoulder.

Just take us a ride on the Audi. If she becomes your girlfriend Shoaib laughed!

Um well, that dream can shatter if Joel, there who's talking to her has other plans!

We all walked to Joel as soon as he stopped talking to her.

Hey! Joel! Shoaib started.

Yeah, buddy! nice suit! Joel replied.

We're not here for that! I said.

Um go on, I'm listening Joel said.

What's your deal with Ria? Siddharth asked!

Why do you care? Joel said.

Because, if you're planning something! forget it because Rahul here loves Ria! Aravind interrupted as usual!

Wtf man I didn't even say the word 'love' I whispered in Kavin's ears.

Listen, Rahul! your little friends in here can be a pain in my ass! But I like you, you took it all wrong! I love her friend Malini! that "Eenie Meenie tiny girl"? So we are talking about her! Joel said in a nice tone to me.

Ok well then! Help us! you love Malini, Malini is Ria's friend.

So you can do it, right? Tarun asked.

No! a word to the wise Rahul, you know Madhan? from 3rd year mechanical! He loves her! the good thing is She doesn't know it!

Madhan? the guy that looks like a bouncer in the shopping malls? Aravind laughed.

Yeah! the same bouncer that can beat the shit out of your ass, Joel said holding Aravind's shoulder!

Oh, come on! Joel! you're good, we're your classmates, I said.

We can buy you some sandwiches - "favor for a favor"? Kavin added.

NO, man! He's on his internship, he pays me to watch and tell if someone tries on Ria! Joel said!

(That is a lot to happen in 28 days, I said to myself)

We can do that, I can write your assignments, how about that?

please! I said holding Joel's hand.

Come on! just for you Rahul! Don't

" please" me!

I'll do my best! But don't be a chicken shit, talk to her!

said Joel and ran away when he saw Malini.

I agree with one thing that Joel said!

What? Kavin asked

That Rahul is a chicken shit when it comes to girls, Siddharth said and laughed!

We were walking to the lunch hall and she was walking before me!

Hey! Siddharth screamed.

(I gave a confused look like "what?")

Hey Ria? He shouted!

Holy shit, my mind started imagining things, is he going to tell her? Omg! I looked at the ground and slowed down like I don't belong there at all.

She turned back to look, and the breeze blew her hair.

She adjusted that with her fingers, and sun that caught her wet lips glittered.

What? She said.

Rahul says your dress looks amazing, said Siddharth!

I was shocked, I don't know how to react, the hell did he do?

I just smiled when she looked at me! Thank you! She uttered those words looking at me! Her first words to me!

I felt like my whole stomach is filled that I don't even have to eat anything I smiled back at her! and she smiled,

Can't believe it! She smiled at me I whispered in Siddharthh's ears and hugged him.

The day ended with Random group selfies, and snacks

I went home and my mom was already there! How was the college and function dear? my mom asked!

Good! in fact great!

I said.

She gave me a cup of coffee!

Ma! Shall I ask you something?

Yes, Dear!

What do you do at Mansingh's firm?

No! I work personally for Mrs. Mansingh!

She runs charitable trust, I maintain, it and I take care of her accounts, and sometimes I look after their kids, as I have my office at their house.

Kids? I gave a look!

Yeah, a daughter and a younger son!

Oh! Do you talk to them? I asked as if I know nothing!

Not much with the girl, she's weird! I don't see her come out of her room much, said my mom.