#( saher: 001 )

[vmendes]

keycards and first meetings | saher & vinnie (001)

location: hotel room somewhere in bangalore timestamp: friday afternoon

Although this wasn't Vinayak's first time in Bangalore, the hotel was brand spanking new and he was still trying to figure out which elevator he was meant to take. It didn't help that his teammates had decided to hit the gym for the second time that day, when all he wanted to do was sit and breathe. He knew his belongings were already in his room, but he still preferred to do an initial once-over to ensure nothing would be missing. There were too many people who had a vested interest in stealing something of his whenever they could.

Finally realising he had been standing in front of the correct elevator section for the past few minutes, the cricketer shook his head and pressed the up button, looking down so that he wouldn't be recognised as quickly. His height didn't help but if he just kept his sunglasses on, maybe no one would start gasping at the thought of meeting Vinnie Mendes. At this point he was Vinayak and until he stepped onto the grounds, that wasn't going to change his mood. At least he hoped so.

The elevator doors opened up and he awaited it to be empty before stepping in and scanning his hotel keycard for the right level - Level 14 if he remembered correctly. Thankfully the elevator button seemed to agree, and he relaxed minutely, grateful that he was alone for the moment. If one of his team had joined him, there would have been a continuation of the morning's conversation about how Vayu Raghavan should be made twelfth man on account that he had almost missed their flight again. The man had still arrived with them and he couldn't care less about the team order. That was Arvind and Niranjan sir's decision, not his.

Lost in thought, he scarcely recalled the elevator door opening and walking out towards his room. A room that had a young lady standing in front of the door, frustrated that it wasn't opening. Shit, I was meant to walk the other way! Quickly realising his mistake, Vinayak did an about turn and hurriedly walked away, not wanting the young woman to think he was trying something. It didn't occur to him that she could have been at the wrong door.

[vmendes]

Vinayak was glad that the young woman hadn’t turned him down as he approached the bar. She had been on his mind since he first caught sight of her, and he wasn’t going to turn an opportunity down like that. Gratefully accepting the glass of water, he pushed the other drink over to her. “Iss liye toh, I’m grateful that you helped. In your own way,” he smiled, noting the events that occurred earlier. Taking her cue, he sat down next to her, the proximity closer than expected, but if she was welcoming it – then who was he to back away?

A part of him did feel that the evening would be better if he had another drink, but settled for water and took a sip, enjoying the cool taste of lemon on his tongue. He had barely managed to put the glass down before realising she was holding out her hand to properly introduce herself. Not wanting her to feel like she had made the wrong decision, he shook her hand firmly, unable to ignore the slight spark as his hand engulfed hers. “Saher, it’s very nice to meet you. I’m Vin—Vinnie Mendes. My room is definitely on the same level as yours, at least.” He weighed her name in his mind and smiled a little wider. Her name was simple and easy to pronounce, but it was not a common name. Much like his.

Taking another sip of water, his body unconsciously turned slightly towards her, wanting to continue their conversation, no matter where it led. However, when she told him what the hotel staff had mentioned, he felt slightly disappointed. He had really hoped to remain anonymous, but his ‘popularity’ got the better of him again. Vinayak almost signalled the bartender for another beer in commiseration when he heard her next words and looked at her in surprise.

“You… wait, you know nothing about cricket? That’s—wow! That’s so refreshing to hear,” he added hurriedly in an effort to make her feel less embarrassed because he truly enjoyed meeting people who knew nothing about him. Treated him like just another person. “Enough about me though, what brings you to Bangalore? Are you here often?” For once, he was going to have a conversation with someone about them, and not about his profession.

The cricketer was glad he was drinking water; he wanted to remember and hold onto this feeling, the relief of not having to put on an act in front of someone. He could just be himself. In fact, he could actually tell her his name and not feel like there was a problem. “Also, my name is Vinayak. But if calling me Vinnie is easier, please don’t hesitate.”

Saher was quite proud that she hadn’t just remained seated at that table and instead opted for the bar. This allowed her to look at him and his teammate unabashedly. However when he caught sight of her—she quickly averted her gaze. Would he think she was a stalker? Probably with the way things had gone upstairs outside his hotel room…but she really wasn’t. She did have a valid reason to be here even if that reason hadn’t bothered to show up yet. 

