Love : A Wicked Game

Chapter 31 : Her Stalwart Support

Rajveer couldn't take his eyes off Samaira. Means, he never could on the usual, but that evening, it was even harder to look elsewhere. The reason was, she was wearing a saree again after the first day of their marriage. That too, of his favourite colour; blackberry. Instead of bunching the pallu on her shoulder, she let it cover her arm in the traditional and graceful saree style. Her hair was straight open which silkily flipped forward and backward as she moved here and there, checking the decorations for the party.

He was seated beside Yashwant on the seats, Sonia on the other side and Anjana beside Sonia. Natasha was helping her sister and brother in finalizing the arrangements as the guests had started to arrive. Just then, Samaira's team member, Anika, said something in Samaira's ear, making her tense up.

His brows furrowed. What was it that made her so restless within a second ?

~

Samaira left the auditorium with Anika and went towards her team waiting for her in the hall.

“Why did he refuse at the last moment ?” - she inquired her team, her forehead creased in tension.

The Deputy Commissioner was invited in the event as the chief guest. It was planned to honour Yashwant by his hands. But now, he had refused to come at the last moment.

“Ma'am we don't know. His assistant had confirmed he was free for the evening but a while ago, he called to inform that the deputy commissioner won't be able to come.” - Rania told her, biting her nails.

God, what will happen now ? The guests had arrived and everybody knew of the DC being the chief guest. What will she say now ? It will be a huge insult of the company, that too, on its silver jubilee!

“It's our fault. We shouldn't have invited him in the first place. They just care about themselves! Someone's prestige, their self-respect, it doesn't matter to them!” - she said, her tone more hurt than bitter.

She ran a hand through her hair, racking her brain to find some solution but nothing came to her mind.

“What to do now ma'am ?” - Shravan asked.

She sighed. “What can be done now ? Let's head inside and start the honouring ceremony.” - she said in a defeated tone.

An award ceremony was being held for every employee of the company, former and present, for their contribution in the success of Sajawat. And in the end, will be Yashwant's honouring.

She headed back to the auditorium with her team, unaware, that a pair of chocolate brown eyes witnessed her distressed state and heard the reason behind it as well.

~

“Today, Sajawat has completed 25 years because of the untiring efforts of so many people. But it was a vision, a dream of one person, who made it come true by his hard work. Yashwant Purohit.”

Natasha, who took the job to host the event, said while standing on the podium.

“I feel honoured that I am his daughter and can only hope that I will make him proud of me, like he has made us super proud of himself.” - her eyes moistened, so did Yashwant's as well as the guests' seated there.

Samaira smiled. Natasha really had grown up.

“So in order to honour him, and the people who have made this day possible, an award ceremony is taking place. And for that, let's welcome our chief guest to grace the event with his presence.”

Samaira's eyes widened and her heart dropped. She had informed Natasha that the chief guest was not coming! How could she make such a big mistake ?!

“Give a huge round of applause to the Chief Minister, Mr. Sagar Mehta!”

Samaira's jaw dropped. She turned towards the archway to indeed find the CM walking in, welcomed by Kavin with garlands and petals from her team.

The CHIEF MINISTER was in their event, without even an invitation ?!

Her eyes landed on Rajveer who was already looking at her with a soft smile and the realization dawned on her.

‘...Samaira, meet Mr. Sagar Mehta, the chief minister of the state...’ - her mind reminded her the meet from their reception.

She felt a lump forming in her throat, her eyes rapidly blurring as well. He had practically summoned the chief minister at such a short notice just for her.

‘...I can do anything for you...’

Tears threatened to fall as his words rang through her head. He shook his head from afar, noticing her tears, and she wiped the corner of her eyes with a smile.

‘...Samaira is very lucky to have you...’

‘...I must say Mrs. Shekhawat, you are very lucky to have Rajveer as your life partner...’

‘God, you are SO lucky!’

She agreed with each one of them. She was indeed very lucky.

~

“Thank you so much for coming on a short notice.”

Rajveer shook hands with the minister after the party ended. Samaira was standing beside him as well, her hand holding onto his arm, but instead of the minister, her eyes were on Rajveer, full of love and gratitude.

“Oh it's nothing. It was an honour to be a part of such an event.” - Sagar said smilingly. “And it was nice meeting you again Mrs. Shekhawat.”

That made her look at Sagar. “Same here.” - she said with a polite smile.

The minister then bade his farewell. Rajveer turned to face her, his heart soaring at the way she was looking at him.

“How did you know ?” - she asked quietly.

“I heard you talking with your team.” - he said, tucking a tendril of hair behind her ear. “This forehead of yours-” - he touched it with his index finger. “-it was creased in worry and I didn't like that at all.”

She felt her throat constricting again.

“I like it like this, calm and relaxed. Or broad in pride. Like it was the moment the CM honoured Dad.” - he said softly.

She swallowed but the lump didn't ease. Her heart took slow yet in sync beats and she had a suspicion it was chanting ‘Rajveer’.

Her head, oh-so-slowly, dropped forward and she wrapped her arms around his waist. His arms cocooned her protectively, making her sigh in contentment. She had never felt so at peace before. A warmth was engulfing her existence, a calmness washing over her.

He placed a tender kiss on top of her head and her eyes closed. His fragrance, his soft embrace, him, everything was comforting. Soothing.

“When will you leave in the morning ?” - she asked softly, her eyes still closed.

“You know I'll wake up after 10 itself. Then getting ready and breakfast. So it'll be easily 11 by the time of leaving.” - he said, chuckling.

Her lips curved into a smile. She was sad that he was going for the whole day but at the same time, was excited for the following evening.

“You will see me off, won't you ?” - he asked playfully.

She leaned back just enough to look at him and found that he was smiling mischievously.

“Think again, if I'll see you off, there's a high chance of me stopping you from leaving at all...” - she said just as playfully.

He grinned. “I don't think that's a bad thing.”

She chuckled and hugged him again and he embraced her, tighter than before.

Oh she couldn't wait for tomorrow to come sooner.