vedantxarora

[vedantxarora]

Though he was never directly out in the field, there was something about keeping up with the physical fitness that made him feel as though he would be back in the field sooner rather than later. And rather than just working out like he normally would, he’d brought a companion along for the ride who was unsuspecting at best. When she lightly complained about his chosen activity for the day, he shrugged with a slight smile. “Normal is so boring. I am questioning if you’re really a Stanford alum. Besides, this was our normal.” With a slight bit of jest, he nearly rolled his eyes at her dramatics. “You used to beat me up these walls. Where’s that spirit?” / @samiraxiyer

closed for @vedantxarora location: grip factory

Samira had been watching some of the others at the indoor rock climbing facility while she'd been getting set up in her gear and glanced back at the taller man next to her. "Did we have to do this? Why couldn't we reconnect like normal people Ved?" She grumbled before moving up closer to the wall. She'd definitely done this a lot in the past and had enjoyed it as well but in recent years she was definitely out of practice and she was sure it was going to show. But given how they two of them had done this in the past during their time at Stanford, it felt like a fun way to spend some time together. "If I fall to my death--tell Maya I loved her, okay?" But the smile on her face hopefully let him know that she was only teasing him.

[vedantxarora]

Ved was no excellent bartender, so he did not take it to heart that the other did not convert to an avid drinker at one sip of the concoction he’d presented him with. It was a fairly simple mix, one that he figured most couldn’t dislike. Apparently Eddie wasn’t most. “Honestly, it’s sort of just spiked Coke. Nothing really fancy. Maybe I should have held back on the gin. Want something else? I could see you grimace the second you took a sip.” / @eddiexpowers

closed starter for @vedantxarora

asking the other for recommendations had proved to be a bit of an interesting choice. eddie wasn't a drinker. in fact, he remembered drinking a single beer in college and that alone was enough to make him feel a little dizzy. what he was thinking tonight of all nights was a mystery to him. picking up the dark liquid, he brought the glass to his lips and took a sip, his face twisting in surprise. he wasn't a huge fan, that's for sure. "oh wow. okay," he cleared his throat and set it back down on the bar top, "what did you say that was again?"

[vedantxarora]

Ved was not yet ready to say that his days in with the Bureau were behind him. Though he was not sure if Gwendolyn would say the same seeing as she not only left, but also had another job lined up. It wasn’t as if Ved wasn’t working. He was. But to anyone who knew him, it was obvious that he did not intend to bartend for the rest of his days. His job screamed temporary. Hers screamed permanence.

And a part of him wondered what drove her to make the switch. He could remember when they were both younger, with fewer creases in their brow or signs of weariness across their features. Both passionate and enthusiastic. Hungry to do what was best and serve in the way they felt they could. How did they both end up here? Back in Wilmington, doing things that were undoubtedly a step below what they had set out to do.

At least for him, the Arora family did not come with its own set of baggage or expectations. The same, Ved imagined, could not be said for his old friend. None of these thoughts were voiced immediately as he settled in and fell back into the nostalgia of their youth. Yet Gwendolyn, straightforward as always, beat him to the punch by questioning his career shift ( involuntary as it was ).

Where with others he had his scripted answer, Ved nodded and decided to divulge the truth. “I’m on probation. I disobeyed orders a few years ago in Syria. Went in to save someone on my own and after that, the next time I was out in the field, I choked. They said that until I was cleared by some shrink, I can’t do anything.” As his drink appeared before him, he took a slow sip, gaze focused on the amber liquid rather than on his friend. / @gwendolynwcde

Entering the Hideaway, Gwendolyn was currently off duty as she occupied a section in the corner of the bar where she was able to save a seat for two. Flagging down the bartender, she recited her order before waiting for her companion to arrive. It’s been a few years since she resigned from the Bureau. Her reputation was quite up there with the assumption that she would retire with ease, but the eldest Wade had her own plans only for it to backfire as she was now the Chief of Police of Wilmington. It was a double edged sword to come from a founding family that held such high expectations. However, she should have known better and for Gwen, she learned to simply suck it up and pay her dues. 

