Chapter 70

[MEMBERSONLY]

Rabba Ve, folks!!

For all those who commented on the last update:

Mavs: 45 refreshes and bam! She falls to the floor right next to me to listen to me as I narrate, but really, why the dire need to sit right under my nose to hear me? I'm loud enough, dearie. Hm, you have an eye for the chocolates in my hand which I was offered by the InnKeeper in honour of chapter to come. And like I told you, you need a kiss on your head for those questions of yours!

Riti: I have always felt it an a great honour to have writers like Sammykins, Mavs, Lyraa and Harsh, read my FF but to have a vibrant analyst of the show read my FF is more overwhelming especially coz you were a soldier of the Crooner days. Thank you for being part of this little venture of mine.

Samarblog: Kushi's intelligence stems from her unquenchable curiosity.

Saga_twlilight: Teri Meri was hot indeed, and the one we are going to see is fierier than the pleasant Cinderella ball. Or that's how it SHOULD be.

Subiscs: IPK wala smile? Hm. Is there a demonstration as to what that smile would look like? You won't have to, if it's the goofy one I have on mine bootiful facewa whenever something related to IPK or Rabba Ve crosses my mind or vision! But yikes, I didn't know Rabba Ves screamed! *wink* Thank you so much dear for loving my little tale!

Neevankrish: If you can really see my words become images in your head, then I am glad I did think of writing this FF in the first place. Because when one writes something, the written must live in minds…..

Yush: My dear, your green-eye-green-heart chapter is not over yet. There is more to come…. I am happy I can share this story with you, dear.

Zonera: *chukle* Think of it! We create our own words for our love for the show. Arhilicious, indeed! The first time I saw the word, I gaped and wondered if it was legal to use that term!! And talking of bets, this is a 400 chapter story, we can have as many bets between those two as we want! *wink*

Music: I had a fit of laughter when I read that you saw smoke coming out of his ears! Was it green in colour owing to his jealous vein? And yes, you did see her heart to heal the man who hurt her, and that is why we love her more, right?

Debby: Thank you very much dear for loving the tale for its faithful IPKKNDish magic. Never want that to waver, do we?

Lakshmin: Wait and see, dear. Where ArShi come together, something's bound to happen.

Leena: I don't ever have to tell you, dear Leena how special you are. And yes, even when you lil' fela toppled the table! Do bring them along every time you come coz their jolly jumble is a reflection of your young, loving spirit.

Gayatri: What a clever one you are, dear! To see Kushi's happiness for him accepting the ball, made you think of what her expression will be after the ball. You are indeed a clever one, gayatri!

Sona: You and your emoshuns! They come rarely and when they come, they come with a bang and make me laugh! Yes 'm Poor Lady La has to leave but I will try to make the ball come more faster.

PristineBlue: Super duper you liked, super duper you will have!

Rockprincess: Oh, so the dance is the most waited Rabba Ve, eh? Well, may it not keep you waiting any longer.

ASRandKKGSRFan: I think I feel guilty. Yes I do feel guilty whenever I see you have commented long. I have this feeling you are one who is short of time and cannot always be around but the fact that you do make it to me and when you do, you write so much from your heart, overwhelms me. And every time I read what you've to say, I understand one thing: you look into chapters not because they are a words written on a screen, but because you can feel those words spoken to you. Thank you dear for this love.

Smartgirl9009: Yes, dear, an update full of ArShi and I am so glad you loved it!

Indiavizion: Long time no see! Oh, you missing our General? Well, there are many others missing him too. It's so good you are enjoying what is happening, dear.

RoojiN: Are you a new reader? You were a silent reader who became a new reader? I don't remember replying to a comment of yours. Well, anyway, its good to have you here, dear. But I must tell you, there will be a lot of romantic moments of ArShi but I can't show them in every chapter. They will come rarely but they WILL come.

Harsh dear: Short of time and yet you come!! So sweet of you to smile for me and well, you said it all!

Selcouth: So sorry I kept our Lordy back for so long, glad you loved his possessive little avatar!

Anjs: *chuckle* Oh! I didn't realize it but yes, you are right. The chapter says A War and A Worry and its obvious to sound like a General's chapter! Thanks for pointing this out, dear!!

Vrinda: Oh, you've started getting the pigeons? Oh goody! Becoz you're Inbox had been full and all your pigeons kept coming back to me……

123vava: Heartwarming!

Kvarsha: Will update as quick as I can, jiii!!!!

Chahat: Yeah, and I wonder, can Lordy dance?

Siamesecat: After your frequent "fascinating", when you add the "dhak,dhak" to it, I know you felt it, dear!

Crinklez: BEAR HUGS to you!! I know you were busy or something but so glad to see you came back to tell me you love being part of Arhasia!! Ah, and you waiting for fire on dance floor? Everyone is!

Esmeralda: I am also waiting for the ball with you!

Bewuster: ArShi in TeriMeri rock our world!

RockingSoni: Poor Aman, indeed…..well, we shall see more of him and be relieved.

