High School Romance Revisited

Chapter 23 - The Date

Shekhar's message had kept me silent throughout the journey. We stopped to get a few washroom breaks and I kept Mahen's mind diverted so that he didn't think about the accident much. 

When we reached Kolkata it was already time for meeting our friends. I decided I'd tell everything to Chitra and Rai. They are the only people who knew about the whole incident. Of course, Nupur knew as well but I doubt she would extend her help. And once this news of our patch up reaches her ears she would rather curse me instead of helping.

My phone's battery was about to give up when I received a call from Alok. Around Mahen I had to be very careful while speaking to him. Mahen's possessiveness for me hadn't changed a bit. He would forget the man actually designed a beautiful piece for me and beat him up.

I answered his call and replied in a way as if I was speaking to one of my employees. Alok was finally relieved to hear that I was alright. After my sudden take off he was worried as hell and ofcourse Rob wouldn't have made it easy. He was panic prone and made others panic too. So I quickly came up with an excuse and assured Alok that there wasn't any problem and our deal was still on. Obviously I won't let my melodramatic personal life affect my professional side!

Once the call was over I turned towards Mahen. This is one of his best qualities. He might be possessive regarding me but he never pried. He believed in giving personal space and never asked me regarding my phone calls or personal meetups if it doesn't concern him or was not harmful to me. Hence, he didn't even ask me who was calling.

Thankfully the restaurant was on the top floor of a mall and there were few shops still open so I got time to get some clothes and change. I called Rai and Chitra while Mahen tried calling Koushik but strangely no one answered. 

"Let's check the restaurant then," Mahen suggested. I shrugged and followed him.

We gave our names at the front desk and the manager took us towards the end of the restaurant. It was a restricted area for very private parties and meet-ups. 

"We are about to get interrogated and grilled. Be prepared!" Mahen whispered.

If they had chosen the private square then definitely this is going to be a long session. This restaurant was one of our favourites and we have partied here in a lot of occasions. And yet I was coming here after ten years.

When we entered the private area I was surprised to see there was no one, rather a table for two was placed in the center with candlelights. "What's going on? Where are the others?" Mahen asked the staff.

"But sir, this area has been booked for a private dinner for two," he informed.

"What? But how is that possible?" I asked. 

I saw Mahen picking up an envelope that was lying on the table. I didn't notice it at all. 

"Thank you, we will go as planned," Mahen said smiling at the staff. He poured water and informed the food was pre-ordered hence they would start serving beginning with the cold salad.

Mahen handed me the letter and asked to read as he concentrated on his food. I stared at him in disbelieve, "Could you please wait and let me first find out what this is all about?"

He made a gesture to think for a moment then said, "Nah! I would rather eat and listen what that three shitty people wrote in that letter."

I shook my head muttering a curse and opened the letter.

Dear Not-So-Loyal-Friends,

I am hurt! Yes, ofcourse! I am not bothered that you two decided to end this prolonged boring drama but this was not how I imagined finding out. So you better have a very good explanation. However I am happy that you patched up. Now, the most important part, do not make my wedding a make-up sex session and steal the limelight!