FROM DARE TO LOVE (Editing)✔

CHAPTER 74

I meet Ruchi at the entrance, I scolded her for coming late. She apologized and said she was stuck in traffic. I didn't have time to argue with her so I let it be. When I come in the venue, I see Riad has come and is walking towards the stage. At the center stage is a silver and red velvet throne where the couple are sitting. Guests one by one are coming on stage greeting them.

The photographer, Anil and the videographer are clicking pictures. Ruchi will be handling the waiters and guests in the back rows while I go in the front. I purposefully suggested this, as I will be close to Riad

I supervise the waiters with the starters 'There, serve chicken pakoras in the third row' I guide one of the waiters

'some orange juice in the first row' I guide other. I look up and find Riad and Urooj on stage beside the bride, I wondered where Atif is. I look away and I get my answer as I spot him with Adnan in the first row. I smile slightly, Atif seems to be opening up to Adnan. He is relaxed sitting on Adnan's lap and pointing at everyone, perhaps introducing everyone to Adnan. Adnan also seems happy in Atif's company. I smile, but my smile fades when I see Riad looking at me. Gosh! The intensity of his gaze is making me turn into a marshmallow. My heart flutters as I glance at my wrist watch, five minutes up from half an hour. Two minutes later, when I glance at my watch I frown. Why is the time passing in snail's speed? Oh, time! please speed up.

Sometime later, I see Riad climbing down the stage. Our eyes getting locked for a moment, he gestures me as he walks out of the venue. I gulp, my heart starts to beat faster.

'I...I...will go check on the honey-moon suite' I say to Ruchi. She looks at me and nods

'I will come with you' Ruchi says adjusting dupatta of her pink Anarkali. I roll my eyes

'No, you go and check on the dinner.' I made up an excuse. She thinks for a while and nods. We both leave the venue together, Ruchi left for the kitchen and I go into the elevator.

With each passing floor, my heart beat increases. By the time the elevator door opens my heart is in my mouth.

I adjusted my Pallu sliding it little exposing half of my golden blouse. I take a deep breath and walked towards the honey-moon suite. My heart hammering loudly, as I used the keycard and enter the room.

'Riad' I called out cautiously. The room is dark and I can make out nothing. I called out his name again. I nearly jumped up hearing the door close, I am scared now. Before I could run, the lights switched on and Riad is stands at the door, a smile on his face. I sigh in relieve.

'You scared me' I say. He walks towards me, I smile when he held my hand

'You know why I called you here?' he asks

I blushed and nod my head. He smiles and kneels on his one knee. I look at him surprised. He digs his hand into his pocket and takes out a red velvet box. My eyes widen, I didn't know he had called me for this. It's a pleasant surprise.

He opens the box and I see a beautiful silver ring with a beautiful heart shaped emerald stone in the center. My eyes welled up with tears of joy.

'Miss. Aleesa Siddiqui, I love you and I want to spend rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?' he asks looking into my eyes confidently.

I didn't take even a second and nod. He stands up and I engulfed him in a tight hug, letting tears fall. At this point I don't care about my make-up.

'Yes, Yes, yes' I chant hugging him tight.

We part, still holding each other we looked into our eyes. He smiles and kissed my forehead. I smiled.

'I love you...'I whispered.