Shas: *shakes head* Shas, aap bhi na! I'm missing Soul a lot……but Shas, I did not expect your first-hand reaction would be so…..too much to talk! I know if you are handed a microphone, you'll eat it in one gulp! What a lot of thoughts, dear. And all so sweet and Shassy! I couldn't 'top laughing at the typical you peeping in and out of your reactions!

Vaishiksg: Rare commentor but regular reader of mine! *wink* Thank you dear for being excited!

Angeldream: Stone hearted and stone headed, eh? He doesn't know he is feeling green. *giggle*

Hatelove: Your joy for the chapter is evident in your CAPS writing. Thank you dear!

Mxk: Hey M! How are you dear? Long time no see to you too. You are the only one who confessed to being frightened when he said "fight" repeatedly, and to tell the truth, when I wrote it, I was frightened too, wondering what he was intending to. So glad the chapter ended in peace! *phew*

Darya: dear Darya, how you dear? Yes, I am equally excited dear!

Revathy: It's worth to see SaRun in most of the scenes because they gave life to ArShi. And yes, your final tag BEWARE BALL: INSANE RAIZADA and KKG had me laughing loud!! Insane they are, insane we are! *wink* You are a dear one, revathy!

Flowesr4u: I think we should name him with that apt initial, right dear? Lord J Arnav Singh Raizada.

Kushipugly: I have been to ask you from the second last comment of yours, you seem to see NK in Master Aman and refer to Aman as NK in your comments. Interesting! One's mind and its images! Anger in the new avatar called Jealousy. You are indeed the Sunshine of this Inn, dear KP. You make me want to feel younger than I already am!

Shijina: Hope you are feeling better, dear. Sorry I couldn't enquire into your health on time. And whoa! What is that? Telepathic connection between us? You think of swordfight and voila! I give you one right then! Nice, but don't expect this to happen every time you want something! *wink* No one is good in analysis but everyone is good in their thinking and that is what matters, dear. Write what you feel like and we'll see, in time, if it can be right.

LoveRP: Eh….are you SaniyaBano? You changed your username? Cool. What does RP stand for? Hope you had a great time at your uncle's wedding. And yes, the Ball is not a Dance but a Fight in our eyes, eh?

SilverFairy: The Songs are all Surprises, dear. You may or may not know them. I listen to only English songs and well, I will choose from them alone especially coz the setting is also an English countryside, right?

Torr: There is depth in your words, I tell you. To fight ASR is one and to fight Arnav is another….Brvao, Torr for this thought! And yes, that was what he was unconsciously doing: giving her the strength to fight him for the right reasons when its time!

Farha: I know dear, everyone's busy coz that is life. But so sweet of you to come by, dear.

S_mg: Goosebumps…….I had them when writing it!

Farwa: Green-heart! I already told you how I loved your comment, dear. You are always there to strengthen me when I doubt myself. You and Mavs, ofcourse but you are the sweetest little heart I have found to reach out to me in this virtual world. And for all your typical YOUness in the comments you make, I could squeeze you in one of my bear hugs!

BublyKhushi: Ha-Ha! Has anyone ever heard of that term: Romantic War? The irony and the passion of it!

Afsha: Ai!!! Kush should win? Hm. I do not know how I can answer that because it's the Dark lady's story and she will decide who should win, you see.

Moon8387: Oh sweet dearest Moon! I already replied to your darling comment at the Cottage so won't say much here but I will tell you just this, I am so blessed to have found a reader like you dear and I hope you will enjoy your visits to the Inn in the future as well. And do you know what I fell in love with in your comments the most: that you are blending so well into the Inn I created and the way you speak. Such eloquence, truly!

Keerthi: Hey there, dear! I was wondering what took you so long to get to the Inn, expected you to busy with something or other in life but so happy you stopped by. You had already said you would be out of town but I didn't know you were ill. Hope you are feeling better now. Yes, he's definitely started opening up to her, it seems. Let's wait and see how this proceeds…….

Shalve and Russelskhushi: Thanks dear!

Bea_rom: Your third eye is improving, dear. I love the way you are seeing and thinking into the chapters. So glad to have you loving this tale!

Vidya!! My dearest Vidya. Only very few (very very few) of my initial day post-readers are with me now. And when I see you, I remmebr by timid first posts on our IPK Forum……Thank you so much for being with me, dear Vidya.

ShrutiPandey: Ah, you are having a war of emotions in yourself? You hate him and then you love him too……interesting. So happy to know you are a person who takes things as they come, living every moment, and not be bothered about the future that is not yet come.

Allzwell: Oh wow! This is some kind of return-of-reader-day. I know you might be reading regularly and are just unable to comment, but to see a comment even if it's one word, is as though to see a person in real before you. So glad you came, dear! And oh-oh! You really want to poke and tease our Lordy? 'Caution' is what I say. And you know it too! *wink*

Hoopoe: Hoopoe! Hoopoe! Hooopoe!!! Yes 'm!! Very excited to see your surprise peek into the Inn! Missing you a lot and I know everyone misses you too. Kisses to your little Princess.

