Mysterious Oberoi

10

Changing into the deep-blood-red dress, I walked into the room. Attempting to walk with the over-flowing dress. I stood in front of the enlarged mirror of the same height as mine.

To my surprise, the dress fitted me perfectly at each curve, convincing me; it was designed for me. As I wasn't much used to over-exposed dress, I felt a chill passing towards the upper exposed portion.

The gown didn't have much-embroidered work, such a simple piece of silk yet it seemed of branded quality. Much to Mr. Oberoi's standard! I rolled my eyes.

I pulled my hair from the bun, allowing those loose curls to hang around my shoulder. The dress looked more elegant; I smiled at myself. For a change, I admired how stunning my reflection looked in the mirror.

There was no longer stubbornness to prove Mr. Oberoi wrong but I wanted to feel beautiful. I wanted to feel what living felt like. What did giving myself a last chance in life, felt like?

I applied some make-up, along with red lipstick that went well with my dress. I combed my hair not wanting to lock them back into the bun. I always admired them, flying with the winds. I placed a small locket, having an initial of my name 'A' around my neck. I smiled to myself as I gave a last glance at myself before walking out of the room.

___

As anticipated the venue was crowded with numerous strange faces. They were wrapped in luxurious-branded outfits. Women seemed like models, the way they hold themselves. The way they laughed, even coughed they seemed perfect not humans but idols.

I practically forced my eyes from them. I regretted the minute I was among them, crowded by them. I felt as if I had entered a completely different universe. The confidence the look had gifted me was long forgotten. Even in the most elegant dress, I felt out of place.

I wrapped my arms around me as the cold wind brushed past me. The over-exposed dress was only adding to my worries. The winter winds weren't going to make it easy for me. Why did even I decide to dress in it?

As I was lost in regretting another of my decision that was taken impulsively. A clearing of a throat got into my ears and I turned my eyes in that direction.

A middle-aged man was standing, offering a luscious smile at me. I stared at him, suspiciously. I hated gaining the attention of strangers. "Hi, Dev..." He extended a hand for a handshake, introducing himself.

I faked a hesitant smile, it was awkward to initiate a conversation with strangers. And mostly I wasn't attending a gathering to prepare myself for such unwanted greetings, I was at work.

"Hi, Aachal..." I hesitated but offered my hand for a handshake.

"It's a privilege to come around such a beautiful woman." He winked moving my hands towards his lip and soon pressed a swift kiss on my knuckles.

I wasn't even able to mask a smile. He was making me uncomfortable with his intense interest.

"Dev!" A growl was heard making him loosen his grip around my palm and I withdrew my hands from him. My eyes soon locked with the human that had interrupted us.

His set of black orbs was fuming in deep rage as his set his orbs fixed on the companion before me. His lip was forced into a thin line and his eyes found it difficult to hold his fury. He was staring at his prey with hungry orbs. What had Dev, done? Or was the problem with Mr. Oberoi?

"Shlok," Dev grinned taking a step towards him. "I was searching for you for a long. Finally, you're officially going to be my brother-in-law."

Brother-in-law! As in he was Anaya's brother? I keenly observed him. They didn't share any familiar features.