« VANSH »

One word, six letters— Crisis.

Major fucking crisis.

I had been very careful while sending out mass digital invitations to my friends. Ahana and I made sure to only include the ones who lived around the city, with the exception of Dhruv and Pragya. Yet, I failed. I accidentally invited Irfan. That's probably how Natasha got the good news. Not to mention the unexpected arrival of Lisa. This was almost like being pranked on our own prank. Was this a road runner show going on?

But that didn't matter to the matters of the present. I could feel it in the hairs of my skin. Feel the temperature rise at an alarming rate. If temperature had a physical form, the whole bar would have been burned into ashes by now. It had nothing to do with the female guest before me but with the one besides me. Ahana was accessing Natasha from top to bottom in a way that even the HR of a top government post wouldn't. Slowly she dragged (yes, dragged) her head to me, widening her eyes as if to say- 'So that's the bitch you put your dick into?' There was no doubt that she looked absolutely gorgeous in her silver lehenga dress and tiara but right now, she seemed no more than the ghost from the Ring. I visibly shuddered.

Natasha genuinely smiled at us, completely immune to Ahana's visionary attacks. Picking up the bouquet she previously kept on the table, she handed it over. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

I forced the muscles of my mouth to twitch. “Eh, thank you. Me- meet my soon- to- be fiancé, Ahana Mishra.”

Ahana who seemed ever so eager to meet her, jumped at the opportunity. She extended her hand to her with a wide, wide smile. “I do seem to recall you from those rare photos of Boston. You were his collegue, right? Of course you were haha! Anyway, nice to meet you, Na-ta-sha.”

My smile faltered.

Natasha's gaze flickered to me with her brow raised. Seriously? You realize it now. But instead of getting swallowed in her flames, she only rose above as she smirked at Ahana. “Oh, but I recall you very well, Ahana. You were all over his college pics. Not to mention the nth times he sulked over you at our lunch table those days.”

The temperature suddenly got a lot lower. “Excuse me?!”

Oi, don't provoke her, woman.

“Ah, I'm just kidding. Don't mind me. Likewise. It's nice to meet you.” Their hands touched. For a second though— like for a split second, I noticed Natasha's jaw clench as Ahana's grip became too strong to handle. Natasha chuckled.

“Vansh must be such a masochist to keep you around.” Before Ahana could even comprehend Natasha's words, she whispered loud enough for my unfortunate ears to hear, “Make sure you don't pluck out his jewels with that firm grip of yours.”

With a suggestive wink she walked away, leaving Ahana with her jaw wide open, and me with a major facepalm. Clearly hearing Natasha's comment caught her off-guard. I didn't blame her. You normally didn't say that to someone you just met. Then again, Natasha wasn't normal.

“So, Vansh Baweja. My precious darling. My one and only—” addressed a sweet, loving voice to my front that brought chills down my spine. I stole a glance at her and paled. Normally one wouldn't suspect anything from the way she was blissfully smiling at me but only I knew the real demonic face that was hidden behind that mask. Her hand reached out to rest at my neck, making me shudder. She pointed her other free hand towards Natasha who was drinking a glass of water. “Care to explain what this... this creature is doing, breathing in the same space as us?”

“I- I cAn ExPlaIn...”

“Explain.” Her hand coiled around my neck and I swear my vision became white. She was going to be the death of me tonight.

I gripped a hand around her wrist to be better safe than sorry. I explained her what I knew but she didn't seem to buy it. So I did the only sane thing I could, to save myself from her sharp clutches. “You know what, I'm going to ask her myself. Be right back.”

And ran to the bar where her object of jealousy was.

In contrast to the hot headed Ahana, Natasha seemed as cool as a cucumber, seated cross- legged on the barstool with a glass of mocktail. She took one look at my sorry face and tched. “You're still as dickhead as ever.”

“You're the one to talk, you foul- mouthed bitch.”

We smiled. Well, almost, before I realized my place. I craned my head behind to spot Ahana talking to our college group. As if sensing my gaze from across the room, she turned her head towards my direction making me freeze on the spot. She pointed two fingers towards her eyes before pointing them to mine, as if saying- 'I'm watching you with my hawk eyes'.

I pressed my lips inwardly.

“Why you came?”

“Is that how you talk to a guest?” Natasha popped out her mouth from the straw. She frowned at me as if I was being absurd for asking. “Because free food, baby.”

