When we entered the foyer, I saw a familiar person standing in blue tuxedo. He was in his late thirties maybe. When we went closer towards him, he bowed his head to Jacob. He lead us to the auditorium. All the time, Jacob had his arms encircled around my arms. He was stuck with me like a leech. I know I may sound rude, but I am not used to be touched… it was only Mr. Mystery…. who….. uhhhh not again!!
I avoided thinking about him and focused on tonight’s cause. It was for a charity, done for orphans and the homeless. When we passed through the hallway, I observed everything was posh… the hallway was dimly lit with a vase of white dandelions and roses repeating after every consecutive step we took.
Soon, the man in blue tux opened the door for us and bowed again. Jacob nodded in response I smiled at him. We entered and the only thing visible was shimmer of the high class. Hey, my parents and I also are a part of it. But I hate to plaster fake smile on my face for every stranger. Apart from it, why to spend so much on Gucci, Armani, diamonds…when you can simply visit an orphanage. Does it makes sense?
I somehow calmed the protagonist inside me and concentrated on my smile. I turned my head only to see Jacob staring with amusement in his eyes. I asked,” What now??”. He chuckled a little. I ignored him and noticed that I was looking the most simple here. I saw everyone around, all were busy chatting about their latest venture.
After a few seconds a wave of nervousness hit me, I gulped slightly and shiver ran down my spine. I could feel my palms sweating, pondering how am I going to face so many people. I barely know any one here, Wait!!! I actually don’t know any one here!
I let out a defeated sigh, someone ‘s hand on my cheek jerked me out of my reverie. I saw Jacob looking with concern in his eyes. I adjusted myself with my hardcore attitude which hardly has effect on him, still. He said,” You look beautiful tonight, believe he would be jealous…like hell… chill…we can do it..”. After saying that much, his bossy behavior was back. We moved to meet his colleagues and business partners.
After meeting a few, it was time for some fun. So, the host welcomed all the guests and thanked for being a part of this national campaign.
After the usual congratulatory, Jacob was having some conversations with an old man, maybe his business partners. Suddenly a voice diverted Jacob’s attention. I turned to see the owner of such an arrogant voice. He said,” Hello Jacob, How are you? Whose this chick with you?”. He eyed me from head to toe and winked at me. He was also a charmer, I must say…
I felt Jacob’s arm tightening around my waist. I saw him gritting teeth. He answered in a strict tone,” Fine and mind your tongue Rahul, she is my girlfriend…”. Wait !! What?? When did this happen?
Rahul was shocked at a sudden declaration, he smirked and slowly took my hand and kissed it. I was not expecting this, I blushed a little at his such a gentleman behavior. He introduced himself,” I am Rahul Patel, his cousin. You are really beautiful! I am available always for you if you want to ditch him”. He smirked and winked again at me. Jacob was clearly irritated by this. I could feel his grip tightening around me. He interrupted before Rahul could go any further,” We would like to meet someone, see you later ‘brother’!”. Woah! Was he pissed?
He immediately took me to another end of the room and we crossed few people and entered a Gallery.
We were alone in the window. The weather seemed cool outside. He released me and moved away. He asked,” Do you like him?”. Wait! Whom is he asking about? I didn’t answer. He breathe heavily and said, ” Rahul is bad guy…stay away from him….”. Why is he saying this? Before I could say anything, he spoke again,” I wish you were single…”.
I was confused a little would be an understatement, all the wires in my brain were going haywire. I asked,” What do you mean?”.
He turned and glanced directly in my eyes. I saw something which was lost. An inevitable emotion. His eyes were jet black as if the universe is inside his black orbs. I just couldn’t take my eyes off him, as if hypnotized.
He came ahead slowly and reduced the gap between us. He was just few inches away. He looked at my lips and brought his eyes again at my eyes. I don’t know, how long we were staring each other. A loud thunder startled us apart.