Part 8 | Just Friends

KARTIK

It was Sunday and I currently was returning from the resort site. After Naira's presentation a week ago, I had meetings lined up regarding the finances for the project , documentation, registrations and other legal stuff the entire week. So the site visit had to be today. I want the resort construction to kick start as soon as possible.

I wanted to ask Naira if she would accompany me to the site today but then dropped the idea. Why? Because I have a younger sibling who is always ready to ruin my plans!!

Rudy stood at the doorstep sharp at 9 in the morning to take her to the basketball ground. she had promised to play a freaking match with him.

Even Today's breakfast was uneventful. He kept ranting about his iconic game tales and Naira was keenly listening to him all the time.

How does she even find it interesting?

Zero attention towards me!

Rudra plays national as well international leagues. He's an average student when it comes to academics, but he is exceptionally good in the sport. He started playing for the district level at the age of 17 and continued taking it up as a profession. Mom initially didn't agree but dad convinced her. He has racks arranged with his trophies and quite a huge fan following. Honestly I am proud of him, all that he has achieved and where he stands today, is because of his own efforts and determination.

He is flirty and juviol type of a person, but I had warned him this morning when Naira went to change, better he not flirt with naira, specially because I will not be around her.

Whatever be it, she is my wife.

I, kind of, like being around Naira but I don't want to look desperate. All my worries and tension seem to ease out when she is around. I am being more of myself around her.

It was about 7 pm when I reached home. As I walked in, I saw her in the kitchen aisle. I removed my blazers and flipped it carelessly on the couch. I made my way towards her rolling up the sleeves of my shirt. She had an apron on with her hair tied in a high messy bun as she focused on chopping the veggies.

" Missed me ? " I whispered from behind. She dropped the knife startled.

" Kartikk... " she whined before slightly slapping my arms," I told you not to do that. " I chuckled standing behind her.

" Do you need some help with that? " I asked as I saw her struggling to reach the flour packet that was in the top shelf.

Short girls problem I suppose !

She gave me a sharp glare.

Did I say it out loud?

I guess so...

" Let me help you " she refused.

" no thanks Mr.Oberoi! I can manage. " I rolled my eyes and she stood on the tip of her feet trying to reach the packet.

" Naira listen... "

Let me tell you, sometimes she is way too stubborn.

She groaned when she couldn't reach the packet. I smirked and moved closer to her and reached the packet. She abruptly turned brushing her arms against mine, her hands then rested on my chest as she looked up at me. Staring at her for a good few seconds, I moved back handing her the packet.

Not wanting to make the moment awkward I started a casual conversation.

" How was your day? " I asked her as I took a piece of carrot she had just finished chopping and munched it.

" Awesome!! " She grinned turning entirely towards me as I leaned against the slab, a few steps away from her.

" You know I scored 4 baskets successively and.... " She enthusiastically described every details. I noticed the constant smile on her face as she spoke.

Seeing her happy, made me feel contented.

" It really felt good to play after so long... I enjoyed it " I smiled at her.

As she kneaded the dough, she was trying to remove the disturbing tresses that kept falling on her face by blowing it. I moved closer to her face and tucked the strand behind her ears. She smiled at me.

" How did the site visit go? " She asked.

Boring !

" Good, Just the usual...." she nodded at me.

I pointed at the bit of dry white flour that covered a side of her temple. She rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand, adding more flour instead of wiping it off. I giggled and wiped the flour with my thumb.

I quickly pecked on her cheeks as she kept her face titled towards me. I love how her cheeks flushed everytime I teased her.

" I will go change and come. " grabbing my blazer I went to my room.

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

Next day

" Fix the meeting tomorrow, Maybe post lunch..." Tina nodded at me as she typed the meeting list in the iPad.

" What else for today? " I asked her as I sipped on my coffee.

" That's all for Today Sir. " I looked at my watch. It was only 5 in the evening.

"I have mailed you the minutes of today's meeting. " she added.

" Okay then, you can leave."

" Good day Sir " she left my cabin.

Since my schedule was free and It was only 5, I decided to pickup Naira from her office Today. It was just a 20 minutes drive to her office.

Wouldn't she be surprised to see me at her office? Grabbing my car keys and Mobile I made my way towards my car and drove to her office.

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

NAIRA

" Ms. Basu, here is a visitor waiting for you. Unofficial purpose he says. " Kiki, The receptionist informed over phone.

Who could it be?

" Let them know I am on my way down. Thanks kiki "

Stretching my arms I grabbed my stuffs and packed my handbag. My cabin was pretty spacious, the interiors obviously done by Aditi. To sum up my cabin, A leather rolling chair which had a fluffy blanket thrown on top and modern desk beside the window was where I usually worked, There was also a drawing board beside my desk.

