Destined

Ram Kapoor

Ram

It took merely a few days for the deal to come through. The project had been handed over to Kapoor Urban and a celebratory dinner had been organised at the Kapoor farmhouse. Aditya, Ram's friend and employee, had invited various business personalities, including Shashi and his wife, Vedika, on Ram's insistence. Brinda, Aditya's wife, Brinda accompanied him.

Ram Kapoor stood among several important business personalities, conversing about future possible collaborations with various industrial companies. He looked devilishly good-looking in a crisp white shirt paired with cigarette black trousers, a black blazer and formal shoes. He'd kept his beard well-trimmed and hair styled neatly. Although in a conversation with a business associate, Ram's eyes strayed toward the crowd. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he was looking for Vedika.

Ram's eyes scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But instead, he was met with Brinda's disapproving glance. Ram went over to Adi and Brinda. Before Brinda could get a word in, Ram gave her a bone-crushing hug and said, "I missed you so much, Jaan". Brinda's anger dissipated immediately and she wrapped her arms around him. "I missed you too, Jaan". Adi smiled inwardly looking at their exchange. He was glad for a wife like Brinda and a friend like Ram. The cherry on top was Ram taking an instant liking to Brinda. He considered her as his sister. Ram let go of Brinda while she fixed his slightly ruffled hair.

Suddenly, Adi nudged Brinda in the direction of the dance floor. Seeing this, Ram turned around and the sight that greeted him made his heart drop. Shashi and Vedika were on the dance floor, dancing too close for Ram's liking. 'You have no right over her, she isn't your wife' Ram chided himself. Shashi whispered something in Vedika's ear and she threw her head back and let out a laugh. He felt his heart break into a million pieces. Before Ram could witness anything more, Brinda dragged him towards the banquet with Adi tagging along.

"Jaan, you have to try the Butter Chicken, it's to die for. And the caramel custard is out of this world". Brinda exclaimed. She hoped that the enormous spread in front of them would distract him from Vedika, but a tight-lipped smile was all she received. She sighed in frustration and said, "Ram, it's been eight years. She dumped you for that sorry excuse of a man. Can you please stop being a lovesick puppy after her?! You deserve much better than her. And I'll make sure you do find someone!" But she couldn't even blame Ram. It wasn't his fault that he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend. And somewhere, Vedika too had a soft corner for Ram. And Shashi always took advantage of this weakness of theirs, be it thanking the gods for a wife like Vedika in front of him or getting close to her.

Ram blinked his eyes continuously to rid them of tears. He knew his friends cared for him, but right now, he wished he was alone. But Ram was too polite to say so. As if sensing his plans to wallow in his misery, Adi dipped a piece of naan in the butter chicken and stuffed it in Ram's mouth. Ram was just about to reprimand him when his expression changed to that of a surprise. He gobbled up the rest of the butter chicken and naan that Adi had served him. Adi and Brinda looked at each other and guffawed at his actions. Brinda was glad she could finally distract him from Vedika.  She was determined to find a suitable life partner for Ram, one that would be with him in all stages of life.

Ram, Adi and Brinda returned to the party, only to find Shashi and Vedika approaching them. Brinda and Adi let out a groan while Ram's eyes lit up at the sight of his ex-girlfriend. Vedika was dressed in a deep red sleeveless jumpsuit paired with a golden-buckled belt and black pumps. Her hair was let down with the ends curled. A choker adorned her neck and black hoops dangled in her ears. She'd put on a smoky eyeshadow, a faint blush and her lips were laced with a bold colour of red. Ram greeted her saying, "Hi Vedu, you look really beautiful today". To make things slightly less awkward, Brinda piped in, " And Shashi, you look quite handsome. That red suit looks fetching on you". That was an absolute lie. Red was not Shashi's colour at all. If anything, it made him look more hideous than usual. Adi concealed his laughter with coughs and excused himself to the restroom.

Vedika thanked Ram for his compliment. In an attempt to make Ram jealous, Shashi slid his hand across his wife's waist and said, " Vedika baby, I have yet to introduce you to Mr Mehra. He's quite excited to meet my gorgeous wife". Vedika knew what her husband was up to and she was clearly not on board with his idea of making Ram jealous. If anything, she looked even more uncomfortable with Brinda's angry eyes on her. Vedika looked at Ram apologetically and he just nodded in return. This exchange didn't go unnoticed by Brinda. Brinda balled her fists and clenched her teeth; it was all she could do to not punch Vedika and her husband in the face. Ram felt his throat constrict and tears threatening to spill. Brinda dragged Ram away from the couple looked and wiped the stray tears from his eyes. She hugged Ram and beckoned Adi over to hug him as well, to which he obliged.