Raiza's Burden

Chapter 1: Two Years Later

"Raiza, are you ready?" Amrin called through the bathroom door."One minute!""We're already late—move!""IN A MINUTE!" Raiza yelled back, laughing at her reflection. Kohl-lined eyes, bold lips, heart rattling like a trapped bird. She squared her shoulders. "We've got this. Tonight is ours."
Another laugh burst out. "Great, now I'm pep-talking my mirror."

A sharp knock. "Talking to yourself again?""No," Raiza sang, swinging the door wide.Amrin's eyes widened. "Planning to get laid tonight?"Raiza rolled hers. "Keys, please."Amrin sighed. "Live a little, woman."

Raiza rolled her eyes as she balanced herself to put on her sexy heels, especially for the night. They locked the door behind themselves and entered the lift. As they reached the ground floor, the door pinged and opened to the reception of their apartment building. They lived in one of the city's luxurious apartments. It belonged to Amrin's stepfather. They didn't have to pay rent, but they shared other costs. It worked well for both.

Raiza was paid well as an event organiser for Dazzle Affair, an upcoming e-commerce store. Armin was the Human Resources manager for the same firm. They worked well at work and in their private life. Amrin parked her car at the Taj Hotel and got out, handing her key to the valet. They walked to the security checkpoint and looked at each other

"Ready," Amrin asked

"As ready as I can be", Raiza declared.

Inside the ballroom, coloured lights strobed over the crowd. Teammates swallowed Amrin; Raiza slipped away to find Ravi.

Her assistant appeared, clipboard in hand.
"Fetching," he declared.

"And you're dazzling," she teased.

"Oh, just put something together in the last minute", he started with a swish of his wrist

She knew pretty well he had shopped for the specific occasion weeks ago. But she smiled and got started with the clipboard.

"Where are we with the singers?" she started
"Arrived. Backstage prepping," he replied in his diva's voice,

"What about the guest of honour?" was her next question
"Arrived", he declared, pointing to the opposite corner and winking ", hot and delicious is assigned to the one and only Mr Bakshi"

Raiza scanned the room until she spotted him: the brand's poster-boy, the reason half the room had RSVPed. Tall, dark, and currently laughing at something old Mr Bakshi said.  "Mr Bakshi is the best guide. That man is a treasure, even though he is old," Ravi assured her.

She smiled and agreed to his judgment. Mr Adan Bakshi had been a fantastic addition to their company. Polite, assertive and intelligent, everything one needs in a good company and good conversation.

Ravi leaned in. "Trust me, he photographs well and speaks even better."

Raiza smirked. "I care more about our impression than his cheekbones."

"Fair. Now go enjoy the party—your wish is granted, my lady." He bowed with a theatrical flourish and flitted away.

Raiza drifted, greeting colleagues, forgetting half the names the moment introductions ended. 

Then a familiar laugh cut through the music. "Roina!" She spun, hugging her oldest friend. "Look at you," Roina marvelled. "Absolutely edible."

"Flatterer.""Truth." Roina's eyes softened. "I love seeing you like this."

A man's voice interrupted their conversation as he appeared at Roina's elbow, pressing a flute of champagne into her hand. "Here, love." he said softness and care pouring from his words. 

Raiza's heart slammed against bone. Same voice, same eyes—only the smile had changed.
Roina beamed. ""Thank you, my Love, Ailan, meet my friend Raiza."  

Ailan almost didn't recognise the pretty woman his fiancée had been talking to till he heard her name and saw her shocked face. That's when it hit him, the image of a different version of her, but those eyes, he could never forget those eyes.

Recognition flashed across Raiza's face; the glass trembled in her grip. "Excuse me," she murmured, turning so fast her heels clicked like snapped fingers. She pushed through the crowd toward the ladies' room.

Roina stared after her. "What was that?"Ailan exhaled. "She was married to a friend."Roina's eyes widened. "Siddharth?"Ailan frowned. "You knew him?""A little too well," she said quietly. "I should check on her." She slipped away, leaving Ailan alone beneath the shifting lights.