It wasn’t anything different when she was an agent and if there was one person who could understand that currently, it would be Vedant Arora. To think the two ex-agents would have crossed paths was either fate or a coincidence, but it had been long overdue that the two had a proper conversation and tonight that was all going to change.

Out of the corner of her eye, she slid Ved’s glass to his side of where he was seated before finally turning to face him. “Well, enjoy it while it lasts.” she mused at first before clinking her glass with his as a means to toast and then taking a long sip. "—I didn't peg you as a bar guy as your civilian life. What changed?"

[vedantxarora]

There were plenty of things that Ved didn’t realize about his family by virtue of not being around. It didn’t help that his family typically did not speak about their emotions or what was going on with them ever since Santosh had passed. It had shaken the foundation of their family structure, uprooted them in ways that they had never been able to mend. It was for these reasons that Ved would have never understood the reasons that Shivani’s family did not particularly appreciate his father. They were close, considering that Shivani’s mother and his mother were childhood friends. But as the years passed and Ved grew more perceptive, he did not miss the way that she would look dismissively at his father. The way that there seemed to be an undercurrent of disapproval that remained despite the surface level closeness that the families shared. When they came to America, with everything that happened with his older brother, it was like his family completely isolated themselves from the rest of the world.

Now, he suspected that his mother was glad to have Shivani around. After all, she had always liked the younger woman and he was certain that she had wanted a daughter of her own. Why they did not have more children, Ved did not know. Nor did he venture to try and find out. As the door opened, it was clear that she was not expecting to see him. Just like he had not expected to show up at her doorstep either. As she ushered him in, he took in the unfamiliar surroundings, feeling as though the woman before him was pretty much a stranger despite the fact that they had once played together as children on a near regular basis.

As Shivani continued to speak, he stood tentatively by the side, nodding along to show that he was listening without saying much in response. He had never been all that talkative to begin with, but the years and the experience had made him even quieter. “She’s doing okay. Can’t stand being off her feet though. She’s been insisting all day that she’s fine.” He could sympathize. He too could not stand being cooped up in his hometown the way he was. “No, it’s okay. I’d rather give her everything so she actually rests and doesn’t worry about what my dad’s going to eat.” There was a touch of distance in his tone, inevitable given the years it had been since he’d last spoken with Shivani. “How’re you? I didn’t expect you to move down here.” / @shivanixrao

Shivani and her brother had been close to the Arora family, especially when they’d all been back in India. Sure they lived in different cities but train rides up north during the summers and them coming down sometimes during the monsoon meant that a lot of her childhood memories had Vedant and his brother in them. Of course when both families moved to the United States, it had been almost expected that they’d continue that relationship. Things had changed though, and of course the children had all been too young to really understand why. But they didn’t see each other nearly as often. But her mother and Ved’s still spoke constantly on the phone which made Shivi feel like at least all was well with the two friends. Did she miss their presence in her life? Initially she had mainly because living in America was so different and having others around who understood that was something she would’ve liked but ultimately they all grew up and came to terms with it. Of course it was during this growing up time that she found her mother being a lot more open as to what caused the semi awkwardness between the two families. Something about how Ved’s father didn’t think the Rao family was a family they wanted to be closely associated with, an assumption her mother had made due to their financial standing in America. 

So from a rather impressionable age, she started hearing these things and wondered if maybe Vedant thought the same, that the friendship they’d once cultivated wasn’t as important and good enough to keep going as teenagers and then as adults. It was why Shivi visibly got a bit weird whenever her mother called and told her to go and see his parents. She cared about his mother of course and would try to visit when she could but otherwise—Shivani tried to stay away—not wanting to say something to ruin the minimal bond the two ladies shared. 

When she opened the door and caught sight of the tall man standing in front of her, she was slightly taken aback. “Hi..” she cleared her throat hating the fact that she hadn’t expected him to show up here at all. “I did—I made something that she likes and so I thought I’d send it over but she mentioned wanting to come out to see me so we planned for her to pick it up,” she paused before ushering him in. “Sorry—you can come in,” she told him with a smile before heading into the kitchen, “is she doing okay? I just sprained mine again a couple weeks ago too…so I know how it feels. Hey—um did you want some of the food? I made chole puri along with some dahi vada…” she paused before giving him a quick smile, “I can pack some for you too…agar tumhe chaiye.” 

