The Night They Met...

ANUPAMA'S POV (Part-1)

"Kyunki mujhe acchi tarah se pta hai ki aaise rajkumar sirf aur sirf sapno mei hote hain, asal jindagi mei nahi." She stated without conviction to which Devika just flashed her an all-knowing, cryptic smile before being dragged away for a dance.

Anupama sighed when she left, wondering what she's upto. She had known Devika long enough to know that something was up with her today, she usually acts like this when something devious is cooking inside her. Usually when she's about to pull a prank on someone or is plotting something big to happen, she becomes all skittish and excited like right now. Unfortunately today, that someone might be her.

Anupamaa thought solemnly as she recalled all her cryptic remarks she had been throwing her way since they arrived.

"Waise mujhe nahi lagta abb teri life mei koi bhi problem aaegi."

"Matlab?"

"Aaise hi...feeling aa rahi thi toh...bol diya." She had smiled cryptically.

"What a cool party! Kuch bhi bol, woh humari expectation se kuch zyada hi karta hai."

"Kaun?"

"Hai koi.." She had smiled with the same knowing glint in her eyes.

"Yeh toh sirf intro tha, party tab shuru hogi jab woh aaega."

Everybody else had cheered in agreement, everyone else knew who she was talking about except her. Was she really the only clueless one?

That had been enough, she had pulled Devika away to know what's about to happen, or more specifically, who's about to come. It was obvious everyone else knew this mystery person except her. This person must be a greal deal since everyone is so excited and talking so highly of him, even Devika! Without waiting for a second, she had pulled Devika away to enquire about this person. She needs to be aware what's about to happen, just like everyone else here. Life has given her enough surprises, she doesn't want another.

"Woh kaun?" She had asked.

"Wahi joki abb ek super rich NRI businessman hai, ladkiyon ka crush hua karta thaa college time mei par uski crush tuu thi."

Ohh, now I understood, she finally realised after thinking over Devika's unreasonable behavior.

Ahh, not that again...why doesn't Devika understand she's alright how things are going right now? Why does she have to make everything complicated for her. She was already uneasy while meeting her male batchmates Devika had introduced earlier. The bald guy and the other guy, she felt so awkward around them. The problem isn't them, problem is her, and her less exposure to the male community other than her family members.

Anupama winced internally as she thought how the situation is going to be 100 times worse for her when Devika will introduce this mystery guy to her. Her teasings, which she is sure will follow considering his crush, will make it 1000 times worse.

Will that guy try to hug her like the bald one? How will she handle his friendly attitude? She really lacks in the friendship department, her whole life is limited to her family, and she likes it that way, she doesn't need anyone.

She thought is it a good time to escape in order to avoid unnecessary confrontation? With that thought, she raised her finger to call Devika and made her way towards her. But darn that loose sandal! Her 350Rs. sandal abruptly left her feet and before she could find it, the lights went off. Great!

She really had the worst luck in the world.

She avoided bumping into others as she stressfully searched the dark, crowded room for her sandal. It seemed like more problems are adding up to her already huge pile of ever-present problems. She mentally laughed recalling Devika's statement from earlier, she'll be free of problems? Yeah, right. Devika and her stupid jokes.

Her feet tripped, making her abruptly turn. As she turned around, and before her bare foot could touch the ground, her eyes drifted to a person already crouching in front of her holding her sandal for her to wear. Assuming it was some staff helper or waiter, she wore the sandal, because why would any man will help a woman wear her slipper, moreover if the woman is herself?

But her assumptions were proven wrong when the person slowly stood up, surprising her.

Well, he looks........far, far... from some random staff worker or waiter.

She was left speechless as the man rose to his full height and flashed her a warm, genuine smile. Wealth, his whole persona screamed wealth. Not because of his clothes, but his gentlemanliness and aura. How he didn't shy away from helping a lady, where 'some men' she knew of would never ever bow in front of a woman, while this man, without any hesitation, crouched on her feet and held a footwear for her.

She didn't knew if she deserved it, she was pleasantly surprised by this gesture. For the first time in tonight, her smile wasn't laced with any hint of formality, it was genuine and grateful. "Thankyou..." She expressed.

Before the gentleman could respond, the orchestra singer's voice cut through as he started singing a classical romantic song.

The Night They Met.

The Night Out (Part 2).

The Night Out (Part 2)