<< NATASHA >>
Small golden bells chimed as the edge of the door made contact with it. I pushed the door further letting myself in the Barista. The scent of hot fresh cocoa filled my nostrils, refreshing my senses from the laziness earlier. It was the weekend so I decided to whisk the day away with some studying. I was on my way to grab an empty table at the corner when someone called my name. I grimaced.

I turned towards the source of the voice to see two girls from my class— A healthy girl with a short hair known as Shivani and Devki, the girl with a ponytail. Judging by the menus between their hands, it seemed they only arrived a few minutes ago. I approached them but stood there, instead of sitting down. We exchanged formal pleasantries.

“What brings you here?” Devki was the first one to ask.

“Nothing special. Was getting bored at home so thought I'd come here and study,” I half lied, gesturing my finger towards my black backpack.

The girls looked at me like I was insane. Perhaps, I was. I mean what were the odds someone would spend their weekend with books. That too, when it wasn't semester time. It wasn't like I spent every weekend studying. I just felt like it for a change of mood. Devki continued, “Wow, you are one dedicated student. No wonder you fetch good numbers. We don't even bother touching the book before the week of the exam.”

“Me neither,” Shivani chided along. She glanced between me and herself, widening her eyes for a split second, as if remembering something. “Hey, join us, will you? We are just about to order.”

Devki nudged her friend, “She might wanna study. Don't bother.”

“Oh, come on! A little company wouldn't hurt,” she insisted, looking over me for confirmation.

“Only if you pay for me,” I reasoned with a serious face then laughed. “Just kidding, chicks. I have cash,” I added, grabbing an empty chair to their table. Guess a little company won't hurt.

The three of us were scanning our eyes through the brown menu when a gasp escaped Shivani's lips. Upon diverting my attention to her, I noticed her gaze glued to a certain spot across the cafe. I followed her line of sight to find nothing in particular. I eyed her in question.

“He's here,” she whispered, bringing the menu near her lips.

“Who? Kartik Aryan,” Devki replied sarcastically while still looking over the menu. I scoffed.

“No, yaar,” Shivani groaned, “My acquaintance. He studies in the same college as us. Remember the one at a fashion walk in our annual fest last year.”

“There were many who showed up at that ramp walk, Shivani. Tell us his name,” Devki asked, a little impatient this time.

“It's Rithik Arora.”

The three of us froze for a split second before whirling our heads to the owner of the voice that wasn't Shivani. Standing behind her chair was a young man in his red and black uniform, shooting us a smug look. I froze momentarily.

It was him. It really was him. What was with the bizarre chain of coincidences today? Maybe I'd actually see Prime Minister Modi next.

A smile spread across Shivani's face at the familiar face of her acquaintance. “Hi, there!”

“Hi Shiv,” he greeted, his voice raw and deep, just as I remembered. He smiled back, a few lines forming besides his lips. “I was just serving drinks when I happened to see you. Thought I'd dropped by.”

“So you work here now.”

It was me who questioned this time. Curse my big, fat mouth for opening at all.

“Part time. Just joined last week,” He answered, casually. He then surprised us further by dragging an empty chair to our side and sitting on it. “Shh, don't let the boss know. I'm just here for a while.”

“No worries. It must be tiring, standing all the time. Uh—” Shivani emphasized with him, then glanced at me and Devki, who were silent. She blinked quickly as if remembering something important. What a forgetful person. “Let me introduce you to my classmates. This is Devki and this is Natasha.”

Natasha, the bitch! She should have added.

Rithik extended his hand towards me, a small smile plastered on his lips. “Hi, Natasha. Nice to meet you.”

Filthy liar!

“Likewise.” I returned his handshake, not at all bothering myself with how big his palm felt on mine. Then he repeated the same gesture with Devki.

Rithik conversed with us briefly, mainly talking about his college and his newfound job while I listened to him like a background music. Surprising, how he didn't even try to initiate a conversation with me. Either he was ignorant or maybe he forgot about my colorful existence. I refused to believe I could be that insignificant.