[vedantxarora]

As he greeted the dog before she greeted him, Ved was not at all surprised. Not only because this always seemed to happen when he took her out for a walk but also because, from what he remembered about Nicole, she had always been a little like this. When her attention finally returned to him, he shook his head in response. “I don’t. I’m just helping out a neighbor. I’m not cut out to be a dog owner.” Ideally he would be traveling again soon enough when the Bureau reinstated him. Though maybe his parents could use a furry companion. The thought crossed his mind and he figured he’d ask them the next time they spoke. “Sure, anything to make her like me a little bit more while her actual owners are out of town.” Motioning for her to lead the way, not aware that such treats even existed, he continued. “When’d you move back? Or are you just visiting?” / @nicolemcrtin

When Nicole runs, she loses herself in it. Runners high? Absolutely. But a cute dog can grab her attention from a mile away. She hadn't noticed the man walking the dog–or more so, the dog walking the man. Her gaze solely on the sweet lab that had her pausing her run. You know what beats the free drinks you get in a bar for being hot? Dogs in a whole park choosing to see you. "Oh wow! Loves attention, hey? Me too, buddy." Nicole's grinning, and already bending down to pet the excited pup at her feet. Finally, she remembered there's a human on the other end of that leash and her gaze returned up to none other than Vedant. "Oh, hey! I didn't know you had a dog." Standing straight up to greet him, hands propped on her hips. "She's a sweetie. Few days? So she's new. Hey if you really wanna spoil her we have got to get her one of those puppaccinos from the cozy cup."

[vedantxarora]

His eyes glanced down at the picture once more before meeting her unamused gaze. Sure, they were both present in the image and he recognized her only after they had parted ways. Though he couldn’t fully figure out what had prompted her to seek him out, and that too in a seemingly combative, almost accusatory, fashion. As if he were hiding something when she was the one who was quite far from home and that too, in a place where he wouldn’t have expected her. Which was why his disinterest mirrored her stoicism. “Maybe you give a few of those thousand and I’ll catch up,” he offered back, wanting her to come out and say what answers she was in search of from him. / @kmadrigalsoto

Kimberly stood her ground, or more so sat as she hopped onto the stool and crossed her arms, ready for this petty off. She knew right off the bat that this was going to be difficult, especially since she’s dealing with a bureau agent…Or so she thought. Oddly enough, she found it completely weird to see him on the other side of the bar, but as she was doing a deep dive into remembering who she is, the heiress is speculating that perhaps he could be undercover of some sort. Did she remember what division he was in? Nope. But they were all the same, right? Using all her will to live to not roll her eyes completely, Kimberly remained stoic and nodded, “Did I stutter?” she countered at first. Completely stubborn to the core, she refused to fold and so she replied to Ved's inquiry with, "They a picture is worth a thousand words, no?"

[vedantxarora]

As he explained the reason that he had chosen to relocate from one coast all the way to the other, Ved couldn’t help but think how different their reasons were. Where Irza enjoyed Wilmington after his parents had chosen to move, Vedant found it easier to be away from them. There was a pang of guilt that rang through his mind at the thought that he was running from his parents who had already lost one son. But this was neither the time nor place to dwell. Maybe this was what he ought to have discussed in therapy, but Ved would never bring it up outside the tiny voice in his mind. “Yes, we moved here for a very similar reason back when I was a kid. Visited family friends once, fell in love with it,” specifically his brother had, “and decided to make it home.” With a slight smile, Ved shrugged. “I’m not all that surprised. You had a leadership quality in you even back when we were at Stanford.” Noting that they were still standing in the middle of the road, Ved figured that the conversation was best continued over drinks rather than in the middle of the street, especially when it was clear that Irza had somewhere to be. As the other proposed the exact same thing, Ved nodded. “Why don’t you all stop by the club? I’ll use my employee discount and get you some cheap drinks made by yours truly. It’ll give us a chance to fully catch up.” / @irzaozer

