Planned Or Fated ?

Chapter 7 : The Clichè Truth Or Dare & An Offer ?

“Let's play Truth Or Dare!”

A chorus of groans rang in the hall at Karan's enthusiastic suggestion. The guests had dispersed after cake cutting and dinner but the close friends from the industry joined a single table with Karan, making a circle.

“Drop it Karan! It's too boring!” - Jennifer whined and got support from everyone.

But Karan was Karan. He smiled sweetly at them. “It's my birthday guys. So we are doing my wish as you all must be aware of the ‘can't-deny-anything-to-the-birthday-boy’ rule.”

Another round of groan rose.

“Who made this rule ?” - Harshad, who was seated right next to the birthday boy, asked with a frown as he hadn't heard any such thing before.

“The genius is right in front of you.” - Karan replied, setting up his collar and hair in style.

Everybody laughed at his antics and Harshad rolled his eyes.

“So let me set the rules! Here...”

As Karan went into his element, Harshad turned to Pranali who was seated on his right. The question that whether she was okay to play or not died in his throat as he found her smiling. She was listening to Karan with rapt attention, her eyes shining with excitement for the game. It was evident she was fond of the game and was okay with playing it. But the way she was rubbing her arms told him she was not okay with the chilled atmosphere of the hall.

“Feeling cold ?” - he softly asked.

Her head turned to him and her cheeks pinked adorably at being caught.

“Um.. slightly. It's getting cold in here no ?” - she chuckled softly.

He bit his lip to prevent grinning. She was so effing cute like a small child! He took his blazer off and gently placed it around her.

“Oh no, it's fine-”

“No it's alright. I'm not feeling cold anyway.” - he said and helped her in wearing the sleeves.

Her petite figure got practically hidden in his blazer and that was another cute sight altogether.

“We are busy dealing with Karan meanwhile Harshad is romancing his girl.” - Arjun teased who was seated opposite them.

Every head turned to them and Pranali's face crimsoned.

“She was feeling cold yaar...” - Harshad said with a grin.

Arjun and Shaheer cooed dramatically. “This man is making me feel like a third wheel despite being married and sitting in a large group.” - Arjun said glaring playfully at the duo.

Harshad laughed. “Well that certainly taught you a lesson. Next time you'll be bringing your wife along.”

Everybody laughed on the table and Arjun grinned.

The game of truth or dare started with pretty much the same rules and regulations since ages. Pranali was having a really fun time with everyone but the twist came when on her third turn, she chose dare as she had chosen truth in the previous two rounds before.

Karan grinned devilishly as it was him who was going to assign her a dare.

“So Pranali...” - he took a dramatic pause. “Give Harshad a kiss!”

Harshad's jaw dropped and so did her heartrate.

“Wait till it's your turn!” - he threatened Karan playfully who shrugged, unfazed.

Pranali turned to Harshad who had an apologetic look in his eyes as he had promised her that there'll be nothing physical in their plan. She smiled at him, assuring with her eyes that it was not his fault. She leaned closer and...

His eyes closed when he felt her soft lips on his right cheek. He heard faint ‘awws’ and ‘what ?!’ from around him but only subconsciously. His mind was trained on the feel of her soft, small lips lingering on his cheek before slowly pulling back. He opened his eyes and found her smiling radiantly at him.

“You can't be serious!”

Pranali turned to Karan with a wide grin. “Well... you didn't specify the type of the kiss so...” - she trailed off as Karan pouted and everybody laughed.

“That's some witty kitty right there Harshad! Beware!” - Karan warned jokingly, bringing out chuckles from everyone again.

The game continued but both Harshad and Pranali kept thinking about the little moment that took place between them.

~

“I hope you enjoyed.”

They were on a leisure stroll in a park around 11 in the night, surprisingly, finding time to themselves away from the cameras' eyes. She was walking side by side, hands in the pockets of his blazer that she was still wearing.

“I did. And I'm not just saying it. I mean it. Your friends are amazing just like you.” - she said smiling.

His smile widened hearing that. Feeling relieved that she felt comfortable and enjoyed herself in his friends.

“Ashutosh Sir, remember the producer and designer I introduced you to ?”

During the party, he had not forgotten why was she on board with him and had introduced her to the directors and producers present there who all were on great friendly terms with him.

“Yeah...” - she replied.

“When we were leaving, he asked me that whether you are interested in walking down the ramp for him ?”

Her eyes widened and a smile came on her face. “Really ?”

Her happiness was contagious and resulted in him grinning as well.

“Really.” - he affirmed. “And he is a nice man so if you take my advice, go for it. BUT, the final call is yours.”

“Are you crazy! Of course it's a yes! That's what I have been wanting all along!” - she said, looking ready to jump out of excitement.

He chuckled. “And since he is also a producer, so I reckon your chances to get linked to the acting field are high.”

He didn't deem it was possible but her smile brightened further, giving competition to the shining full moon in the sky. His feet stopped moving, as her shining eyes arrested him there. He was not too deep into philosophy but he felt, if optimism and happiness were merged together, they'll make Pranali. Such were her vibes. And her big, beautiful and innocent eyes just added to the effect.

Seeing him stop walking, halted her in her steps as well. She couldn't fathom the look in his eyes but it was certainly doing something to her heart. He was looking at her, no one had ever before. Making her feel like she was a wonder of nature by which he was totally fascinated.

The gust of wind blew, causing a tendril of hair to come to her face. Before she could raise her hand up, he shocked her by gently tucking it behind her ear. His fingers lingered and she became aware of only the touch of their skin.

“I am sorry.” - he said, his tone tender. “For the dare you know...” - he elaborated at her confused look.

“Oh... that's alright. It wasn't your fault anyway.” - she brushed away his apology with a shake to her head and a kind smile.

His hand was now busy putting her hair back from her shoulder. She didn't know he was even aware of it but her senses were highly aware of it, setting loose a swarm of butterflies in the pit of her stomach.

“I know. But you played that out smartly.” - he praised with a grin and she chuckled.

“I guess you are rubbing off on me.” - she said mischievously and it was his turn to laugh.

They resumed their walk while the light conversation continued. The full moon in the sky smiled down at them and showered its moonlight as blessing.