The Wedding Whisperer

Chapter 10: The Unexpected Closeness, Her Past

"What a party! And we are just now getting started," Aarohi cheered, her excitement crackling through Akshara's headset.

"This hotel is perfect for such a party. I'm glad we didn't change the venue."

"Why do I not see you on the dance floor?" Aarohi giggled.

"You know me. I like watching from the control tower." Akshara smiled, scanning the security cameras.

"Are you sure you don't want to hang out—"

"I lost you, Aarohi." Akshara pressed into her earpiece.

After a lot of static, Aarohi's voice came through. "Did you have Brozilla on the list of attendees?"

"Why do you ask? And we don't call him that anymore," Akshara warned.

"I know, but it's such a cute name. I can't get over it."

Akshara looked through her list and saw that Abhimanyu had declined the event. "He's not supposed to attend."

"Well, Brozilla is in the house and he is on the prowl." Aarohi laughed.

"Aarohi, did you have too much to drink?"

Her friend giggled. "Maybe I did, but I am off duty in five minutes. I got morning breakfast duty. So do you, you should go sleep. Leave it to Jai and the crew to take care of the party."

"Yes, lock down all the entrances. No in and out without approval from either you or me."

"Done. Good night. I am going to go catch some sleep."

"Yeah, rest up. We have a busy day tomorrow," Akshara said and switched the channel to talk to Jai.

"Jai, you are in charge for the rest of the night. The hotel staff will assist with anything you need and call me if someone needs to go out or come into the hotel."

"You got it, Akshara."

"You guys have fun." She smiled as she took off the headphones.

"What about you? No fun for you?" The voice she was least expecting to hear made her smile broadly.

"Hi, Abhimanyu. Good to see you. We weren't expecting you."

She was surprised to see him in a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, looking like he showed up to take a peek rather than to join the celebration.

"Sorry to disappoint you." He smirked.

"Not at all. Glad you could join. Will you be staying the night?"

He shook his head. "I have to go. I came by to make sure Anisha is doing okay."

"She would have loved for you to join the party."

He scoffed. "It's her bachelorette party. I doubt she wants her big brother around."

"Would you like to grab a drink?" She pointed to the bar.

He shook his head. "I have an early start."

"Do you have time for a round of dance practice?" she asked half-jokingly.

"I thought you'd never ask."

"Very well then. Time to dance, I guess." She smiled, leading him out of the security room and toward the conference room on that floor.

"Is everything in order for the camping trip tomorrow?"

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you, ma'am," he said, making her smile.

"Will you be joining us tomorrow for the camping event?"

"No. I think you have it all under control." He followed her down the hallway.