Moon (Completed)

1.

I was almost about to leave the hall when I saw her. 

She wore a beautiful green lehenga with a bejeweled cream coloured top. Her hair flowed down her back in beautiful waves.

The ornaments she wore glittered in the light, and made her stand out. Her smile was so radiant, it brightened the room. Her soft, brown eyes reflected her beauty. 

She was talking to some older women who were sitting a few tables away from me.

They probably said something funny because she put her head back and laughed. Her laugh sounded like gently ringing bells, it echoed in the room pleasantly. 

She was a goddess. 

All of a sudden, she looked up. Our eyes met and she smiled at me. I stopped breathing for a second. I smiled back, my face warm. 

I suddenly heard my mother's voice.

"Are you blushing? Is there a good-looking guy around?" she looked around as she said that, her eyes scouring the room. 

"N-No! I am not blushing. It's- It's the heat!" I sputtered. 

My mom gave me a look of confusion

"What are you talking about?" She asked. "It's really cold." 

"Whatever, I am getting something to eat." I said. "Do you want something?"

But my mother was already signaling one of her cousins over. 

I didn't like coming to such weddings if I could help it. All those relatives prodding me and asking me personal questions. Do they know nothing about privacy?

Thankfully I left before they came around asking about my marks. 

I walked to the buffet and got myself a plate. I walked to the first dish. It wasn't something i knew so i decide to try it.

I took one serving of the dish. 

"Can you please help me to some of that?" I heard. 

I turned around to see her. She looked so beautiful. Her eyes peered into mine. I was awestruck by the situation, but quickly got a grip over myself.

"Sure!" I exclaimed while serving her some of the dish. 

"Bride's side of the family?" she asked casually, her eyes on the other dishes lined up. She then looked up at me expectantly, waiting for me answer. 

"Wha- yeah. I mean, yes." I replied, shaking my head a little. 

"Ah okay. I just assumed because I am from the groom's side of the family and I don't remember you. I think I would have remembered a pretty face such as yours." 

I almost choked on my food. 

"Thank you" i mumbled,  my face red. Why was I blushing so much? Had all the confidence in my body drained away? 

"Come, let's walk." She said.

I wordlessly agreed. She walked next to me lifting the lid off the dishes, serving herself a little of anything she liked while making a face and a soft disgruntled sound and the others. It was entertaining to watch. 

"How old are you?" I asked her all of a sudden, realising immediately after how stupid it was. 

Way to go, Naya. 

She looked a little surprised too but she answered 

"Eighteen. And you?" 

"Me too." I said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. 

"Great!" She exclaimed,  turning to me completely. She was about to say something but was distracted by something, or someone behind me. 

"Is that your mother? I think she is calling you over" she said 

I turned around and it indeed was my mother. She was waving her hands furiously in the air trying to get my attention. I grimaced and slowly turned back. 

"I have to go. I'll talk to you later?" I asked, hoping she would say yes. 

"Oh yeah definitely.  Although, I didn't get your name" she said. 

"It's Naya" I smiled at her.

I saw her eyes flit down to my mouth before she said, "Hi Naya, I am Shivani."