Equations Of Love

18

"I just want to be somebody to you"

DIYANSHI'S POV

Embarrassment kicked inside me the moment I realized what I had done. How could I have been so vulnerable, so... needy? As Ayushman came out of the washroom, I stormed inside, cursing myself under my breath.

I refreshed quickly, hoping the cool water would wash away my mortification. After that, I just slipped into bed, avoiding looking at Ayushman, my heart still pounding from the earlier encounter.

The next morning arrived with the promise of another busy day. It was the Mehndi ceremony, and I had to get ready. I chose a green lehenga, its intricate embroidery shimmering in the light. The blouse was a perfect fit, highlighting my slender waist. I carefully draped the dupatta, ensuring it stayed in place.

When Ayushman came in, asking if I was ready, I nodded. We headed downstairs to the ceremony where the ladies were already gathered, the scent of henna filling the air.

I sat down, and the mehndi artist began her work, applying the intricate patterns on my hands. As the artist worked, she added Ayushman's name within the design.

I wanted to show it to him, to share this moment, but when I looked around, he was nowhere to be found. He must be busy, I thought, trying to brush off the disappointment.

Later in the evening, I got ready for the sangeet function. I wore a sparkling saree with a sleeveless, backless blouse. The blouse was adorned with delicate sequins, and my makeup was on point—smokey eyes, a touch of blush, and a deep red lipstick. I felt beautiful, the kind of beautiful that made you walk a little taller. My hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down my back.

Ayushman came rushing in, needing to get ready himself. He headed straight to the washroom without much of a glance at me, and I tried not to feel slighted. Of course, he was busy. It was a wedding home, after all. When he finally emerged, dressed in a sleek sherwani, he paused for a moment, his eyes taking me in.

"You look gorgeous," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

He moved towards me, and my heart skipped a beat. Was he going to kiss me? But no, he simply reached behind me to grab something from the dresser. I cursed myself internally.

Why would I expect that? And more importantly, why did I want him to kiss me? There was something seriously wrong with me.

Clearly irritated with myself, I plastered a smile on my face, and we headed for the sangeet function. The atmosphere was lively, with music blaring and people dancing. Ayushman joined his cousins on the dance floor, and they urged him to do a couple's dance. He declined, laughing, and said he didn't know how to dance. I watched him, my emotions a whirlwind of confusion and longing.

As the evening progressed, I mingled with other relatives, trying to keep myself occupied. They were serving drinks, and without thinking much, I had five to seven glasses. It tasted good, refreshing even, and before I knew it, I was feeling a light buzz.

AYUSHMAN'S POV

As I ended the call from my office, trying to juggle work even amidst the wedding festivities, one of my cousins approached me with a mischievous grin. "Hey Ayushman, did you know Diyanshi is a great dancer?"I looked at him, puzzled.

"What do you mean?"He laughed and pointed towards the dance floor. "See for yourself."

Confused, I walked towards the crowd, the thumping music growing louder with each step. As I pushed through the sea of people, I saw her.

Diyanshi was in the center of the dance floor, surrounded by other ladies, moving with an energy and abandon I hadn't seen in her before. Her sparkling saree shimmered under the lights, and her hair flowed with every movement.

But something was off. She didn’t seem okay; she looked... drunk?

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