Raat Akeli Hai

XVII. a jealous flirt

anupamaa :

And after forcefully taking me to a doctor, pointlessly putting a crape bandage with pain repellant spray on my ankle under the claim of "employee services" - Sumedh decided to finally escort me back home.

Yes, I had been appointed as a dance trainer with a monthly salary of 5000 USD, if you calculate that in Indian money, it's a whopping 4 lakhs.
I couldn't wait to flex about it before a certain muuch-less stalker king who had once belittled me for having less salary.

Haha.

Sumedh stopped his car before Toshu's rented house. Kinjal had joined us too.
Sumedh hopped out of the car immediately and opened the door for me. I got off and he immediately held my hand to support me.
Although I did not really need it, but since he was atleast making an effort, so I was enjoying my son giving me Princess treatment.

"Dhyan se.", He said as he supported me down to the door.
Night had fallen over the city, cool breeze blew.
For no reason at all, I had expected Vanraj Shah to be around, admiring me from afar secretly, but sadly, Toshu opened the door.

Wait.. why do I even care?
He could be back in India playing the mix of Mocambo and Hitler - why should I bother?

Nevertheless, Sumedh took me in, while Toshu stared at him awkwardly. I didn't know why exactly, was it because of his resemblance with Samar or the fact that he actually cared about his mother, something Toshu could definitely not relate to.

I was forced to lie on the bed.

"Ab aap next week se job join kar lijiye ga. Lekin only if your leg's fine. In case of delays just text me. Mera number Kinjal de degi aapko.", He said adjusting his suit.
I nodded.
He turned to leave when Toshu appeared before him.

Sumedh paused momentarily. I noticed his jaw clench. As if he had met an enemy, but he forced a fake smile and simply walked past him.

Strange.

•

vanraj :

"Oh.. and Biji forced me so much, but bolne se kya hota hai? No shaadi matlab no shaadi.", Yashpal said as I sat with him and his brother in the restaurant, over drinks.

"Yaar tum dono ki pyaar mein itni kharab kismat kaise?", I asked amused as I sipped onto my whiskey.

Yes, I'm into drinking now.
Don't inform my parents, or kids for the matter.

"Arrey aapka kaunsa bada sahi chal raha hai.", Deepu said grinning.
"Ya.. stalker ki tarah darwaze ke bahar khada rehta hai pura din. Arrey taras aa gaya mujhe tumpar.", Yashpal said grinning.
I broke into laughter with both of them.

"Kya kare.. ex bhav nehi deti.", I said, feeling unfiltered after eons.
"Yeh dard hum samjhate hai.", Deepu said laughing away his pains.
All three of us were.

We heard the door behind us open.
"Aap..", There was an awkward pause.
From the footsteps I knew, it was Anupamaa.
I turned to glance at her.
She stood stumped.

"Arrey aap yahan? Itni raat ko?", Deepu asked, looking deeply concerned.
I could tell he was falling for her.
Somehow that made me go through a terrible pang of jealousy. I remembered the exact same insecurity rise when Anuj had come around.
I knew Deepu was better, no anger issues, no periodic phases or oscillating between good and bad. His family was pitch perfect. Well to do, kind people.
No reason to reject him.