Barely three minutes later, he heard his name being called. He gritted his teeth for being busted. He flashed one of his trademark, lopsided smiles before rushing off to work. I remained as cool and collected as I could be, while internally, drooling like a fangirl.

Rithik Arora. The one and only man who rejected me.

It had been six months since that night. Six months and he was still killing it with his looks, damn him!

His black hair was voluminous with a few strands standing up. He had thick eyebrows, small but sharp black eyes, a long nose and medium sized pink lips that begged for attention. The slight facial hair around his jaw only added up to this rugged look. Now I thought about it, I never actually saw him clean shaved. As for the rest of him-- Let's just say if he worked out everyday then his body hell damn showed it. Even in his full clothed uniform, one could notice the way the shirt hugged his broad physique. Imagine how he would look without it. The thought alone made my toes curl. But that wasn't the only thing. His personality was just as attractive. The way he spoke— laid back, friendly with a hint of dominance. I could tell that from the number of times I've seen and talked to him.

Those were some of the reasons why he was in the top spot under the list of guys I wanted— guys from my university. That was last year though. Not now. I had long cut off his name after that party.

I replaced my seat with a corner one after Devki and Shivani left. I opened my books and got down to my own tug of war between books and distractions. At times, my gaze would slip off the page to my mobile to check my notifications. At other times, I would pause to observe the handsome hunk working. It was weird. Whenever Rithik wasn't within my sight, I would go back to studies, but the moment he returned, my eyes would snap back to him. He didn't need to announce his presence. It's like I had a freaking 'hot guy' antenna above my head.

Although I did my best to avert my eyes whenever Rithik turned my way but unfortunately, I was caught once. Before I knew, he was heading over to my seat.

“Miss Patil,” he addressed formally. “Would you like some refreshments to go along with these... endless streams of words?”

I raised a questionable brow at him. “I don't recall Shivani ever mentioning my surname.”

The 'busted' expression written on his face made me wanna smirk back at him but I restrained. I was in no intention to get friendly with this man. Don't get me wrong. I didn't hold any resentment. Not now anyway, but I didn't want him to misunderstand I followed him here. I didn't want to come across as needy when I wasn't.

“She mentioned her friend's surnames afterwards. You must have missed it. Anyway, would you like to have something?”

How about, 'you'? I was about to say just to tease him, but I stopped my hoè tongue just in time. I gauged over the menu even though I knew what I wanted. After torturing him enough, I said, “One paneer sandwich with cheese and one café latte.”

“Coming right back,” With that he quickly disappeared into the kitchen.

A hot punk delivering coffee, exclusively for you— Not bad, Natasha. Atleast I gained something out of him. Being rejected made my prideful self realize you couldn't have everything you desired. Some guys were simply meant to be admired from afar and he was one of them. After all, the grass was a lot greener on the other side. Rithik tried to make a small talk with me but I stayed clipped, only giving him two word answers. He soon gave up, going back to his work.

An hour later, I lost the tug of war with my books as I grew weary. I carried my tired ass towards the exit when I noticed Rithik bidding farewell to his peers at the gallery, leading to the kitchen. I couldn't avert my eyes after seeing him in a casual attire— A light grey shirt and olive loose pants. I let out a sigh. Here I was trying to prove I wasn't after him, but looks like the wicked cupid was out to fuck my brain today.

He caught me staring at him yet again but instead of returning back his smile, like he thought I would, I exited the café. Smooth.

The powerful sun rays descended on the ground. I blinked a few times to get used to the daylight. Endless vehicles made a beeline on the roads, their horns disturbing my ears. The humidity stenched the city further which only increased my urge to run back home, to Thane and be sheltered by the cool air of the A/C.

I moved my shoulders halfway to take a last look at the café. Big mistake. I noticed Rithik walking with one hand buried in his pocket. It took me another second to realize he was walking towards my direction.

