13."As An Apology, Tonight’s Drinks Are On Me"

As I sit on the back of Anand's bike, the wind rushes past me, carrying with it the distant hum of the city at night. The rhythmic thrum of the engine beneath us is oddly comforting, a steady beat in the background of my swirling thoughts. When Leela called me earlier, her voice held an undercurrent of something—a mix of excitement and nerves, maybe. She invited me to the pub, and without hesitation, I agreed. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the idea of spending time with her, and meeting her brother, felt like the next step in whatever this is between us.

Once I hung up, I called Anand. He was quick to agree to come with me, and after exchanging addresses, he arrived to pick me up. While I was waiting, I got a call from Raja, who said he was free and wanted to hang out. I told him about the pub, and he immediately said he'd join us. It wasn't long before I thought of Mansoor Bhaiyya, whose shift at the police station was almost over. I gave him a quick ring, and he said he'd meet us there as soon as he was done.

The ride to the pub isn't long, but it gives me time to think. The city lights blur together as we speed past, and my thoughts drift to what tonight might bring.

Finally, we reach the pub. The neon lights outside cast a vibrant glow over the parking lot, and I can already hear the heavy bass of the music thumping through the walls. Anand finds a spot and parks the bike, the engine's roar dying down as he switches it off. We both dismount, and I take a deep breath, soaking in the atmosphere. The night feels alive, buzzing with energy.

As Anand and I stood outside the pub, the night air was cool against my skin, carrying with it the distant hum of the city. The neon lights flickered softly, casting a colorful glow over the pavement. The night was young. We were waiting for Raja and Mansoor Bhaiyya, who were supposed to join us for the evening.

Soon, I spotted Raja weaving through the crowd, his familiar figure coming into view. As I saw him, a smile tugged at my lips. It had been a while since we last hung out.

As he got closer, I couldn't help but call out with a grin, "It's been a while!"

Raja smiled back, though there was a tiredness in his eyes that I couldn't ignore. "Yeah, it has. How have you been?"

"I'm fine," I replied, still smiling. "But what about you? You look a little tired."

Raja let out a small sigh, waving it off with a casual shrug. "Nothing much, just work keeping me busy."

I nodded in understanding. "I get that."

I decided to introduce Anand. "Oh, by the way, this is Anand, my friend."

Anand extended his hand with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you."

Raja shook his hand firmly, his smile still present, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Likewise."

Then, I turned to Anand with a playful grin. "And Anand, this is Raja, my glass friend."

Anand looked puzzled, his brows furrowing slightly. "Glass friend?"

The confusion on Anand's face made Raja chuckle softly, and I couldn't help but laugh as well.

I nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, there's a story behind that. I'll tell you someday."

Anand nodded, though the curiosity lingered in his eyes. He didn't press for details, sensing that it was a story for another time.

Raja, grinned and said, "So, let's go inside! What are we waiting for?" His enthusiasm was contagious. But before we could move, I raised a hand, stopping him. "Hold on, Mansoor Bhaiyya is also coming, so—"

Before I could finish my sentence, I caught sight of Mansoor Bhaiyya making his way towards us, his confident stride unmistakable in the crowd. The moment I saw him, a smile spread across my face. "There he is!" I said.

Both Anand and Raja turned to look at Mansoor Bhaiyya, who approached us with that familiar, easygoing smile on his face. As he reached us, he greeted me with a warm tone, "So, how's the day been?"

I returned his smile. "It's been good," I replied, then gestured towards Anand. "Let me introduce you to my friend. This is Anand."

Anand, who had been observing Mansoor Bhaiyya with curiosity, stepped forward and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, sir."

Mansoor Bhaiyya took Anand's hand in a firm handshake, his expression welcoming. "Nice to meet you too, Anand." Then, with a grin, he added, "And you can drop the 'sir.' Just call me Mansoor."

"Alright then," Mansoor Bhaiyya said. "Shall we head inside?"

We all nodded, the anticipation growing as we made our way towards the entrance of the pub. The vibrant lights reflected off the glass doors, the beat of the music inside syncing with our steps.

As we walked inside, the music seemed to swell around us, the bass vibrating through the floor. The lights flickered in rhythm with the beats, casting fleeting shadows across the faces of the crowd. Mansoor Bhaiyya, his eyes scanning the room, leaned closer and said, "Shivaay, let's sit over there." He nodded towards a quieter corner, away from the main throng of people.

"Bhaiyya," I said, turning to him, "I forgot to tell you something. Leela's here. She invited me to meet her brother."

The change in Mansoor Bhaiyya's expression was instant. The color drained from his face as he stared at me in shock. "Shivaay," he said slowly, almost in disbelief, "I'm going home."

