How I Wish I Were You (ON HOLD)

Chapter 2:- An Obscure Past

It had been nearly an hour, and there was no sight of the one he had been anticipating. And for the past fifteen minutes she had been sitting in her car with bated breaths, as the 'Maheshwari Residence' imprinted on the outer wall glimmered under the golden lights. Naina's hands fisted around the steering wheel as fury raced through her veins.

"Naina, calm down." Preeti tried to persuade, resting her hand on her cousin's. She passed an empathetic look before gesturing her to drive inside.

"Why are you so insistent?" Naina grunted in misery as she switched gears to park. Preeti held the silence for longer than expected and decided to dodge that question, "Because I'm your sister." The mock pride in her voice didn't convince Naina as she gazed at her sister with scrutiny. Somewhere in her heart, Naina too knew the reason behind Preeti's reluctance, but her mind was too afraid to admit. And she let it pass, like she had each time.

Munna and Pandit circled Sameer as their friend voiced a groan in frustration.

"I can't believe after all that has happened between the both of you, you're still so eager to see her." Munna shook his head in disappointment.

"It's not like that, It's--" His throat seemed to have forgotten how to pronounce as two girls surreptitiously made an entry into the royal hall that echoed of Gujarati beats. Guests around him had started dancing to the tunes of Falguni Pathak, yet his feet seemed to move in the contrasting direction, towards her.

She had left her waist-length hair down; her slightly frizzy hair swept to one side. Her husky brown orbs enhanced her smoky eyelids while her subtle oxidized nose stud complemented her maroon shaded lips. She had decked him in a color that to him suited her best; black. Her full sleeved black 'choli' brightened with the specks of colorful embroidery while the same swirled around her long black 'lehenga'. A netted magenta 'dupatta' carefully covered her abdomen from one shoulder. Her hands had scrupulously clutched each other while her lips conveyed a grim smile. She had constantly been admiring the fancy arrangements while he did the same to her. Because unexpectedly, Naina Agarwal had taken Sameer Maheshwari's breath away.

Naina's gaze finally met his as he watched her breath hitch. He had been cladded in an elite shade of maroon, the neck of his kurta racing deep, making her gulp. He had grown a light stubble on his face, which perfectly complemented his silky hair that reached his nape. The tinkles of her anklets echoed in her heart, as her feet took steps towards him. Preeti, who had been confident until a few seconds ago, now stood in fear. She knew the emotional turmoil his face revived. But she had the tenacity to face him too, and to make him regret his actions if he dare do anything to her sister. She straightened and cleared her throat, catching Naina's eye. Preeti nodded in affirmation as Naina flashed a weak smile.

Munna and Pandit tried to stop their best buddy, but he seemed to have been hypnotized under her charm. One gaze and Pandit understood Preeti's signal and immediately informed Munna. It was now or never.

Their faces were just a few inches apart, but memories delved deeper. She lifted her gaze to meet his and he realized how perfectly she was only a head shorter than him. A long minute of silence prevailed while inner turmoils decided to stagnate.

"Um, hi." Sameer started, his soft yet heavy voice startling her. It was then that she noticed the flex in his broad shoulders and the flinch in his carved muscles.

"Hi." She whispered quietly, her response sounding more like a question.

"Long time, right?" He tried to maintain a small talk when Naina interrupted, "Why have you called me, Sameer?"

Despite the austerity in her voice, his name from her lips erupted a thousand familiar feelings; feelings he thought he had killed.

Sameer chose to resist, "Well, it's Navratri and this is a Dandiya party so it's pretty obvious..." He spoke matter-of-factly.