He shifted the box of cupcakes, trying not to drop them as he mulled over Ved's question. It wasn't like he'd planned on ending up in this town, but his parents helped him to make that choice. "My parents moved here a few years back," Irza said. "I came to visit and fell in love with the place. It just felt right, you know? Plus, I figured it was time for a change of scenery." A soft chuckle escaped him as he remembered how things had turned out. "Never thought I'd end up as mayor, though. Funny how things work out." While he would never say it, he couldn't help but notice the changes in his old friend. There was a tiredness that hadn't been there before, and he wondered what had happened to bring him down this route. Still, he kept his mouth shut, knowing it wasn't his place to ask. "Well, I'm glad you're keeping busy," he said with a smile. "And sometimes a change of pace is exactly what we need.—It's crazy, isn't it? Who would've thought we'd all end up here? Maybe we should organize a proper reunion. Get the old gang back together."

[vedantxarora]

Ved was not expecting the embrace as he was suddenly pulled closer and asked not to ruin Rylan’s fun. The bartender’s lip quirked up at the request, having seen the other man beat quite a few people at this challenge he tossed out. Surveying the other man who had otherwise taken up the challenge, Ved worried that he’d be the one responsible for dealing with him at the end of the night. “I wouldn't be as long as you’re willing to take responsibility for him if he starts to act up.” At the threat that he’d be the replacement, Ved shook his head and put his hands up in surrender. “I’m not trying to dethrone you tonight. Besides, I don’t take advantage of my employee discount like that.” / @rylexcallahan

Ready to make a sign at the bartender to keep the drinks coming, Rylan heard a familiar voice and turned to face the man. "Ved, my friend." He gave his shoulder a pat before pulling the other man into a friendly hug. "Don't be such a killjoy. Who knows, maybe this fella will finally strip me from my title." He mused, eyeing his opponent for the night as if to decide whether he even stood a chance. He did seem like a solid guy, which didn't mean much, considering he'd beat solid-looking guys before. "You know, if you make him change his mind, you'll have to take his place."

[vedantxarora]

There was something that was bothering her and that something clearly had to do with the sudden downpour outside. Though he kept a few steps of distance between them after he had placed the water in front of her, his eyes fixated on the way her features tightened. Her lips pursed despite her attempt to muster up a smile. Her gaze shifting between the financials and the door. And it was in the bright white flash of lightening that he caught the moistening of her eyes. Something was clearly wrong, though Ved wasn’t sure if he was the right person to console her. Their situation was a strange one. He’d seen her break down before. When the tension had subsided, and she had felt somewhat secure in his presence in Syria when he’d saved her. The tears streaming down her face, the fear that paralyzed her that night as they hid from enemy fire. It was impossible for him to erase because Mahira marked many firsts. The first time he disobeyed orders. The first time he lost someone. The first time he witnessed the grief and trauma of a civilian stuck in a horrific circumstance that he had somehow desensitized himself towards.

As her hand shook, there was an inexplicable urge in him to reach out to steady it. After all, the papers that were scattered around the table were important. More than that, there was a part of him that sought to comfort her through whatever it was that she was going through. In Syria, he had been doing his duty. He’d assured her that she was safe, but he could only so show so many compassion while being equally alert for any signs of danger. Now, without nothing more than the claps of thunder threatening them, the human side of him came alive in a way it didn’t while he was working. But her words, her feeble attempts to cover up her fear, suggested that she didn’t want him to notice. She was looking for his feigned ignorance, not his words of comfort. “It’s okay. There was a group who came in dressed as unicorns and they were pretty drunk by the end and kept neighing.” He shared, trying to give her something to distract her. But as the rain picked up, the lights let out and they were plunged into darkness. Looking around, he figured that she wasn’t about to get any work done without electricity.  “Let me go and check the circuit breaker.” / @mahiragarcia

His presence helped to jolt her away from the memories of those 18 days. Her nerves were frayed and as thunder cracked outside, her anxiety came flooding back. "Yeah, it's been crazy busy," Mahi agreed, her voice tight. "Good for business, though." She tried to smile, but it felt unnatural. Her eyes darted to the windows again, watching the rain slide down the glass. Every time lightning flashed, she twitched as if she'd been zapped. Her mind wandered back to Syria, to the cell where they'd kept her. The boom of explosions, the stench of smoke... Blood spilling from her friend’s body. She shook her head, eyes stinging with unshed tears. His voice yanked her back to reality. She latched onto his words about the night's craziness, desperate for something normal. "Glad it wasn't too bad," she said, her voice steadier now. "Always worry about things getting out of hand on busy nights." When he slid the water glass in front of her—she nearly jumped out of her skin. She looked up at him, plastering on a smile. "Thanks," she mumbled, reaching for the glass with a hand that shook like a leaf. She took a sip, the cool water soothing her parched throat.

