Chapter 25: Chapter 25
Niharika's POV
I rushed out of my office and went to the beauty parlor. I had an appointment with the beautician for a makeover. I was organizing a party in the evening and I wanted myself to be a presentable host.
After two hours of hard work, I realized that it was worth it. I looked fantastic in a peach colored silk sari embellished with a golden border. The red colored sleeveless and backless blouse added to the charm of the seven yard cloth draped gracefully around me. My hair was wrapped up into a simple bun and a curled flick of my hair caressed my cheek. I wore my dangling earrings (jhumkis) completing my look. I was utterly satisfied with my look. I chose to wear ethnic sari instead of a floor-length gown because I wanted to see Arpit's reaction.
I came out of the salon and my driver gaped amazingly, "You look beautiful, Madam."
I smiled and thanked him.
*****
I reached the venue and I could see different eyes gawking at me. After all, my sari look was new. Mr. Bose and his wife came to me.
"Niharika dear, you look beautiful just like your mother", said Mrs. Bose patting my back. I thanked her profusely for her comment because that meant a lot to me. It was the first time I had worn a sari.
Addressing all the dignitaries, I made the announcement that my company will be launching new product-lines to combat aging. All the people were visibly elated because everyone wants to look young these days. I was thrilled by the response. This party lined up many investors in my company for this project. I wondered if the party brought effective results. The visitors enjoyed scrumptious dinner.
Amidst praises and appreciation along with a plethora of pleasant faces, my eyes searched for someone special. Looking in every corner of the room, my eyes got struck at the left corner of the room when I saw a pair of amber-green eyes in black tuxedos. I sneaked away from the crowd and went towards the most handsome man I found at the party.
I nudged him and said, "Thank you Dr. Khandelwal, you are under tremendous pressure now, you will have to bring the best results now." I winked towards him striking the conversation.
He said, "I want you in return. Don't pay me but just say a 'yes'." He chuckled and looked down. He continued, "You are looking very pretty today. I have loved you since the last fifteen years. I regretted everyday and wondered where you were all these years. I want you, the most elegant girl on this Earth, as my wife."
My heartbeat raced and I was amazed at the comment. I was definitely impressed at the exaggeration. I couldn't control my giggles. Pressing my lips hard to stop laughing for a second, I ultimately burst out into a small giggle. He was perplexed. Deciding to play along, I winked and said, "It's your punishment. Control your urges in front of a ravishing body."
"God!" He snapped his head and said, "I am sorry Niharika. My mistake isn't that dire. Please."
"If I say I am not attracted to you." I said aggravating his emotionally wrecked state.
"If that is it, clear it today while looking into my eyes and I won't disturb you ever. But if it's a 'yes', you will have to tell me today. Please." He said firmly.
My heartbeat raced. I was startled at the sudden change in his behavior. I knew he was insecure but I was too. I was having the taste of my medicine.
I knew my answer but I didn't want to reveal it. My instincts urged him to tell him my answer now or never but I wanted some time. I knew that he would never ask me again. I knew he was adamant this time.
"Are you free over the weekend?" I asked him as I winded my hand in his hand.
Ignoring my question, he asked, "What does this mean?", pointing at our inter-winding hands.
I smiled and said, "You better know", winking towards him. It was a 'yes' but I didn't have guts to speak up. I didn't want to be perceived as a love-stricken idiot.
"I am free over the weekend, Ms. Niharika", he said smiling mischievously. Making an innocent face, he said, "Do you love me? Will you marry me?"
I did not want to spoil the moment precisely. I knew he wanted me to speak. Realizing no other option, I said, "Yes, I love you but you will have to win me back. We can have a relationship but I know you want to have a family with me. I will marry you only if you fulfill my mother's dream. I love you, no doubts." I maintained a professional monotone while trying to hide my emotions.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He kissed my palm and I realized our hands were still together. A chill of desire ran down my spine as his lips touched my palm. I had been waiting for this touch over years. This was indeed, the best moment of my life.
He said, "I will never leave this hand now. I will love you till my last breath. I will fulfill your mother's dream. I will never leave you like I did in the past. I promise." A tear crept from his eye. My fingers reached his face to clear the forbidden tear. I wanted to hug him but the venue forbade me. I tugged his hand tightly and moved out of the party hall from the back door avoiding the paparazzi.
He followed me quietly with twinkling eyes, which was not his original style.