In the line of Koreans who arrived to India from South Korea for temporary projects, a new one arrived in town. His name was Se- hun which literally translated to era, world and mysterious. He was here to help complete the manufacturing process of N 30i.  He had jet black hair which was partitioned in the middle like a girl and had a face in the shape of a cone. He seemed okay though. Nothing like the pretty Duck who Pallavi met in the beginning.

Se-hun's was quite an extrovert being talkative and open. Apparently he had traveled to multiple countries, learnt different cultures and people. Now he was here to explore India for the first time. He said all of that to Adhvik, Pallavi and Tulsi and even asked questions from them as well. Was he a project coordinator or a tourist?

Not to forget this one time.

“I don't know much about Indian food. What's popular around here?” Se-hun asked, glancing Pallavi's way. “I heard spectacular things about Indian cheese or is it paneer curry?”

“Well, yes, that's one popular dish. There are multiple dishes of paneer mixed with different vegetables. But Indian food is much more than that.” The foodie in Pallavi continued on with enthusiasm, “There's Indian snacks like samosa, pakoda, dahi valle. Then the main course like biriyani (fried rice with meat), potato with vegetables, Rajma, Chole, Baigan ka bharta, paratha, idli- sambhar and a variety of Indian sweets, too. There's so much that I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to cover in this one trip alone.”

“Interesting.” He tapped his chin in thought. His small eyes narrowed even more as he smiled at Pallavi. “True. Since I can't taste everything, perhaps you can take me to a good restaurant and recommend your favorite dishes. Of course treat will be on me.”

“Eh?” Pallavi exclaimed, tilting her head, perplexed. He let out an amused smile at that and left.

What in the world...?  Was this an office or Splitsvilla?

It wasn't the fact that a Korean asked her jokingly— wait, who the fuck was she kidding? A Live Sized Korean asked her out for a food tasting date. Although he wasn't as handsome as the other Koreans she had seen. What immensely surprised Pallavi was how she was suddenly becoming desirable ever since she stepped out of the world with this job. Was it her romantic luck that woke up from its 25 years of slumber or was it her cute face? She didn't know.

“Sounds like a womanizer.” commented Adhvik about Se-hun while leaning back on the chair. “I bet he will call you to the restaurant, fulfill your appetite and then take you straight to his hotel room to fulfill his appetite. If you know what I mean. I heard from the 3D department— he has had many women.”

“A player in real life, huh...” Pallavi mumbled, looking up, thinking of the Korean dramas where they showcased womanizer. Kwon Si-hyeon from the K- drama ‘Tempted’ comes to mind.

Obviously Pallavi took that restaurant request as a joke but two days later when Se-hun asked her for dinner once again, she was too surprised for words.

“Seems like this bloke likes plus- sized girls,” Adhik commented, wriggling his eyes knowingly while Pallavi recoiled.

“Um, it would be weird, no? I office... you also in office... Besides, my parents won't allow...” Pallavi fumbled with words, clearly trying to reason. A blush crept her cheeks as she looked down, realizing how dumb she sounded. But Se-hun wasn't thinking enough. What would her colleagues think? What would the Koreans here think? Her parents would clearly object going out with a stranger.

Wait, why was she even considering it in the first place?

Because Korean guy+ free food, duh!

“No worries, I have a better idea.” Se-hun interrupted Pallavi's train of thought, his eyes gleaming. He pointed out to each of them as he continued on, “You, Tulsi and Adhvik from this department while Abhishek, Manav and Paras from 3D department. I'll take you all to dinner once we are done with N 30i.”

“Hawa me bol raha hai ye anadi. Iski baato pe dhyaan mat do.” Adhvik dismissed again in Hindi for Pallavi and Tulsi to understand. Tulsi agreed as well.

Se-hun obviously noticed the Hindi exchanged between Adhvik and Tulsi as he regarded them with suspicion. “What they are saying?”

“That they are absolutely thrilled to celebrate it together since it rarely happens in this workaholic department.” Pallavi answered the opposite, voicing her own thoughts in it. Tulsi and Adhvik still seemed unconvinced.

