Perpetually Mine

Chapter 4

"A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed"

- Henrik Ibsen

CHAPTER 4

Mishti realised with dismay that there was nothing she could do. The man was powerful and influential, and she was a mere nobody compared to him. Also, they were now in the middle of the dance floor completely surrounded by people. There really was no choice. It didn't matter if she'd disliked him on sight. She had to dance with him.

Mishti ( hissing) : You don't have to drag me!

Abir exaggeratingly loosened his grip.

Mishti ground her teeth together and swore to herself that this man would never take her sister as his bride. His manner was too cold, too superior. He was, she thought a touch unfairly, too handsome as well, with velvety eyes that matched his hair to perfection. He was tall, and his lips, while classically beautiful were tight at the corners, as if he did not know how to smile.

The sound for a waltz began. Abir place one hand on her waist and held her hand with the other. She placed her other hand on his shoulder. They began swaying to the music.

Abir : Now, Why don't you tell me why you hate me?

Mishti, so taken aback, Stepped hard on his foot with her heeled shoes. He let out a grunt.

Abir : Miss Singhania! There is no need to cripple me.

Mishti : It was an accident!

Abir (coming forward and whispering in her ear, which gave her tingles) : Why do I have trouble believing you?

Mishti (ignoring the tingling feeling) : Because if I really wanted to hurt you, I would have done it ages ago.

Abir looked at her stunned at her daring, then started laughing. Mishti looked at him surprised. It was very unexpected to see him laughing.

Mishti : Will you stop? People are staring!

Abir : Obviously they will do that. People like me usually am not seen dancing...that too with someone like you.

Mishti should have felt bad but instead gave him a smile.

Mishti : Not true Mr Rajvansh! All sorts of men have been dancing with me. To get favours. The idiots want me to recommend them to Kuhu.

Abir (interestedly) : Idiots? Not suitors?

Mishti looked up at him but found only interest and amusement in his eyes.

Mishti : Did you just offer me a bait to insult you?

Abir : I did! But yet, You did not take it.

He looked at her superiorly.

Mishti looked down to see if she could somehow stamp his foot again.

Abir : I wouldn't try that if I were you. I am wearing thick boots.

Mishti surprised, looked up and saw him looking at her with a hint of a mocking smile.

Abir : I have sharp eyes too Mishti Singhania.

Mishti smiled.

Mishti : Too bad! I shall have to be careful around you then.

Abir : Did you just offer me a compliment??

Mishti : If you wish to take it as one, you do so. You won't receive any more.

Abir : You are hurting me