Chapter 3

Part 3a: The Privilege

“Anu mujhe kuch nahi hua, par lagta hai tumhe bohot kuch hua hai?”

She didn't shy away from looking into his eyes to meet his tempting gaze...

haan hua hai, bohot bohot bohot pyaar hua hai aapse, she said to herself and wondered if he could hear her as his eyes said he did ...every single word of it.

“Anuj mujhe aapse kuch kehna hai” she whispered taking him by surprise cause never had he thought that she would be so frank about sharing her feelings.

“kaho” he said averting his gaze to give her some space and composure. He still held her hands in his and looked at them aimlessly as he waited for her to speak.

Mistaking his gesture for a mild snub, Anu tugged on his hands and demanding his undivided attention when she was about to make the confession he’d been avidly waiting for.

It was now or never, thought Anu and gathered strength from every muscle in her body to calm and support the one in her chest, for it had gone berserk preluding to the ‘never have I ever’ moment she was about to live.

“Anuj, meri taraf dekhiye” she said sternly and he was again pleasantly surprised on many accounts.

She’d never had that commanding tone, neither had she been so bold to ask him to look in her eyes, his traits were definitely rubbing off on her and he was one proud mess.

This was already becoming his all time favourite so far and he wished there were many more to come.

He reckoned he was strong, but in this moment he felt weak and struggled to muster the courage to look into her eyes, why now? is it because she is the one asking? he chided

Feeling oddly vulnerable and also overjoyed at the same time, with his heart beating erratically, he thought it would pop out of its socket any second as he lifted his head and stood up to face her.

She squeezed his hands a little as though she wanted to say that she felt the same and bracing herself one last time, she said “Anuj...” when Malvika barged in and dragged her out of the room, just like she did last night with Anuj.

Anu turned around and looked on while Anuj was too hazy in his head to decipher what just happened.

“Bhai, tumhe kya alag se invitation deni padegi?” shouted Mukku when Anuj didn't follow them out...

That made him jump and he shrugged off the nervous energy and walked out of the room when the music started playing..

Mukku got all partners together and partnered herself with GK for a dance to begin the party.

Anuj moved closer to Anu but couldn’t get himself to hold her and she was shy too...

Mukku sensed their awkwardness and rushed to help them out...again “yaar dance karne mein kaunsi badi baat hai, dekho bhai tum apna hath Anupama ki kamar par rakho aise aur Anupama, tum bhai ke kandhe par, simple! “ instructed Mukku and twirled out mumbling “thank me laterrrr”

It didn't take them long to fall into perfect rhythm as they swayed to the music in their hearts.

They looked so graceful and danced flawlessly in sync so much so that they could win the title of the best dancing couple that night.

A few minutes later when the lights turned dim, Anuj gestured at something and she knew what it was...

Anuj re-did his gentle hold on her waist and  inching closer he whispered in her ear  “tum kuch kehne wali thi?” 

Subconsciously pressing his shoulder to fight his lure, she looked up slightly to check the look on him and instantly looked away cause he meant business. This time, try as she may, she couldn’t handle the passion he held in his eyes and the closeness had zeroed her mettle precariously.

“kya hua Anu? ab bol bhi do...” he had never looked so attractive before to claim what belonged to him already.

She knew she had to say it now, but couldn’t find the words to express what she felt for him in that moment, as everything seemed cliche so she asked instead “kehna jaroori hai?”

**********

sori sori sori, late again but here is whatever I could manage, posting the next part in a few hours cause its bank holiday tomorrow and I can stay up all night💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 ok please tell me what you thought about this part? pleaseee...

Part 3b: page 10

Part 3c: page 11