Chapter 8 - Dinner date

We were seated in one of the swanky places.

"What do you know about gaming?" Ishaan asked.

"My 15-year-old brother is addicted to it. I used to think it's a waste of time until I learned about the development side of it. It's fascinating how much creativity goes into it."

"Thank God! Finally someone who appreciates me! Now gaming is huge. There's X box games, PlayStations, Then there are fantasy games like warcraft, Chinese ghost story, etc. Btw I love fantasy games."

He paused " Most of these fantasy games are based in China, Korea, or the US. They have detailed characters inspired by different mythologies and comics even movies. However, there are hardly any Indian gaming companies. According to our research, there is a high demand for it. Especially in the younger age group. We have developed a prototype with some characters and storyline which would appeal to the masses."

He showed me some anime type characters on his phone.

"Ishaan what are your storyline and character inspiration".

" Various things like superheroes I have admired. Some fantasy stories I had read etc."

"If you don't mind I have a suggestion," I said.

"Sure go ahead."

"Why don't you use characters and storylines form our Hindu mythology. You can get diversity, all kinds of heroes, monsters, villains whatever you want, and our myths are so fascinating it would make an excellent fantasy-based game. Also, people would relate to them in a much better way than some imaginary characters." 

His eyes seem to lit up "This is brilliant! It can change the entire gaming scene. But do you think it would be feasible ?"

"Why not we already have plays, TV shows, movies on myths. You don't have to make them religions. For example Thor he is from Viking mythology. You need to adapt them into gaming character."

He was staring at me looking thoughtful.

"You know what I should hire you."

I laughed "I am too expensive".

"And I am pretty rich" He smirked.

"Really? Let us see how much I can make you spend now." 

I picked up the menu pretending to choose the most expensive items on it.

"How about lobster?" I teased him.

"Anything for you baby. I can buy the entire restaurant right now if you command."

I laughed "I am not that hungry, lobster would be fine for now. I have never tried it."

I flipped through the menu while he kept gazing at me. I kept it aside and said.

"If you keep looking at me like that I would get embarrassed and when I get embarrassed I just shut up."

His lips curled into a smile and he tilted his head on his knuckle.

"So what do you want me to do?" 

"Look at something else."

"Like what?"

"Hmmm, that couple over there." I pointed at some random couple.

The waiter arrived and took our orders.

I continued reading the menu.

He said, "You want to order something else?"

I shook my head.

"Then why are you reading the menu as if its some novel!" He said.

I looked up at him and said "I have this freaky habit of reading the menu and description of their dishes."

His eyebrows shot up "Fascinating! That's the most fascinating habit I have ever heard. Why is that so?"

I smiled sheepishly "I don't know, probably because I am a foodie and like cooking. Though I am not very good at it. The effort and love which goes into creating something unique for the palate are admirable. I love watching food shows for the same reason.......why are you looking at me like that?" I said again.

"I am just giving you my full attention. Btw that couple you pointed out earlier are kissing quietly passionately." He said with an amused smile.

"What!" I turned to look at them. Kissing in public in India is still as rare as spotting a leopard on the road but it did happen in clubs or exclusive restaurants like this where the crowd is more urban.

I could feel my cheeks burning and immediately returned my eyes to him.

"Ok don't look at them."

"I was never interested in looking at them." He replied and took his glass of water. As he chugged it empty a drop of water trickled down to form the corner of his lip trailing down his perfect jaws to his throat, his collarbone, and disappeared into his shirt.

I gulped.

I had a sudden urge to replace that water droplet with my tongue. I looked down starting at my phone screen pretending to read something.

The waiter brought our orders and I got an excuse to change the topic. 

"Wow! This looks amazing" I gushed and took a picture of it to post on social media.

He looked at me with an amused smile "Shall we eat now?"

"Oh yeah! Let's dig it." I grinned and we wolfed down the lobster.

"Aarya why are you staying away from Delhi?" He asked.

"I got my first posting here that's why," I replied.

"You could have found something in Delhi as well as IT jobs are available everywhere."

I contemplated what to answer him then replied " I want to live independently for some time. Away from my parents, relatives, experience and accomplish things which I won't be able to do otherwise. Live life on my own terms."

"Are your parents too restrictive?" He asked.

"No nothing like that. They adore me! They adore me so much that my mom has to keep track of my every movement! They were so reluctant to let me go. You know how parents are."

He was quiet for a moment " Not really. Mine never bother calling me." 

I stared at him for a moment not sure how to react. I didn't really know much about his family life. He rarely spoke about them.

"So you what to live like this until when?" He asked.

"Until I figure out what I really want to do with my life or they force me into some arranged marriage."

He looked alarmed " I won't let that happen." 

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing finished your ice cream we'll leave." 

He asked for the check.

After dinner, he dropped me home.

"Thanks for the help," He said as he stopped the car near my apartment entrance.

He grinned at me. He looked so handsome. His hazel eyes twinkled in the street light.

Feeling bold I bent forward and kissed him on his cheek. It was just a peck but I could feel myself blushing.

His eyes grew wide and he touched his cheek as if dazed.

"Thanks for the dinner," I said quickly and went out of the car. He didn't say anything just smiled his typical seductive smile.

I giggled all the way home.

To be continued.