After an hour of driving, Priyank parked the car where Maya’s car was parked.
“Priya, come out fast,” Levi came running and knocked on the window.
Priya opened the door and came out. “You are so energetic today. Hold your train a little,” she smiled, feeling good seeing Levi’s mood.
Her mood clearly lifted Priya’s too, as the talk she had in the car with Priyank was just too much for her.
“I will try to hold on,” Levi answered. “But you are just looking so good. At home, the dress was not shining this much. Now it’s twinkling under the stars.”
“She always twinkles in every light,” Priyank commented.
Because for him, Priya has always been beautiful, and she always will be, nothing more or nothing less.
As today she was wearing a bit of make-up and the dress was quite beautiful too, but that doesn’t mean she looks better than how she usually looks.
She looks best every day, and today she is looking a bit more than that – nothing exaggerating when she is ethereal in his eyes.
It’s like she just has to keep breathing, and he will only find her beautiful. His eyes will only stick on her – which she may never understand, but he never can change.
“Awww, are you hearing what he is saying?” Levi chuckled, seeing how Priyank ogled Priya.
His eyes showed the sincerity of his compliment, and the admiration in his eyes was beyond depth.
Priya blushed, her cheeks were already pink, so it was not visible that she was blushing due to how openly he complimented her.
She does get complimented before, but Priyank hits differently. She doesn’t know how to take it.
Most importantly, he is so blunt about it, which is crazy scary in an instance she doesn’t want to put out.
“Shall we go inside? The celebration is already happening, so it will be better if we get inside,” Maya came and said. “Priya, you look so great.”
“Thanks, Maya,” Priya shyly accepted the compliment.
Jackson, Elk, and Rish also came out from the car.
“Let’s go,” Jackson spoke.
They all nodded and walked inside the hall where the celebration was taking place.
Priyank held Priya’s hand, keeping his promise to stick to her no matter what, and clearly, he had no issue.
Rather, he was enjoying staying close to her. The sweet scent and her warmth beside him always filled him, even if she tried not to.
Inside the hall, the celebration was in full swing. The room was adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant decorations. People mingled, laughter and music blending into a lively hum. Priyank kept Priya’s hand firmly in his, feeling her warmth grounding him amidst the chaos.
Maya led the way, her excitement palpable. “Come on, let’s find a spot where we can all sit together.”
As they moved through the crowd, Levi turned to Priya. “So, what’s the plan for tonight? Any dance moves you’re going to surprise us with?”
Priya chuckled, shaking her head. “I think I’ll leave the dancing to you, Levi. I’m just here to enjoy the evening.”
“Oh, come on! You can’t just stand on the sidelines,” Levi teased, giving her a playful nudge.
Priya smiled, glancing at Priyank, who looked back at her with an expression that seemed to say he was content just being by her side. “We’ll see,” she replied, keeping her options open.
They found a table near the centre of the room, and as they sat down.
Priyank leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. “You really do look amazing tonight,” he whispered.
Priya’s heart skipped a beat. She turned to him, her face a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered back, her voice barely audible over the noise around them.
Just then, Maya clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention. “Alright, everyone! Let’s get this party started with some music and dancing!”
The music’s volume increased, and people began moving to the dance floor.
Levi was the first to drag Priya out of her seat, spinning her around playfully.
“I don’t know how to dance, Levi,” Priya protested, trying to pull her arm away.
“Then just move with the rhythm. This isn’t a dance show; we’re here for fun. Dancing any way you like will be fine. Or maybe follow my lead. You don’t have to be perfect-just lose yourself. It’s gonna be fine.”
Priyank watched from the sidelines, his eyes never leaving Priya. Even amidst the throng of people, she was the only one who mattered to him. He saw her laughing with Levi, and for a moment, his heart clenched. But he reminded himself of everything.
“Maya!!”
Priyank eyes moved towards the lady coming towards them.
“Lima,” Maya walked towards her and hugged her. “You came!” she exclaimed loudly.
“Of course, you invited me. Even though my old bones don’t want to, I’m very happy to be here. It’s quite refreshing,” Lima replied.
Jackson also came over and stood beside them. “As old as you are, parties are something you shouldn’t be at,” he joked, though he had been eagerly waiting for her.
After talking to Maya that day, he just thought… maybe… just maybe, there were chances things could get better. At least in some ways, they could get better.
Lima fake laugh. “Oh, hush, you. Age is just a number, and I can still outdance you any day.”
Jackson grinned, his eyes twinkling. “We’ll see about that. Maybe tonight’s the night you show some.”
Maya linked arms with Lima, guiding her towards the table where the others were seated. “Come on, Lima, let’s sit and catch up. There’s so much to talk about.”
Priya watched them with a smile, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her. The presence of everyone made everything feel lighter, even the heavy conversation with Priyank seemed a distant memory.
“So, why did you call me here?” Lima asked, sipping her drink.
“About the key, did you find something?”
Priyank’s eyes narrowed as he clenched his fist, remembering how he needed to retrieve the key. He didn’t know how, but it had to be done within three days.
Just thinking about it made him feel exhausted, like his nerves might burst.
“Still nothing,” Lima replied. “I’m trying, but it’s just hard.”