“That's your excuse?”

“Yup.” Natasha shrugged like it was obvious. “I can say I came to see my ex-friend getting hitched, but that would be too generic. I can also say I came to act upon a silly promise, but I wouldn't. Not when that stranger doesn't give two fucks about inviting me. By the way, I didn't plan on coming alone, but that gluttony was running late so I didn't have a—”

“Irfan's coming?!” I practically yelled out loud enough for Natasha to cover her ears. I recalled what she said earlier and put on an apologetic face. “I'm sorry. I know I barely stayed in contact with you but I had a good reason. Our past deeds caused quite a rift between Ahana and me at one point of time. I had to ignore you for a while. Even though its all under the bridge now, it might cause some... after effects. Like the one behind me.”

“Uh- huh! I don't even need to look at her. I could already sense an axe hanging over my head.”

“Fuck. Is she still watching over me?”

Natasha peered at Ahana's direction for a second before turning to me. “You betcha.”

“Nat, I'm so sorry. Ahana isn't like this at all. I don't know what's gotten into her. I mean I realize she would be insecur—”

“Then why do you have that cartoon like smile on your face?”

I tried to dial down my smile. I really did. Pressing my lips tight, I craned my head sideways towards Ahana again. Her expression reminded me of those nosy Aunties who would watch over children's activities like a hound dog. I sank my head on the table, laughing quietly. “Sorry but I longed to see a green Ahana. I only witnessed that side once in Huntsville. She's the type who feels proud if someone shows an interest in me. But, now? Did you look at her? She looks so freaking cuute~ I've never seen her this jealous in my entire life. Ugh, if only I could record her right now.”

Her nose crinkled in disgust. “You must be seriously whipped if you call that cute.”

“Ah, what can I say? That's how love is. You know what? It's good you came. Keep making her jealous this way. Its not fair how she often sees my possessive side. I want to see hers, too.”

“Fine. It's not like I mind playing the villain in someone's love story again.” Natasha smirked then started mumbling to herself, “I wonder what kind of expression should I make when she sees me? A sadistic smile or a creepy one. Or the kind we see in dramas.”

We may be talking about acting but what I did next, definitely wasn't acting. I literally squeezed the breath out of her lungs as I hugged her tight. I swear I heard someone shout my name just now but I hardly cared. I grinned as Natasha glared at me. “I seriously missed that foul mouth of yours... Uh, that came out wrong, didn't it?”

“Unless you intend to bathe us both in blood tonight.”

I placed my elbows on the table, shooting her a side glance, “But I really am glad you came, Natasha. You haven't changed a bit,” I winked, “Neither did your sexy appeal.”

“Riiight~” She distanced away a bit, looking uncomfortable. “I'm starting to regret coming here now.”

I chuckled. I couldn't deny, she looked as attractive as ever but it was more of a compliment. Not the kind where I wanted to do something about it. I was long over that phase. It was just a temporary fascination I had at that time.  Besides, I had more important things to worry about.

Since I was talking to Natasha after several months, I didn't bother to ignore her this time. We had a really long talk about our professional and private lives, over mocktails and snacks. It seemed like she had her own share of problems (she didn't detail it much). Despite that, she was doing a lot better than before. I was a little disappointed to know that gluttony would be arriving tomorrow but maybe it was for the better. Knowing Irfan's lack of control when it came to food, who knows, he might have consumed half of our buffet by now. I was looking forward to spend time with both of my Boston collegues again.

~

« AHANA »

It was an unforgettable evening. The guests were enjoying themselves. The hosts were enjoying it too, with their beloved friends. Meeting unexpected colleagues was icing on the cake.

Props to you for being an idiot if you didn't catch my sarcasm here.

It wasn't far from the truth though. Everyone was having a good time. Except me. Imagine, I was meeting Dhruv, Liz and Pragya after a long time. They were right beside me, engaging in a conversation about distance between countries, but I was too worried about the distance between Vansh and that buttface over the bar. It was taking him insufferably long to find the answer behind her presence. What they were talking about while smiling so blissfully? Architecture? Or perhaps reminiscing the scandalous week they spent between the sheets?

“Ahana!” Liz called me, making me acknowledge their presence once again. She looked at me like the helpless little lamb I was and sighed. “Did you listen to what I said? It's like you're not even here.”