Apparently office parties were a thing in Mansur as well. Once upon a time Hyoung used to treat his teammates to lavish dinner after each project. Adhvik recollected those times with nostalgia and how fun it was back then. The development team had completed three projects since Pallavi arrived— no, it will become four once N 30i is completed and so far they have been to none. Hyoung promised them a party but so far his promise had been nothing but empty paper words, devoid of meaning. So hearing about a dinner treat from someone else lightened up a hope in Pallavi. Perhaps Se- hun would make it possible.

Besides, ongoing projects and a possibility of an office party, there was one more thing travelling their way.

The month of February.

And that only meant one thing— the Valentine's Day. It was one thing couples looked forward to (especially girls) while (some) singles cribbed in a corner. Pallavi was one such single once upon a time until she got tired of it and just hoped for the day to be over. Maybe it would be the same as all the previous Valentine's of her single hood. Or maybe this year would be different.

After all, Adhvik had promised Pallavi a rose for rose day when they talked about it. But he could be joking who knows. She could never figure when he joked and when he didn't.

Oh, for those who didn't know, before the main V day, there were a series of seven days also known as the infamous Valentine's week. It consisted of rose day, promise day, teddy day, chocolate day, hug day, propose day and kiss day. It was only later Pallavi realized that these days were only invented in India as a means to grow business in the market. It held no significance.

* * *

It was the time for work guides. The documentation group were in a hurry to perform the experiments, record the data and paste it in their documents. One such work guide was about Go Jig and No- go Jig. These jigs were wooden boards with a cavity shaped like a front and rear cover of an Android phone. Basically the little experiment was to check whether the covers fitted these cavities or not, thus proving that they were of the standardized shape.

Pallavi was aiding Adhvik by clicking photos for the Go and No- Go jigs. Her phone memory was already getting jam packed with these kinds of work pictures. She made a mental note to delete the previous ones on Sunday.

Since it was just Adhvik and Pallavi, they started chatting away and since it was them, they carried on flirting and tease- touching as well. It was like second nature to them now.

“... And what if I complain to Hyoung sir about your inappropriate behavior towards me?” Pallavi accused, although both of them knew she was pulling his leg. Adhik scoffed.

“I know you won't. You would never do such a thing to me.” Adhvik leaned his head on the partition wall that stood at the end of the cubicles. The same position from where Pallavi asked him out for a movie before and they blushed. He flashed her a small smile before adding. “Since I'm your favorite.”

Pallavi's heart skipped a beat.
“Who said that?”

“I'm saying it. Why? Am I not your favorite?” He cocked his head to side, looking as innocent as a puppy.

Strangely, Pallavi had already prepared her answer if their conversations ever took a route like this. She imagined various scenarios in her head after all.

“First you tell me...” There was a glint of hesitation before Pallavi continued with a bated breath. “Am I your favorite?”

“You think you're my favorite?” He asked incredulously and scoffed. “How could you assume something like that?”

Pallavi pouted and crossed her arms, angrily. “Fine. Then you're not my favorite either.”

A strange silence befell them. Since Pallavi diverted away, she didn't know what face Adhvik was making. Strange why wasn't he saying anything?

All of a sudden she felt a pinch on her arm as she yelped in surprise. Adhvik was right behind her, his eyes narrowed. “You said it now but don't dare say it again. Okay?”

Before Pallavi could gather her senses for a witty comeback, Adhvik went ahead first, standing in the same position as before. There it was again— that same crooked smile. “By the way, you are.”

“What I am?”

“My favorite. Are you?”

“Of course!” Pallavi grinned in bliss. “You are my favorite.”

They held each other's gaze with a smile, their eyes seemingly speaking more than the words exchanged. Pallavi's smile didn't leave her even after Adhvik left. That moment itself left a profound imprint on her. She knew she would be rewinding this scene on repeat in her head non-stop and gush to her sister later on. It was almost like admitting that they liked each other by replacing ‘like’ with another word.

