Lima sighed deeply, running a hand through her hair. “Look, I understand the urgency, but harassing me won’t make this any easier. We all need to take a step back and breathe.”
An awkward tension filled the air as the group realised how quickly their plans for a fun evening had derailed. Priyank caught Priya’s eye from across the room, and she shot him a quizzical look, no doubt picking up on the strained atmosphere.
“Where are you looking, Maya? Tell me, why the hell did you ask me to be here? Just for this key topic? If that’s the case, you could have discussed it over a call. You have my number, and you used it to summon me here? I don’t even attend these celebrations,” Lima said, her expression pissed.
“Lima, you’re angry over nothing. It’s a celebration everyone has to attend, so why are you so mad?” Rish tried to reason, unsure of what else to say.
“Kids like you think that, but I am a witch. This celebration is meant for pack members, and a witch doesn’t belong to the pack. I might stay with this pack, but I am not a part of it,” Lima shrugged her shoulders, her expression grouchy.
“If he’s a kid, then you’re a child because you behave much worse than children,” Jackson snorted.
He had thought he might be able to handle this woman and perhaps try talking to her. After speaking with Maya that day, he had thought things might improve if he could communicate with Lima, but she had to ruin it, as if she was determined to do so.
It was like she sat there, waiting to spoil everything, but he didn’t want to make the situation worse for Elk and Maya. At least they could both enjoy themselves, but a situation like this was ruining it too.
“Okay, I am a child, and you’re a whiny newborn,” Lima replied sarcastically.
Jackson pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. This conversation was quickly spiralling out of control. He opened his mouth to try and steer things back on track, but Priyank beat him to it.
“Enough,” Priyank said firmly, his voice carrying an authority that caused everyone to fall silent. “We’re all on edge, but bickering like this helps no one.”
He looked at Lima, his expression softening slightly. “I understand you feel out of place here. I feel the same, so bear with everything a bit.”
Lima seemed taken aback by his words, the sarcastic sneer fading from her face. Priyank continued, “However, you’re also right that the key situation is weighing heavily. Perhaps we can take a break from it tonight and enjoy the celebration, then regroup tomorrow with fresh minds.”
A tense pause stretched out as Priyank’s suggestion hung in the air. Finally, Maya gave a slow nod of agreement.
“He’s right, though I usually don’t agree with him. But on this, I agree – let’s leave this topic for another day. For now, let’s enjoy ourselves,” Jackson commented.
Priyank smiled slightly, thinking it was better if they didn’t dwell too much on the key issue tonight. Pushing too hard wasn’t necessary.
Because here he have to get the key no matter what, he have to go with Aman plan, or else things will be ruined.
Lima let out a soft exhale, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. “Fine, you’ve made your point. I’m willing to let it go for the evening.”
The group seemed to collectively relax as the heated discussion faded away. Jackson clapped his hands together.
“Excellent! Then how about we get another round of drinks and really lean into this celebration?” He grinned at Lima. “I’ll even buy you one, if you’ll allow ‘me” that courtesy.”
Lima rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Oh, I suppose I can slum it with you a lot for one night.”
Priyank again put his eyes on Priya, who was now standing and drinking a soft drink, her face sweating and looking loosened up and exhausted.
He stood up. “Let me see if she is fine,” he said, walking away without waiting for a reply.
He walked across the floor and snaked his arms around her waist. Priya shivered at his touch. “Are you feeling fine? You have asthma; is it flaring up with this place? And you danced so much; it’s not good for your health.”
Priya leaned back slightly into Priyank’s embrace, her body relaxing at his concern. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “I’m okay, just a bit overwhelmed. The air in here is a bit thick, but I’ll manage,” she said, her voice slightly strained.
Priyank frowned, not entirely convinced. “Let’s step outside for a moment. You need some fresh air.”
Priya hesitated, glancing back at Levi. “I don’t want to leave Levi.”
Priyank tightened his hold on her, his voice gentle but firm. “She will be fine for a few minutes. Your health is more important.”
Seeing the determination in his eyes, Priya finally nodded. “Alright, just for a few minutes.”
They made their way to the exit, and as soon as they stepped outside, Priya inhaled deeply, the cool night air a welcome relief. Priyank stood by her side, his hand still resting protectively on her waist.
“Better?” he asked.
Priya nodded, her breathing already easier. “Much. Thank you, Priyank.”
He smiled at her, a warmth in his eyes that made her heart skip a beat. “Anytime. I worry about you, you know.”
She looked up at him. “I know.”
For a moment, they stood there in comfortable silence, the night enveloping them in a peaceful environment. The distant sounds of laughter and music from the celebration drifted to them, but out here, it felt like they were in their own little world.
Priyank broke the silence, his voice thoughtful. “You’re fine, right? Don’t lie to me, Angel.”
Priya nodded. “I am fine, I am not lying. You know I don’t lie.”
“That I know, but your health scares me sometimes because you don’t even take it seriously. You should take care a bit.”
“You nag a lot. How could I not take it seriously? I’m definitely fine, and since coming here, I’m feeling much better. I never thought I would enjoy any party. This is the first party in my life, as I’ve never been to one before. It’s fun.”