7. Stalker?

Anika

The next couple of days were a whirlwind of activities, I had to manage everything from the flowers to the guest count for the upcoming anniversary party.

Despite the chaos, I was having a blast – I absolutely loved organizing this kind of event. Tonight was the night of the party. Usually, I avoid attending the parties I arrange, but this family insisted, and they were just so adorable.

I started getting ready. Since it was a party and not a formal event, I had to dress appropriately, not overdoing it.

I decided on a simple black Patiala suit. The colour looked amazing on me, and I liked how it turned out.

I put on a hint of makeup, applied eyeliner that turned out perfect, and added lipstick. Silver jhumke completed the look. Every girl loves those.

I realized I need someone around to snap a picture of me. Others are so boring, so I usually end up taking my own photos.

I didn't really know many people at the party, so my plan was to greet them quickly and make a swift exit. By 7 pm, it was time to head out. The party was scheduled to start at 8 pm, so I would be there on time.

I slipped into my heels, which were a minimum of 4 inches – what can I say, I'm short. At 5'3", people practically use me as an armrest.

Booking a cab, I left my place and arrived at the venue in about 40 minutes. I was eager to see the elderly couple's reaction to the setup. When they walked in, their expressions were absolutely priceless.

The atmosphere was festive, everyone seemed joyful, and that's when I knew I'd chosen the right career path.

After exchanging pleasantries and spending a bit of time there, I sensed someone's gaze on me.

When I turned to see who it was, it was him – the only person who seemed to be at all the same events I attended. It's uncanny, really.

He was dressed in a navy blue suit that he managed to make even better looking. He had this way of owning suits and enhancing them.

With his hair styled and that scruff adding to his appeal, he looked like a model from a magazine.

He was sitting at a table with two friends, I assumed. As soon as he saw me approaching, he excused himself and headed my way.

"Stalking me, Mr. Singhania?" I playfully asked, giving him a smile.

He stood there, not giving me an answer, but his neck and ears took on a pinkish hue, and even his cheeks seemed to blush. Wait, was he... shy? I couldn't believe it. This guy was a rollercoaster of moods – or maybe it was just the times I happened to meet him.

Clearing his throat, he finally responded, "Don't be too obsessed with yourself, Ms. Sharma. I'm here for my friends' grandparents' anniversary party." I felt silly.

He was probably embarrassed by my question. Ugh, I really needed to stop saying things like that to him.

"Oh, okay," I mumbled.

"So, what brings you here?" he asked.

"I organized this event," I replied with a smile, looking around at the decoration. It was perfect, exactly as I had envisioned.

"Wow, you're really good at what you do," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. He smiled so rarely. I should probably start recording them – seriously!

"Thanks," I responded, accepting the compliment.

"Let me introduce you to my friends," he suggested.

"Sure," I agreed. I didn't really have anyone else to hang out with, so I was up for it. We made our way back to the table where two other men were sitting, probably around his age.

He started introducing me to them. "So, Anika, meet my crazy friends. This is Rahul," I recognized him from being around during the party preparations. "Hi, Anika. You did an amazing job I must say, you've gained a loyal customer. I'll be coming to you for any parties from now on," he complimented with a smile.

That meant a lot. He was genuinely a sweet guy. "Thank you, Rahul," I replied, genuinely appreciative.

"If you're done stealing the show, then introduce me, man. Who's this lovely lady?" one of his friend Naman joked. Naman seemed similar to Aarav in terms of playfulness and energy.

"Teri hone wali bhabhi" Jai replied grabbing me by my waist, causing heat to rush to my cheeks. I looked at him and found him staring at me with the same intensity.

"Relax, dude, I wasn't about to hit on her," Naman said, raising his hands in surrender. We all laughed. I was enjoying their company. I was glad that Jai had friends who weren't just colleagues.

His friends were fun, and it seemed like we were going to get along well. We spent time getting to know each other better. They had started a marketing-related startup that had taken off, and now they were pretty well-off. Money didn't matter, though, as they didn't carry that "I have everything, you don't" attitude.

"Seriously, how are you marrying this guy?" Rahul asked, grinning.

"He can't even pull off a proper smile," Naman chimed in, nodding. We all burst into laughter, watching Jai scowl at them.

I really wished my own gang was here. It's been two years since we've all met in person. Nowadays, it's just chats and video calls. I miss my girls.

"So, shall we eat?" Jai turned to me.

"Yeah, sure, I've got to head home early," I replied. After the past two days' workload, I was ready for a relaxing bath and a solid sleep.

"Everything okay?" he asked, brushing aside the other two's banter.

"Yeah, just tired," I confirmed. The four of us headed to grab a bite. The food was amazing.

Naman and I even had a pani puri eating competition. He won, obviously – that guy had a stomach like a black hole. And before you ask, no judgments here, I really wanted to win that bet.

Rahul cracked jokes, making us all laugh, while Jai, as usual, remained his calm self. I had this feeling that he was secretly rooting for me to win, but who knows, I might be in delulu.

Once we were done, Jai casually wiped the corner of my mouth. I froze. Seriously, this guy! If you can't see me right now, just that's because I'm a puddle on the floor. We hadn't even had our first official date, and if he's giving me this kind of treatment already, then a big yes from my side.

Afterwards, as it was time to leave, I bid farewell to Rahul and Naman. I pulled out my phone to book a cab when Jai asked, "What are you doing?"

"Booking a cab," I stated.

"Why?" he probed.

"Because, genius, I need to get home."

"I'm dropping you home," he declared. I wasn't really thrilled with the idea of him being my driver every time we met.

"Nope, not happening. I'll catch a cab, and you can head straight home," I insisted.

"Yes, it is happening," he countered.

After a little back-and-forth, he scooped me up over his shoulder and marched towards his car. I was basically talking to his back the entire time, and he wasn't listening obviously.

He opened the car, deposited me in the passenger seat, and then took his place in the driver's seat.

"You do know this is a kidnapping, right?" I joked – though, truth be told, I was strangely enjoying this side of him.

"Oh, is it?" he said with a smirk.

"Listen. It's obvious that we like each other. I definitely like you. We'll go on a few dates, get to know each other. I'm pretty sure we'll end up getting married. So, let's not waste time," he said, and I had absolutely no response. I was taken aback but also kind of impressed.

From there, he was driving and I was singing, switching between Taylor Swift and Arijit Singh songs. I couldn't help but appreciate how the night had turned out.

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Love how straight forward Jai iss🤌🏼

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