Silent Affair (On Hold)

Chapter Six

Everyone had gathered in the ballroom. Waiters served finger food as well as drinks. Everyone was buzzing with talk, all lost in their conversations. Amoli and Vijay were busy talking to their guests. Avantika stayed with Deviyani so that she could avoid getting yelled at by Arnav, who was always a couple of feet away, giving her the eye.

Khushi was with Anjali, who was busy talking to some guests. Khushi didn't feel good wearing the choli Arnav had designed.

He made this for someone special. It was designed specifically for her. And now that I'm wearing it... I should give this back to him regardless. Maybe he can create something else or recreate it if he wants.

The people Anjali was talking to left and she looked at Khushi. She noticed Khushi was down and wondered what was wrong.

"Khushi? Are you okay?"

Khushi shook her head and looked down.

Anjali understood. "Is it about the choli?"

Khushi nodded.

"It's okay Khushi. It was an accident, you didn't know. It just ended up happening. Maybe Avantika will finally realize that she should stop messing around like a kid at her age."

Khushi looked at Anjali exasperatedly but Anjali shook her head.

"No, don't start Khushi. The way I see it, Chote is okay with it. If he wasn't, well, you know how Chote is. He would've said something then and there. He's just acting angry to get back at Avantika for messing with his stuff. Regardless, you look beautiful and I want you to stop worrying about it."

Khushi shook her head but Anjali wasn't budging.

Anjali cupped Khushi's cheeks in her hands. "Khushi it's okay. I'm telling you, it's alright. Now stop it and have some fun. The music has just started playing so go have some fun. And while you're at it, go help Avantika. She looks like she's battling Death instead of partying," she chuckled. "Okay?"

Khushi shook her head exasperatedly.

"Khushi please? For me? Everyone else thinks you look beautiful in this. And now that all of what Avantika and Chote said is out in the open, forget about it."

Khushi looked down, still not okay with it.

Anjali sighed. "Fine. Since it's bothering you that much," she tilted Khushi's chin up, "if you want, you can return it to him once the evening is over. Happy?"

Khushi smiled slightly and nodded.

Anjali shook her head with a smile. "Stubborn little girl," she chuckled. "Now go and have some fun."

Khushi nodded and she went after Avantika. She saw Deviyani busy in conversation with an elderly and Avantika looked like she'd fall asleep any second. Khushi quickly rescued her and they walked around the ballroom.

"Thanks so much for saving me Khushi," Avantika said. "Now Bhai will definitely stop acting like Death, creeping all around me and ish," she shuddered.

Khushi rolled her eyes with a smile.

"At least they finally put music on. Wanna dance?"

Khushi looked at the center of the dance floor. There were a few people who were dancing, mostly couples.

"Come on Khushi, it'll be fun!"

Avantika dragged Khushi out onto the dance floor, who looked back at her with wide eyes. Khushi looked at the people around them and noticed some people looking at them.

"Who cares if people are looking at you Khushi! Now let's have some fun!"

Khushi shook her head, but Avantika ignored it. Instead, she took Khushi's hand and twirled her around. Arnav noticed the two and saw how nervous Khushi looked.