"So...Purab, what do you do for a living?"

They were all seated at the dining table and three people were sorely missing the presence of popcorn at this party despite having several other delicacies spread out. Their ears perked up the minute they heard this question. Kunal, Madhura's date was happily clueless about the whole scene. He had finally arrived a good hour later but was one of the most adorable men Aditi had ever met. He seemed like he liked Mads too and was generally a quiet, shy sort.

Only one person was dreading this meal. She raised her eyes from the food and eyed Adi who was pleasantly looking at Purab.

Purab smiled back at Adi and said, "I head the photography team for a travel magazine. Wanderlust. Have you heard of it?"

Adi nodded and said, "Of course. I read that magazine extensively when I was in college. In fact, the photos are the best part."

"Thank you. How about you? Aditi tells me you're from out of town?"

Adi's eyebrows shot up slightly as he said, "Ah yes. Aditi is right. I manage the marketing division for a software company back in the States."

"So you're in town on work?"

Adi nodded and cryptically replied, "Among other things."

Kajal pulled out her phone and typed a message. Vikramaditya's phone pinged and he glanced at the screen to read, "This is SO MUCH FUN!"

Vikramaditya suppressed a laugh and wrote, "Shush! I need to pay attention. Now focus."

Adi offered the bake to Purab and asked, "So how long have you been...seeing Aditi?"

Purab accepted the dish and said, "Oh just 2 weeks. You guys probably know each other forever, right?"

Adi leaned back and replied, "You'd think. I'm surprisingly in the same boat as you, brother."

Kajal typed hurriedly, "Okay, I'm honestly biting my tongue here to keep myself from laughing out loud."

Vikramaditya replied, "These messages are not helping, love. I am in the same boat as you!"

"ROFL!"

Purab went on to say, "You know it's odd. I've only managed to go out with her once. It's my own fault really. I stood her up on our first date and today is this delightful dinner party. I never seem to be able to spend as much time with her as I want to. Circumstances keep getting in the way."

Adi smirked ruefully and replied, "Been there."

Before Kajal could write out another message, Mads let out a muffled, nevertheless, very audible snort. All eyes turned to her and Kajal finally let out a big grin at Mads, happy that she was not the only one who could see the entertainment in the situation here.

Adi opened his mouth to ask another question when Aditi snapped and said, "Adi, let the man eat! He's here for dinner, after all."

Adi finally looked at her and let out a lazy smile. He said, "Aditi! How kind of you to point out his presence...at the table."

Purab shook his head slowly taking in the situation and said, "Madhura, this bake is scrumptious. As are all the other dishes. I'm so glad you invited me."

Mads smiled graciously and said, "The pleasure is all mine. I would have loved to take all the credit but my brother did more than half the work. Including that bake which just so happens to be Adi's favourite."

Purab shrewdly asked, "Which one?"

Mads laughed and replied, "Does it matter?"

Aditi looked heavenward and closed her eyes. Was everyone having fun here except her?

Purab let out a light chuckle and said, "Well, count me in."

Adi sipped from his glass of water and asked casually, "So Purab, how do you two know each other?"

"Oh another vastly interesting story. A common friend set us up on a blind date. And to think I didn't show up."

Adi nodded and said, "Don't beat yourself up, man. Our Aditi here doesn't make the best first impressions."

Purab asked, "Do explain."

"She almost chucked this very vase at my head the first time we met."

Purab let out a bark of laughter and eyed the vase to say, "Well clearly the vase and your head are in one piece. What happened?"

Aditi snarkily replied, "Oh for heaven's sake, I had no idea who he was. And he was standing in my house dressed in black at one in the morning. How am I supposed to know he's my roommate's brother and not a thief?"

Vikramaditya burst out laughing and Kajal and Mads joined along. Purab and Adi smiled at each other. Aditi shook her head and shovelled more food into her mouth with a little less grace than she would have liked in general.

A little while later...

Purab walked up to Aditya and Madhura who were clearing out the dishes and said, "Thank you so much for having me over. I've had a lovely time."

Madhura smiled and said, "Stop thanking me. It was so much fun to have you around."

Purab turned his attention to Adi and extended his hand to say, "Thank you for the delicious food and the...ah...enlightening conversation."

Adi smiled, shook his hand and said, "Likewise, Purab."

Purab turned around and walked over to Aditi. He leaned in closer and said, "Hey!"

Aditi looked up and gave him a small smile. He said, "I'm going to take your leave. Care to walk me out?"

Aditi nodded and picked up her phone. As they walked out, Mads looked up at her brother whose eyes were fixed on their retreating backs. He then shook his head and strode off to the kitchen.

Outside...

"Again, I'm really sorry about messing up our date plans."

Purab nodded slowly and put his hands lightly in his pockets. He looked up at her, sideways and said, "Aditi..."

"I hope the food made up for it in some small way."

Purab smiled and repeated, "Aditi...listen to me."

He came to a halt and looked at her directly in the eyes. He held her shoulders to get her train of thought to focus on him and said, "Aditi, it's okay. Trust me. I want you to know something else."

Aditi looked on silently, urging him to continue.

He cleared his throat and said with a sincere look in his eyes, "I've always prided upon my ability to be very direct about my feelings. I hope I've done the same when it comes to you. You must know where I stand by now."

After a pause, he continued, "Up until now, I thought I knew where you stood too. I'm suddenly not so sure. But I want you to know that I'm here for you. If you want me to be. That decision is however up to you."

Aditi stuttered, "I...it's not that Purab."

Purab smiled lightly and said, "It's been a lovely evening, Aditi. I hope we see each other soon. You know where to find me."

With that, he squeezed her shoulders lightly and walked away to his car.

A little later...at home...

Aditi trudged back home and opened the door to find Mads hugging Kunal goodbye. Everyone else had left, she noticed. She leaned against the doorframe and smiled. She felt a burden lift from her mind as she saw Mads happy. So, the evening wasn't a complete bust. Kunal gave her a light kiss on the cheek and walked out the door giving Aditi a sweet smile. Aditi smiled and entered the house, setting her keys down on the shoe cupboard. She then walked up to Mads and gave her a tight hug. Mads laughed and hugged her back while saying, "That was a...fun evening."

Aditi pushed back and threw her friend a dirty look to say, "For you maybe. It was..." She involuntarily shuddered just thinking about that exchange. She then said, "Well, I'm glad you had a nice time though. Kunal seems really sweet. I like him."

Mads excitedly jumped up and down and said, "Yay! I'm so glad! He's nice, right?"

"He most certainly is."

Mads smiled dreamily and sighed. She then said, "We'll have an extended discussion about this later. I want to know why the evening was a nightmare for you. I think it was perfectly nice."

Aditi gave her another look and said, "Again for you! Anyway, where's Adi?"

Mads exhaled and replied, "Ah he seems to be as bull-headed as you."

"What does that even mean?"

"He left."

Author's Note: Hola, my lovely people! I can't believe I kept my promise and delivered the chapter in time. I honestly didn't think that would happen. But yay, it did! So tell me what you thought? Did you have fun along with Viks, Kajal and Mads? Or were you banging your head against the wall with Aditi? Best question of them all! Whose side were you on? Adi or Purab. :D I hope I did justice to both of them. As discussed, I was aiming to achieve something...well...unique. I hope I managed to do that. Can't wait to hear from you guys! And thank you for the 1000 views! You guys continue to make my world a happy place! Seeya soon! - S