Chapter 11

'Samrat, wish you were here.' Gunjan wished, standing all alone at a corner. The party was in full swing. Guests enjoyed the most but Samrat was no where to be found.

'Samrat. Why only him? Can't you think about someone else?'

"Gunjan, you too should move on. Don't waste your energy on him. Just be his friend, not lover."

Nupur's words echoed in her mind as a masked figure came in front of her, scaring the wits out of her. She shuddered.

"OMG! Gunjan dear. It's me. Dia. You got really scared, I guess," Dia lifted her mask.

Gunjan heaved a sigh of relief as she spoke.

"Yeah. I got scared for a second. I forgot that this is a Masquerade themed Party. Sorry." She looked apologetic.

"Ah! It's okay, dear. Leave it. Anyways, did you see Sammy anywhere?"

"Actually Dia ... Umm ... He's stuck in a board meeting. And it's important. I got his message an hour back."

"Oh. So he doesn't have time for us friends, eh? He's so busy?"

"Dia. I know that you're hurt but he's also committed to his work. And since he's a Shergill, he needs to be extra passionate about his work. And no one will like it if he fails his dad, right? Though I do wish him to be here." She said as a matter of fact.

Dia had to agree on this. She couldn't argue any further. It was really tough to win an argument with Gunjan these days.

"Okay, Doll. I think I will listen to you this time. But next time he has to come else I will kill him."

Gunjan giggled as Dia smiled. She then went to look for Annie and Chacko.

'Samrat. Wish you were here.' She again got lost in his thoughts.

********

People were having a great time in the dance floor. It was a huge party thrown by the Bhushans. After all they had got a very good reason to celebrate. Nupur was to join family business. Mr. Ravi Bhushan was a happy man altogether. After all he had got his successor. Dia and Uday, his children, had pursued their own lines. While on the other hand, his favourite niece, Gunjan too wished to be independent. Now that left Nupur, who agreed after much coaxing by the trio. Definitely calls for a party.

Gunjan still remained confined to the corner. She didn't even put on a mask. Soon, she was joined by Ravi.

"Gunjan beta, why do you stand alone? Got no friend?"

"No. Chachaji. Nothing happened. You know, I'm not much fond of parties."

"Oh I see. But this won't work always. You should have fun sometimes also. It's no harm to have a bit of fun in your life."

She didn't say anything. He could feel her uneasiness with him around. He decided to say about something else. Something which she will like.

"You know what, you remind me of Bhabhi a lot. You are so serious. Just like your mother."

She smiled at this.

"Yes, I have heard that from others very lately. But I'm glad to hear that from you."

This time he beamed with pride and blessed her. It is then the DJ put on music for the dance. Ravi took her along for a dance. He didn't want to see her stand all alone.

The uncle-niece duo danced for a while. Then the partners got exchanged and she was dancing with her to- be jiju, Mayank. They too danced for a while. Again it was time for exchange and she ended up with a stranger.

******

It was him.

A masked figure, dressed in blue kaftan and black pants, with a cowboy hat adorning his head. Black boots covered his feet as his waist had a brown belt. From head to toe, he resembled the Zorro. His eyes were unrecognizable and his voice was muffled as he greeted her and asked for a dance.

"May I, Senorita? You look beautiful today, milady. How are you?"

"You? What are you doing here? Didn't it go into your head that I don't feel like that for you?"

"Well ... no. My pretty lady, I don't think so. I know it very well that you too love me. And you're my love, milady. Te amo."

Gunjan had to agree with one fact that Zorro, as he calls himself, had some deadly charm of his own. But she loved someone else. Not him. And this man?

How can he fall for her in just 24 hours. 

Yes, however surprising it seems but they met a day ago.

"Look. I know that you feel something for me but I love someone else." Gunjan tried to reason.

"But I love none but you." 

"Why don't you understand, eh? Is it so hard for you?"

He didn't speak anything. He just looked into her eyes as he swayed with her.

She didn't realise what lay in his eyes that was so magical. Something which drew her in. Magical yet powerful eyes.

"I know this much that I love you. Whether you like it or not."

"Then why don't you show me your face? You seem to be scared of doing so." She was not going to bow down so easily.

He got perplexed by this move of hers.

"And if I don't?"

"Then I will ask my friend to help me."

"Your friend?"

"Yes. My best friend. Samrat."

"Hmmm ... A male friend. Not good. Milady. You wish to make me jealous?"

Gunjan couldn't help but laugh at this. 

'This man is impossible. Has a good sense of humour. Possessive too it seems. Doesn't let me dance with anyone nor likes about hearing about Samrat. Idiot!'

Wait! What if it is Samrat in disguise? Then I will kill him for such a joke.'

"Tell me the truth. Samrat, is it you? If you're then stop this. It's going overboard."

"My pretty lady. Why do you think that I'm that friend of yours. I'm your lover, Senorita."

"No. I don't believe it."

Her cell buzzed at that moment.

It was a message from Samrat. 

Gunjan couldn't believe her eyes. She got a message from Samrat and here this man is dancing with her, who didn't even touch his phone once.

She had to believe him now.

Her secret admirer.

[NOCOPY]