Armaan was already there, changed into comfortable clothes. He looked like he wanted to talk, but I could not. Not yet. The image of Avija's hands on his chest was still too fresh, too raw.
I took a shower and changed into my pajamas, then sat on the bed with my laptop, pretending to work even though I could not focus on anything.
The night passed in uncomfortable silence.
???
The next morning at work, Akshita came bouncing over to my desk with excitement written all over her face.
"Viya! Did you hear about the party this Saturday?"
I had heard the gossip circulating through the office but had not paid much attention.
"What party?"
"The joint venture celebration! Mr. Randhawa is throwing this huge party for all the staff. It is going to be at that fancy hotel downtown. Open bar, DJ, the works."
"That sounds nice."
"Nice? It is going to be amazing! And the best part is it is a couples event. We need to bring partners. Do you have someone you can bring?"
My heart sank.
A couples event. Which meant I should bring my husband.
Except I could not. Because nobody knew we were married.
"I... I am not sure."
Akshita grabbed my arm.
"Come on, you have to come! It will not be the same without you. If you do not have anyone, just bring a friend. I am bringing my boyfriend, but it does not have to be romantic or anything."
A friend.
Puneet. I could ask Puneet to come with me. He would understand. He always understood.
"Let me make a call," I said, pulling out my phone.
I stepped outside to the hallway for privacy and dialed Puneet's number.
He answered on the second ring.
"Viya! To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Hey, Puneet. I have a favor to ask. My office is having this party on Saturday, and I need to bring a plus one. Would you be willing to come with me? Just as friends, of course."
"Of course I will come! You know I never turn down free food and alcohol. Plus, I get to see where my brilliant friend works."
Relief flooded through me.
"Thank you. You are a lifesaver."
"Anything for you, Viya. You know that."
We chatted for a few more minutes before I hung up and went back inside.
Akshita was waiting eagerly.