She set the glass down, her fingers drawing squiggles in the condensation before she peered back up at him, "So, any interesting customers tonight? Always love hearing stories." Another boom of thunder made her jump like a startled cat, but she covered it by grabbing a stack of papers. "Sorry, just trying to get these numbers sorted," she lied, shuffling through the documents without seeing a damn thing. Her mind was going a mile a minute, torn between the here and now and the memories that threatened to swallow her whole. Could he just leave? She couldn’t do this. Not tonight. Playing off as if she was okay when all she wanted to do was crawl somewhere and cry. He'd already seen her at rock bottom in Syria—she couldn't stand the thought of him seeing how broken she still was.

[vedantxarora]

Rolling his eyes with a quirk up of his lips while he read through his friend’s messages, Ved didn’t bother responding as he got into his car to drive over to the new house that Nikhil had moved into. It was strange to imagine that the two of them, despite knowing each other from childhood, only really found themselves in the same place again now. If it was up to Ved, he might have ran into Nikhil when their respective work caused their travel to overlap. Otherwise, he preferred to avoid extended stays in Wilmington. Nonetheless, it was nice to have a friend in town, seeing as the number of connections he maintained were minimal. Knocking at the door, he held up the beer and food as soon as the other opened the door. “I brought double in case bhabhi is also home.” It would be a lie to say he wasn’t curious about that development in his friend’s life as well.  “Otherwise, it’s all yours. Binge away.” / @nikhilxkohli

If Nikhil was being honest, he’d have told Vedant honestly how glad he was to have his friend in the same city once more because it had been a long time since they’d been able to hang out like this—especially with Vedant’s and Nik’s individual careers that kept them both in different parts of the world at various times. But he pushed all that aside and looked forward to the future, hoping Vedant decided to stay in Wilmington long term as well.

text → Ved D: I’m allowed to binge if I want to. I’ll just regret it in the morning, so that’s not my problem tonight. text → Ved D: …I’m going to have to check you for a fever when you get here tonight. Pagal, we hold the glasses with our hands so yes we do drink with our hands. 🤣 text → Ved D: I do have plastic cups though and I have some gin and tonic, but nothing else so please bring some beer and whatever else you want.  text → Ved D: If I was playing a game tomorrow yeah I wouldn’t have it but luckily I've got a few days to get it out of my system. 

[vedantxarora]

The jovialness with which they interacted in the grocery store was nowhere to be seen in her expression. Instead, as Kimberly sat down before him, she almost seemed to be on guard. For reasons he couldn’t possibly be aware of. So when she slid the photo across for him to see, he looked at the party that he’d only recalled a few days before as well. It seemed that she remembered that they’d met prior as well. Looking from the picture back at her, his expression was blank. “Answers,” he mused, leaning against the counter slightly as the rest of the bar seemed preoccupied and not requiring his immediate attention. “About?” Because though she regarded him with what he might characterize as curious suspicion, he figured that seeing an heiress halfway across the world in his town should be far more surprising to him than for her. / @kmadrigalsoto

Entering Soundwave, Kimberly was sober to the core and had no plans of enjoying the nightlife like she normally would. She was there visiting someone and it wasn’t her good friend Mahira, in fact it was a particular bartender that she had previously encountered. With only a name and a face, dark hues scanned the crowd before making her way towards the bar. Did she even have a plan in how she wanted this conversation to pan out? No. However, she did want answers as she didn’t find his presence comforting per se. When she approached the bar, the heiress heard his question and was quick to reply with, “Answers.” Narrowing her gaze, she wasn't sure what to make of it, this whole encounter made her feel uneasy as she slipped out a group photo of them at a gala and slid it across for him to see to help jog his memory.