Within seconds though, he rose from his seat and made his way to the bar which had her wondering if he was going to have her escorted out? She wouldn’t be surprised but instead she found him speaking softly to the bartender who glanced over at her and the drink she had in front of her before he approached her. Saher could not wipe the smile off her face as she glanced back at him and shook her head, “not at all—you’d have figured it out eventually. Haan bas…main tumse mil na paati which would’ve been unfortunate.” She said softly before gesturing for him to take a seat next to her. 

“I think though we should have another introduction to one another—just to ensure we know each other’s names, don’t you think?” She let go of her drink and wiped her hand casually on the front of her cotton dress before holding it out to him. “Hi—I’m Saher Siddiqui, and my room is right across-ish from yours I believe.” Saher knew she was being silly but she wanted to get to know this man and spend some time with him. Plus she had seen the other man he’d come in with looking busy on the phone and so if she could provide him with some company—what was wrong with that?

“But I have to confess…after you hurried into your room, the hotel staff did let me know who you are, and why they thought I should’ve been slightly more starstruck,” Saher inched closer as if telling him some conspiratorial secret, “but I have to confess—I know nothing about cricket…sorry,” she pulled back and gave him a casual shrug hoping he didn’t mind her honest confession. 

[vmendes]

Sitting at one of the more secluded high tables, Vinayak rolled his eyes at Vayu's antics. Although both men knew they wouldn't be bothered, it didn't stop the older man from behaving obnoxiously when he wanted. Vinayak did note however that Vayu wasn't flirting with anyone as he used to. Perhaps that was a benefit of being in a relationship with someone as grounded as Meera? Instead of questioning that, Vinayak turned his eyes towards the bar, wondering if it was worth having a beer now.

It wasn't long before a waiter came over ready to take their orders. Surprisingly it was Vayu who settled for something non-alcoholic while Vinayak opted for an ale, not wanting anything too heavy. "Vayu, sab theek toh hai na? It's not even Dry July, so why are you so concerned?" Vinayak certainly wasn't expecting the glare directed his way and fanned himself from the heat. "Okay bro, I won't ask. But I definitely wasn't expecting the heat from you."

Vayu sighed and tapped his fingers on the table, wondering how to answer. "Nahi yaar, I promised Meera I'd do better ya know? There's always tomorrow to get smashed at least after we beat those bastards." The conversation flowed from there, and it wasn't until Vayu got a call from his girlfriend did Vinayak take a moment to observe his surroundings.

By now, he was on his second beer, and although it was tempting to request a third, the cricketer decided to call it an evening and stick to water. He knew the rest of the team would be joining them soon, so he didn't want to start yet another discussion about drinking habits - especially when Vayu was now 'Team Sober'. Requesting for a glass of water with lemon, he turned back towards the bar and suddenly noticed her. Facing him. How long had she been sitting there? And all alone?

Nodding to Vayu who was still on the call, he quickly headed over to the bar, standing at a distance so it wouldn't look creepy but still close enough to have a conversation. She was just the person he'd really wanted to see again, and he was grateful to the one upstairs for giving him that opportunity again. He spoke to the bartender, casually, although he knew how obvious he looked. "Uh, the water I asked for? Can I just grab it here please? ...oh, and another of whatever the lady is having. I owe her a thank you."

And with that he turned towards her, internally trying to calm himself down so he didn't sound like a total fool. "You know, if it wasn't for you, I probably would have ended up on a different level altogether. So thanks."

Why had Saher agreed to meet up with one of the other city regional manager’s for a drink? She wasn’t a fan of meeting and interacting much with people who she didn’t think would add value to her life but she’d agreed to this meeting and that was precisely why she had changed into a nicer top and made her way down to the hotel bar. She had thought about allowing the other into her room but that would give off all sorts of wrong signals and so instead she was escorted quickly to a table at the hotel bar where she waited for this man.

However instead she found the man from earlier walk in. What was his name again? Vinnie Mendes. Right. Apparently he was the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team—something she had no idea about. Her eyes had been drawn to him from the moment he’d entered the hotel bar and while she’d been curious for a second if she should go up to him—she noticed instead that he was with another tall man who clearly looked like he owned the place or something but while the swagger wasn’t something she preferred she could see others in their vicinity getting a little over excited that they were here.

That was the first time Saher Siddiqui had realized that the man she’d met earlier—really was famous. Not like she hadn’t believed it before, but before with the hotel staff, she figured maybe he was just pulling her leg. Now that she could see it for herself, she knew it was the truth. 

