'Dude, that was rude. You shouldn't have.' Aditya said, he leaned against the kitchen slab and watched Ved pour coffee into their mugs. Seeing the amount of caffeine Ved is intaking Aditya is sure his friend is super stressed out.

'Why not? She was accusing me of such disgusting thing.' Ved said angrily, he then turned around walking towards the grey fridge. Ved bent down and picked up a carton of milk. He slammed the door and turned around. He frowned on seeing Aditya smile evilly at him.

'Don't tell me, dude, you haven't imagined her in your bed.' He winked at him.

Ved glared at him before turning to look at the mug, - 'Of course not. I think of her but not in an intimate way.' He clarified while staring at the twirling spoon.

'What kind of man are you?' Aditya shook his head, - 'You don't even get wet dreams, like unintentionally?' He asked curiously. Ved looked up at him and Aditya closed his mouth.

'Even if I did, I won't tell you.' He said forwarding him the mug of steaming coffee. Aditya opened his mouth to counter that when Ved placed his arm around his shoulder, - 'Now, stop gossiping like a girl and come let us play more chess.' Ved said brightly. Aditya groaned.

***************************************

Later in the night, Ved worked on his laptop. With the overdose of coffee, he found himself wide awake. After a while, he sighed and leaned resting his back against the chair. He closed his eyes rubbing his face. He recollected Natasha's accusing gaze and then Aditya's words

'What if she had a bad experience with some tharki customers.'

His words made Ved ponder. Well, it could be true. But still, without knowing him properly she shouldn't have accused him. At least she should have let him go kindly. Ved frowned and shifted, leaning forward he placed his arm on the table and stared at the screen. He remembered her tugging the sling of her handbag with her left hand and he remembers clearly that there wasn't a ring there. That means, perhaps she is single. Getting hopeful, he smiled little.

But that could also mean, her boyfriend hasn't proposed her yet- The rational side of his brain reminded him, and his smile dropped instantly.

'Thank you, brain.' He said out a loud sarcastically.

*******************************************

Next day, Lunch- Aditya doesn't take No for an answer and drags Ved with him to the coffee shop.

'The pasta here is mind-blowing.' He made up a lame excuse. Once inside, Ved had no option. He silently followed his friend. Unlike how recently it had become a habit of Ved's to look around searching for the gorgeous waitress, this time he controlled his urges.

Aditya annoyed Ved as he kept turning down waiters after waiters, he said he was waiting for Natasha to come to their table. Ved wasn't keen on seeing her and knew perhaps she wasn't interested in him anymore too. But to his surprise, Natasha walked up to their table. The usual sweet smile on her lips. Aditya is relieved. Ved looked away.

'May I take your order, sir?' She clicked on the pen and took out a small notepad from her apron pocket. Aditya opened his mouth to give the order when Ved interrupted dryly.

'No need, Aditya. The coffee here isn't as good as it used to be and staff,'- He glanced at Natasha and noted her expressions change, he looked back at Aditya, - 'Well, never mind them, let's go.' Ved stood up but Aditya held his hand. He looked around while Ved looked annoyed.

'Dude, don't create a scene here.' He whispered and tugged on his hand. Ved nodded and without glancing at Natasha he sat back.

Aditya looked apologetically at Natasha and said, - 'The usual order.'

'Okay, sir.' Natasha said in a small voice. Hearing her voice, Ved melted slightly. But he kept a stern face.

Natasha turned around and left. Aditya watched her go and then turned facing Ved, he leaned forward and said, - 'What, dude? Why are you behaving like that?'

Ved sighed, he doesn't look at his friend and responded fidgeting with tissue paper box, - 'Without knowing me properly she accused me and it,' – Ved looked up at his friend and held his gaze, - 'it hurts.'

Aditya rolled his eyes, he opened his mouth to counter that when Natasha came with their order.

'Sir, your order.' She said picking up a coffee mug from the tray and placing it on Aditya's side. She hesitated for a second before placing the mug on Ved's side. He avoided her gaze.

Aditya picked up his mug and took a sip, - 'Mmm,' – he looked up at Natasha and smiled, - 'Awesome coffee.' He complimented. Natasha smiled politely. She then glanced sadly at Ved and then turned around. Aditya watched her go and when she was out of earshot he turned around, - 'Dude?'

'Please.' Ved waved his hand and picked up his cup. He frowned on seeing a yellow note.

'What is this?' Aditya asked curiously. Ved shook his head and picked up the note

Ved,

I know you are angry with me and you have all the rights. I am sorry, I shouldn't have accused you like that. Please, can we sort this out?

My shift ends at 6 pm, I will be waiting for you.

                                                                                                        Natasha

Ved smiled while Aditya eyed him suspiciously. He asked him what happened but Ved doesn't reply. Even after repeated probing and whining, Ved doesn't give in.

*********************************

Ved purposefully delayed his work because he didn't want to look desperate by arriving on time. He left his office, 7.30, but only for a quick break. He will meet her and come back. This way he wouldn't look desperate.

He was about to press the button to the ground floor when a girl entered the elevator. Ved shifted uncomfortably when Dia stood beside him. She looked awkward as well. He tried not looking at her, but he felt her gaze on him. Once, he found her looking at him. When his gaze caught her, she quickly looked away.

'Ved?' She spoke but by then the elevator door had opened and without sparing her a glance Ved stepped out.

7.40, Ved arrived near the gate of the restaurant and looked around searching for Natasha.

'Ved?'

He turned around on hearing her voice. He looked at her from top to bottom, she is dressed in her normal clothes, button-down orange maxi dress. Ved noted top three buttons of her Maxi dress open and quickly moved his gaze up. He looked at her face, she had no makeup, she must have removed it after her shift. Yet, she looked pretty. She has a flawless skin. Ved wished he could touch her face and feel her velvety skin.

But there is one thing, Ved didn't like and that was her weary face, her smile missing the charm and twinkle in her eyes is also lost. Ved felt little bad but he masked it with a kind smile.

'Hey. Sorry for being late.' Ved apologized, all his attitude melted.

Natasha waved her hand, - 'Nah, it is okay.' She smiled wearying. Ved is relieved she isn't offended.

'So, umm...' Ved felt hesitant

'There is another coffee joint nearby, if you are free we can check it out.' Natasha pointed behind her. Ved smiled widely.

'Sure.' Actually, he isn't free but chuck that. Surely, he can spare few minutes.

*************************************

Natasha is seriously mysterious, Haina, guys? She is all smiles from outside but there is something missing about her.  There is a lot she is hiding behind her pretty face. What do you, guys think? 

And, Good these two are going to sort their misunderstanding. I am sensing something interesting coming next *smiles*

What do you, guys think of the Chapter? Drop in your comments my lovelies *flying kisses* *smiles*

And...