Priti’s hands dropped to her sides, she looked up at Raj and whispered “Raj, can you please come inside, we need to talk.”
Raj wanted this night to end. It had seemed so full of promise and now just seemed to be like the never ending story! He shrugged “Ok, lead the way.”
Priti pushed open the front door and entered. She called out to a maid, and asked her to lead Raj to the drawing room, while she disappeared up the stairs.
Raj sat down on the armchair, and made himself comfortable. He pulled out his mobile phone from his pocket.
Raj: Where you at?
Varun: Still at the party, what about you?
Raj: Priti’s place.
Varun: You move fast :P
Raj: No bro, it’s not what you think, she’s invited me in to give me the brush off!
Varun: Sorry man, she seemed cool, I thought she liked you.
Raj: She’s coming back. Be home in a while. Gym tonight?
Varun: Yup!
Priti reentered the room, dressed in a pair of jeans and a casual pink sweater. Her hair was in a high pony tail and face was scrubbed free of makeup. Raj thought she looked even better than before. But he didn’t dare breathe a word. He watched as she sat opposite him in the love seat and called for the maid to bring tea and snacks.
She inhaled audibly and then began “Raj I don’t know if you realise but when we were outside, the paparazzi took a picture of us. Did you notice the flash?”
“I can’t say that I did.” Raj answered, slightly confused. He hadn’t thought Priti was the conceited type and he was beginning to wonder where this conversation was going?
“I saw the flash, and I’m fairly certain the society pages will run those pictures tomorrow, if it’s not online within the next few hours.”
Raj stared at Priti as though she had just grown a second head. “How famous are you?” he asked perplexed.
“It’s not me who is famous,” she said while nervously playing with her watch. “It’s Atif Khan, you know the actor Aarti was referring to, the one I’m linked with. They’re going to suggest I’m cheating on him with you. Just to be clear he and I are not dating. We are friends and tend to frequent the same places.” She didn’t know why she was reassuring him, but she felt like she should.
“If you aren’t dating, what’s the problem? I’ll be gone by Saturday, they'll realise we are just friends and it’ll all blow over. Also how clear can that image be, it’s dark outside. You’re panicking for no reason Priti.”
Priti felt reassured, he made her feel safe. “Do you think?”
“Yes Priti. I doubt they have anything worth printing, what could they possibly find out about me? Also who would cheat on Atif Khan? Even I know he’s Bollywood gold right now.”
“You’re right. I’m being silly. I was about to call Atif and give him a heads up… but I’m sure you’re right. Thanks Raj. you’re a good friend.”
Raj stood up. “On that note, I’m off.”
“Don’t you want to stay for tea?” she asked, a note of disappointment creeping into her voice.
Raj smiled wistfully, realising this was probably the last time he would ever see her. “Next time.”
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