However while those two had arrived at the hotel bar, the man she’d agreed to have a drink with��was nowhere to be seen. She thought about texting him but quickly decided against it considering she wasn’t very interested. No—instead she looked at one of the nearby waiters and spoke up to change her seating arrangement. “Hi there, my guest for the evening won’t be joining anymore, can I change my seat to the bar?” She was quickly told an affirmative response and ushered there which allowed her to be in direct view of where Vinnie and his friend had sat. 

Was it planned? Perhaps.

But Saher wasn’t about to approach him herself—not when she could see the rest of the hotel bar patrons giving them their privacy which meant she’d do so as well. So until and unless he said or did something, she was just going to be content in staring at him from afar.

[vmendes]

Vinayak couldn't help the soft red blush appearing on his face as the young woman called him sweet. At this point he wasn't really worried at her actions, realising very quickly that she had an absent-minded moment. A moment he seemed very likely to replicate with the way he smiled. "Uh, thank you... I- woh kya hai ke... mujhe acha nahi lagta jab koi khud se embarrassed ho jaate hain. You haven't harmed anyone and it's okay right? We all make those mistakes - the amount of times I've knocked on someone's door only to realise my friend lives across the hall..." He trailed off hoping to ease her discomfort.

He wasn't expecting her to be even more apologetic as he opened the door to his room. "Arrey madam, theek hain na. I know you weren't trying anything - except to get to your room," he added with a little wink. He watched her back away to get towards her room when he heard another voice and turned to see a hotel staff member walk up to them. Vinayak plastered on his signature 'celebrity' smile as soon as he realised he had been recognised. I was so close... so close!

"Uh, Anish was it? Thank you, no problems here. The madam was just helping me figure out which room was mine - not paying attention when I should have been... thank you again," he finished, turning back towards his room entrance before tilting his head at the beautiful lady. "Thank you again madam, appreciate it." Although he wanted to continue talking to her, he knew any longer outside and there would be some sort of crowd gathered. Best to cut his losses early.

He walked inside, but stopped before the door closed completely - just to get another look of the woman. He shook his head and smiled, closing the door and walking towards the king-sized bed trying to understand what had just transpired. Shit ya Vinnie, you're a goner!

She had no idea when he mentioned that it could be the wrong room that it could be his room. She just backed away from the room and spoke about how ridiculous she felt at the mistake she'd made. "Well..I mean the fact that your keycards can only access certain floors is definitely a good security feature but yes, I see what you're getting at." She said, her face still one of embarrassment.

However when she called herself an idiot, she really hadn't expected those words from him at all and had to smile before shrugging, "tumhe kabhi kisi ne kaha hai? Ke tum zarooraat se zyaada sweet ho? Especially anjaan logon ke saath?" Saher glanced up at him once more before shaking her head. Given how Saher had backed away from the wrong room, she was about to head down the hall towards her own, wondering which room he was staying in when he unlocked that very door with his own keycard.

"Arre...ab toh main bahot his sharminda hoon. I'm so sorry agar tumhe laga ho ke main tumhare room mein ghusne ki koshish kar rahi thi," she winced before giving him another smile. "I promise I wasn't. But uh...nice na, that we're staying in the rooms kind of across from one another? Speaking of--I should probably head to my room..." she murmured right as one of the staff from the hotel came by.

"Is there any problem here Miss? Sir? Oh--Mr. Mendes, is there anything I can do to make your stay more comfortable? Please call at any time. My name is Anish and I'll be happy to--very big fan sir," he said, bowing his head which actually had her staring at the man she was conversing with just moments ago--Mr. Mendes as the other man had called him wondering just who he was that the man was a 'fan' of his?

[vmendes]

Having walked further into his room, Vinayak wasn't able to hear anything except the sound of his own breathing. Which gave him time to process what had just happened. It had been so refreshing for someone to talk to him without showing any inclination of knowing who he was. The last time he had such a conversation was when he was speaking to customer service over his aunt's phone bill - which was years ago. As soon as people heard his name, it was game over and the over-enthusiasm began. Maybe this is the dude upstairs finally giving me a break so I remember that not all strangers have ulterior motives.

It wasn't lost on him that he had behaved abnormally - generally he would just gently request for someone else to help the person, not wanting to inevitably be drawn into a cricketing conversation. He loved cricket, it was his passion and he had scored one of the best jobs in the world playing professionally - but he was a person outside of the sport. So for that young lady to draw Vinayak out was special in itself. Besides, he also couldn't help noticing how attractive she was - while the cricketer didn't have a specific type, he also avoided relationships like it was a disease. He'd seen what his teammates and friends went through, trying to balance their love life with their jobs - and it sucked.

