Rhapsody of love

07: "A night to remember."

Ruhi kapoor

     
                 He leans in closer to me, his breath hot against my skin as he trials his fingers lightly down my arm, his touch possessive and he whispers in my ear "You're even more beautiful up close," he says, his voice a low rumble. "But I have to warn you, i don't take things slow." Before moving his lips to mine in a rough, passionate kiss. A soft moan escapes from my mouth.

His eyes flash with a dangerous intensity. "Oh I think you understand perfectly." He growls his large hand cupping my jaw. He leans in, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispers, "I'm going to-...

"RUHI! Wake up, sleepyhead." Maya exclaimed, shaking me awake.

I jolted upright, rubbing my eyes. "What, Maya? Can't you see I'm working?"

Maya chuckled. "Working? You were snoring away, Ruhi!" She giggled, holding up my designs. "Are these finished?" I yawned streching. "Not yet. Get me a coffee, please?"

Maya nodded and left.

As I waited for my coffee, my mind wandered. I checked my watch—4 pm. I had texted shaan two hours ago, and he'd left me on "seen". Why is he ignoring me?

Maya walked in with a steaming cup off, coffee and handed it to me. "Thanks Maya." I said, taking a sip.

"What's wrong?" Maya asked, noticing my sad expression.

"Shaan left me on seen." I admitted, feeling a pang of insecurity.

Maya's expression turned sympathetic. "Oh, Ruhi, don't take it personally. He's famous remember? Who knows how many girls he's hooked up with?" For a brief moment, i agree with maya that reality isn't always reflected on social media, but I refrain from passing judgement and instead I nod, before refocusing on my work.

After completing my tasks, i headed home, eager for a refreshing shower.

As I settled onto my balcony, scrolling through social media, my father appeared, holding an envelope. "What's this, Dad?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

He sat beside me, handing me the envelope. "The annual charity gala." I read aloud, my heart sinking. It was scheduled for upcoming weekend. I dreaded these events, filled with billionaires, celebrities and royal families, including Raghavan family. The thought of it felt suffocating.

But then my father dropped a bombshell. "You know where the Gala is taking place?" He asked, his eyes sparkling with pride. I quickly checked the envelope.

My heart skipped a beat. India! The land of vibrant colours, rich culture and mouth-watering cuisine—a place I cherished deeply. If not for my father's business issues, we would never have left.

"Really, Dad? India!" I exclaimed, my eyes shining with excitement. I hugged him tightly, forgetting about the gala for a moment. This trip could be a chance to reconnect my with my roots.

Later, i snuggled into bed, exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster of the day. Memories of India lingered, warmed by my heartfelt conversation with dad. Despite my stepmother's attempts to drive us apart, Dad's unwavering support and love filled my heart.

As I drifted off to sleep, my mind betrayed me, wandering back to shaan. Why is he ignoring me? Am I overthinking? The questions swirled, but before i could find answers, sleep claimed me.

But the peace was short-lived. My phone pierced the silence, and i groggily opened one eye "S-H-A-A-N." I spelled, the name flashing on the screen. It's just shaan, I thought and promptly muted it. But then my sleep-deprived brain caught up and shouted, "Wait, shaan's calling me!" I jolted awake, wondering what kind of emergency warranted a late night call. I answered, trying to sound calm.