Chapter 8 - Dinner date

We were seated at one of the posh establishments.

"How much do you know about video games?" Ishaan inquired.

"It has become an addiction for my 15-year-old brother. Until I learnt about the development aspect of things, I thought it was a waste of time. It's amazing how much thought and imagination goes into it."

"Thank God! Finally, someone who recognises my worth! Gaming is now extremely popular. There are X box games, PlayStations, and fantasy games such as Warcraft, Chinese Ghost Story, and so on. By the way, I adore fantasy games."

He took a breather. "The vast majority of these fantasy games are set in China, Korea, or the United States. They feature elaborate characters based on various mythology, comic books, and even movies. However, there aren't many gaming companies in India. Our research indicates that there is a huge demand for it. Particularly among the younger generation. We created a prototype with characters and a storyline that would appeal to the general public."

On his phone, he showed me several anime characters.

"How did you come up with your tale and characters, Ishaan?"

"I've been interested in a variety of things, including superheroes. I had read several fantasy books, for example."

"If you don't mind," I continued, "I have an idea."

"Of course, go ahead."

"Why don't you use Hindu mythology's characters and storylines? Our myths are so fascinating that they would create a fantastic fantasy-based game. You can obtain diversity, all types of heroes, monsters, and villains, whatever you want, and our myths are so intriguing that they would make an excellent fantasy-based game. People would also relate to them far better than they would to fictional characters."

His pupils appear to be dilated. "This is fantastic! It has the potential to alter the entire game scene. But do you believe it is feasible?"

"Why not? We already have myth-themed plays, TV series, and films? You don't have to convert people to your religion. Thor, for example, is a character from Viking mythology. You must transform them into a game character."

He was looking at me with a contemplative expression on his face.

"You know what I should hire you for," says the narrator.

"I am too pricey," I joked.

He smirked, "And I am fairly wealthy."

"Really? Let's see how much money I can get you to spend right now."

I took the menu and pretended to select the most expensive items.

"How about lobster?" I joked.

"Anything for you, sweetie. If you demand, I can buy the entire restaurant right now."

I had a good laugh "I'm not very hungry right now, but lobster would suffice. It's something I've never tried before."

While he continued to stare at me, I flipped through the menu. I put it to the side and spoke.

"If you keep staring at me like that, I'm going to be embarrassed, and when I'm embarrassed, I'm going to shut up."

He leant his head on his knuckle, his lips twisted into a smile.

"So, what are you expecting me to do?"

"Look at something else."

"Like what?"

"That couple over there," I made a gesture towards an unidentified pair.

Our orders were taken by the waiter when he arrived. I went back to perusing the menu.

"Would you like to order something else?" he inquired.

With a shake of my head, I said No.

"Then what are you doing reading the menu like it's a novel?"

"I have this weird habit of reading the menu and descriptions of their food," I remarked, looking up at him.

His brows furrowed. "Fascinating! That is the most intriguing habit I've ever heard of. Why so?"

I gave a sheepish grin. "I'm not sure, possibly because I'm a foodie who enjoys cooking. I'm not very good at it, though. It's remarkable how much time and passion goes into producing something special for the palette. For the same reason, I enjoy watching cooking shows......why are you staring at me like that?" I stated it once again.

"I'm simply giving you my undivided attention. By the way, that pair you mentioned earlier is passionately kissing." With a wry grin, he said.

"What!" I shifted my gaze to them. Kissing in public in India is still as uncommon as seeing a leopard on the road, but it happens in places like here, where the audience is more urban.

My cheeks were flaming, so I quickly returned my gaze to him.

"All right, don't look at them."

"I never cared about gazing at them." He nodded and sipped from his glass of water. As he drained the bottle, a drop of water formed the corner of his lip and trailed down his flawless jaws to his throat, collarbone, and into his shirt. I took a big gulp. I felt compelled to use my tongue to replace the water droplet. I pretended to read something on my phone screen while I looked down. When the waiter delivered our orders, I had an excuse to change the subject.

"Wow! This appears to be fantastic," I gushed and snapped a photo to share on social media.

With a wry grin, he gazed at me. "Should we eat now?"

"Oh, yes! Let's get to work." We ate the lobster with a grin on our faces.

"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 pondered what I should say to him before responding "For a while, I'd like to be self-sufficient. Away from my parents and relatives, I will be able to experience and accomplish things that I would not otherwise be able to do. I want to live my life on my own terms."

"Are your parents overbearing?" He inquired.

"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 streetlight.

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.