“How could I?” I turned to Vansh's direction for the hundredth time. “Oh my God, he's hugging her again Did you see that? Did you?! How the hell can I concentrate on anything when the love of my life is flirting right under my nose?”

“Um, actually, he hugged me, too. Like a distant friendly hug.” Lisa intervened.

“Me, too.” Pragya added.

“Me as well.” Dhruv shrugged.

“I don't care if he hugs or even kisses you lot but that grey eyed wench is an exception!”

“I'll pretend I never heard that.” Dhruv grimaced and the girls agreed.

“'O look, she's blushing now...” mumbled Pragya behind me, making my insides churn. I was beginning to see red.

“Oh, she's that chick, isn't she?” Dhruv pointed out in recognition. “Ah, I remember how Vansh used to cry on the phone saying how he couldn't stop thinking about her and had erotic dream—

“Don't provoke her!” Liz slapped Pragya's and Dhruv's head as they giggled. Liz forced my shoulders to her side. “Hey, don't think about it. That was all in the past. A mere person can't change your future. Look at the brighter side. You're finally getting engaged after years of togetherness..”

Yeah, about that...

Vansh returned twenty-two agonizing minutes later. He wasn't alone, much to my horror. He introduced Natasha to our group and also talked about Irfan who would be joining us later. Natasha didn't stay with us for long (apparently my infrared radiations were starting to seep into her skin, yay!) but even after she was out of my sight, she wasn't out of my mind. It was flooding with questions I wanted to ask Vansh. What was he thinking when he talked to her? Was he having indecent thoughts about her again? Maybe he found her more sexier than me. Maybe I seemed a little less attractive now. My logic was mocking me for possessing such childish thoughts. Deep down, I knew I was being irrational but hey, explain that to my immature heart first.

“Someone took their sweet time over there,” I turned to Vansh with my arms crossed. “I almost got the indication that you were about to elope with her.”

“Oh, An!” His shoulders sagged as he sighed, followed a helpless smile. He was about to continue when a long arm gripped around Vansh's neck, interrupting us mid-way.

“My favorite buddy! Do you know that you're the best friend I could ask for?” Dhruv complimented, blinking his sheepish eyes while smiling sweetly at us. He sure seemed suspicious and indeed we were right when his expression transformed into a wicked one, “Agar tuje pata hai toh jaldi se meri setting karwa de usse (If you know then quickly set me up with her).”

Vansh quickly shook his head. “Don't tell me to do anything, man. She's her own person. By all means, go and ask her for a drink.”

“But she's already looking off limits.” Dhruv grumbled when Vansh answered a 'yes'. He scowled, hitting Vansh. “Lucky bastard! How the hell did you manage to bed her then? You ranted on the phone back then, but never shared how—”

“Dhruv! For fuck's sake, how much did you drink? This is not the time and place to be talking about this! On my own bloody engagement, too. Read between the lines,” Vansh whispered through gritted teeth and shot an apologetic glance at me.

To make matters more aggravating, Aman approached Vansh for exactly the same reason as Dhruv. Not wanting to hear any more crap about that buttface, I simply grunted and slipped away from the scene. Seconds later, I heard footsteps closing in my direction.

“An, come on! I love your jealousy but stop making it look like her presence affects us negatively.” Vansh said, holding my arms gently. When I looked into his eyes, they held nothing but affection. “Natasha and I were talking about our lives and joking like any two normal friends would. Nothing more, nothing less... I- I can make her go away if you really wish, though I hope you won't.”

I let out a huge sigh. “No, it's okay. She's a guest, too.”

“Yes, that's the spirit! Now, let's give some action to this party. You go to the stage and announce. I'll join you soon.” He said, raising his hands for a hi-five. I returned it albeit half-heartedly. “Not like this. Smile.”

When I refused to do so, he resorted to pulling my cheeks, thus broadening my lips. “Pine, now 'eet me guo!”

Vansh's teeth seemed brighter under the lights as he laughed. He turned around and parted with these words, “Le- let's do our best, babe.”

Was that nervousness I sensed in his voice?

I tapped my cheeks, trying to snap myself. Steering clear of my thoughts that contaminated my mind earlier, I walked my way to the stage and stood in the middle of it.

