58.

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

The evening arrived. It was time for the dinner. I got ready, tried my best to wear an unflattering dress. But joke's on me, I'm cute so nothing is unflattering for me. Anyway, I was so damn ready to get this dinner over with. We were all going to the Aquamarine. I had a plan for the evening, stick with the twins so that Samar wouldn't get me alone. Sometimes when I look at him, I wonder what the hell did I see in him? Sure, he had a pleasing face but he wasn't cute enough for all the hell that he put me through.

I smoothened my dress and walked till my car. Well shit, let's get this horrible dinner done with. The thought of pretending to be his girlfriend made me throw up a bit. I recalled our past when I fell in love with him. We met during a common acquaintance's wedding and bonded instantly. Every Desi girl dreams of a Bollywood style love story wherein she stumbles upon a handsome guy at a wedding. It was the perfect scenario to meet someone. I still remember when Samar and I had a pani puri eating contest and he won. He was such a fun person. I remember when we would hang out and Samar would always have the craziest stories. We'd go out on dates and have sessions. I fell for him. It is not that hard to imagine me falling for someone, I mean I'm emotional and dumb I fall easily. He didn't quite feel the same way about him. He wasn't ready due to his demanding career. I was willing to wait. It was all good until suddenly we started drifting apart. He'd find me too much, too serious. He never really told me how he felt about me. And, I won't lie it made me feel insecure, as if I wasn't good enough for him. I got clingy and he felt suffocated. Anyway, he found someone else and that made me so mad. The boy had the nerve to tell me that I had no right too get mad because we were never official. For almost a year, he made me go through this shit. I hate it so much when guys do that, they make us girls feel as if we are stupid for feeling stuff. Boys always make you feel as if you are irrational to feel possessive about them. Yet, somehow they think it is okay to get jealous and stake a fucking claim on a girl who they're officially not dating. Why the double standards? Samar thought exactly that way. He told me he needed his space, his freedom and I was suffocating him. But if I would even mention that cute co-worker I had a slight crush on, he would throw a tantrum. I could not deal with that toxic situation anymore so I left.

We arrived at the Aquamarine. The drive was so long that I dozed off. The twins were singing to some of these popular songs. Samar joined them too. After all that ugliness between us, I forgot he could be fun too. Anyway I chose to sleep. Too much awkwardness for me.

I got out of the car quickly and we headed to the restaurant where my parents had already reserved a table for us. I was literally ushered to sit next to Samar. I involuntary refrained from rolling my eyes. For my parents, Samar was the sweetest, most polite and the nicest guy ever. He had a way of charming people. But, I knew how shady he really was. I faked a polite smile and got along with them. I even made a few talks with Samar regarding his career. He had left his former job as a cop and started his own security firm along with a friend. He had even referenced me to some high-profile clients of his. He was being really charming with me. I wonder why he was suddenly being so nice to me.

The waiter served us our food and I was distracted by it. This evening was awkward but hey, the food looked delicious.

Just as I was about to take a bit, I noticed someone at the corner of the room. He wasn't looking but I could recognise him anywhere. He was hanging out with a bunch of serious looking men. One of them was a burly and scary man. I realised it was one of his work meetings. Our eyes met.

Suddenly, I felt Samar full me close. "Smile for the picture, Meghana." He said.

Distracted, I smiled for the picture. I noticed Leo arch his eyebrows at me. He had that cocky skeptical look on his face. I was so distracted looking at Leo that I never realised Samar kissing my cheek. I reacted instinctively and pushed him away.

Suddenly, I felt way too self-conscious. My parents were staring at me. I think my mom was scolding me for being so rude. I wasn't paying attention. I know it wasn't a big deal or something but just I did not like his touch. I did not like him treating me as if he owned my body. I did not like this, it was disgusting. There was once a time when I craved his touch. I know he'd argue saying we did stuff in the past, so it wasn't a big deal. Somewhere, even I felt a bit guilty. Was I overreacting to this?

"Hi Meg, fancy running into you here." I heard that voice and almost paled.

Leo, fucking Leo. Suddenly it hit me, Leo saw it. I was with my ex pretending to be his fake girlfriend and my boyfriend caught me. My parents don't know my boyfriend is my boyfriend because they would definitely freak out me dating a non-Indian guy.

I looked up at Leo as he loomed impressively over our table. He was wearing that well-fitted black suit of his that made him look so sexy. I think he grew a beard too which was quiet unexpected. His hair was messy and tousled. I like this new look of his.

