Arranged Roommates

|5| Daunting Parties

"Can you please come to the point, Aryan? Stop talking in circles." I checked my watch. Only thirty minutes were left before my client presentation and I still had so much work to finish.

"Why are you always in such a hurry? I was just-"

"You have exactly five minutes to tell me what you have called for." I cut him off before he could start talking about how well both of our parents were managing the wedding preparation or how his cousin had taken up the task to set up the world's perfect DJ for the wedding reception. He had clearly called me to talk about something else but had been blabbering nonsense for the past ten minutes or so, which was not how he behaved usually. Whenever we talked over call for the past few days, it has always been short and direct.

"I have a small favour to ask." I could very well picture him running his hands through his hair. He does it a lot when he is nervous or thinking.

"Say." I put my phone on speaker, put it on the table and continued to make some last-minute changes to my presentation, typing furiously on my laptop.

"I know we decided that we will wrap up this wedding in a day but my friends have planned a cocktail pool party a few days before the wedding, it's kind of like a tradition that we follow in our group where the bride, groom and their friends have a small get together before the wedding so if you agree-"

"No."

"Please..." he sounded like a small wounded kitten.

"You know how disappointed my mom was when I told her that we wouldn't have any wedding functions. How would she feel if I tell her that we are having this pool party with your friends when we don't have time for traditional rituals?"

"I have already talked to your mom. She has agreed to it. Now, please consider it."

"Aryan, my team is working day and night on the current project. I don't want to take unnecessary leaves and be the reason for the delay in the completion of targets. The coming weeks are going to be too hectic at work."

"The party is on Saturday. You can surely manage to fit it into your schedule."

I had taken leave for next Wednesday and Thursday for the wedding, and the weekend was supposed to be my me-time, trying wedding outfits and doing other preparations.

"What are the timings?" I sighed, rubbing my eyes, feeling the tremors of a headache.

"Starts at eight in the evening. I will send you all the details."

"Showing up at eight won't be possible for me. Will it work if I reach a little late?"

"Yeah, it will be perfectly all right. Thank you for agreeing. You can send the invites to your friends as well. And I hope I am not causing too much inconvenience for you with this abrupt plan."

It was a big inconvenience since I was already juggling a lot of work, at the office and for the wedding as well but I assured him that it was fine before he thanked me once again and cut the call.

-x-

The party was in full swing when I reached the resort venue at ten. Several groups of people were clustered inside and outside the pool as they danced to some trendy Bollywood Punjabi music. I rubbed my clammy hands on my jeans, suddenly feeling anxious in such a crowded, chaotic place. Half-empty beer bottles and alcohol glasses were scattered all around the place. The mixture of people shouting the lyrics of the song and the sound of music from the loudspeakers was blaring throughout as I felt my heart thumping loudly in my ears. Just as I was still thinking about how soon I can escape his place, someone tapped on my shoulder.

I turned around to see Aryan standing there, almost half-naked in the swimming shorts and fully wet from head to toe.

He extended his hand forward for a handshake but when I put my hand in his he pulled me forward in a tight hug and whispered near my ear, "It's good to finally meet you in person, future roommate." I shivered a bit, partially from his drenched body and maybe a little from his silk-like smooth voice. But the way his words were slightly slurred I would say he was already halfway drunk.

I was too stunned to move when I realised that I had my whole body pressed against his and I could practically feel the outline of his chest muscles and abs all over my torso. I finally came to my senses after a few seconds as I returned his hug, patting his back awkwardly with one hand and putting my other hand on his chest to create some distance.

"It's good to see you too," I said, my voice muffled as my face was squished in his arms. He swayed from side to side, not breaking the hug.

I chuckled, "You can let go of me now. I promise I won't run away."

He pulled away from the hug, but took both of my hands in his, squeezing them, "I was just worried that you won't come today."

I shrugged, "I don't cancel plans last minute, like someone I know. Do you know about whom I am talking?"

He smiled sheepishly, "Thank you for coming. Are you ready-"

Before he could complete his question, a spotlight surrounded the place we were standing. I could hear the DJ's announcement of the bride's arrival as every eye in the party turned towards us. I pursed my lips not liking the sudden attention.

The music lowered and DJ hollered, "Put your hands together for our gorgeous bride-to-be, Riaaaaa." A loud cheer resonated throughout as I waved a little and gave my best fake, people-pleasing smile. I could well imagine how ridiculous I must have looked, all thanks to my dearest husband-to-be for soaking me in water when I was still fully dressed.

After a few more cheers, the music loudened again and the spotlight faded slowly. I sighed in relief as my stiff shoulders slumped.

I looked up at Aryan, clutching his hand tightly, "Please tell me you have arranged for good food because that is the only thing which is going to be my survival-essential in this loud torturous atmosphere."

He frowned, "You are not comfortable in loud places?"

I shook my head at him, "I am not comfortable in places where I have to be the centre of attraction and I loathe parties in general."

He stroked the back of my hand gently, "We have the best food and drinks. But, If you get too uncomfortable, just tell me. We will leave right away."

I nodded.

"Where are the changing rooms?" I asked, looking around.

He pointed in the direction of the changing rooms and said, "I will be waiting here. Take your time."

-x-

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