© Nirvana | ✔️

Chapter 4

Radhika opened her eyes and gazed at the face in front of her. She saw a handsome face. Her heartbeat ceased and she savored the moment. Her expression was one of shock but it increased when her shawl fell from the height and covered the duo.

Krish looked at Radhika calmly but also amused. His lips were twitching upward but at the same time, he admired the unique face in front of him. He'd seen a lot of attractive girls. Krish looked at her eyes and realized this was the same girl who he was staring at in the hall.

Krish had caught Radhika in his arms and saved her from falling.

They both broke out of their trance and she immediately freed herself of his hold. She squinted her eyes and looked at him scrutinizing his behavior. Krish looked at her intently waiting for her to lash out at him.

"Seems like you haven't eaten anything for a couple of days. I seriously thought I had caught dry leaves in my hands," said Krish trying not to laugh. " And by the looks of what the scenario tells me, it is almost as if you are trying to run away from someone."

"Yeah..." said Radhika trailing off and nodding her head.

"You agree with my statement?" said Krish confused.

"Wait, what? No! I didn't mean to agree with it or decline it but I.." Radhika fumbled with her words.

"Alright, I can prove that Radhika."

"Prove what? And how do you know my name?" asked Radhika.

"Whatever I'll say right now, you'll probably say the opposite of it. And I know everything." challenged Krish.

"There's nothing like that!" exclaimed Radhika defensively. "But go ahead and prove it since you think you are so clever." snapped Radhika.

Krish raised his eyebrows at her tone and smiled again. "You are quite feisty," he said grinning. He stepped closer and towered over her and began to talk. "I think that you were trying to run away secretly. I don't know where the hell you were planning on going but I think you were trying to run away."

"What nonsense! Why would I run away from my best friend's wedding?"

"See! I told you. Whatever statement I'd make, you'd decline it. I knew it." said Krish laughing again. "And if you still doubt that.." Krish trailed off and picked up Radhika's suitcase. "Then this may clear your doubts."

Radhika snatched the shawl out of his hand and threw it on the grass. "Forget that. Now it's time for you to answer my questions. What are you doing underneath my room?" she asked icily.

"Me? I well... Um." said Krish trailing off.

It was Radhika's turn to smirk. "What happened?" she stepped closer and tried tower over him this time. She bent over to his ear, "Cat got your tongue?"

Krish was about to respond when Radhika heard Nivedita's voice.

"Radhika?"

Radhika panicked. She looked at her surroundings and gulped. There was a random guy standing right next to her and there were a suitcase and a shawl as well as an open balcony.

"Oh shit! Nivedita is coming this way! All my stuff and my shawl are on the floor." Radhika cried out.

Krish looked at her and bit his lip to stop himself from laughing.

Radhika looked up and saw him staring. "What the hell are you looking at me for like a clueless person? Help me! Hide this somewhere." said Radhika panicking.

"Oh, so now you need my help?"

"Please! What's your name?"

"Krish. Krish Malhotra."

"Please Krish! Do something."

Krish picked up her suitcase and her shawl and quickly hid it behind one of the pillars in the garden that was near the hotel building.

At that time, Nivedita walked over. "Oh, Radha? You met Krish. This is Shravan's brother. Good, you met him."

"Very nice to meet you Nivedita," said Krish flashing a drool-worthy smile at her which made Nivdeta's cheeks turn red.

"Come on Radhika. Let's go," said Nivedita pulling her hand and dragging her.

Radhika walked along with Nivedita while Krish smiled at them and watched them leave.

•••

The next morning, Radhika sat nervously in the dance studio after breakfast.

"What kind of situations does Shanaya get me into man?"

Audible footsteps could be heard out of earshot and Radhika looked up from her feet to the doorway.

"You!" exclaimed Radhika pointing a finger.

"Yes me. Excited to dance with yours truly?" asked Krish smirking.

"You wish. After last night, any further interaction would be equivalent to getting poked with a dozen needles," said Radhika.

"Ouch! That one darling, hit right here," said Krish motioning to his heart.

While the duo continued their banter, the dance teacher entered the room along with a couple of other instructors.

Radhika immediately rushed over and began to jabber in front of the dance teacher, "Please sir! I have no clue how to dance and I certainly can't pull off tonight's performance. Especially with him. He makes me want to.."

"Sorry, Radha. The bride's orders can't be declined. You are invariably stuck with him for the rest of the evening."

Radhika walked over to Krish and they both moved closer to each other.

The instructor turned on the music and it switched to a romantic song. Radhika's confidence began to fade. She turned into the same woman who lost her husband. Krish walked over to her and gently grabbed her hand.

They began to sway slowly until the dance instructor left to go focus on other couple dances.

Leaving them to have a chat.