‘When people say wear something, they mean clothes, not dots,’ Shahana giggled into my ear as she glanced at Diti. Her freshly painted fingernails glittered crimson when she covered her laughter behind them. Suchita frowned and walked away with her glass to stand by Diti who, oblivious of the giggles, was conversing with Jasmeet. Diti sparkled in a skin-hugging, skin-colored garment that accentuated her every curve. Under the low light, the top’s mirror-work around her delicious cleavage resembled starlight shimmering from her very being. Her full-length black skirt enhanced the suspicion that she floated across the pub.
Shahana was kind enough to keep her voice low. Tushar was the most embarrassed of it all. He stood beside Shahana, a half finished beer-mug in hand, a little hunched. His feet shuffled nervously, as if he couldn’t stand still. It must be hard to see your little sister the sexiest of them all.
Suchita, who wore a flowing strappy peacock-colored gown, led Diti into the Ladies room as the song playing lost steam. Jasmeet took a long slow swig of his drink, his silver-metal watch glinting in the occasional flicker of light. He looked after them with unmasked hunger. His stubbled jaw set tight. Tushar moved, signaling Shahana to accompany him. She might have complied out of pity. His face was a noticeable red, even in the dim light. They prevailed over Jasmeet - Shahana leaning close, brushing a hand against his to start a conversation, bending close to his ear and laughing endearingly at his joke until Jasmeet was under her spell; until the girls came back.
We headed for the private alcove Jasmeet had booked for tonight’s dinner party. It was his treat after all. He wore a sparkling white shirt, his solid hair curling at the edges. He’d finally got that coveted promotion. There was an exaggerated swagger to his walk. It was his day: and his evening, what with all the ladies fawning on him except Suchita.
Her eyes flitted from Tushar to Shahana - observing how he bent into her neck to say something after which she ordered Sex on the Beach. Another mug of beer was loosening him up, especially since Suchita had handed her stole to Diti and Jasmeet was sitting close on the other side of Shahana. Separated from Diti by the dark mahogany table on which food arrived promptly enough - the added barrier.
Thick maroon curtains blocked off all miscellaneous din. Instead, slow soothing violins played for sensory pleasure. The kind that assure you that you’re completely and utterly alone in life and encourage the taking up of another drink, a cigarette. Jasmeet handed the packet of ciggies round while a waiter conjured a lighter from his pocket.
Kadhai chicken, shahi paneer, dal fry arrived with a basket of rotis.
“Who’s up for another round of drinks?” Jasmeet swept his gloating eyes along the circle of women. Suchita and Diti settled on a couple of tequila shots. Quick, dry and hard-hitting. Tushar regaled for another beer.
“You’re keeping awfully quiet, Aardarsh.” Diti’s eyes, happy with drink and heady with self-love, turned to me alongwith her unblemished smile.
“There’s way too much action for words tonight.”
“He’s biding his time to get Shahana regardless of how she’s teasing your J.” Suchita broke in, leaning confidentially, her eyes radiant in the soft hue of the smoky room.
“That’s something you’re doing.” She smiled as she raised a toast to success with our respective conquests; a smile that recognizes a kindred relentless spirit.
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