[vedantxarora]

It was strange. Running into someone from a time in his life where things had been rather different. Where he had just stepped out from home, and realized how much less guilt he carried when he was away from his family. And though things hadn’t worked out between them, seeing her reminded him of how much he missed those days. Missed being away. Missed not knowing what life had in store for him. “That’s true. You always did have more affinity for this place,” he commented, reminded of their differing reactions when they had found out that they both hailed from the same city. “I guess it was only a matter of time. How long have you been back?” / @emberleon

ember didn't think she would run into ved any time soon or at all. after college, the two of them went their own separate ways and she'd been okay with that. the two didn't end on bad terms by any means but things hadn't worked out regardless and she didn't have any other reason to keep in contact. "happy to hear it." she replied with a smile resting over her face. she didn't have any hard feelings toward him so she was happy to hear he was doing okay. "come on, wilmington is my home. there was no way i wasn't coming back."

[vedantxarora]

Ved rarely shared what he did for work with his family. The easy reason would be that everything was classified. Naturally he couldn’t share what he was working on or where he was traveling because it could implicate their security and could reveal secrets that were meant to stay that way. A more touching reason would be because he wanted to shield them from worrying about him. His work was dangerous in many ways and he wouldn’t want for them to be stressed every single time he was flying somewhere. Though Ved didn’t always find himself in the line of fire, there were plenty of times that he did. But the truth was, he didn’t tell them not because it was classified or because he didn’t want them to worry. Both were true, but the real reason was only because Ved did not have that type of attachment to them. He cared for them, but he also knew that the more distance he maintained, the better they would be. So they knew he worked, they knew he traveled. They knew he was alive. But beyond that, he didn’t share much. Not with them. Not with anyone. Which was why when she mentioned that she was close to hers too, he realized that they were not one in the same. She assumed that his return was precipitated by a bond with his family that drew him back. She didn’t know that it was that very bond that he attempted to secure by keeping away.

Without saying more, watched as she eased a bit more in his presence. He remained stiff, but she leaned in and there was a nonchalance in her demeanor that was starkly different from the last time he’d seen her. Then she’d been. . . wild was the only way he could describe her. “Expert of none, I suppose,” he offered back with a dry humor. He was competent enough in what he did, but taking compliments, even ones offered as formality, wasn’t among those trades he was good at. But he gave her a short nod, deciding that he would stay back, continuing in the role that he had before. Ved could see the desire to make this work, to make this venture a successful one. And he could only wonder what prompted her to start up a nightclub of all things, but decided that was a question for another time. He’d already taken up a good deal of her time, so he stayed quiet. “I’ll offer whatever I know, but you’ll come to see there isn’t much to learn about this place.” And that wasn’t Ved being facetious or rude. It was a fact that prior to her leadership, this bar did not have much going for it. So it would probably be more of a learning experience for everyone. Getting used to her style.

As she started to think of the future, Ved didn’t allow his mind to wander in the same direction. Because though he had no plans in the present, there was a part of him that hoped that the future did not require him to continue to work at the bar. For now he had a reason to fall back, but management or consulting. “Possibly. I guess it’ll depend on how you take to my work.” He replied noncommittally, leaving the possibility in the air without outright turning it down lest she decide she didn’t need staff that was transient and flighty. “But I’m also comfortable with what I know,” he continued, committing to working behind the bar indirectly. Which they both seemed to agree would be the place for him to start. “Like I said, I’ll help however I can as you transition. For now, I’ll let you get back to figuring out the ropes without taking more of your time.” He gave her another short nod as a goodbye, finishing with a “I’ll see you tonight,” before heading out, finding himself somehow still employed at the establishment that was always supposed to be temporary. / @mahiragarcia

FIN.

Mahi's family had been her lifeline during the darkest period following her return from Syria. Her mom and Donnie had rallied around her. They loved her and gave her space when she needed it. When the nightmares became too much, mom would sit with her for hours, sometimes in silence simply holding her as she cried. Other times gently coaxing her to talk about her feelings. They encouraged her to seek professional help. However, despite their best efforts, her trauma and survivor's guilt proved too heavy. Feeling suffocated by their concern and unable to fully heal, she ran—hoping that distance and time would help her find herself again. That didn’t help, but thankfully, she was in a far better place now. Not healed yet, but a work-in-progress. “I understand. I’m very close to mine too.”