I felt Riya kick me under the table. Okay I needed to go on damage control or this could lead to drama.

"Hi Leo!" I put on my best fake voice. I turned to my parents, "This is Leo, my client and also the brother of one of my closest friends Gabriella."

I shot Leo an apologetic look. This was so weird. He looked a bit hurt. But he played along. He greeted my parents politely. He complimented my dad on his taste in wine and the two of them had a nice conversation about wines. Well, not bad. Normally men freak out while meeting their girlfriend's parents. Leo handled it quite nicely. Nothing seemed to unnerve him and honestly that was such a sexy trait.

Riya and Ritesh waved at him. Riya made sure to comment how handsome he looked as my mom glared at her. My mom always felt Riya was a bit too flirtatious with men and boys in general. But I knew it was an act. The truth was Riya was so terrified of being discovered as a lesbian that she tried her best to be flirty towards men to avoid being suspected.

I sensed some intimidating looks and glares pass between Samar and Leo. This was a fucking nightmare. Everyone was polite and all. But, I sensed the undercurrent tension. I had to interrupt.

I got up from my seat, "Mom, Dad please excuse me." I said. They understood that I was accompanying Leo. It was polite and they'd understand. They smiled and Leo and bade him bye fondly. Okay, so far so good. This went far better than what I'd expected.

I followed Leo. I was so glad for an escape. I followed him to a secluded hallway. I nervously fidgeted and straightened my dress. I can tell by the way he walks that he's definitely pissed off. That sounds strange but when you love someone you know their anger walking style.

We stopped by the window. It was the same window I remember we were stuck when it was raining and he lent me his jacket. I braced myself to hear him vent out. He was angry and I guess he had all right to be angry at me

"Are you ok?" He asked.

I was too shocked to answer.

"You did not look comfortable when he kissed your cheek. Are you sure you're fine? Do you want me to beat him up? I'm sure I can arrange that."

His words caught me off guard.

"Wait... you're not angry at me?" I blurted.

If Leo and my roles were to be switched, if he were to pretend to be with his ex and if his ex kissed him I knew I would break hell loose. I would loose my mind, create a scene and probably even scold Leo. He's probably feeling the same way about me.

He rolled his eyes. Yup, he's definitely angry. "Of course, what do you expect, genius?" He crossed his arms, "Call me jealous, possessive or whatever but I could not just sit idle as he fucking kissed you. I was angry at you but I'm furious at him for making you uncomfortable."

That was really mature of him. Honestly, I wouldn't have dealt with this situation so gracefully.

"But you still have some explanation to do."

"Samar and I pretending to date because of mom and dad. I can't bring myself to tell them about you... they're a bit intense. And I couldn't tell them Samar and I broke up, they like him."

He narrowed his eyes, "Are you trying to say you're ashamed of me?"

"No. My parents are traditional." She sighed. "Also you're a mafia boss, can you blame me for hiding it?"

"No but..." He trailed off, "So you're having a fake relationship with him?"

"It is all pretending. I don't like him. You don't have to worry."

"Meg." He rolled his eyes, "We started off as a fake pretend relationship. And you almost kissed me then."

Oh well. He made an excellent point.

"But I was crushing on you. I'm not crushing on him."

"He's your ex." He said, "You really expect me to be fine with it?"

I don't. Honestly, I wouldn't be fine with it either. But, the fact that he doesn't trust me makes me sad. Why can't he understand that I love him? And when I say I love him, I mean it. If I love him I won't have eyes for any other guy and that also means the ex who wasn't really my ex but we had something of an almost relationship.

"You've got to trust me."

He shook his head. "I'm sorry Meg, I can't do this. You can't expect me to be fine when you're with a guy who you had a history with."

What does he mean, expect me to be fine? I'm a grown up woman I can't deal with a guy telling me what is fine and what isn't fine.

"We talked about this." I gritted.

I know it is my mistake but relationships work on trust. If he can't fucking trust me, we can't work out. We're a team and trust is the basis of everything.

Before I could say anything, Samar approached us. Nervously, I glanced at Leo. He looked like he'd punch him right here.

"Uncle and aunty are waiting for you." He added.

"Give me a minute."

Thankfully, he left quietly. I turned to Leo.

"Can we talk about this later? The cafe near my office at 4?"

Leo looked cross. I was afraid he would refuse. Instead he said, "Fine, I'll be there."

He left with that leaving me a mess of emotions. I went back to the horribly awkward dinner. I couldn't wait for it to get over.

#

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net