TILL ETERNITY

30.

The people in the banquet hall were engrossed in only two activities: interviewing media personnel or gracing the dancing floor. But Shehnaaz was the only one who belonged to neither category, as she stood waiting for her husband who seemingly disappeared while she went to the stage.

"Ma'am the media's waiting for you" spoke Seerat 

"Let's just wait for another 5 minutes" spoke Shehnaaz, huffing

"Sir aise hi kaha chale gaye ?" asked Seerat

"Nahi pata Seerat" replied Shehnaaz

"Pata nahi kitna wait karwayenge Sir" spoke Seerat, annoyed

"Sorry for upsetting you Seerat" spoke Siddharth as he appeared from behind

"Kaha gaye the ?" enquired Shehnaaz, sternly

"We'll speak about it later" spoke Siddharth, judging his tone Shehnaaz knew not to question him any more. So, she signaled Seerat to get started

Seerat gave her a nod and started with her list, telling them about their solo and joint interviews. They both nodded and decided to go with their solo ones first.

The solo was finished quite quickly, and then there was a joint interview for both of them, 

"Thanks for being with us" spoke the interviewer

"The pleasure's ours" spoke Siddharth, as he put an arm around Sana's waist

The interviewer went on with the questions about the business, and their personal life. Then it finally came to Sana's relationship with Vansh, which always received the same answer.

Siddharth wanted the interview to end so, he could escort his wife to the dance floor,

"If you are finished, then allow me to escort my lovely wife for a dance" spoke Siddharth

Shehnaaz smiled and spoke "Enough for the day", dismissing the interviewer

~.~

Siddharth gently took her hand and went to the floor, he just wanted to forget all his worries and the truths. He just wanted to enjoy a night with his wife and see her smile, as he knew some things would take away that smile and whatever was left of her childish joy forever.

Shehnaaz smiled as she gave her hand to his gentle hold, as he escorted her to the floor. She blushed like a teenage girl in love, as he snaked his arm around her waist. 

The music swelled around them as Siddharth pulled Shehnaaz closer, guiding her effortlessly across the dance floor. The warm glow of the chandeliers bathed them in a golden light, making everything else seem to fade into the background. Shehnaaz's heart fluttered, the worries of earlier slipping away momentarily in the rhythm of their steps.

"You seem happier now," Siddharth whispered, his breath warm against her ear.

Shehnaaz looked up into his eyes, searching for the sincerity in his words. She could see it there, mingled with something else—something he was keeping from her. "I am," she replied, trying to keep her tone light. "You always know how to make me forget everything else."

He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's my job," he said softly. "To make sure you're happy."

Shehnaaz's brow furrowed slightly, but she decided to let it go. Tonight was supposed to be about celebration, not tension. "You're doing a great job," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder as they continued to dance.

Siddharth smiled and said "I have to" as he twirled her to the next person, Shehnaaz smiled at him as she moved to her next partner.

Shehnaaz moved to her next partner, who was Anurag.