FROM DARE TO LOVE (Editing)✔

CHAPTER 23

Next morning, much to Ruchi's insistence I agreed to come to the beach. I don't why I felt shy to wear a two-piece bikini, so I wore a long one-piece black bikini and tied a black cloth around my waist. Leaving my hair open I walked out from my hut, Ruchi will meet me at the beach. As I am making my way towards the beach I get a text from Ruchi

Dude, come fast...yaar Riad is here and that sexy-b***h too...run and come

I don't know from where I got the strength, I started to walk much faster than my normal pace. I had to go there, what are they doing? Are they in the water together? No! No! in the mid-way I thought of going back and changing into a sexy two piece but then dropped the idea, I didn't want to delay going there.

'Wha...where?' I ask as soon I see Ruchi, she is wearing lavender two piece and standing in between two long empty resort chairs. She is sipping her cocktail and looking to the side angrily. I look at where her gaze is and I find Riad standing next to the water, he is wearing a white semi-transparent half sleeve Tee, blue Bermuda shorts reaching till his knees. He also is wearing a white beach hat. He has his hands shoved in his pocket and is smiling and talking to Hanan who is enjoying the waves.

I grit my teeth when I see Hanan standing there clad in a peach color two piece, she twirls around with her arms open wide, I noticed that her bikini is held in place by flimsy knots.

She has perfect curves. I felt really envious especially with the way Riad is looking at her.

I noticed Riad is casually talking to her, while she is smiling brightly.

'She is so sexy...*****' Ruchi says eyeing them angrily. I look away and asked Ruchi to not bother about them and let us enjoy our stay here. Even though I asked her to not pay attention to them I am feeling restless. I try looking elsewhere but my gaze keeps wandering there. I shift in my place when I see Hanan grabbing Riad's arm and is pulling him to the water, Riad is protesting. I know very well that Riad fears water. As kids, he always used to sit by the pool as the boys swim. And I am not surprised when Riad moves his hand from her grip, he is saying something to her and she pouts.

I then see him going towards the open restaurant, maybe he is going for drinks. I excused myself from Ruchi, who is still eyeing Hanan enviously. Hanan is in the water now.

I adjusted the cloth around my waist and hurried towards the counter. As I approach the counter I adjusted my hair and casually walk towards the counter. I stand next to Riad, he is waiting for his order. He looks at me and I look back, I smile. He doesn't.

I begin to think of some excuse to start to a conversation.

I placed my order and we wait, 'Liqa was looking beautiful...and Urooj....' Before I could complete my sentence Riad held my arm, I wince.

'Stay away from Urooj...if you hurt her then that will be the last of you' he says angrily. I see his eyes turning dark. I gulp.

But why does he think I will hurt Urooj? Do I look like a psycho?

'Hello! I am not so low that I will hurt someone without any reason' I say back, I jerk my hand from his grip.

Riad scoffs 'I know very well how low you can get? Personal experience' he says. The bitterness in his voice stabs my heart. He takes two glasses of cocktail and walks away. I watch his retreating back and for the first time in fifteen years I felt a tinge of guilt because of him.

I take my drink and walk towards Ruchi, I turn my head and see Riad sitting on the chair, Hanan stands in front him wiping herself with the towel. Riad isn't looking at her but front at the water. The waves isn't much, the water is calm. After Hanan is done she places her towel on the arm rest of the chair. Riad hands her the glass, she smiles and takes it and sits on the chair beside him. She stretches her legs front one over the other and leans back, she tilts her head and looks at Riad, who looks back and they start to talk.

They aren't too far; I can see them but they are out of ear shot so I can't hear them.

I don't know why even their casual talk is irking me. Why did his words hurt me? I look away but my mind is restless. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I turn and look at Ruchi. She has her eyes closed and her head resting against the chair.

'Liqa texted.... she was really impressed. I am having a strong feeling we are getting the wedding contract' I say smiling. Ruchi opens her eyes

'And when are we getting the remaining of our cash for the engagement?' Ruchi says

'On Monday' I say happily

Ruchi smiles brightly '1 crore! Wow!'

'Wow!' I repeat.

Usually I get over the top happy and excited on receiving the check for my hard-work but I don't know why after today's incident with Riad and watching him with Hanan I am not able to enjoy anything. I didn't feel happy, as much as I should have, why? 1 crore is a huge amount, right? And money is supposed to make one happy, right? Then why the hell I am not happy?

Ruchi suggested that we celebrate our success like always, but I refused. She is surprised that I refused, she says she will be going with Rishabh then and I inform her if I change my mind. I am glad she didn't insist much. Ruchi knows I am disturbed, I look at her and smile gratefully at her.

I turn back and find Hanan sitting on the chair while Riad is standing few distances away talking on phone, perhaps some business related or maybe personal. I sigh sadly, Unable to take this anymore I excused myself. Without glancing back at Hanan and Riad I simply walk towards my hut.