FROM DARE TO LOVE (Editing)✔

CHAPTER 18

I wake up, shivering and sweating. I take deep breathes to calm myself. I just relived the worst part of my memory, something I want to so badly erase. So much changed that night, Riad had fallen in everyone's eyes. I was scared he might confess everything but surprisingly he didn't, I wondered why? He was innocent yet he didn't bother clarifying his stand. Nevertheless, I was happy because if he had then I would have fallen in Adnan's eyes and that I can't bear.

Obviously, Urooj had taken her brother's side, and thus a beautiful budding romance ended brutally and Adnan became the brooding heartbroken workaholic he is today. One month after the incident, Riad's parent's divorce was finalized and the kids shifted with their father and were out of our locality.

I checked the time, its 2am. I can't go out now so I decided to pace in the room. I don't know why Riad has come back in my life? Is it coincidence that his cousin sister's wedding project has come to me. At times, I thought of rejecting the offer but then thinking about the hefty fee I cancel the idea. I drink some water and try to sleep, there is so much to do next day.

I woke up around 7am, I hardly slept so getting up was easy. I quickly showered and dressed into white crop top Tee and navy blue pencil skirt. I tied my hair in a neat bun, applied some lip gloss and kohl.

I knock at Liqa's hut, minutes later she opens her door and I find her still dressed in her night clothes. I ask her to get ready and that I am going to the venue and start all the decorations and see to the carters. She yawns nodding her head, and I also informed her that Ruchi will be here in case she needs anything she can contact her.

I come to the reception where I find Ruchi, dressed professionally in a yellow trouser suit, talking to the manager. I walk towards them, Ruchi just finished discussing with the manager about accommodation of other guests who will be arriving soon. Ruchi informs me that Anil will be arriving shortly, I am relieved. Before I turn to leave Ruchi informs me that Riad has gone to pick up some special guests. I nod simply and rushed from there to avoid any other uncomfortable topic.

Within fifteen minutes I reached my destination, it's a beautiful resort. We could have done in the same resort as ours but this one is grander. Around 9am, the decoration community arrives and I asked them to get to work immediately. I run around and personally supervise everything. I checked my watch, it's 1pm and the decorations are almost done, but the caters haven't arrived yet. I go to the kitchen holding a notepad in my arm, ticking everything in the list. In the kitchen, I am informed they will be starting main course soon, they had been working on deserts for now. I request them to hurry, the function will start around 6pm, while the sun sets.

Liqa's choice and I want everything to be exactly as she wants it to be. As I come out of the kitchen I get a call from Ruchi that Anil has come and so is important guests, Liqa's family and groom, Rizwan, and Riad's family. I nod, but I panicked too. Everyone has come and this thought is making me nervous.

I have to go look at the decoration near the beach, there will be a small stage near the water and some decoration on the near-by trees but I am still running around in the reception asking for the orchestra. I want to know by what time they will come, they have to come at least by four.

As I hurry, my heel snapped, I twisted my ankle and fell to my side but before I could land on my butt I felt a strong hand grab my arm. I turn my head and find Riad standing there. His one hand shoved in his black pants and with the other he held me. Wow! He is so strong, I noticed veins on his arm, peeking from under folded sleeves of his sky-blue Tee. He looks at me and then leaves my hand. I didn't get time to balance myself on only one heel and wham! I fall

'Ouch! Idiot' I say massaging my bum and glaring at him. He smirks and folds his arms across his chest.

'Madam! Are you alright?' The manager comes to me. I stick out my hand and the manager helps me stand. I remove my heels and stand straight. Riad completely ignores me and turns to the manager

'I am the bride's brother and I am here to see the progress' he says in a very business-like tone. The manager nods his head, he then suggests me to show Riad around but Riad intervenes 'I don't think she is in any condition to show me around' he says looking at my broken heels. I simply glare at him. Manager nods his head and takes him, he smirks at me and walks away

'Jerk' I curse him under my breath.