Chapter 29 - Tuesday 9pm

“What the hell! Who does he think he is?” Aarti whispered to Jas.

Jas looked towards the door where she saw Varun, Priti and Raj speaking. “What’s the matter?” She asked Aarti, confused.

“How dare he speak to her.”

“I’m lost, dear, can you please explain what you’re talking about.” Jas said sweetly. Jas wondered why she had bothered getting dressed and coming to this. After texting Varun for half the night, she was exhausted and desperately wanted to get out of these clothes and into bed.

“He’s speaking to Priti. I hate Priti. She thinks she’s better than everyone just because she studied abroad. Also isn’t she dating some Bollywood actor?”

“Well he has to speak to someone, you haven’t bothered speaking to him all night. And ‘what has he got to offer you…’ remember!” Jas grabbed a drink from a passing waiter. She desperately needed sugar if she was going to survive the evening. Aunty always had a chocolate fountain, Jas started scanning the room to see where she’d placed it this time.

“I’m going over to say ‘Hi’!” Aarti said determinedly. 

“Thats a wonderful idea, I think it’s the right thing to do.” Jas said encouraged by Aarti’s change of heart.

The girls began walking toward the boys. Aarti grabbed a drink from a passing waiter, downed it in one and put the empty glass back on the tray. 

Raj turned his head away from Priti and noticed Aarti for the second time that evening, and couldn’t help thinking how beautiful she was. But her behaviour had definitely taken away some of the initial spark.

Aarti walked to the group, purposefully, stopped in front of Raj and asked “Hi, how is everyone?” 

“Hi, nice to see you again. We are well, and you?” Raj said awkwardly.

“Hi Aarti, how are you? How is school going?” Priti asked sweetly. 

Aarti couldn’t help but feel that this was one of Priti’s usual condescending statements. She was the queen of the humble brag. Obviously trying to point out that Aarti was still at med school while she was woman of the world, working and living the high life.

“Medical school is going well, thanks. What about you? I heard you were dating Mr Bollywood himself…”

Raj couldn’t believe the exchange. Who walked over to a person and immediately asks such a controversial question especially in front of two virtual strangers.

“Don’t believe everything you read in the society pages Aarti. You know better that that.” Priti said calmly, but her eyes flashed with anger.

Varun sensed the tension in the air and decided to change the subject. “And how are you, Jas?”

“I’m very well thanks.” Jas responded distractedly, she couldn’t believe Aarti’s behaviour. She had never seen her like this before. It was almost as though she was possessed by her mother!

“Did you have a good night’s sleep?” Varun asked cheekily.

“Well actually I didn’t. I was rudely woken up and then couldn’t get back to sleep.” 

“Oh really, I couldn’t sleep either, you see my reality is better than my dreams at the moment!” Varun flirted outrageously to deflect from the obvious tension Aarti’s statement had caused.

“You’re sooo cheesy!” Jas giggled. While everyone else looked like they were about to gag.

“So, how do you two know one another?” Aarti asked cattily, staring daggers at Raj.

“Our mothers are school friends.” Priti interjected just as Raj opened his mouth to speak. “Actually, we are just on our way out. but lovely seeing you again Aarti.”

Jas turned to Varun, disappointed “Oh you’re leaving?”

“No, he isn’t, just Priti and Me.” Raj said quickly. “Take care Aarti” Raj turned to Jas and Varun “Nice to see you again Jas, I’ll see you at home Varun. Shall we, Priti?”

Priti smiled at Aarti, grabbed her shawl and walked away, Raj nodded and left.