Neil turned away from the window and looked at her in silence. “I know you’re bursting with love for your man, but you shouldn’t give in so soon. Make the man chase, make him beg.” His voice almost turned husky.
Tanya almost gasped as she felt the room charged up all of a sudden. She felt weird, almost uncomfortable at the intangible sensation. “B..beg?” Her grey eyes almost popped out.
“Hmm hmm.” Neil continued to look at her, his eyes hooded, his expression carefully blank.
Against her better judgment, Tanya wondered what it would take to make a man like Neil beg. Almost immediately, she shook her head out of the fanciful thoughts. Before she could speak, there was a brief knock at the door. Immediately, Ritwik entered with his laptop.
“Can we get on with the meeting? Am I interrupting something?” Ritwik’s brow furrowed when he saw the two of them in the midst of a discussion.
“Not at all. Let’s get started.” Neil gestured at the two of them to sit.
Tanya noticed Ritwik take a seat beside her. He threw some confused glances her way, almost questioning the changes silently now and then. Yet, it was Neil’s gaze whom she was conscious of. She desperately wished she could go back to that time when she felt Neil was an irritating brute.
Ritwik was dying to know what was going on in his friend’s life. He was poleaxed, as if suddenly realizing his best friend had a pair of boobs.
Yet, Tanya strived to look cool, almost detached. The ever-present ogre at work had told her to make him beg.Well, how do I do that?Tanya sipped the hot coffee and contemplated on her current situation. The meeting went on for a good two hours before the three of them moved out. When Tanya came out after finishing up with the notes, she noticed Ritwik once again standing by her desk.
“Hello, stranger.”
“Hey, yourself. What’s up?”
“No, I am not answering that. You have to tell me. So, what’s with all this change? A guy?” Ritwik’s expression turned serious.
Tanya smiled. “You could say that!”
“Who’s he? Is he safe to go out on a date with? How did you meet him?” Ritwik immediately stood up, becoming her best-friend slash protector yet again.
Tanya sighed. “Relax, I haven’t even asked him out yet.”
“What? Are you planning to make the first move? Do you even know who this guy is? How come Nitin and I haven’t heard about this mysterious boyfriend of yours? Tanya…” Ritwik’s tone was almost menacing.
Tanya put up her hand. “Wait; I will tell you all about him. All in good time.”
“Let’s see. Anyway, how about dinner? Are you free?” Ritwik’s charming grin once again came out, putting her at ease.
“Totally. When and where do I meet you?”
“I will pick you up. Wear something nice.” He stopped to give her a brief hug before walking towards the elevator.
Tanya stared at Ritwik for a moment. Her friend usually didn’t bother to pick her up, unless it was late, or her car was being serviced. Wow! This was new. She suddenly grinned as she realized she might have her dream date after all. She almost jumped up and down, twirled around, and came to an abrupt halt when she found Neil staring at her. His eyebrows rose up, although she could clearly see he was trying his best to stifle his laughter.Damn!! Not again!She almost wished she could meet Neil when she was calm and poised for once. Just once! He always managed to catch her at her most awkward moments.
“Ahem, I see that you’re celebrating something?” Neil’s lips twitched at the sight of this tiny bombshell with her goofy personality.
“Yes. Ritwik asked me out. Well, sort of.” Tanya finished with a shrug and a smile.
“Sort of?” Neil’s smile vanished at her reply.
“Yes. He asked me to have dinner with him tomorrow. He said he’d pick me up, and I have to wear something nice. Doesn’t that sound like a date?” Tanya asked eagerly.
“Perhaps.” Neil was non-committal.
“Oh, come on, don’t be a grouchy spoilsport. Aren’t you happy for me? I hope I don’t mess it up.” Tanya looked at Neil and chewed her lip in worry.
Neil simply shook his head. “You’re fine and I’m sure you can manage on your own. Let’s get back to work.”
Tanya spent the rest of the day in a daze. She texted Natasha about the date and got a few fashion tips from her friend for the evening. Before she realized, it was time for dinner. She put on a red dress and made up her face carefully. Satisfied with the results, Tanya put on her nude Louboutin wedges and opened the door. Just as she got out, she saw Ritwik park his car by her gate.
“Wow” Ritwik whistled softly at her appearance.