I quickly grabbed his arm, stopping him from leaving. "Don't worry," I said, trying to keep my voice calm and reassuring, "nothing's going to happen."

His eyes widened in disbelief. "What do you mean, 'nothing's going to happen'? A lot of things are going to happen! You have no idea—"

But I interrupted him with a smile, hoping to ease his worry. "Trust me, Bhaiyya, everything is okay. We'll be fine."

He studied my face for a moment, still uncertain, but then he sighed and nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Okay, I'm staying," he agreed, though the tension in his shoulders didn't quite disappear.

"Good," I said, smiling, feeling a small victory. With that settled, I began scanning the room, searching for Leela. The crowd was thick, but eventually, I spotted her. She was seated at a table with a group of people, her face animated as she talked. But then my eyes narrowed as I noticed something—or rather, someone—that made my blood boil.

Standing in front of Leela was Bhaskar, his presence like a dark cloud looming over her. Even from this distance, I could see the tension between them. Leela was talking to him, her expression angry. He was clearly there to provoke her, to make a scene.

I took a deep breath, lifting my chin as I muttered, "Now this is too much."

Anand, who had been watching me closely, noticed the change in my demeanor. Concern flashed across his face as he asked, "What happened, Shivaay?"

(A/N: I have a question about the movie "Skanda." Bhaskar and his doppelganger kill Leela's father and uncle, but why does Leela end up marrying him? Even though Leela's father is a villain, he loves his daughter. Could you share your thoughts on this? It might help me decide what to do with Leela's father in the novel.)

But I didn't answer. My eyes were fixed on Bhaskar, and without another word, I began striding towards him.

The music seemed to fade into the background as I approached the table. I could see the way Leela's body tensed, her hands gripping the edge of the table as she tried to keep her cool. Bhaskar, on the other hand, looked all too pleased with himself, his arrogance infuriating me even more.

As I approached Bhaskar, the intensity of the situation reached a fever pitch. Without hesitation, I grabbed him by the collar with one hand, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. His eyes widened in shock and fear as I threw him with a force that only someone with my strength could muster. He hurtled through the air and crashed into the wall with a deafening impact. The sound of shattering glass and splintering wood echoed through the room as bottles and glasses exploded around him.

Bhaskar slammed into the wall with such force that the impact left a spiderweb of cracks spreading across the plaster. The once-thumping music abruptly cut off, plunging the pub into an uneasy silence. Every head turned to witness the commotion, their faces reflecting a mixture of disbelief and awe.

The silence was broken first by Leela, who rushed over to me with a look of concern etched on her face. "What are you doing? Are you alright?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly as she reached out to examine me. Her eyes searched mine, full of worry and confusion.

I wanted to reassure her with a simple "I'm fine" or "It's nothing," but her concern only fueled the turmoil inside me. Instead, I remained silent, my gaze fixed on Bhaskar, who was now crumpled on the floor, his body sprawled amidst the debris of broken bottles and scattered glass.

Mansoor Bhaiyya's voice cut through the silence, tinged with both confusion and frustration. "Shivaay, what are you doing? Why did you suddenly throw him away?" His tone was stern, his eyes scanning the chaos around us.

"It's nothing much," I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. I took a step forward, my focus unwavering as I approached Bhaskar, who was now trying to push himself up from the floor, his face contorted in pain and rage.

The crowd remained frozen, their eyes darting between Bhaskar and me, the tension in the air almost palpable. Whispers and murmurs started to ripple through the crowd, their curiosity piqued by the display of raw power. Some looked on with awe, while others seemed uncertain, their faces reflecting a mix of fear and fascination.

Bhaskar's attempt to rise was slow and unsteady. He struggled to get to his feet, his clothes torn and his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment, fear and anger.

As I approached Bhaskar, the scene around us remained tense and charged. The shards of broken glass crunched beneath my shoe as I carefully cleared them away, creating a small, clear space on the floor. I settled onto the ground, my posture relaxed but my demeanor unwavering. Bhaskar, who was still sprawled amid the wreckage of shattered bottles and glasses, looked up at me with a mixture of fear and anger, his breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps.

The entire pub had fallen into an uneasy silence. Every eye in the room was fixed on us, the crowd's murmurs replaced by a heavy, palpable tension. No one dared to interrupt, their curiosity and apprehension keeping them at bay.

I locked my gaze onto Bhaskar, my expression calm yet serious. "You see, Bhaskar," I began, my voice steady and deliberate, "I don't like to dance around the issue. I prefer to get straight to the point."

Bhaskar's eyes flickered with a mix of defiance and trepidation. He shifted uncomfortably, his previous bravado shattered by the reality of the situation. I continued, making sure my words carried the weight of my intent.

