The Veiled Hearts

🌹Shall we dance?🔪

The dim lighting created an unsettling atmosphere as I sat next to Ishaan at the bar. We hadn't exchanged words for a while, but the sudden drop in light made me feel on edge. My eyes scanned the room, trying to adjust to the partial darkness. The only illumination came from the soft glow of the food and drink counters, and the grand chandelier suspended from the ceiling.

When I glanced back at Ishaan, he remained cool as ever, casually sipping his drink. Meanwhile, a knot of anxiety tightened in my chest as I looked around for Noor. I couldn't spot her in the dimness-nor could I find Avni or Yash. The lighting was so low that you could barely see anyone unless they were standing right next to you.

I turned back to Ishaan, breaking the silence. "How can you be so calm, sipping wine like this? Don't rich people pay their electricity bills?" I asked in frustration,but my unease was clear.

Ishaan chuckled, flashing a mischievous grin. "Our electricity bill is probably your lifetime's earnings," he teased. "And the lights? Well, they're dim because...1...2...3."

Just then, a male voice echoed through the hall. "Good evening, everyone," the man said, standing on the stage with a microphone. "I'm Aman, and I couldn't be happier that my daughter has just gotten engaged to the charming and highly respected CEO, Yash Singhania. We can't let the stars of tonight, Yash and Tanya, slip away without a proper celebration. So, let's have everyone join the soon-to-be bride and groom on the dance floor. And to set the mood, I'd like the pianist to bless us with some soft music."

As Tanya's Father words sank in, my heart raced.

I couldn't bear the thought of watching Yash and Tanya dance together. Yes, I knew I was jealous, but what could I do? Sit there and applaud their happiness? The idea alone made my stomach twist. I turned to Ishaan abruptly and said, "I have to go now. Noor is waiting for me!"

Before he could say anything to stop me, I stood up and started walking away, but his voice cut through the noise behind me. "Would you like to dance with me?"

I froze mid-step, my mind racing. I turned around and answered flatly, "No."

Unbothered, Ishaan took another sip of his wine, then quipped, "Why? Banaras people don't know how to dance at cocktail parties?"

Before I could fire back a sharp reply, he put his glass down after savoring the last drop and stood up. "Relax," he said smoothly. "Avni is on stage with Reyansh, and Noor is with Aarav. Where exactly do you think you're going?"

I hoped desperately that he was lying, that somehow the situation wasn't as he said. But when I turned toward the dance floor, there they were-Avni with Reyansh, Noor with Aarav, and worst of all, Yash with Tanya, just as Ishaan had said.

Ishaan came to stand next to me, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, leaning in slightly. "So, two options: Come with me, dance and be safe or stay here, running away from your senior bodyguard. And guess what? No one's going to come to your rescue because they're all busy dancing."

His words hung in the air like a challenge, as I didn't want to take but couldn't ignore either.

I glanced at Ishaan, then at the dance floor, and back at him again, torn between staying hidden and doing something reckless. Ishaan, clearly reading my hesitation, let out an exaggerated sigh. "Women usually throw themselves at me, and here I am, standing like an idiot to protect my friend's crush. Do whatever you want. Bye."

His words stung, not because of his sarcasm, but because I knew deep down they were true. And just as his voice faded, my eyes landed on the senior bodyguard, still scanning the room, probably looking for me. Panic surged through me.

Without thinking, I grabbed Ishaan's hand before he could walk away. "Fine! Let's go to the dance floor, but I'm only doing this so I don't get caught," I said quickly, trying to sound convincing.

Ishaan smirked, not buying my excuse for a second. "Yeah, yeah. Let's see,Banaras people know Waltz dance or not..." Before I could respond, he pulled me onto the stage with him, our sudden movement drawing eyes as the music played on.

Despite the rush of emotions and the mess in my head, all I could focus on was the fact that, for the first time tonight, Yash was about to see me close in saree... and I didn't know what that would do to either of us.

As soon as I stepped onto the stage, all eyes shifted toward me and Ishaan. I could see Avni and Noor dancing in front of me, completely immersed in the moment, but I could feel Yash's presence behind me. Though I avoided making any eye contact with him, his angry gaze burned into my back, a tension that was hard to ignore.

Avni and Noor caught sight of me, sharing warm smiles as they danced, and I managed to return the gesture, though my mind was elsewhere. Suddenly, I felt Ishaan's hands settle on my waist, gripping me firmly as he guided my movements. I shot him a frustrated look and muttered under my breath, "Take your hands off."

Ishaan's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing at me. "You think I'm enjoying this?" he hissed quietly. "But this is how we dance in Waltz." His grip didn't loosen, and I realized he wasn't about to let me make a scene.

With a sigh, I begrudgingly let him lead, feeling the weight of Yash's gaze on me the entire time. The tension was palpable, but all I could do now was go through the motions and hope this would all end soon.

Ishaan and Vanya:

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