© Nirvana | ✔️

Chapter 3

Radhika gazed around at her surroundings. Her bravado had decreased ever since the death of Arjun. The girl who could once give befitting replies to snide remarks when managing her business would now only stare at the floor meekly and get pushed around by people at work.

Radhika looked like a million bucks with the jewelry and clothes that adorned her. The traditional Indian garb accentuated her beauty and gave her a rush of confidence that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Looking at the entrance, she spotted a man standing with a couple of other men who looked like they were his friends or brothers. Before Radhika could tear her gaze away, the person caught her staring and locked eyes with her. The man couldn't see her face exactly but she could see his.

Radhika felt her heartbeat increase. She couldn't figure out why her gaze was stuck on some random guy who was standing at a distance. His eyes showed intensity as they intently followed her. An intensity that you see when a blazing inferno eats a forest up.

His eyes swallowed her up like flames gorging up a jungle. The ardor of the gaze was making it really hard for her to tear her eyes away.

Before he walked over, Radhika's attention was diverted by Shanaya calling her over.

"Psst!" said Shanaya whispering.

"What?" asked Radhika looking at her.

"I'm too scared to make an entrance inside the function. Accompany me to the stage please." asked Shanaya pouting.

Radhika looked at Shanaya and nodded her head. She wrapped her arm around her endearingly and motioned for her to walk to the entrance of the hall so she could make her grand entry as the bride.

Here comes the bride!

•••

Soft melodious music played as the cameramen snapped photos of Shanaya and her entourage. As Radhika helped Shanaya up to the stage and put her hand in Shravan's, she felt someone looking at her. She turned around and it appeared as if the person who was staring at her had left.

Radhika began to over-think.

Is someone following me?

"The ring ceremony is about to commence. Please bring the parents and relatives to the stage." said someone over the microphone. The loud projection of someone's voice distracted Radhika and made her look the other way at her best friend.

Nivedita walked over and grabbed Shanaya's hand. "Radha, is everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just that I feel as if someone is following me around," said Radhika.

"It could be possible. You never know. Just stick close to me and make sure that you don't wander to any unknown places in the hotel. We don't live in Delhi so we don't know our way around here." said Nivedita wisely.

Radhika and Nivedita diverted their attention to their best friend who was currently slipping a ring on her fiance's finger. Shanaya blushed as everyone hooted beside her. Shravan delicately reached for her hand and slipped the solitaire diamond ring on.

•••

After the gift giving was over, Shanaya pulled her best friends closer to her.

"Radhika." said Shanaya apprehensively.

"Yes?"

"You never got me a wedding present." said Shanaya mischievously.

Radhika rolled her eyes. "I promise I'll drop your gift by your room tomorrow."

"Actually, I have a specific request this time."

"Tell me. Whatever you want, I'll give it to you if it makes you stop bothering me." said Radhika laughing.

"Are you sure?" asked Shanaya.

"Absolutely."

"I know it has been four years since you have lost Arjun and ever since then you have been inconsolable. You act all tough but on the inside, I know you are secretly broken." said Shanaya softly.

Radhika interjected, "Shanaya it is nothing like that! I experienced a gamut of emotions at the time of Arjun's loss but it has been four years and I am well off and happy. I am actually even ready to date." said Radhika completely bluffing at the latter statement.

"Really?" said Shanaya smirking.

Radhika's smile melted. "Oh no. I hate that look. Nivi tell her to stop it otherwise I'll go crazy. That look always means that you are up to no good."

Nivedita bit her lip to prevent laughter from coming out.

"Rads, I want you to meet someone." said Shanaya frankly. "I'm arranging a blind date for you tomorrow at the dance studio at six o'clock."

"WHAT!" yelled Radhika making people around her jump. "Absolutely not Shanaya!"

"You promised! Hence you have to fulfill it."

"Fine." groaned Radhika.

"Oh and one more thing." said Shanaya.

Radhika motioned for her to continue.

"You have to perform tomorrow night with the partner you have the blind date with."

"I don't know whether I genuinely loathe you at this moment or I should think about kicking your ass." said Radhika gritting her teeth in agitation.

"Don't worry darling! You'll thank me later." said Shanaya laughing.

•••

Radhika paced up and down in her room. She managed to escape the function for a little bit to take a break.

"I can't do this! I'm not ready! But I'm not a coward either so I should probably go ahead with Shanaya's request. I've never declined a challenge nor a dare" said Radhika trying to convince herself.

She groaned in frustration and kicked the table on the balcony. Radhika suddenly gazed down at the ground from her balcony and looked at the height. Her mind began to race and she started thinking of an incredibly dangerous and mad plan.

"What if I run away from the function? Yes! If I abscond the music ceremony and the wedding then no one can force me to do anything." Radhika began gathering her belongings to proceed with the impulsive decision.

She threw her suitcase down on the grass below her and lowered her shawl down as a rope so she could climb down. Radhika proceeded to climb over the railing of the balcony and use the shawl as a rope. However, the shawl was not sturdy enough and the knot that she tied on the railing of the balcony began to come loose.

Radhika let out a shriek and closed her eyes to brace herself for the painful landing. However she didn't feel the ground. She felt a pair of arms around her and she slowly opened her eyes.