The magnificent interior of the multi stared hotel dazzled Vidhi's eyes as she entered the main chamber where their seats were reserved. She had held Anirudh's arms lightly in an aristocratic courtesy as he led her to their table. She looked up at the sprawling canopy that had ornamented their overhead. The entire place was decorated in a classy elitism and Vidhi couldn't help but notice the special treatment that the manager gave them while they arrived.
Anirudh had pulled the chair for Vidhi, making sure that she was seated comfortably, as he walked a few steps away to speak with the manager.
It was the first time in the evening that Vidhi got a full frontal view of Anirudh Roy Chowdhury. He had worn a matte black tailored suit and a black satin shirt. The first two buttons were open, giving a peek of his ripped chest muscles. His hair was neatly back-brushed and he wore a silvery watch matching with the sparkling nose-pin that Vidhi wore.
Her mind just screamed of just one word, as she saw him turn around towards her, flashing that intoxicating smile.
'Breathtaking!'
Vidhi smiled back as Anirudh returned to the table.
"You seem to know the manager quite well. So, do you come here often?"
Vidhi asked sipping the sparkling water that an attendee had poured for them.
"Um... Not that often. I'm not fond of partying." Anirudh replied.
"But, this is not a party." Vidhi turned to take a look around the chamber.
"And, it seems like we are the only guests this evening."
Anirudh smirked.
"That's because I have booked it entirely just for the two of us." He raised up his hand to beckon the attendee.
"And, the party is happening in the basement."
"Wow! What party?" Vidhi's eyes widened in excitement.
"It's for people above the legal age."
"Oh, come on Barrister! I'll be eighteen in two months... And, what if we don't get to meet after that?" She raised her eyebrow suggestively.
Anirudh smirked again.
"Someone is in hurry of getting rid of me."
"Sir, your order... Is it the usual?" The attendee came forward and asked him politely, making Vidhi swallow her answer.
"No, the special one. And a non-alcoholic champagne for the lady."
The attendee nodded his head gently and left.
"Aren't we going to the party?" Vidhi pressed the question again.
"It gets unsafe at times Miss Sengupta."
"So? Aren't you capable of keeping me safe... I thought you are!" Vidhi pouted her lips meaningfully, taking another sip of water from the glass.
"Alright. We'll see. Here, your soup has arrived."
Anirudh gestured towards the tray the attendee was carrying towards them.
Vidhi eyed the content, only one bowl of soup!
The attendee arranged the silver soup bowl nicely infront of her with matching pair of sliver ladle.
Vidhi looked up instantly, sensing the sharp uneasiness in Anirudh's eyes.
"Excuse me..." Vidhi saw the name tag on the attendee's waist coat.
"Um... Raj, Would you mind changing the bowl and the spoon please. I'd prefer something in china."
Raj immediately took the bowl up in his tray, and left.
"Thank you..." Anirudh murmured.
Vidhi smiled.
"Where's your soup?"
"Just the bourbon for me. I'm not in a mood for food really." Anirudh winked at her.
The soup had arrived in a fresh porcelain bowl and Anirudh sat infront, staring at Vidhi as she started to sip the broth happily.
"So, Barrister, tell me more about this party downstairs. When was the last time you went there?"
"Long time I'd say. But, I really didn't party-ed there... It was some sort of... You can say a business meeting." Anirudh replied.
"Also, there is another reason why I didn't plan to not take you there." Anirudh bore his gaze at her eyes.
"Why?" Vidhi murmured.
"Because..." Anirudh touched Vidhi's hand gently. "You are looking 'breathtaking' tonight... And, I don't want others to gawk at you."
The words, aided with his deep gaze instantly made Vidhi's face flush and a shade of red painted her warm cheeks.
"You look even prettier when you blush." Anirudh hushed, as he pressed her hand lightly with his, making a sharp shiver run down her spine.
Vidhi gasped sharply, letting out the question abruptly infront of him.
"Can we go to the basement now?"
Anirudh smirked at her nervous words.
"In a while. Your main course is arriving."
Vidhi eat her food quietly as Anirudh kept staring at her.
"You don't have to look at me like that you know, I'm not able to eat." Vidhi finally kept her spoon aside and remarked.
"Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel awkward... It's just just I can't take me eyes off you."
Anirudh smiled.
The evening rolled smoothly with a perfect concoction of sweetness with occasional sensuality as suddenly an unexpected clamour broke the peaceful serenity of their company.
They both turned around towards the source of the humdrum as a lady's sharp voice echoed in the chamber.
"I don't care if the owner or the prime minister is sitting inside... I want to use the restroom here... Not in the basement, not in the floor above, but here!" The lady yelled sharply at the staff.
"Raj... Please let her in!"
Anirudh called out to the attendee as the lady turned her gaze towards the voice who gave the orders.
She bypassed the staff and walked straight towards Anirudh, completely ignoring Vidhi's presence.
"Whom do I see...! Barrister Roy Chowdhury himself... In his mind and body!" The lady came dangerously close to Anirudh as he stood up immediately faking a smile at her.
"Sorry I don't recall..."
"How would you... You were sooo drunk and... " The lady pressed a vicious smile in her lips as she eyed Vidhi with a quick subtlety.
"I don't think I've been drunk ever... That too, in this hotel and infront of someone like you!" Anirudh remarked sharply moving her hand from him arm.
"Ouch... That hurts!" The lady pouted her lips. "I'm Monica... Monica Sharma. You caught me Barrister, you weren't drunk by I was!"
"You are now as well." Anirudh sat down on his chair. "Now, if you would please excuse us. We're in a middle of a conversation." He turned his eyes towards Vidhi and exhaled sharply.
Monica Sharma eyed Vidhi with a snarled look this time, and then let out a loud sigh before leaving the two alone.
Vidhi narrowed her eyes.
"Who was that?"
"Some random woman. I don't think I know her." Anirudh replied finishing the last sip from his glass of golden bourbon.
"So, you wanted to see the party right, let's go!"
Vidhi jumped up in delight. She had never been to a club or a high profile private party before. And, the idea of experiencing such a party along with the strikingly handsome man sitting infront of her make it look even more irresistible.
She quickly got up from her chair and Anirudh let her slide her hands in his arms, as he guided her towards the elevator.
"So, what kind of party are we talking about? Drugs?" Vidhi asked stepping inside the elevator.
"You'll see... And, we don't do drugs in this hotel... That's illegal here in India." Anirudh replied politely.
"What do you mean by 'WE' don't do drugs?" Vidhi expression changed at his words.
"I meant, this is my hotel, and we don't do anything illegal here!"
"Wow! You won this hotel? Like seriously!" Vidhi moved a few steps back, gauging Anirudh, as she exhaled out the question.
"I have a partner. But, yes. I own this hotel." He smiled.
"Listen Miss Sengupta. I'm taking you inside. But, a few rules.
Don't talk to strangers.
Don't drink anything without my knowledge.
And don't look directly into anyone's eyes.
Alright?"
Vidhi moved her hand up to her forehead forming a salute as her words made both of them smile brightly.
"Yes Sir."