I know that the team would love for me let 'loose' but what for? I'm not like Vayu, but then I'm also not like Prashant. Even Virat sir has questioned me... is it time to try out this relationship thing? ...oh Lord, please no thanks. I'd rather spend hours in confession than end up on a blind date. Actually, not a bad idea. I haven't attended Sunday mass in awhile - Bangalore has a strong Catholic presence. Match is not until tomorrow evening so I have time. Or maybe I could sneak in tonight?

Lost in his thoughts, it took a few minutes before Vinayak realised someone was insistently knocking on his door. Running a hand through his hair, the tall cricketer stood up and walked calmly to the door, wondering who it could be and suddenly hoped it would be that young woman who didn't like being called madam. But his smile dropped slightly when he saw Vayu Raghavan standing at his door, grin in place.

"Mendes, I know you like your time alone - but not even a smile for your best friend? Chal yaar, I need a drink. Meera hasn't arrived and I'm bored."

Vinayak merely rolled his eyes at his closest friend but acquiesed. It wasn't doing him any good to stay inside when he could at least be social with his team. But as he walked past a certain room, he wondered if he would be able to see her again. Ruefully smiling, he stepped into the elevator with Vayu, letting the older man drive the conversation. A couple of drinks at the bar would at least ease his mind and simultaneously prep his focus for the upcoming game. He just hoped she had similar ideas and would give him another chance to have a conversation, if not another moment.

She didn’t miss the light blush on his face and knew that her own face must have the same shade of red coloured all over it. But he was unlike anyone she’d ever met. She may know nothing about him right now but there was something about his behaviour that made her want to think he was a good man, she wouldn’t believe otherwise. “You’re welcome,” she told him softly as she heard what he said and she found herself nodding along. She didn’t know this yet but those words would stay with her and she’d be sure not to let herself feel embarrassed again in front of him. “Aww…well that makes it easier for sure, I’m sure whoever’s door you knocked on though…wouldn’t have minded.” She mentally even wondered how many of those people must’ve asked him to come in for coffee or something—especially when he was so good-looking and sweet. 

“Madam? Sach mein aise mat bulaye mujhe…I’ll think I’m at least ten years older than I am,” she chuckled softly trying to allow the ease to slip back into their interaction as she noted the way he winked at her. How was this man real? He was beautiful and flirting with her as if he was actually interested and that couldn’t be possible…could it? Saher was so close to ask him for a drink at the hotel bar when she heard the comment from the hotel worker which had her rather confused for a few seconds. She watched as the man’s smile changed from what she could only describe as a real one to a more fake, practiced one. 

Saher slowed her steps, listening to their conversation, her interested definitely piqued by the worker’s words before she noticed him glancing back in her direction. “You’re very welcome…Mr. Stranger. I hope…you’ll remember your hotel room number now…” And with those words, she secretly also hoped he’d remember hers as well. The door closed a moment later and she found herself being surprised by the hotel worker, Anish, coming up to her. “Aapne unse baat ki? Woh kaise insaan hai?”

“Kaise insaan hai…matlab?”

“Arre—woh itne bade cricketer hai, toh shayad ego ya kuch toh hoga na?”

And that’s when it felt like everything fell into place in a way that left her wondering just how he’d spent so much time with her when she was just a nobody. “Woh…ek cricketer hain?”

“Haan madam haan! Woh toh Vinnie Mendes hain! Indian team ke vice-captain!” 

Saher was definitely surprised as she absorbed this conversation and information that meant she was probably never going to see that man again—Vinnie Mendes—was always going to be someone she remembered fondly. She had bumped into a rather prolific cricketer…and had no idea. Her father was definitely going to be completely disappointed with her as soon as she confessed about this meeting. 

[vmendes]

Vinayak flattened his lips, not wanting to laugh at the woman's obvious embarrassment. He wasn't really laughing at her, but rather the situation at hand. It could have happened to anyone, and if anything, he was glad it had happened to her. At his door. Smiling softly, he shook his head.

"Please... it genuinely could have happened to anyone. After all, people tend to pay attention to what they're told - it's an expected behaviour. You're definitely not an idiot, so please don't worry yourself," he added, not a fan of anyone insulting themselves with such profane language. He did realise he sounded a little too stern, so perhaps he could loosen up.

"Waise bhi, you've at least confirmed that the security around here works. Varna anyone could slip into any room they fancied..." Vinayak trailed off, chuckling to himself. If anyone knew his room number and had this ability, he would be the first person to ensure that he had properties in every city so no one could bother him without permission. She would have my permission, keys, any day she likes... Jesus Christ, what is wrong with me today?

