Love : A Wicked Game

Chapter 8 : Gear Up For The Wedding

“Your home is beautiful.” - Samaira commented as they descended the staircase of third floor and came down on the second.

It was around half past 1 in the afternoon now. The tour of the palace took an hour and it still hadn't covered all the areas. She just checked the prominent ones which her team would need to decorate.

He smiled, placing his hands in his pant's pockets as they descended the last staircase to the first floor. She wore her heels back but he didn't bother with his loafers and continued walking barefoot.

“But if there's something you don't like, you can change it.” - he said calmly, making her head snap to him in surprise. “For the party.” - he added, a smirk playing at his lips.

She turned her head away and missed his smirk dissolving into a mischievous smile.

“Um no, everything is perfect.” - she said looking at him again as they came to a stop in the main hall.

“So how it should be adorned ?” - he asked.

He was not a least bit interested in the decorations. The palace had seen parties before, everything was handled smoothly by the staff and his guards. They were grand and perfect in every department. But the way she talked about her work, the way she was sharing ideas with him of different ways to decorate the stairs, the hallways and whatnot, he felt himself getting entranced. He wanted to just stand there and listen to her talking animatedly about the things she loved. He deemed, it will be worth his time.

“Well... that depends on the nature of the party.” - she said with a slight smile. “What are you celebrating ?”

His lips twitched up in a smile. “Love.” - replied calmly, his eyes boring into hers.

She went quiet for a moment. His eyes betraying her again in the meaning of his words.

“Means you are... getting married or something ?” - she asked unsure, causing his smile to widen.

“I will if she said yes.” - he replied, his eyes getting intense that rendered her speechless again.

They kept staring at each other. Her, out of compulsion because his eyes were not letting hers to move and him, out of helplessness because his eyes didn't want to look at anything else except for her.

“Your home is magnificent Mr. Shekhawat!” - Nafeesa's exclamation broke their trance as the team members returned to the hall after completing the tour.

Samaira quickly looked away, her face heating up but a strange feeling rising inside her.

“I have noted down the measurements and the areas to be decorated. Within two days, it'll be completely changed into a royal party zone!” - she informed him with her usual enthusiasm.

“That's wonderful. From now on till the party ends, you have access to my guards and staff for any kind of help you want. Feel free to ask.” - he said, his eyes returning back to Samaira who was still avoiding looking at him.

Vivek returned to the hall just then. His right hand covered in a golden-ish paste, probably for the burn, while he stared daggers at Rajveer.

“Hope your hand is fine now.” - Rajveer commented calmly, adding to the burn.

Although, his calm demeanor didn't last for long when Samaira went to stand beside Vivek and gently inspected his hand. Her brows creasing in worry.

“Is it too painful ?” - she gently inquired.

Vivek managed a smile and shook his head. “Don't worry, I'm fine.”

Rajveer's fingers rolled into fists inside his pant's pockets and he willed himself to not kill Vivek then and there. But one thing was sure, that guy was fated to die and that too, by his hands!

“The lunch is awaiting you all in the dining hall.” - he announced loudly, grabbing her attention. His voice so cool that could freeze the running blood in the veins.

The team didn't look bother by having lunch at his place but Samaira shook her head before speaking.

“Thank you for your hospitality Mr. Shekhawat but we'd like to leave now. It's Thursday today and your party is due by Saturday. We need to do preparations and then come here to work on the palace. It'll take time.” - she reasoned in a polite but firm voice. “Besides, Vivek's hand is not fine as well so he needs to rest now.”

The last line burned his insides. A monstrous jealousy spread throughout his system like venom. Making everything melt like an acid. The veins on his temples popped but he managed to smile, although tightly.

“See you tomorrow then.” - he replied succinctly.

She nodded her head with a slight smile and left the hall with Vivek. The team members following right behind.

He took off his blazer and threw it on the floor in anger. The sight of Samaira holding Vivek's hand and worrying for his pain was replaying in his head over and over again. He flipped the glass table of the hall, making it shatter on the floor. The small shards of pieces scattering far away on the black, slippery marble. His guards rushed forward, Liam in the front as they saw him barefoot.

“Sir you'll hurt yourself...” - Liam said cautiously, his forehead creased with worry for his boss.

But Rajveer didn't listen. His eyes were blazing with a fire that threatened to burn the whole world down. What could hurt more than watching your love being worried for someone else ?! How could Vivek or anyone else in the world even think about to look her way! Oh he was just fooling himself! Samaira was HIS! Only his!

“Liam I want EVERY. SINGLE. DETAIL. about Vivek! His family, his friends, where he lives, where he goes, what are his interests, EACH AND EVERYTHING! There must be some weakness of his! Some flaw! FIND OUT!” - he shouted, picking up a vase full of black roses and smashed it against the wall.

Vivek will be lucky if he had a weakness else, he would need to die.

~

Samaira came home around 5 in the evening and upon entering the hall, she found aunt Anita, Vivek's mother and her would-be mother-in-law, seated on the sofa, talking jovially with Sonia.

“Mairooo!!” - Anita's face broke into a broad smile at Samaira's sight and engulfed her in a bear hug. “How are you dear ?” - she asked as she made Samaira sit beside her on the sofa.

“I am fine aunty. Vivek didn't tell me you are coming else I would have come home earlier.” - she said smilingly.

Anita brushed it off with her hand gesture. “That's totally fine. Besides, Vivek doesn't know I am here. I suddenly felt like meeting you all so here I am!” - she said, chuckling. “You also have not visited me for quite a while now...” - she complained good-naturedly.

“I know aunty and I feel so guilty but projects after projects it is. I'm not getting any time to spend with even Mom and Dad!” - Samaira reasoned in an apologetic tone.

“I understand dear. Was just teasing.” - Anita said kindly, caressing Samaira's head.

“She is a guest here for just a month now bhabhi. Then you'll have her all to yourself anyways.” - Sonia said, her eyes turning moist as she smiled at her daughter.

Samaira's smile dimmed for a brief second before she brightened it up again.

“That's what I was discussing with your mother just now.” - Anita said, grabbing her attention. “I was thinking, it's merely 25 days to the wedding now, so we should start with your shopping. How about tomorrow after office ? You and Vivek both will be free so can go to shopping easily ?” - Anita asked looking expectantly at Samaira.

Samaira grimaced. “Actually... just today, we have taken a contract for a party. It's due by Saturday so the next two days are gonna be hectic.” - she excused. “But I'm free on Sunday!” - she added, making Anita smile.

“So Sunday it is then!” - Anita finalized happily and kissed Samaira on the forehead. “Stay blessed dear.”

Samaira's response was a humble smile. But somehow, it didn't reach her eyes.