Page 177 of 12 Years

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‘Mudit arranged it.’

‘Arranged it?’ Payal’s eyebrows went up.

‘Yes. She moved to Dubai and was looking for friends. We’ve been together for almost a year.’

‘Okay. What does she do in Dubai?’

‘There’s so much to do here. Shop, visit places.’

‘I meant for work.’

‘She’s looking. Although she wants to become an influencer.’

‘Okay …’

‘Meanwhile, I support her.’

‘That’s nice. A guy must support his girlfriend and be there for her.’

I smiled. ‘I don’t mean emotional support. I meant actual financial support. I help her out with her living expenses in Dubai. She’s young, so she needs that,’ I said.

‘How old is she? If you don’t mind my asking.’

‘Twenty-four.’

Payal looked into my eyes, trying her best not to be judgemental.

‘We do like each other,’ I said.

‘Okay.’

‘Want to see her picture?’

‘Sure.’

I took out my phone and showed Payal a picture of Tania. In the picture, Tania wore a tight and sexy short black dress. Maybe I’d chosen the wrong picture.

‘That’s Tania?’ Payal said.

‘Yeah. And there’s Paulina too.’

‘What?’

I swiped through my phone gallery and pulled up Paulina’s picture.

‘Who’s she?’ Payal said.

‘She’s also … I support her as well. We’re close too.’

‘Close, as in? You’re dating her also?’ Payal looked shocked.

‘Yeah,’ I said. ‘But it’s not what you think. I’m not cheating on Tania. She knows about this. In fact, Tania introduced me to Paulina.’

Payal shook her head in disbelief. ‘Wait, Tania and Paulina both are your girlfriends? And you support both of them? Financially?’

‘Yes, why are you asking in that way?’

‘What way?’

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