I did what any normal girl wouldn't do— I chose to continue walking.

How's that for the burn in your ego, hunk? I smirked to myself and reached the end of the footpath to turn left.

I continued walking but curiosity got the better of me as I urged to look behind once again. I guess the instinct lady was on me. I didn't think he'd be out there to follow me. Like what were the odds? I'd just take a quick peek and...

You got to be kidding me!

It was indeed Rithik in flesh and blood, behind me. Not only that but he was looking at me, while keeping a good distance of ten feet between us.

I whirled my head to the front as I felt something drop at pit of my stomach. Instead of scowling, like I thought I would, something else threatened to escape my lips. A smile. The thought of someone (who was hot I may add) watching me from behind thrilled and embarrassed me all the same. Perhaps he was checking out my ass. I bit my lip in anticipation. Something was clearly wrong with me if I was taking the whole situation in a cute way. Then again, I never believed to be right in my head. Realistically, it wasn't possible for a guy who rejected you to suddenly show interest in you now. But he was indeed looking at me, like I was Halley's comet. Stop the dramatics, Natasha!

I turned back again a minute later, only to raise a brow in surprise. He had his sunglasses on.

Apparently, Rithik was on a call with someone while his other hand was still tucked inside his pocket. It appeared like he caught my gaze— honestly, I couldn't tell with his sunglasses on— but then his paralyzed mouth turned into a full blown grin. Way to tease, Mr hunk.

I turned to my front, pressing my handbag against my stomach. I pressed my lips inwardly, fighting off the urge to smile but was failing miserably.

Alas, our moment was short-lived as we almost reached the end of the lane. I stood at the edge of the zebra crossing, waiting for the pedestrian signal to turn green. That's when my loyal ears picked up Rithik's faint voice, turning my heart up to a notch. Second after second, his voice became louder along with the beating of my heart. I nearly held my breath when he stopped to my right.

“I'm beside the signal, dumbfuck! Be quick,” Rithik spoke to the speaker, his tone authoritative. This might be the first time I heard him cuss. He sighed annoyingly but ended up laughing, probably at something the speaker said. Then he started about the day in general.

“If only that geezer would raise my allowance a little... Right...” He continued speaking when he slightly moved his head towards my direction, suddenly making me conscious. Not wanting to be an attention seeker, I decided to stare at the road ahead. “You know I stumbled across a weird customer today. A young woman in black- white top and black leggings. She looked gorgeous. Not many customers show up during my shift so I'd say it was worth it...”

There was a pause as Rithik turned his attention to me while I looked at him. His eyes were dancing with mischief while I was sure I looked like a wuss with my mouth open.

“Though it would have been better if she would have smiled instead.”

That did it. A smile had already slipped out of my lips before I could so much as blink, sue me! It was a dead giveaway. He appreciated that by grinning back at me.

“Now that's more like it. Nothing, I was talking to myself.” he added with a wink and my lips twitched more if possible. Thus he continued with his own conversation while I looked away.

I wasn't a stranger with compliments but this time, I felt my cheeks flare up. This was one of those rarest times where I was at a loss of a quirky comeback and Natasha was never short of comebacks. Gotta give it to the man.

Only twenty seconds were left for the signal of the vehicles to turn red. Rithik must have noticed that since he bid goodbye and ended the call. For some reason, we both turned to each other again. No words, no gestures. Just playful glances until I looked away. When the signal turned green, we crossed the road together, without exchanging a word. We parted ways as we reached to the other side of the road. Me towards the bus stop and him towards his phone- friend.

I pinched my cheeks. Oddly enough, I was smiling throughout the way. Rithik Arora, huh!? Well, you might have outplayed me this time, but it wouldn't be the case next time, I assure you that. Hell, I was all for playing the flirt game.

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Let the fun begin!

I feel like I've done nothing but paired Natasha with three different guys in three different chapters lol. I swear that's not the case. Anyway, how was the chapter? Thoughts about Rithik.

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