I stood with Preeti and a few of our friends, the excitement of the upcoming event buzzing in the air. We were all gathered in a circle, chattering about the performances and who was likely to impress the most. The laughter and chatter of my friends filled the space around us, but I couldn't help feeling a bit anxious about our dance.
Preeti nudged me, pulling me back into the conversation. "Naina, are you nervous?" she teased, a playful smile on her lips.
I laughed softly, trying to mask my unease. "A little. You know how it is. The crowd, the pressure…"
One of our friends, Meera, chimed in, "Oh, come on, Naina! You and Preeti have practiced more than anyone. You’ll be great!"
"Yeah, and remember, it's all about having fun!" another friend, Riya, added, her enthusiasm infectious.
Preeti grinned at me. "See? Everyone knows we're going to kill it out there. You just need to loosen up a bit."
I nodded, appreciating their encouragement. They were right. We had practiced for weeks, and it wasn't the first time we were performing. But this time, it felt different—like something bigger was at stake. The pressure to perform perfectly weighed on me, and I couldn't quite shake it.
After a few more minutes of lighthearted conversation, Preeti and I decided to do one last run-through of our dance. We moved to a quieter area, and as we started practicing, the familiar steps flowed through me, helping to calm my nerves. The music, the rhythm, and the synchronization with Preeti were comforting. Each move felt like second nature by now, and slowly, I began to feel more confident.
"You’re doing great, Naina," Preeti said as we finished our practice. "Just remember to have fun, okay?"
I smiled at her, feeling a little more at ease. "I’ll try."
Soon, it was time to perform. We stood backstage, waiting for our turn, and the familiar tension returned, knotting in my stomach. The crowd was lively, cheering for the performers before us, and the energy was infectious. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
Then, our names were called. Preeti gave me a reassuring nod, and we stepped onto the stage together. The bright lights momentarily blinded me, but as I adjusted, I took in the sight of the crowd—hundreds of faces, all focused on us.
And then, I saw him.
Dev.
Preeti's brother.
It was the first time I had seen him in person, and the impact was immediate. He was tall, commanding, with an aura that seemed to draw everyone's attention. My heart began to race, not because of the crowd, but because of him. The owner of the university was watching, and he was also Preeti's brother. That connection made everything feel more intense, more personal.
I had never felt this nervous before. My hands trembled slightly, and I tried to focus on the dance, but Dev's presence was overwhelming. Still, when the music started, I pushed through the nerves.
YOU ARE READING
Eclipsed by Desire
RomanceDev Singh Oberoi is a billionaire and the secret king of mafias, feared and respected in both the business and criminal underworld. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Naina Agarwal, a breathtakingly brave young woman from a promine...