"I don't care what your intentions are in approaching Leela. I don't care whether they're good or bad. What matters is this: she is my family. And when it comes to my family, I don't tolerate threats or harassment of any kind." My tone was unwavering, each word carefully measured to convey the seriousness of the situation.

I leaned in slightly, my voice dropping to a low, menacing whisper. "If you so much as think about doing anything to her, you'd better reconsider. You don't want to find out what happens when someone crosses that line. Understand this—my threats are not idle. This isn't some movie where boys chase after girls and face no consequences. This is real life, and in real life, actions have real repercussions."

The words seemed to sink in, as Bhaskar's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of realization crossing his face. I could see the fear taking root, replacing the anger that had once dominated his expression.

"Now, if you're wondering why I'm being so direct," I continued, my gaze unwavering, "it's because I see through your motives. I know you're hiding something, and I can tell you have an agenda behind your actions. So let me make this very clear: you'd better stop whatever you're doing before it's too late. If you continue down this path, the consequences will be far worse than anything you can imagine."

I paused, letting the weight of my words settle in the stillness of the room.

Seeing Bhaskar nod in reluctant acknowledgment, I said firmly, "Now go home and take a rest." He struggled to his feet, his expression a mixture of pain and humiliation. Without a word, he stumbled out of the pub, disappearing into the night.

As I watched him leave, I felt a surge of determination. "After I get home, I should investigate Bhaskar further," I thought, contemplating the strange encounter. I pushed myself off the floor and turned to face the others, who were now staring at me with a mix of curiosity and unease.

The sudden silence in the pub was broken by the muffled strains of the music, now a distant hum. I glanced around at the faces, many still wide with shock from the earlier scene. I cleared my throat, trying to ease the tension that hung in the air.

With a smile that I hoped was reassuring, I addressed the crowd. "Sorry for interrupting your evening and turning your fun into a spectacle," I said, my voice carrying a tone of genuine regret. "As an apology, tonight's drinks are on me."

The words seemed to lift the mood almost immediately. Cheers and shouts of approval erupted from the crowd, their initial discomfort fading into enthusiastic celebration. The pub's atmosphere began to shift back to its lively self, albeit with a lingering edge of excitement.

However, just as the crowd started to relax, I noticed the pub manager making his way toward me, flanked by a couple of burly security guards. A flicker of unease crossed my mind; I knew this might be trouble. As the manager approached, his expression was stern but not unfriendly.

Before I could speak, a man from Leela's group, whom I recognized as her brother, stepped forward to address the manager. "Manager, he's with us," he said confidently, his voice carrying an authoritative edge.

Seeing the pub manager's hesitant expression, I quickly interjected, "I'm sorry for any damage caused tonight. But don't worry about it." Reaching into my wallet, I retrieved my black card—a symbol of high status and financial power. The sleek, nearly untraceable card was linked to the World Bank and signified a level of wealth and influence that few could rival.

I extended the card to the manager with a reassuring smile. "This should cover the damage and ensure that everyone here enjoys their evening. Drinks are on me."

The manager's eyes widened as he took the card, a look of both awe and relief crossing his face. "Thank you, sir," he managed to say before turning quickly to make the arrangements for the bill. The crowd's murmurs of approval grew louder as they processed the unexpected gesture.

With the immediate tension eased, I turned my attention back to the rest of the group. I noticed Leela's brother staring at me with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. It was understandable given the circumstances, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his reaction.

Leela approached me, her expression softening from the earlier anger to one of concern and gratitude. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice edged with worry. I nodded, trying to put her at ease.

As the noise of the pub settled back into its lively rhythm, I turned to Leela, who was beside me. The earlier tension had given way to a more relaxed atmosphere, and I decided to lighten the mood. With a smile, I said, "So, Leela, should we find a seat? It's getting crowded in here."

Leela raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "And who do you think is at fault for all this chaos?" she teased.

I leaned in closer, wrapping my arm gently around her shoulders in a comforting embrace. "Sorry about all the commotion," I said softly. "But you know, you look absolutely beautiful tonight."

Leela's face lit up with a warm smile, her earlier concerns momentarily forgotten. "Thanks, Shivaay," she replied, her tone appreciative. "I didn't realize you had such… power. It's quite impressive."

I gave a small, dismissive wave of my hand, trying to downplay the situation. "It's nothing really. Just a coincidence, I guess." I glanced around at the lively crowd and then back at Leela. "But let's forget about all that. We're here to have a good time, right?"

Her smile broadened, and she nodded. "Absolutely. Let's enjoy ourselves."

With a shared sense of relief, we made our way to an available table. The earlier drama seemed like a distant memory as we settled into our seats. The pub's vibrant atmosphere and the clinking of glasses created a backdrop of casual enjoyment.