“Order, order!” I knew this wasn't the proper way to get attention but that wouldn't stop me from enacting the judge's lines. I repeated the lines while banging a wooden bowl with a spoon I took from the kitchen. “The judge is about to give his verdict.”

Soon the guests started dragging their heads to little old me. The spotlight was on me now. And just like that, the lights went off.

“Huh, what happened?” Someone murmered followed by a few other whispers and cheers amongst the audience. I was almost about to step down but it was pitch dark. Add to that, my smartphone wasn't in my possession. You took this too far, Vansh. Maybe I'll just shout at someone to direct their phone's flashlights at me.

I swear I was about to shout when a hand covered my mouth. My whole body grew numb at the man behind me before my nose picked up the familiar perfume and I relaxed. I nudged him on the side, earning him a squeak. “You seriously freaked me out here.”

“Well, surprising people happens to be my forte, Ahana Mishra.” He said in the magician Vansh way. He turned to the masses. “It's just a light out, guys! Wait for sometime!”

And then, I sensed him stand in front of me, taking my hand, or to be precise, my ring finger. “What are you upto?”

“Why, slipping the ring, of course.”

“I thought we were supposed to do this in front of our victims,” I whisper shouted.

“I know babe, but imagine the shock when they see fake rings on our fingers. Besides, exchanging rings in the dark sounds much cooler, don't you think? Like we were doing something scandalous in front of everyone, yet nobody knows.”

Scandalous huh? I liked the sound of it. “Fine, but be very quiet.”

“As you wish, Ma'am.” I noticed the silhouette of him stepping back. A flashlight shot towards our direction so I could see him. He went the traditional way by going down on one knee while I giggled like a high school girl. His smirk seemed ghostly but that couldn't deter away from my excitement. “Ahana Mishra— my best friend, my partner- in- crime, my eternal soulmate. Will you marry me?”

My heart was beating erratically fast now. Suddenly the collective murmers in the room disappeared from my ears, giving life to Vansh's voice. He was all I could sense now. “There is nothing in the world that would make me more happier than saying, yes. Yes, I'll marry you.”

The ring slipped onto my finger faster than any command answered. He stood up, only to pull me in his arms and I hugged back, feeling all tingly inside. I gathered his face between my almost shaking palms and firmly pressed my lips to his. The kiss I got in return was full of love, want and promise. Funny how we were acting emotional to a proposal that was nothing more than a recital. Then why the hell did it fell so incredibly real?

Admist our kissing and giggling, the lights came back to life, making our secret not so secretive anymore. We stood awkwardly as we witnessed an astounded audience before us. I suddenly felt very, very exposed.

“Did I just witness my sweet, little princess plunging her tongue down that bastard's throat?” Vishal asked ever so calmly.

“We all did, unfortunately.” Xander said placing one reassuring hand on Vishal's shoulder and the other on his face.

More voices were heard saying that the sight of us wasn't what they traveled all the way for. My eyes swept across the victims, eventually landing on buttface. Noticing her gaze on us, I linked my arm to Vansh, snuggling closer to him. A triumphant smile escaped my lips. Take that, bitch! “Did you like our lip show?”

I may have said it in front of everyone but even my target knew it was directed at her. I squinted my eyes, watching for any possible signs in that mug face of hers. Nothing. Nothing except her eyes glinting with amusement. The line between her lips widened a little.

“Darling, I've seen PDA that went a lot deeper than this, even in India. I was honestly expecting more.”

“I'm going to butcher her tongue and feed it to dogs!” I whispered with gritted teeth while Vansh shushed me.

“Hey, now, don't fret it! Just turn around.” He told me, making me turn with his arm that was draped around my shoulder. I did and saw a huge three layered black forest cake as expected.

I froze.

No, it wasn't because of the fake cake we had in possession. Nor were the guests, and absolutely not the whole get up altogether.

It was my ring.

It was a perfect rose, golden ring with a sign of infinity in the middle. A short line of tiny diamonds adorned the ring where two circles met. The lights reflected on the diamonds made it look exquisite in my hand.

The ring was real.

⚫⚪⚫⚪⚫

A u t h o r s    N o t e

Haha looks like fake proposals weren't so fake after all.

Did you like Natasha's entry after a long time? What do you think of Vansh's proposal? More importantly, how will Ahana react? Please vote and comment.

Excuse me while I attend my friend's wedding (time flies so fast I swear) See you soon.