Chapter 6 - Movie date

For a week, I didn't see him. Was I hoping to bump into Ishaan again? Maybe.

I was preoccupied with my work. Though he used to pop up in my mind quite frequently. I had already stalked him on social media, but I was hesitant to add him as a friend. Men, in my opinion, should make the first move. That is how old fashioned I am. Since that day, I had not heard from him. I had not heard from him since that day. I had not given him my number. He didn't ask. I wondered if ever thought of me. On Friday, I turned off my computer, ecstatic at the possibility of finally having a weekend. It was an unfamiliar number that buzzed my phone. From the opposite side, a deep voice spoke.

"Hello, I hope your small feet have recovered from your strenuous hiking," says the narrator.

"Excuse me, who is this?"

"Your chauffeur," he said.

"What?"

"Well, I did give you a ride, so I'm technically your chauffeur."

My heart began to race out of nowhere "Ishaan It's you, right? How did you get my phone number?"

"I emotionally blackmailed Gaurav," he said.

I had a good laugh "You didn't have to do it. You could've just asked me “.

"Hmmm, I'll keep this in mind the next time."

"So, what was the pressing need that prompted you to seek my phone number?"

"Actually, I'm looking for a favour. I really want to see this movie, but I don't have anyone to go with.”

"What happened to Gaurav?" I inquired.

He replied bemusedly. "Why would anyone agree to spend their valuable Friday night with me when they might be spending it with their girlfriends?"

"So why don't you do the same?" I spoke.

"I'd love to, but I'm currently single and have no one to mingle with."

He didn't have a girlfriend at the time!!! My heart flipped backwards.

"Wait a minute, you said now. You mean you've done it before?"

He burst out laughing "It's best to leave the sleeping dogs alone. Will you please join me at the movie tonight?"

I was out of the office and on my way home at this point.

"Are you asking me out, Ishaan?" I inquired.

"No, I'm asking you out as a friend who will gladly accept another friend's invitation."

"Hmm, I would have chosen the former, but I'll go with you anyhow," I said.

He laughed "That's fantastic! Let's meet in 20 minutes at your place."

"No way! Not so fast, my friend. I haven't even arrived at my house yet, yet I need to prepare."

"20 minutes," he said before hanging up.

I was still in awe of myself "Why did I consent? Why was I flirting with him in the first place? What's the matter with me?"

He brought out the wild child in me in some way. I dashed home and hurriedly gathered all of my best outfits. I rummaged among the pile, unsure of what to put on. I chose a black skirt and a white silk blouse as my outfit. I brushed my hair and hastily fixed up my face in the best way I could. When the phone rang, I was just about to finish. My heart stopped for a moment when I opened the door. He looked gorgeous in a chequered shirt and pants.

"To say it's hot is an understatement. He's a raging inferno. "I pondered.

His eyes twinkled, and he smiled appreciatively. I invited him inside. Swati had already entered the living room. Her eyes were about to jump out in surprise when she saw Ishaan.

"Hello Swati," he said.

"Hello, what have you two been up to?" Looking at us, she said.

"Movie, we're going to see a movie," I exclaimed quickly.

"When did you decide to make a movie?"

"It was only 20 minutes ago."

Swati's pupils constricted. "Oh, no! So that's why you were running about, but whatever the case may be, have fun.”

I walked away with Ishaan, who was smirking.

"Phew! I wonder what will Swati think" I said.

He said "Why? she doesn't approve of me?"

"I generally tell her everything I'm doing. This came out of nowhere. It was also a little too abrupt for me. How did you decide to see a movie on the spur of the moment? You could have told me sooner."

"To tell you the truth, I was hoping to see you again. I decided to make it happen myself since I didn't see it happening on its own."

"Really?? But at the very least, you should have informed me ahead of time."

"I agree, it slipped my memory because I had a busy week."

We'd gotten close to his car by then.

"Wait, you drive a freaking BMW?" I was on the verge of screaming.

Ishaan pushed open the door and motioned for me to take a seat.

He cocked his head. "Why? You didn't like it?" He appeared to be deeply insulted.

"Hell no! who can dislike a BMW? Seriously what do you do to afford this?"

He laughed "I got it by honest means I can assure you that and she’s, my baby."

"Men," I rolled my eyes.

"To be honest, I have no idea who you are." I stated.

He laughed "I will answer all your queries shoot off."

"Ok, for a start what do you do?"

"Like you, I'm a computer engineer. I received my master's degree from MIT. I had only been back for a month when I met you in Mumbai. Technically, I'm doing nothing right now! My father wants me to run his company. But I have something else in mind. I spend my free time playing video games."

I was speechless as I stared at him. He was intelligent and most likely extremely wealthy!

"Do you have any other plans?"

"I want to build a gaming firm of my own. In fact, I'm working on it right now. A prototype has already been created."

"Ah! Gaming! You've started talking now. My ambition is to work as a game developer. “I stated.

He gave me a shocked look "Where have you been all of my life? I'm thinking of hiring you."

"Nah! You won't be able to afford me" I replied stretching out on the seat.

He burst out laughing.

"So, you're starting a business?" I inquired.

"You may refer to it as such."

"How come you are so relaxed? I mean you are not like those perpetually busy CEOs?"

Ishaa burst out laughing "When I'm working, I'm quite busy, but I also know when to unwind and enjoy myself. Why work for the rest of your life?"

"Will you show me your prototype?"

"Of course! Anytime" He replied.

I gave him a friendly smile as he drove. Perhaps Swati was correct. I was still dazed. Ishaan was way out of my league: he was wealthy, attractive, and well educated. Why was he wasting his time with me, I couldn't figure out? We arrived at the theatre. He had purchased gold-class tickets to see the Avengers. I gave him a wry grin.

"I had no idea you liked superheroes."

"I adore them," he exclaimed, his face beaming like a child.

Even Chris Hemsworth couldn't take my attention away from the Adonis sitting next to me as we watched the movie in silence. My mind was racing with questions, some directed at Ishaan, and some directed at myself. I liked him, but I didn't want to risk losing my heart in this. Following the film, which was entirely platonic. We had supper and he didn't even try to touch my hand. He took me back in his car.

He stated "This evening, you've been unusually silent. What's going through your mind?"

"I'm just exhausted..."

"Is that all?"

"Ishaan, why would a guy like you spend time with a girl like me?"

"Why? What's the matter with you?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing stands out about me in comparison to you. You know, you're this super successful guy who can hang out with any girl. Why am I here?"

"Is that's what bothers you? "

He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ears sending shivers down my spine when his hands accidentally brushed my cheeks.

"Because I enjoy spending time with you. With you, I can be myself.”

He came to a halt near my house. I inquired before descending "Ishaan, I have one more question for you. Have you ever been in love?"

He appeared to be amused. "I don't believe in love, Aarya.”

"Neither do I," I grinned.

He grinned and remarked, "No wonder we get along so well."

He winked and said, "Good night, Aarya."

"Good night, Ishaan," I said.

I waved him off till I couldn't see his car anymore.