Indeed this moment was her favorite.

* * *

“And that's a wrap. Now these documents will be forwarded to the Mansur HQ at Korea for approval. Modu jal haess-eo (Good work everyone)!” Se-hun stood up, grinning wide. His eyes twinkled as he glanced between the trio (Adhvik, Pallavi and Tulsi). “Now that the bothersome part is over with, we can move on to the fun part. Get ready at five. I'm taking you all to Korean delight.”

“Are you serious—” Tulsi was still second guessing his decision. “Sir?”

“A promise is a promise, miss. I even invited the 3D department guys.” He pointed his finger behind his back towards their direction.

The trio still found a bit hard to believe it but when Se- hun gave them a reminder at 4:30pm, they were convinced it was happening.

It was finally happening. An office party.

* * *

“Where are you, Adhvik?” Pallavi enquired over the phone. After ending the call with him, she turned to Se-hun. They were standing near the main gate of the office along with the rest of the gang who were invited by Se-hun. “He says he'll be here in 5-10 minutes.”

“Okay. Boys, you can book the cab now.” Se-hun ordered the three boys from the 3D department. This they waited at the small waiting room near the gate.

True to his word, Adhvik turned up 10 minutes later, when Pallavi saw him exiting the office door from afar. She sighed, letting her shoulders drop in relief. It took a lot of convincing for the three of them to be in this stage and most of that was from Pallavi side. Neither Adhvik nor Tulsi were enthusiastic enough to go for the party. It was kinda understandable since it wasn't from their department. They didn't know the 3D guys well so they very well as be having dinner with a bunch of strangers.

“But we have each other,” Pallavi spoke like a true shonen character from an anime. “Who knows when Hyoung will throw a party? Who knows when anyone will ever hang out apart from their office? Who knows when this chance will ever come again? It's just one evening, idiots.”

Adhvik gave in quickly. He had no problem since the party saved his time to cook at home. Plus, free drinks. Tulsi eventually agreed with a condition that she should be dropped home after the party was over. And before all of that, Pallavi had to convince her own parents to stay late outside. They strictly instructed her to return home around eight because Indian parents and their rules.

There was an ulterior motive behind it too, which I'm sure you readers know by now. She would get to spend some quality time with Adhvik. She wouldn't have come to the party otherwise.

“The cab was taking too long so I cancelled and book another,” Abhishek, an employee from the 3D department informed as he dropped his gaze to the phone screen. He let out another sigh. “But this will also take 20 minutes to arrive. I'm guessing it's because of this remote location.”

“Oh, God another 20 minutes! Hamari party toh aise hi nikal jaayegi, (Our party will be over this way)” Tulsi complained and everyone agreed. Although Pallavi's family car was there with the driver as usual, there was no way it could fit seven people.

“Why wait for the party when you can have it right here? Fret not, my dear friends for I have found a way,” Se-hun announced, dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. It grabbed everyone's attention as their eyes were directed at him. “Before that, I want to ask: which of you lot is committed?”

Everyone grew silent, throwing suspicious looks at each other. As if anyone will blatantly admit they were committed. ‘This was India where many couples kept their affairs behind closed doors.’ Pallavi wanted to tell Se-hun.

Surprisingly, one of the 3D boys admitted he had a girlfriend and was in a relationship for two years. While Se-hun was married. A smirk played on his lips. “Aha, so this leaves us with two girls and three boys. Let's play a match fixing game.”

“A what?!” Some of them repeated.

“You ever heard of onsens?” Se-hun continued on. Pallavi answered yes remembering seeing it in a K drama. “Stranger men and women meet at a certain place of dine and try to strike a conversation with each other. The ones who hit it off start dating. We'll do the same thing with you singles tonight.”

For some reason, Pallavi's heart was starting to race again as if something excited awaited her. Se-hun sure knew how to keep a fun conversation going.

“First tell me your ages. The ones sharing the same age will become a match.”

Thus the two single young men from the 3D department shared their ages without hesitation while Adhvik was standing at a distance, engaged on a call.

