The Dark Night

Alex

"Hey dad, how are you?" I asked casually while entering his office. John told me that dad asked for me.

"I am fine son. How was your day?" He didn't look up from his files. I just stood there staring at his beautiful secretary who has not noticed my presence yet.

"Hi Gawri!" I called her loud so she couldn't ignore me and I succeeded in my attempt. She lifted her head up and gave me a blank expression.

"Hi Alex" She whispered and got busy in her work. 'Huh, girl with attitude. Why I even try to talk to her?'

"Alex, there is a surprise for you, son. Come with me" I followed him and glanced back at her once again.

"What surprise dad?" I followed him to the lawn and noticed the visitors waiting there.

"SURPRISE!" both of them shouted in unison.

"Adam, Tori! Oh my god" I hugged my best friend Adam and then lifted my sister Victoria in the air and swing her around.

"Put me down Alex" I put her down gently and hugged her fiercely.

"Well, kids! I am going to a charity event and will be late. Have dinner on time. Am I clear?" my dad boomed behind us in a cheerful tone.

"YES SIR" we answered in chorus.

I have seen Gauri coming towards us with a file. She glared at me and anger flashed in her eyes which she has blinked away in a second.

"Sir, this is the file you have asked for" she handed the file to dad and gave some details of the event. Adam elbowed me and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Hey pal, can you introduce me to this ravishing beauty? She is so hot man." Although Adam was my best friend but I wished to kill him with my bare hands at that moment. I gave him a murderous glare but he stepped ahead with a smirk on his face.

"Who is this beautiful young lady Uncle?" Adam's politeness was laced with mischief.

"Oh sorry, I forgot to introduce her. This is Gauri, my assistant and Alex's classmate. And Gauri, this is Adam Maxwell, my friend's son and Alex best buddy." My father introduced them and Adam gave me a teasing smile.

Adam moved ahead and took her hand in his hand. He bowed down a little to place a kiss on her hand. I shut my eyes because I could not tolerate my anger anymore.

"Adam, Stop it. Release her hand" my father politely ordered him and I felt relieved.

"Adam, I know you are showing manners but I think Gauri is not comfortable with it" my father explained to him politely. I noticed that Gawri was totally terrified.

"Sorry Gawri, I didn't mean to scare you. Sorry, Mr. Miller" Adam has released her hand.

My father phone buzzed in his pocket before he could introduce my sister to Gawri.

"Well kids, I must go now otherwise I will be late. Gawri come with me" my father side hugged Adam and Tori before leaving.

"So Adam, since when you are showing manners?" I crossed my arms and glared at him. I wanted to punch him for his stupid act.

"Who can resist such beauty without touching Bro" he teased and my blood boiled.

"Watch your words. One wrong word and you will regret it" I threatened him.

"COOL DOWN GUYS. Alex, what is this? We have come so far just to meet you and you are treating us like this" We realized our mistake and apologized to each other.

I gave them a tour of the nearby markets. We reached home around 7 pm and I asked John to serve the dinner. We were chatting when my phone rang.

"Alex, your arse is ringing" Tori giggled.

"Yeah, very funny" I made a face.

"Yes dad, I have entertained our guests very much and they will surely praise our hospitality." I eyed my sister and best buddy who were making funny faces.

"Yes, we are about to have dinner. You don't worry dad" I assured him that I could take good care of my guests.

He informed me that he had to give the salary to Gawri but he couldn't do so because he had to leave for the event.

"Alex, give her cheque personally and congratulate her on my behalf." he disconnected the call after saying that. If dad would be in front of me that moment then I would have hugged him. At last, he has allowed me to talk to her.

"Care to share your happiness with your wellwishers Alex?" Tori teased me when I was busy in grinning ear to ear.

"Oh, it's nothing. You guys finish your dinner. I have to meet Gawri. I will be back in a couple of minutes"

"She might not be happy to see you Alex" I stopped in my track when I heard these words from Adam and give him an angry glare.

'My best friend is really a mood spoiler.'