My One And Only - Chapter 17 Queens Head

As dusk dawned after a couple of hours, Murat arranged the company car to send her back home. This afternoon really had been an eventful one in many ways. For once, Sofya was happy, having talked her heart out. It felt like a burden that she had been carrying for months, weighing her down, had suddenly been lifted.

As they stood under the building, near the car, Murat kissed Sofya on top of her head. ” Now be a good lady, I will see you again later. ”

Sofya hugged him. She could not explain how much it meant to her, him standing there, supporting her.

” Don’t worry, I will take care. ”

Smiling, she got in the car.

————

Emerald Jade Villa

Dinner was a scrupulous affair that night. Grandpa had ordered the maids to prepare all the favourites of Sofya. They relished the dinner, eating their way through courses of meal. Once the meal was complete, Sofya headed up to her room. She was incredibly tired and wanted to rest more than anything.

After changing into her pyjamas, she flopped down on her bed. It had been an exhausting day. The thoughts of meeting Murat swirled in her mind, which was then redirected towards Arnav. He had changed too much. Where had he been the past one month? She doubted very much it was a business trip. But why would he lie to her?

Secondly, how did Murat and Arnav knew each other? She had known Murat for some years now, and he had never once mentioned Arnav. And now, the way he talked about him, it was like he had known him for years, even more, had full trust on him. Sofya was utterly confused.

Just then her phone rang. Glancing at it, she could make out the number. It was from Arnav. Why was he calling her this late?

” Hello? ” Sofya answered uncertainly.

” Mr. Raizada wanted to know when we would like to host our engagement party! ” Arnav replied in his husky voice, tiredness laced in it.

Sofya sighed. ” Well we decided to have registered marriage, remember? Didn’t you tell uncle that? ”

” Why don’t you? ” Arnav said in his dangerous voice. Sofya knew that the subject of relationship between them was a touchy topic, even more so for Arnav, as it was evident he would fly off the handle. So she decided not to push it.

” Fine I will do it. I will tell him. ” she agreed.

” Great, I will wait for the news then. ” With that he hung up.

Sofya deliberated how to handle the task at hand. She was sure Grandpa and Mr. Raizada would not let go off this easily. They would want to throw a grand party. Arnav and Sofya wanted exactly opposite of that. She thought and thought, until she drifted off to sleep.

Next day was a busy day for Sofya. Having not gone to the company in almost one month, there were several documents that required her signature and meetings that needed attending to. The prospect of talking to Mr. Raizada completely slipped off her mind.

That night, she decided to work late as Grandpa was out of country and Susan was off partying with her friends, which was a rare feat.

———-

Queens Head, a famous pub located in extreme south of NY

” Let’s get high! Cheers! ” one of Susan’s friends shrieked, as the group gulped down whiskey.

” Come, let’s go to the dance floor. ” Susan beckoned her friends.

Queens Head was one of the most exotic and extravagant pub in whole of New York. The decor and the sense of welcome that it gave to the visitors, was overwhelming. The pub was approximately twenty eight feet long, by perhaps half of that wide. A long mahogany bar serving drinks occupied one quarter of the floor space, while the other half was covered by the dance floor. There were a number of tall bar stools to accommodate any drinker who didn’t want to be seated at the serving place. The ceiling height was pleasantly commodious, with lights bouncing off it and falling on the dance floor. The DJ had put on ‘ Don’t Stop Believing ‘ and people were dancing like crazy.

It was birthday of one Susan’s close friends, and she had decided to treat them here. If truth be told, Susan was damn sure that she wouldn’t be allowed to go, especially to a pub, but miraculously, Sofya had given her the permission, with the promise that she would come home soon and wouldn’t party late at night.