The hostess led them to a corner booth that overlooked the stunning night view of the city.
“Wow,” said Rashmi with a grin. “Looks like your job celebration might cost your first paycheck.”
Tanvi hadn’t thought about it until then. Although her bank balance did have a considerable amount thanks to her monthly payments from the trust fund, she preferred not to spend money unnecessarily.
“Please don’t worry, madam,” the hostess said with a smile. “Your table has a note saying you would get the manager’s discount. Please enjoy.”
Tanvi was once again surprised.
“See! I told you Arjun was awesome!” Rashmi grinned.
Tanvi shook her head.
Soon, they ordered drinks and a few appetizers. Since Sameer was part of the celebration, they stuck to general topics. But not for long.
“So, Sameer,” Rashmi said with a smile. “What do you think of Tanvi? Do you like her?”
Tanvi had to kick Rashmi under the table. Poor Sameer’s face turned beet red.
“I... do like her,” he said shyly.
“Sameer and I are good friends,” Tanvi added. “Stop embarrassing him.”
Rashmi grinned. “Well, I’m glad you two are good friends. So do you have a girlfriend?”
Sameer continued to blush. “Uh... no.”
“That’s all the more great. I don’t have a boyfriend either.”
Tanvi shook her head with an exasperated laugh as her friend shamelessly flirted with the poor shy guy.
The food and drinks were delicious. The conversation was amusing. But something was missing. She felt a strange restlessness, and her eyes kept going towards the restaurant’s entrance.
Suddenly, her heart jerked and began to race when she saw a man entering the restaurant. He was wearing a black jacket and was holding his bike helmet.
Quickly, she looked away and pretended to focus on the conversation going on around the table.
A minute later, her friend burst out with excitement.
“Arjun! We almost thought you weren’t going to make it!”
A whiff of familiar cologne floated in the air filling Tanvi’s senses as he stood next to the booth.
“I always keep my word,” he drawled.
“I’m so glad! Come sit next to me,” Rashmi suggested and scooted to give him space to sit.
Soon Tanvi’s eyes met with her arrogant neighbor’s as he sat next to her friend right opposite her.
“What did I miss?” he asked with amusement.
“Oh. You missed a lot,” Rashmi continued. “We were asking Sameer if he liked Tanvi. But apparently, they are just good friends. So both Sameer and Tanvi are single and ready to mingle with others.”
Tanvi’s cheeks heated, and she wanted to kill her friend.
“I see.” A dimple flashed as his eyes caught hers during a smirk.
Her stomach fluttered. Taking a deep breath, she pushed away the feeling. “You should place your order now. We are almost done.”