" I think the idea is phenomenal Mrs . Ahuja , but we will need more investors and good branding for this to be successful . "

One of the investors said , the board meeting for the next project was going on and Mrinal was listening and making notes attentively .

The idea of using environment friendly and reusable clothing was brilliant but the material to choose was difficult , Mrinal didn't even knew till now Aryanshi have scientists working for the company who were finding a suitable material for this .

" Ofcourse  , Ladies and Gentleman thank you so much for your precious time , we will take this forwards after 2 weeks when we have investors . I think we should stop the meeting for today  . "

Aryanshi said dismissing the meeting , all one by one left the room , leaving behind Mrinal and her .

Mrinal discussed about some important points about the meeting in her iPad for few minutes .  They both went to the nursery to look for Saransh and Amruta .

When Amruta hugged Mrinal , all the stress left her body after taking the little angel in her arms , it felt like a magical remedy . She kissed all over Amruta's face making the little girl giggle .

Generally Mrinal would pack both of them lunch but today's morning was rushed and she didn't had the time .

" Is someone going to come to pick up Saransh ? its a little past the actual lunch time for kids . "

Mrinal asked Aryanshi , as she got to know that Aryanshi and her  husband Sahil were going on a lunch date .

It was refreshing admiring what a healthy marriage looks like , supporting your significant other , going on dates , spending time , understanding and respect if not love and most important loyalty .

" Yeah , my brother is coming to take Saransh out for lunch , it have been long since they have spend time together , as Aaryansh was in Mumbai for a research . "

Aryanshi said ruffling Saransh's hairs .

" Mummy can I please take Amruta with me and Mamu I will take care of her promise.  "

Saransh pleaded his mother with a cute pout. 

" No you can't my sweetheart , she needs her Mumma , she is a baby . "

" Then Mrinal Aunty can come with us too , it will be fun . "

The 5 year old  boy suggested . His eyes glistering with tears , he wanted to take Amruta with him , he have made a promise to her , that he will convince the elders .

" Saransh beta listen we will go some other day , today you are going out with your Mamu after so long . "

Mrinal tried to make him understand ,  the encounter with Aaryansh few days back was clear in her memories , he was a gentleman there was no doubts  , but still he was a stranger , a kind stranger. 

" Mumma me go go . "

" No Amruta , we can't today but we will go some other day
okay . "

Mrinal tried to make her daughter understand , but both the kids were stubborn  .

At the same time Kriti and Neha were there to ask Mrinal about their planned  lunch . They all went down consoling the kids on their way .

They spotted Aaryansh talking with Chirag , the senior designer. Aaryansh and Chirag have known each other for quite a time , Chirag is one of the oldest employee and friend of both Aaryansh and Aryanshi. 

Saransh ran to Aaryansh who picked him up , the little boy hid his face in his neck making his sadness known . Aaryansh patted his back asking the reason of his sad mood from his twin .

" This stubborn little being wants to have lunch with Amruta , both the kids are not in the mood to listen anyone.  "

Aryanshi explained him the dynamics of the situation making him chuckled .

" How about you little princess , you wanna go out and have lunch with your friend , don't you .  Are you okay now ? ."

Aaryansh cooed and baby talked Amruta making the little girl giggle , she forwarded her chubby arms wanting to be picked up by him .

" She is my sister not a friend  , and pick her too Mamu . "

Saransh said making all go Aww for him .

" Okay , My bad . " Aaryansh looked at Mrinal for permission , who nodded her head what can she do when her daughter was jumping to go in his arms .

Aaryansh picked her up still carrying Saransh on one side , Amruta wrapped her arms around Aaryansh giving him a kiss on cheeks. 

" Thank you for the kiss princess . "

" So what's the plan now ? "

Aaryansh asked as all the eyes were on him , Mrinal was embarrassed as Amruta kissed his cheek , she was afraid what if he wouldn't like that , or would say some thing about that , but he only had one big smile adorning his face and not to forget he have a beautiful smile .

" I think we all should go together for a lunch . "

Aaryansh suggested. 

" But my date . "  Aryanshi whined .

" C'mon its your third date in a week , you can go out at night with your dear husband , you both are married not some collage students going on their first date . "

Aaryansh sighed his twin and her husband acts like lovesick puppies sometimes . Who would say they both are married for 6 years and have 4 year old baby . And their marriage was an arranged one. 

" Okk fine , but you better remember to take your future wife on dates , you should keep dating your partner throughout your life and treat her like a queen she is  . "

" Please I am not getting married anytime soon and stop talking like  Dad . "

The twins were bickering which was usual for them . But rest of them were enjoying the show , who would say the cool and composed Doctor behold  PhD in the language of sarcasm .

Sahil ( Aryanshi's husband ) stopped the twins who were bickering and no one was ready to back out , he had taken a break from office to take  his wife out for lunch . God , anybody with eyes can clearly see how smitten he is with is wife even after years of marriage .

Aaryansh told him the plan to go out for lunch all together which he accepted , they all went to a restaurant nearby , the outing was great , Mrinal and Aaryansh were taking about their choices in books and music , that bought them together , they exchanged their numbers , this was the first step towards their friendship .

_____________________________

After 2 Months

Aaryansh

Hii , How are you and little angel doing ?

Mrinal :

We are good ,
how are you ?

Aaryansh :

Do you have
Any plans for lunch tomorrow ?

Mrinal :

No , why are you
asking ?

Aaryansh :

Actually I was thinking  ,
we can go out for lunch tomorrow , a restaurant
Is opening and I have
VIP passes , there is
a lunch  buffet arranged
Those who have passes .

Mrinal :

I don't know what
to say, Who are
joining us ?

Aaryansh :

It's only me , you and
Amruta .  Mrinal I thought

Mrinal :

Ok , we both will go
with you , and we are
friends Aaryansh ,
if not I wouldn't have shared my whole life story with you .

Aaryansh :

I will pick you both
tomorrow . If you have
any problem just call me ,
Good night take care of
Yourself and that naughty
Angel .

Mrinal :

Goodnight , take care .
Meet you tomorrow .

This have been a frequent occurrence , messages , calls  , surprise visits , special coffees.

Was it how having a male friend feels ?

Aaryansh was friendly , caring and a good listener and a great advisor , she have been never this comfortable with any one , from strangers to first name basis then friends knowing about each others whole life history. 

Several times , He have made it known, How proud he is on her for taking stand for herself and her daughter . It was the right thing to do , he made her understood  sometimes parents can be wrong too , making her feeling less guilty .

They have always went out in group with their friends ,  so she was a little hesitant , but she would never feel uncomfortable in Aaryansh 's presence .

Mrinal had no idea how having a male friend felt ,  she never had any in past , even studying in co-ed school she never had more than one line conversation with any boy , she was a shy type and would not dare .

In teenage years her mother had strictly made her understood . She have  her family name , her father's reputation in her hands  , having a boyfriend was a taboo . And after completing school ,  the women's collage had her no interaction with male species , until her husband .

And it turned out to be a disaster .

________________________________

I want to ask if you guys want a fast paced story or slow burn .

Because I am planning this story to be wrapped in 30 chapters .
Let's see how it goes .

Any request , what kind of scenes you guys would like to read in upcoming chapters . ♥️