Nodding, she felt a wave of relief wash over her as he changed the subject. "Yup. It is." She leaned in, resting her elbows on the desk and listening to him talk about his various club gigs—a smile tugged at her lips. She nodded, her eyes flickering as he described his various roles at the club. She leaned forward slightly, her posture relaxing a bit as the conversation shifted to more familiar territory. Anything was better than having to talk about the past. "Jack of all trades, I see… That's exactly the kind of experience I'm looking for," she said with a small smile. She glanced around the office, taking in the space that was now hers. It still felt surreal, like she was playing pretend in someone else's life. But maybe that's what starting over was all about. "I could definitely use someone who knows the ins and outs of this place. There's so much to learn, and I want to make sure Soundwave lives up to its potential." When her gaze returned to Ved, she studied him with a newfound curiosity. She wondered if working together might be good for both of them. A chance to face the trauma of their past head-on, rather than running from it. But the thought also terrified her. What if it brought everything rushing back? A pit settled in her stomach, but she forced it away.

"You know, since you've got experience behind the bar, maybe that's where we could start," she suggested. "We could always use a skilled bartender, especially one who knows the regulars and the ins and outs of the place." Maybe some of the old patrons would come back just to see him. Why not, right? The guy was attractive, after all. "And who knows? We could look at expanding your role in the future. Maybe into management or consulting down the line." Her fingers tapped a light rhythm on the armrest as she continued, "I'm all about giving people room to grow and showcase their talents. So if you've got other skills you want to bring to the table, I'm all ears." She paused, studying his face for any reaction. Damn, the man was like Fort Knox. "What do you think? Would you be up for jumping back behind the bar, at least to start? Plus," she added with a small smile, "it'd be nice to have someone around who already knows the ropes. Save me from making too many rookie mistakes as I figure this whole owner thing out."

[vedantxarora]

SIDHARTH MALHOTRA in A Gentleman (2017)

(for @madamewriterofwrongs and @oneawkwardcookie)

[Image ID: eight square gifs of Sidharth Malhotra as Gaurav and Rishi from A Gentleman:

GIF 1: Gaurav looking confusedly at Kavya before holding up a spoon, tilting his head slightly at her.

GIF 2: Gaurav opening the door, in an apron with a dishcloth over one shoulder, flour prints over his clothes and clutching a rolling pin. He bring the back of his hand to his forehead, smearing flour over his hair.

GIF 3: Rishi, dressed up to look like an alias with a mustache, sweeping his fingers through his hair as he stands outside Miami airport.

GIF 4: Rishi looking back towards where the tattoo artist has just finished his latest tattoo, bringing a hand to his shoulder as the sting settles in.

GIF 5: Gaurav standing at the cash register with his hands on his hips, impatiently tapping his fingers before he reaches into his back pocket for a wallet. He looks up at the cashier when she asks him if he has any coupons.

GIF 6: Rishi standing in front of Kavya in a denim shirt, hands on his hips as she walks away from him after learning his truth. He is injured on the side.

GIF 7: Rishi pointing a gun at Yakub, his expression fierce as he gestures with the gun, telling them to “get the fuck out of my house.”

GIF 8: Rishi confidently handing Kavya a ring box as he drives them out of Miami towards a new life.

/end ID]

[vedantxarora]

WITH: @pearcecallahan LOCATION: pearce's office

Technically he knew that in order to get a clean bill of health (mentally), he would have to see Pearce on a more frequent basis. Yet the thought of walking into the room, sitting with a complete strange, and talking about things that he had long since compartmentalized seemed like a massive waste of time. Ved did not discount the benefits of therapy. He knew that it had its merits and worked for some people. But not all solutions worked for all problems. Especially not for all people. And Vedant Arora was not exactly made for therapy, nor did he have problems that could be solved by talking. He’d been trained to experience trauma, to internalize it and not let it get to him. And despite what his senior seemed to think, he was confident in his ability to be back out in the field. Sitting in the waiting room after nearly three weeks of being MIA, he pressed his palms together, waiting for the other to call him in.