Two white couches sat at the corner facing the door, a pair of abstract paintings hung down the opposite walls. In the other corner of my cabin rested a book shelf that contained all my important architectural books that I have collected since College.

I closed the door and went down to the lobby. As soon as my eyes fell on the person sitting on the couch, I grinned. Six feet tall with an athletic body, his beard trimmed and brown hair making him all the more attractive.

" Jason !!! "

" Hey Sunshine! " I hugged him.

" You will never stop calling me that! Will you? " I faked an angry look at him.

I met Jason during at my UG college. He studied Investigation Journalism and did his PG in abroad. He is a Crime journalist.

" Nope, Never! You were the one who showed me light when I was drowned in darkness. So you will always remain my sunshine! " I slapped my forehead.

" As far as I remember this the 999th time you are telling me this!" He laughed and looped his arms around my shoulders as we walked towards the entrance.

Back then at college, Jason was my only bestfriend besides Aditi and Dhruv. I was friendly and easy going but I had a minimal friends Circle.

My dad's words: Quality matters than quantity! One true friend is worth more than a crew of fakes.

I learnt it from my dad.

The first time I met Jason, was at the playground. You got it right, he was part of boy's basketball team. In the college, Anyone who saw him believed he was doing good, but he wasn't really... he suffered from depression.

His mother cheated on his father following which they had a divorce when he was 7 years old. His Father was a wealthy man but he broke after Jason's mom left him. He drowned in his miseries, found comfort in drinks, Neither did he focus on his career nor on his son, which left Jason to spend his childhood all alone, without love and care.

Jason managed to pursue his entire studies, both UG and PG, with the scholarship he had earned. He was quite a brilliant student, excellent in academics and pretty much an amazing speaker.

He never had friends in his school, way too silent to be even noticed. He was bullied by his fellow mates, since his mother eloped with some other man. Bunch of Inhuman Idiots!

It was on one such day match day in our early first year, post match he had a sudden panic attack and I found him unconscious in the dressing room. I rushed him to the hospital and that's when he opened up to me about his past. I still remember that night when he asked me if I would leave him after knowing his past.

He needed a friend and I promised to be one.

I introduced him to Aditi and soon we three became pretty close. I encouraged him to start opening up to people, since no one knew his past he wouldn't be bullied or criticised. He will be treated normally, like everyone. I told him not to let his past define him, he has the present to live, to enjoy.

Soon he started coming out of his bubble, he mingled with people. I accompanied him to support groups. I took time but he overcame his depression by the end of second year. He represented the college in various speaking platforms. His project on Child abuse was even published in international magazines.

" When did you come from Italy? " I asked him.

He works for a Big firm here but atleast for half of the year you can't find him in the country. Most of his project requires travelling across nations investigating and collecting real-life crime Stories

" Just yesterday. This is for you " he gave me a paper bag.

" What did you get me this time? " I giggled shaking the bag. He always gets me something or the other whenever he travel to other countries.

" Go home and find out for yourself!" He replied.

"When's your next trip? " I questioned.

" Girl! I Just came home yesterday and you are kicking me out already! What a friend you are!! " He gave me a dramatic sigh to which I rolled my eyes.

" This time it's long, I will be staying here for a year or more... " He chirped.

" That's great!! " We shared a hi-fi.

" Shall we visit the home of hope sometime around? It's been so long, more than months. " He asked.

During College days Jason used to accompany me everytime I visited the home. He's quite familiar with that place and the people.

" Sure!! Maybe sometime next month. I will let you know." I smiled at him.

" Anytime, I am ready! " He said.

" Dinner next week, Dhruv and Aditi will also join us... we have a lot to catch up. " he nodded with a yes. It felt really good to see him again, after months.

" Is someone waiting for you? " Jason pointed behind me.

Waiting for me?

I turned back and stood confused seeing the person before me.

" Kartik?? "

What is he doing here?

Before I could speak, Jason asked " You know him? He's been waiting for long I think."

" I..yeah.. He is... my Friend! " Just as words left my mouth, I mentally slapped myself.

You should have introduced him as your husband...

I know... I Just...

Kartik looked at me, I felt his jaw clench for a second before he forced a small smile.

"By the way, I am Jason. Nice to meet you."

" Kartik... " he shook hands with Jason.

" I thought of giving you a ride back home, but I guess you are busy...." Kartik spoke in a plain voice.

He's here for me!?

" No No... We were just leaving." Jason said and turned towards me.

" I missed you sunshine! " with that he hugged me.

" Me too " I said, patting his shoulders.

" Got to go... See you next week. " He got into his car and I waved at him.

I turned towards Kartik and was about to tell him I was sorry for keeping him waiting.

" Get in ! " simply saying he walked to the other side of his car and got in.

**********

So Here's the update!

what do you think about Jason's entry?

Sorry guys couldn't update early,

Had a busy week :(

The next update will be updated really soon So stay tuned!

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