“Next.” It was the girl's turn.

“Twenty- three,” Tulsi answered without hesitation and everyone's ears perked up. It was a match.

“Match found— Pavan and Tulsi.” Se-hun announced like an achievement. Both Pavan and Tulsi cringed when he brought their palms together, grinning proudly. “I'll make you two committ tonight.”

Weirdo. Everyone thought.

“Twe- twenty six.” Pallavi answered her hesitation showing through the movement of her fidgety fingers.

“O, dear, seems like no body shares your age,” Se-hun concluded, sighing like he was actually disappointed. Wasn't he taking this too seriously? On the corner of his eye, he noticed Adhvik ending his call. “Yo, Adhivik, what's your age?”

“Twenty six...” Adhvik answered, approaching their group. “Although I'll turn twenty- seven this July.”

Oh my God!

Collective hoots were heard from the boys (except Adhvik). Pallavi hid her face between her palms while Adhvik blinked having no idea what transpired just now.

“It's a match!”

“What...?”

The 3D guys filled in the details to Adhvik in the meanwhile. Se-hun repeated the same action of bringing Adhvik and  Pallavi's palms in his.

“I'll also make you two come to a relationship tonight. You'll see.”

Adhvik and Pallavi just gave off weird laughs. Although Adhvik didn't answer in affirmation, he didn't deny it either. She liked that. She liked that a lot.

“You've arranged an interesting pair, sir,” Abhishek teased, pointing over to Adhvik and Pallavi. Pallavi had to turn away from the rest of them to avoid seeing her blush. An interesting pair? Did they know something? She recalled how the 3D department snickered amongst themselves after witnessing them tease- touching each other that one time. It was enough food for suspicion.

“... Her family's loaded as fuck.”

“O, interesting.” Se hun eyes twinkled with interest.

“What? No, that's not true.” Pallavi reverted back to the group in horror, denying straight away. Sure, possessing two servants, two cars, two houses, a personal driver, a personal gardener wasn't considered poor by any standards but she wasn't rich either. Especially when they were facing such financial and debt problems. Rich people were much richer than that.

“The cab has arrived, sir,” Pavan informed as white Honda City car appeared in the driveway. Pallavi couldn't be more grateful for the timing.

The boys hopped onto the cab while the girls proceeded towards Pallavi's car. Just when they were about to get inside, they heard a little commotion over the guys side at a distance.

“Seat's full, Adhvik, sir, ” informed Pavan who was already seated inside the car. So were the rest of the males, except for Adhvik who stood outside. “You won't be able to get in here. Go in Pallavi's car.”

“You could fit me easily if you lot adjust yourselves...” Adhvik reasoned but they didn't bulge. He shrugged in defeat,
“Fine.”

“You can come in my car. It's okay.” Pallavi assured Adhvik. Thus he followed her to her white Maruti Dzire car while the cab ran off.

When Pallavi reached however, she noticed Tulsi sitting on the front seat, instead on the back where she sat earlier on. Adhvik had no choice but to sit at the back with Pallavi. Tulsi let out a cheeky smile, shooting a wink at Pallavi's way. This girl.

“Let's have some fun tonight!” Adhvik raised his voice in a typical teenage movie way.

“Yes!” The girls echoed his excitement as the driver turned on the ignition.

Pallavi couldn't believe this was happening. She was finally going to hang out with her two closest friends in the office. Moreover Adhvik was sitting right next to her in the car. Something that she  wanted to happen when they went to Xiaomi together.

The car started off, marking the beginning of a long, enjoyable night.

-------------------------------------------

Was it your favorite? Haha just kidding!
Don't forget to vote and comment your thoughts.

So the next dinner party chapter is coming out to be 4600 words long 😲. So I'll divide the event into two chapters.

If I manage to draft the next chapter early, you might see the next update on Thursday. I want to try to update the story faster but I just don't get the time. 😤 I calculated and even with 1 chapter per week, this story will still not end by December, 2021. 😅 I just hope you all be around till the end. *fingers crossed*