As Leela and I settled into our seats, the dimly lit ambiance of the pub provided a cozy contrast to the earlier commotion. Leela turned to me with a warm smile and said, "Shivaay, I'd like you to meet my brother, Raghav, and this is my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Meera."

I extended my hand towards Raghav and Meera with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you both," I said, my tone genuine.

Raghav shook my hand firmly, his expression a mix of curiosity and approval. "Same here. It's good to finally meet you," he replied, his voice carrying a note of sincerity.

Meera smiled warmly, her presence adding a touch of grace to the introduction. "It's a pleasure," she said, her voice soft and welcoming.

As we settled into casual conversation, Raghav looked at me with a hint of admiration. "I have to say, I saw what you did earlier," he began. "I appreciate your bravery. It's not every day you see someone stand up like that."

I chuckled lightly, feeling a sense of relief that the tension had dissipated. "Thank you, Raghav."

Raghav's smile broadened, his eyes reflecting a genuine respect. "Leela has mentioned you quite a bit, and I've done a bit of my own research. Don't take it the wrong way—it's just that when it comes to my sister, I have to be sure about the people she's involved with."

As the evening continued, Raghav's expression softened with a genuine warmth. "I see that you're quite impressive, intelligent and capable," he said, his voice carrying an appreciative tone. "It's good to see that."

I nodded, a slight smile tugging at my lips. "Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it."

Raghav's gaze shifted back to Leela, a tender smile on his face. "I must say, I like the choice you've made, Leela. He seems like a good match."

Leela's cheeks flushed slightly with happiness. "Thank you, Bhaiyya."

Raghav gave a nod, acknowledging her response. He then turned his attention back to me, his expression serious yet welcoming. "In five days, we'll be having my engagement. I would be good if you could attend. It would give us a chance to introduce you properly to Dad."

I met his gaze with a sincere smile. "Thank you, Raghav. I'd be happy to come. It's important for me to meet your family, and I appreciate the invitation."

Raghav nodded in acknowledgment, a satisfied look on his face. The mood between us felt more relaxed now, the earlier tension melting away with each passing moment. The initial apprehensions had been addressed, and it was clear that Raghav had accepted me into their circle.

Leela looked at me with a mixture of relief and contentment. The approval from her brother and the chance to be a part of their family's significant event was clearly important to her.

As the evening progressed, the pub transformed into a lively scene of laughter and celebration. Glasses clinked, music played softly in the background, and the air was filled with a warm buzz of conversation. I watched Leela from across the table, her face illuminated by the soft, ambient light of the pub. She seemed to be enjoying herself, her laughter and cheer evident as she sipped her drink.

Feeling a playful urge, I leaned in with a grin. "Leela, I have to admit, I'm not really fond of girls who drink too much," I said, my tone light but teasing.

Leela froze mid-sip, her eyebrows rising in surprise. She set her drink down and turned her full attention to me. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she reached out, gently cupping my face with her hands. Her touch was warm and firm as she looked into my eyes with an intense, yet playful gaze. "Well, Shivaay," she began, her voice soft but teasing, "now you're stuck with this 'drunk' girl. You don't get a say in the matter."

I chuckled, caught off guard by her boldness. "But you know how I feel about drinking," I started to say, but my words were cut short as Leela leaned in and pressed her lips against mine.

The kiss was unexpected yet electric, a mix of passion and spontaneity. Her lips were soft and warm, and I responded with equal fervor, our connection deepening with each passing moment. The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in that intimate bubble. After a minute, we slowly parted, our breaths mingling in the space between us.

Leela looked into my eyes, her expression a mix of defiance and affection. "So, what's your verdict now?" she asked softly.

I smiled, my heart full of affection and admiration. "I'm saying I can adjust to it," I replied, my tone genuine and warm.

Leela's face brightened with a satisfied smile. "Good," she said, clearly pleased with my response.

Then I remembered the onlookers and pointed discreetly towards Raghav and the others who were watching us. "Leela," I said with a teasing tone, "you might have forgotten that we're in the middle of a party, and it seems like we've become quite the spectacle."

Leela's eyes widened as she glanced around, noticing the intrigued expressions of her brother and the others. She blushed slightly, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Oh," she said, her smile turning sheepish as she looked back at me, "I didn't realize we were putting on a show."

I chuckled softly, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "It's all right," I said with a grin. "I'm sure they're just enjoying the show."

Leela's laughter joined mine, the earlier tension dissolving into a shared moment of lightheartedness. We settled back into our seats, the warmth of our shared kiss lingering between us.

(A/N: If you'd like to support me, please use this UPI: omgadekar29@oksbi "Om Gadekar". If you do, please let me know your webnovel name so I can recognize you.)

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