The Elite Bride ( I was enchanted to meet you, princess )

《 52. Opening up 》

When no one is around, my dear
You'll find me on my tallest tiptoes
Spinning in my highest heels, love
Shining just for you

I want you to know
I'm a mirrorball
I can change everything about me to fit in

mirrorball by Taylor Swift

[This song here is a spoiler to what's about to unfold in the later chapters ;)]

J A N A K I

I had texted Raghav. I wished to solve this looming doubt in my head. I wanted him to know what's going on with me. I wanted us to be close. Not just for the sake of it, like for sex or in physical terms. I wanted us to be close like friends. So many couples were each other's friends and confidante before they were each other's better halves. And I wanted us to be that way. Helping each other not because we were obliged to, but helping and calming each other because we wanted us to be each other's anchor in tough times too. If I could be his anchor in his tough time then he too can pull me out of this dejecting tornado of my emotions.

I was pacing the room. My hands were sweaty I looked up towards the air conditioner and sighed as it was at 16. Why does it have to be this way? I used the end of my sari and wiped the sweat that had formed on my forehead. Where was Raghav? Why was he taking so long to come to me? He had gone on a morning jog only but yeah that was what he said nearly an hour ago.

He was a golfer. His legs were his possession. Lately, I had witnessed him limping a lot. And when I asked him why he was limping? He gave a whole essay as to how his hamstrings had been too stretched since the last time he had played golf and his legs were important as they are the most vital asset of a golfer, they help determine the stance of a golfer. Too much pressure on the feet would make one lean and his hands would be out of control and so the golf stick wouldn't properly hit the ball as he had informed me. I wanted him to rest properly before the trial began so that he would be prepared for the blows and punches; figuratively of course.

I heard heavy footsteps thudding against the marble floor. I dashed towards the jug of water kept on the center-table Lifting the glass, I poured water in it. Just as I was to keep the glass on the table there was a knock at the door. I turned around and found Raghav entering the room.

If I had not known it better I would have thought that he encountered with a ghost on his way. His face is covered with shadows of lines and pent up tension. But his voice breaks my reverie of thoughts about his face and the shadows covering it.

"Jaan?" His husky voice lessened the brooding in my heart and I tentatively smiled at him.

His gaze dropped to my smile and his lips tugged up in return.

I took the glass from the table and handed it to him. He took it from my hands, our fingers brushed his warm ones pacifying my cold ones. At the contact, I looked up at him and my eyes caught the motion of the smooth and slow swallow that had worked down his throat.

He took my hand in his and made both of us sit at the end of the bed and then he proceeded to gulp down the entire glass of water in one go.

He set the glass aside and turned towards me to face me. His fingers still clasped mine. I looked at him, blinking as I stared at his face. I didn't want to initiate the conversation. I was damn sure if I initiated it then I would end up caving and not telling him the truth. So I was thankful when he started first.