Too old.
Too tall.
Too rich.
Too out of my league.
That's Aryan Arora, the billionaire CEO for me. But apparently, he is the perfect marriage material guy according to the world's pushiest parents of mine.
Getting married was neve...
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As I approached the reserved table, I saw a girl sitting there with Tara.
Of course, she had brought a friend with her.
When Tara invited me for lunch, I couldn't refuse, given how I had promised it to her when I was busy with work last week. So, for the last few days, it had kind of become a routine between us, to sit together during the break. Go to restaurants and cafes nearby to explore.
Apparently, she was quite willing to make friends with me. Which I still found strange? But a little change of scenery during work hours couldn't hurt much, so I had agreed.
She was quite a fascinating character as well. Chattering non-stop, it felt rejuvenating to talk with her. And just listen to her. About everything and nothing. From the amusing office gossip to the weighty work projects. Maybe talkative people weren't as annoying as I judged them to be.
The only topic, we have stirred safe through: The past between her and Aryan. I was intrigued, to say the least. Why were they so secretive about it?
My thoughts were clouded with questions as I settled on the empty seat beside the mystery girl. Our table, covered in crisp white linen, was lined with polished silverware. Taking my seat on the plush, velvet-upholstered chair, I sunk into it, feeling instantly at ease.
"Ria meet Meenakshi a.k.a Mini. Mini meet Ria." Tara chimed in with hands flaring, bridging the gap of introductions.
I gave Mini a small smile, saying, "Your name sounds a little familiar."
She put her chin between her palms, resting her elbows on the table ahead, and breathed out a tired sigh, "You might have heard about me from your nightmare of husband."
The pieces of the puzzle clicked as I nodded. "Oh yes, yes. Now I remember. You are his assistant."
Again a sigh. "That would be me."
"A nightmare? Why is that?"
I picked up a glass of water, sipping it slowly to moisten my drought throat as I waited for her reply.
"He is just too demanding."
The water spurted right out of my mouth, as I choked on the remnants at her choice of double-meaning words.
I wiped my mouth with a tissue, hearing an amused laugh coming from Tara.
"I am sorry, what?" I asked, mortified, wanting to confirm if I was interpreting her words correctly.
Tara elbowed Mini and understanding dawned on her. She bellowed, "Oh god, no no. Not like that. Just the thought of it is disturbing." She shuddered, shaking her head as if clearing her mind of the image.