Clearing his throat, he looked at the young lady again and wondered if this was a good moment to guide her towards her room. "By the way? I'm glad you tried unlocking this door... I was getting a little confused about where my room was," he casually mentioned as he swiped his pass against the door handle, the light blinking green in response.

Saher watched the taller man come towards her and she gave him a small smile feeling glad that he was coming over to help her. She’d stayed in nice hotels like this before with her family and never before had this happened. By the time the man came over, she didn’t miss the way he was looking at her and honestly it caught her by surprise. Not only was he tall, but he was absolutely gorgeous and with the way he was looking at her—she couldn’t even deny feeling a bit shy.

“They did—maine dekha tha woh…kuch kaale square pe rakh ke room number type karte hai na, woh kiya tha.” She told him before sighing and nodding. That had been what she wanted to avoid to the best of her ability but she figured she would have to do that exact thing. “Thank you—at least try karne ke liye.” She told him before turning back to that closed door, about to kick it in frustration when she heard him speak again.

“Ma’am?” She blanched at that for a second, how old did he think she was? It didn’t sound at all correct but she didn’t say that instead frowning at his words before trying to peer over to whatever he was looking at in his hand. “What? The wrong room? No—they told me my room number 1001.” She showed him her little envelope that the card had been in which did say the room number as 1001. 

However Saher noticed at that exact moment—that the number next to the door was not 1001. In fact it was 1000 and her room was a little further down the hall and across on the other side. “Oh..my god,” at least she had the good sense to look embarrassed as she winced and shook her head, “I swear when I was downstairs, they’d told me it was on the right side of the hallway when we’re walking from the elevators. Otherwise main aise kabhi nahi karti. You must think I’m an idiot for trying to get into someone else’s room like this.”

[vmendes]

Shit, I knew I was going the wrong way— wait, she wants help? Okay, I can do that. Vinayak turned back and for a moment, he was taken aback. The woman standing near the door was beautiful! He knew he was staring and he tried really hard to blink, but she was so distracting. It took him a long moment to pay attention and he instantly forgot how to respond. Who are you and what have you done with Vinnie Mendes—

"Oh, uh, I'm sorry... that is really weird. Are you sure they, uh, they registered the keycard before handing it to you? I've never had a problem myself, but this is a relatively new hotel... maybe you need to go down and check with reception?" Although Vinnie Mendes was a smooth-talker, this was not him speaking at that moment. Vinayak was behaving like he was seventeen again, all tongue-tied and over eager to help.

It wasn't until he realised the woman was about to kick the door did he see the room number. And was suddenly confused. Wasn't that... no, he was mistaken. His room was on this level, but he was sure that it was another room. Looking down at his pass, he checked the handwritten note and realised.

"Sorry ma'am, there might be another explanation for your card not working... uh, you see, I think, well... you might have the wrong room, maybe?" In that moment, Vinayak felt like the silliest man on the planet. Who apologised for something like that? He just did and he knew why. She was something else entirely.

Saher hardly ever came to the Taj West End near the racecourse in the Bangalore city but now that there was a conference for all the managers for the Chumbak stores—she had to. This was truly one of the nicest places she’d stayed at, only problem was how similar every single door had looked, not to mention every hallway. She'd gotten into the elevator with a colleague of hers and when they stepped off--so did she. The keycard to open her door was in her hand as she pressed it against the door reader. She heard the buzz and turned the knob but the door didn’t open.

So she tried again and again and yet another time but all she saw was a faint red light which was driving her mad. Why wasn’t her stupid door opening? This was the problem with all these fancy hotels and their fancy keycards. What happened to locking doors the old-fashioned way? At least then these issues wouldn’t occur.

Saher was still trying her keycard, not wanting to head down to the reception level yet again as she'd just come up from there. She heard footsteps and only glanced up when she saw him turning around to go down the hallway which had her frowning before she called out to him. “Hi, excuse me! Sorry to bother you,” she said waiting for him to turn around as she continued speaking. “But I really need some help—my keycard is being ridiculous with me and not opening no matter what I try to do.” She paised for a second waiting for him to turn around, feeling like his face was a little familiar in the quick few seconds look. “I’m supposed to hold the keycard like this—right?” She did a quick demonstration before yet again the light went red which almost had her wanting to kick the door open at this point. “You see what I mean?”