Christmas Miracle

Chapter - 14

Riky was positive she looked amazing. It had been a while since she had felt her old confidence in the way she dressed or looked but today she knew she was back. She had tied her hair at the top of her head turning it into a messy bun. It was 'in' these days. She had worn the dress she had bought this morning. She could have worn the emerald green gown she had brought with her for the occasion but she had decided against it. The fall of the dress was amazing. It fit on the bodice and then just fell from waist down all the way to her knees with layers of silk and satin giving the shape of the skirt an umbrella look. The feel of the dress was so good against her skin it was wonderful. She wore her thin single layer diamond necklace and small drop shaped diamond earrings that dangled a couple of millimeters down her ear lobe. With a matching bracelet and silver pumps she dazzled. Her makeup was minimal. She wasn't the bride. She was the bride's...friend. If that term still applied. But Riky was past caring. She had always liked to look her best. It didn't matter if she outshined someone or not. She dressed for herself and not for somebody else. Despite that she had made an effort to not steal Ria's thunder. She was in a very happy mood and that was reason enough. Though she owed it to one man. Tilak.

A natural smile flittered across her lips. He was such a warm and sincere human being, it didn't seem real. His views and approach to life wowed her. He was honest in his intentions. So what was he hiding? Riky shook her head as the nasty voice of doubt returned. It could be anything. And it is not necessary that it was something to do with her. Everybody had secrets. She had hers too. He wasn't judging her. She hadn't told him anything about herself. Nothing actually. Not even her full name. She had been hurt. Badly. And twice at that. She couldn't afford to have her trust break again. Her wounds were starting to heal. They probably won't, not completely at least, but she felt better than she ever had. She really couldn't afford to s****e that part of her again. Riky sighed. She sat on the winged chair in her bedroom and leaned against the tall back.

How did it matter what he was hiding? She would be gone in another two days and probably would never see him again. The date she had set for Christmas day was only just another day with him. Just him. One more memory. So she could believe again. That was all. But was it? She wasn't sure. Tilak drew her to him. She had even started finding the man attractive. His easy charm was like a soothing balm over her overwrought nerves. And for some very insane reason she knew he would always be there for her. If they parted on friendship she knew he would stand by her through thick and thin. How she knew that, she had no clue. Maybe it was the strength of character she had witnessed in all the time they had spent together. She couldn't define it. And where one part of her was thrilled and wanted her to go forward the other part was suspicious and skeptical. And this constant tug of war inside her was confusing her. She didn't know which path to take. Should they part as strangers? Taking this small time as just an interlude that had brought her confidence back. Or should they part as friends? Taking this association forward and see if it was worth it. But what of the heartache if it didn't work out? What of the pain? And Riky realized something vital. She was scared. She feared being with someone. She feared taking the risk that came with every relationship. She feared being who she really was. That gave her pause. She took in a deep breath and rose from the chair. She wasn't a coward. She would die before letting someone call her that. So what if life hadn't been fair to her. It had sure made her strong. Strong enough to kick it back straight to hell, next time it tried another trick. And Riky smiled. It was a favorite line of her aunt and of course, her eldest brother. But she understood the meaning. She had always walked tall and proud, no matter what was happening around her and she would be damned if she would let a loser like Rohan Shah stop her from doing whatever she wanted. His words, opinions didn't matter. What did Tilak call her fondly? Princess. Well, she was one. And it was time everyone realized that.

With that she turned around and picked up her dress coat and clutch the left. Her newfound courage, her companion.

Would the evening ahead bow to Riky's courage or would she find that things were a bit more tough than she had realized?

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