Maybe in next life

chapter 13

Mihir🖤

Finally! The speeches were done, the guests had been served, and every performance so far had been a success. But now, it was time for the final highlight of the night-the dance.

I stood at the edge of the room, my gaze scanning the crowd. Guests were gathered near the stage, their eyes alight with anticipation.

The organizers called for everyone to take their places, and I moved toward the group of performers, my steps deliberate and unhurried. Vihaan, Sherline, Ishaan, rohan, mayra and the others were already assembling. And then, I saw her.

Ruhi.

She stood near the back, adjusting the hem of her gown as she took her position. Her white dress shimmered under the lights, the fabric hugging her in all the right places before flowing into soft, delicate waves. Her hair framed her face like a halo, and for a moment, it felt like the room dimmed around her.

I tried to ignore the tightening in my chest, the quickening of my pulse. But it was impossible. She had that effect on me-effortless and all-consuming.

As I walked to the front of the group, I glanced back over my shoulder. She was directly behind me, her gaze focused on the floor as if steadying herself.

I turned slightly, lowering my voice so only she could hear. "Ruhi."

Her head shot up, her wide eyes meeting mine. "Yes?"

"Are your feet all right?" I asked, my tone soft but firm. "You've been on them all day."

Her lips parted slightly, as if surprised by the question. She blinked, her cheeks tinging with the faintest hint of pink. "I... I'm fine."

I frowned, my eyes dropping to the floor where her heels had left faint marks earlier. "You shouldn't have pushed yourself so hard."

"I didn't-" she started, but I interrupted.

"Don't lie to me." My voice softened, almost a whisper. "If it hurts, you tell me. Do you understand?"

Her gaze faltered, her hands clutching the folds of her dress. "I'm fine, Mihir. Really."

I didn't believe her, but there wasn't time to argue. The music was about to start, and everyone was moving into position. Still, I made a silent vow to watch her closely.

The first notes of the song echoed through the hall, rich and melodic. I stepped forward, taking my place at the front of the group, and the others followed suit. The choreography was familiar-sharp turns, smooth steps, calculated movements-but my focus was anything but steady.

As the dance began, my attention drifted back to her.

Ruhi moved with a grace that was almost hypnotic, her every step measured yet effortless. The way her dress flowed with her movements, the soft glow of her skin under the lights-it was like she wasn't real.

We shifted into the next sequence, and I turned, extending my hand to her. She hesitated for the briefest moment before placing her hand in mine.

Her touch was light, almost hesitant, but it sent a jolt through me. My fingers tightened around hers instinctively, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just us.

"You look..." The words escaped before I could stop them. My voice was low, barely audible. "Beautiful."

She glanced up at me, her lips parting slightly as if to respond, but no words came.

We moved into the next step, my hand finding the small of her back as I guided her through the turns. Her proximity was intoxicating, the faint scent of her perfume lingering in the air between us.

"You're trembling," I murmured, my gaze locking with hers.

Her breath hitched, her eyes darting away. "I'm not."

"You are." I tilted my head, studying her. "Are you nervous, or is it something else?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't answer. Instead, she followed my lead, her steps perfectly in sync with mine.

The music swelled, and we transitioned into a more intimate sequence. I twirled her gently, our movements fluid and seamless. When she spun back into my arms, our faces were inches apart.

"Ruhi," I whispered, my voice lower than I intended.

Her eyes met mine, wide and searching, and for a second, it felt like everything else faded away-the music, the crowd, the responsibilities. It was just her.

"You're doing perfectly," I said, my tone softening. "Better than anyone else here."

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, breaking the spell.

We continued dancing, but my gaze never left her. Every movement, every subtle expression, every fleeting glance-it all captivated me. She had a way of making me forget who I was supposed to be, of breaking through the walls I'd spent years building.

The final sequence arrived, and I spun her one last time before pulling her close, our movements slowing as the music reached its crescendo.

As the last note played, we froze in place, her hand still in mine, her face tilted up toward me. My grip on her tightened slightly, reluctant to let go.

The applause erupted around us, but I barely heard it. My focus was entirely on her, the way her chest rose and fell with each breath, the way her lips curved into a small, nervous smile.

Vihaan clapped me on the back, grinning. "Man, you were on fire tonight."

"Just doing my part," I replied coolly, my eyes flicking back to Ruhi one last time.

She was laughing softly at something Sherline said, her hand brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

And just like that, the butterflies returned, relentless and undeniable.

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Thank you to everyone who is reading this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it. If you are enjoying the story please let me know your thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear your feedback and what you think about the story so far.
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SORRY FOR THE SHORT CHAPTER🥲

But there is a surprise for my sweeties in next chapter😉🦋

Love you guys💫💎