[vedantxarora]

WITH: @nicolemcrtin LOCATION: lincoln park

Ved didn’t think he came off as the friendliest person. His expression always stoic, lips pressed into a straight line. So he was rather surprised when his neighbor knocked on his door, asking him if he would be willing to pet sit for the few days that they were out of town. He could see the desperation in their eyes and despite not coming across as friendly, he wasn’t antisocial. And he really didn’t have much to occupy his time these days, so he agreed. With that came a reason to get out on a daily basis during the day when things were slower at the club and they didn’t have too many customers. With a leash in hand, slack as his neighbor’s lab wandered along the shrubs, stopping to sniff anything in sight, he pulled a little when he saw her attention shifting to someone else’s shoes. “Hey, hey,” he began, not really feeling comfortable being stern with someone else’s pet. Looking up, the features were familiar, and equally surprising. Because the last time he’d seen Nicole. . . he couldn’t even remember. And the last time he’d spoken to her. . . couldn’t remember that either. “Sorry, she’s pretty nice. The few days I’ve gotten to know her.”  

[vedantxarora]

“Kashvi,” he began with a slight pause and a serious look as though he were truly about to lecture her sincerely. “You need to stop calling me on my BS. Once is fine, but let a guy have his crappy excuse.” With an amused shake of his head, he recognized that maybe he should have showed up sooner. But Ved had never been the best at making or keeping friends. He realized that recently when he ran into Irza. How he hadn’t kept track of anyone he went to school with. And even now, he could count on one hand how many people he actually bothered to stay close to. And it was very often due to their effort. When she pointed out that she wasn’t hosting seeing as he hadn’t brought anything he held up a finger. “My turn to call you on your BS.” Producing not a bottle of wine but vodka, he put it down on the table. “Might not be the welcome you were expecting, but you can’t say I’m a bad guest. I come prepared.” Even if he had just grabbed something on his way over because he was already running late.

As she finally took a breath when he pointed out that she was taking on a lot more than one person could handle, it seemed his words did not have their intended effect. Rather than putting a pin in her plans, his statement seemed to only strengthen her resolve to prove that she could handle three businesses. And maybe she could. He wouldn’t put it past her. But surely doing so would come with a price. “How is it that anything I say you’re finding a way to twist it into work? Are you turning into a workaholic?” She was speaking with an expert in that of course. Flipping through the menus she’d handed him, he looked up with a touch of amusement. “Well if you’re about to open up a new Indian place in six months, I feel like we should be charitable towards your future competition. Give them some business before you take it all. Or, you can call it market research.” / @kashvisaxena

A grin was one her face as soon as he’d pretended like her little attack had actually impacted him. It hadn’t. Still she couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped her at his explanation before shaking her head. “Bollocks, I don’t have a set schedule yet so I could’ve met you any time. But I’m going to try and be the bigger person and let it go.” Kashvi took a deep breath before nodding a this question before grinning at him. “You’re safe…for now.” When she decided it was probably best to order something because of the lack of supplies in her pantry she chuckled at his words. “I’m not hosting you…those are much fancier nights, this is more of a catch up session between friends. That’s why you didn’t bring me a bottle of wine or something, see,” she pointed out with a grin, letting him know that she was teasing him right back.

Kashvi continued her ramble about wanting some decent Indian food and wondering if perhaps she could get her favourite place in London to want to franchise it when he told her to slow down. What was with everyone telling her to take a breath? She was going to be fine—besides she was still young enough to make things happen so why not? “Leave some good ideas to the rest of you? So you all can come to me for PR consulting? You’re right, that is a good plan…I’d get more money that way,” She mused before shaking her head and giving him a smile. “Besides so far it’s only the two…but now that I’ve said this out loud, I’m manifesting it. In the next six months, I want to open an Indian restaurant here in Wilmington.” She proclaimed before handing him the few takeout menus she’d accumulated in the last few weeks. Wait--she'd said in the next six months, was she really planning on making this her residence for that long? “But I'm seriously getting hungry, what are you in the mood for?”