Aap Koun Hai? PT 1

The Hall

The sight of the hall itself takes my breath away.

From the splendor of the polished gold floors that reflect my mirror image, to the intricately carved marble walls, its chaotic pattern stretching on every corner in the room . The decked up array of a myriad of foods spreads across the long mahogany table, and a glistening chandelier hangs down from the ceiling like a ball of amber diamonds.

The arrangements themselves are so blinding and flashy that I almost don't notice the hoards of cameras that are pointed at us .

I gulped, staring back at the black gadgets,squinting my eyes at the bright light pointed on my face, the reporters and cameraman eagerly looking up waiting for me to give a reaction.

Vihaan nudges me with his shoulder, and leaning in my ear he whispers "eyes forward. "

A shiver dances down my spine at his cold airy voice. It wasn't a request. It was a demand.I look straight ahead, ignoring the camera's and instead at the guests, trussed in colorful silk.

My eyes scour the room, trying to find Kabir, swiftly passing the luster of the lamps, the swirls on the walls, the strange faces who don't know me, until I find him.

Kabir, in a dark black suit,black tie and laughing aloud with a champagne in hand.

A smile graces my lips for a quick second, before falling once more when I see who he is with-my dad and Mr.Leela.

How are they even in the room with each other?

Before I can stare any longer-my father catches me. Our eyes connect for a split-second-daring each other to break the ice, before Vihaan finally drags me along to the food counter.

As we trudge to the counter, I still feel the heat on my back, the cameras trailing behind us, still hopeful they will catch something.

Once we reach, the counter, I am immediately hit with the aroma of the food.
The spices tickling my nose, the steam of hot food curling into spirals , and the sweet scent of dessert saturating the air.

It appeases my eyes too, rows upon rows of curries, pastas, pastries, bread, seafood and some foods which I don't even know the names of.

At the end of the long line is a huge fruit bowl, its vibrant colors capturing the light. Including a large chocolate fountain and a castle of cupcakes.

My pupils dilate at the expanse of meals.Sam and Tam would quite literally scream at the sight. How I wish they were here to experience the same

I blink quickly from my thoughts, as Vihaan cuts in my vision to get a plate for himself and that reminds me to do the same.

As we are served food from the servers behind the counter, I do my best not to get distracted by all this glamor.
Everything is so shiny and it is quite difficult not to admire all the little details, from the skillful embroidery on the table cloth to the grandness and sheen of this hall and guests

But instead I keep my ears open, straining them to pick up the conversation in Kabir's circle.

But as more guests enter, the sound eventually is drowned and I don't get much in my ears.

I sigh annoyed and return my focus back to the counter, as my plate is piled up.

Until we reach to the end of the counter with the bread and the desert,

I am served a chocolate cupcake, a few pieces of pineapples and watermelons and a cup of chocolate from the fountain. My eyes can't tear away from it.

The thick liquid flowing downwards, and downwards a never ending cycle. The light glints on the chocolate, a sheet of bright white shimmering on its surface.