The Masked Conquest

♕♛ Chapter 10 ♛♕

I blinked my eyes...twice..thrice.

But nothing disappeared.

I could still see people staring at me while I stood fixated under the spotlight.

"This isn't real, someone please pinch me.", I murmered to myself and winced in pain when I felt a throbbing on my forearm.

I glared at the culprit who in turn gave me an innocent smile.

"Damn you, Vihaan. I said to pinch and not skin me."

I stopped glaring at Vihaan when I heard the middle-aged host speak through the mike.

"I think Dr. Nambiar didn't pay attention when our Honourable Chief Guest Mr. Rajveer Agnihotri thanked her and Dr. Verma for their exceptional work so we would like to have you both on the stage to share a few words."

When he completed his sentence, I could only feel the ground under me shake violently.

I stood immobile on my spot thinking of ways to get rid of this situation.

"Go hell with it, I am fleeing.", I took a few steps back to only being pulled in front by my so-called best friend.

"Have you lost it? Don't even think of running away and making a scene. Take deep breaths, you would feel better."

As suggested by Vihaan, I started inhaling and exhaling while simultaneously taking steps forward. I could feel everyone's gaze on me but I tried to evade it by staring at my footsteps which in the moment seemed to be the most fascinating thing.

He knew it...Rajveer knew that I had this phobia but still he had to find ways to torment me.

I looked up and locked my gaze with the ruthless devil which made him smirk even more but it soon faded when he heard the host addressing him.

"It had been a great honour for having you with us on this event. I would like to thank you on behalf of our audience for your sincere words. Please enjoy the event.", the host said while gesturing Rajveer to sit on one of the eminent seats in the audience.

He nodded and addressed the crowd one last time with his breathtaking smile which made my legs go weak.

On the steps which led to the stage, we passed by each other.

I felt his hands brush against mine which all of a sudden seared my senses but if that wasn't all, I felt his warm breath fan on my neck as he whispered in my ears.

"Face your fears or you shall forever be detained by them."

He walked away before giving me a smug smile while his charcoal eyes glazed which in my surprise, calmed my nerves and made me feel a sense of confidence which was foreign to me all this while.

When I reached the stage, Dr. Verma had finished addressing the crowd as he motioned me to take his spot on the podium.

But today was certainly not my day as I tripped on my way and I was about to fall flat on my face when the host held my wrist with his hand which tightened helping me to stand straight on my feet.

I could feel the heat rise my face, aware of the fact that this was witnessed by the whole crowd. I quickly mouthed the host a 'thank you' but he didn't budge to pull his hand away from mine. I squirmed from his hold while he had an arrogant smile plastered on his nasty face and his eyes lingered on me making me feel uncomfortable.

If we wouldn't have been here, I would have kicked him where the sun doesn't shine.

When I averted my gaze to the audience, I felt Rajveer's intense gaze on us, specifically at the host. If looks could kill, then this host would have been dead for a long time.