Leafs: My dearest Mentor-ji!! I feel so loved when you come and tell me you liked something I did or wrote. When I expect comments from some of you, I am looking at you, but UP at you. Seeking wisdom, seeking suggestions to prefect my work……..And yes, we'll have the Tea Ceremony in the Cottage as soon as I've finished narrating this chapter in the Inn.

Bablio: So sweet of you "like" every comment, but is my eyes tricking me or have you not commented? It's okay, I know that by your "likes" who are seconding their thoughts and I will accept them as yours as well! Thanks so much for being there, Bablio!

Soul: No, no one missed you, Soul. What in the World are you asking it for? Of course, we all missed you like anything!! But goodness, I am starting to feel guilty again and I think it is not to feel guilty of stealing other's precious time that I keep telling not to comment long. And yow! What an awesome comment that was. The last line of the Orchard scene is a key line, babe. Of course, you already know that. Thanks for the songs dear, told you, I listen to the songs you name here and I try to understand what exactly you intended by that visual aid! And I'm learning more about Hindi songs as well!*wink* Sorry for that scare with the "Dadi" in "Remake of the Show" thing. About the Letter, what you said has value but you need not worry about that particular letter. It's a safe one, dear. But what in the- AMU?? A_man?? SHAS!!! KP!! Farwa!! Is that our Soul?? But oh my…..I felt sad when I read what she wrote next….the pain of the unsaid one-sided love. *sigh* Amu! You need a hug! But what does the book THE POWER say? I haven't come across it? Is it written by the same author as THE SECRET? Soul, Soul, Soul! It was your comments that were missing and I felt my Chinese Princess chapters had gone to waste. You picked it all up, every line that was essentially the truth and you saw what I wanted all to see. Soul, how can I ever thank you for making me feel complete at last……..I bow to you, dear. I do, I do!! And no, it doesn't hurt, dear, that the scene reminded many of the movie. I have not watched Jodha Akbaar but to know that something I created in my head looks a lot like a movie means my head is as creative as the scriptwriter of the scene! *wink* Thanks for the video, dear. It assured me a lot! And yes, dear, I know he is not the kind to blindly say yes to something. I wanted the chapter to come to show you the reasons why he too slightly wanted the ball. But thanks so much for pointing it out, dear! You are the only one who 'points' things out for my betterment and I love you for that care!! And as to your PSs, I need to confirm on the first one and then I'll get back to you, dear! But please dear, don't bother to go in detail or PM me on my linguists. Just be there for me, that is all. MUAH!!

Saomom: T, you are one irresistible stalker. Even with Captain Responsibility breathing down your neck, you trick him and make your visits to the Inn! But Goodness! Throwing tantrums for the ball? Tut-tut! *shakes head* Be a good girl and drink your hot chocolate and if you begin wailing again, I might shove those laddoos in your mouth! But I guess you'll eat your way through and wail again, eh?

And now, to my favourite part, welcoming new readers and I will tell you, I was SHOCKED!!! Three new readers on one page, commenting right on one after the other! I am like- this is not real!! But it is and I was so happy, I leapt off my chair and danced with no sane music in my head!

Sansu: Your entry with the 'new reader alert' was so hilarious, I nearly spilt the tea I was sipping! And its okay, dear, don't comment on the bygone chapters. I wanted just this kind of a comment and I am happy with it, dear. But like really, you borrowed your sleep time to read through Arhasia's tale? You must have kept the InnKeeper awake! But so glad you made it, dear! So happy to have you here!

TrueLovels4ever: Oh wow! Silent readers emerging? I don't know what to say, dear. I am only honoured by the fact that a single chapter could make you come and tell me you loved it. So kind of you. So very kind of you. Thank you very much dear! Hope you will enjoy the further chapters as well!

Shreelakshan: GASP!!! That was my first reactions after I read your comment. You actually went in search of other similar tales coz you wanted more?? *looks around*blushes* Eh….thank you dear. I am speechless. Too much love in one day and I am shivering with overwhelming emotions. Someone hand me a glass of water! But yes dear Shree, SaRun made us feel ArShi so much, it is undeniably their charisma that made this Forum a wonderful place, that made the show a hit and much revered serial and that made me write this FF in the first place.

On behalf of all my readers, Comrades and silent visitors, I welcome Sansu, TrueLovels4ever and Shreelakshn to our midst! Please choose your favourite drink and sit along with us in the cozy Inn to hear the next chapter's narration. And oh, don't worry, I'll send you a message via a pigeon (PM) to tell you when I make my narrations, if you want!

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL MY READERS: Anachronism: Do you know what that term means? At least those who are aquatinted with the World of Books and Literature might. You could search it in the dictionary or if you are lazy like me, I could tell you what it is here itself. *sips tea* Anachronism is that situation in a story or movie where something that does not belong to that period is included. It can be an ancient object in a modern world or a modern object in an ancient world. I'll give you some exaggerated examples: To show a rocket in a medieval age, to fight with swords in a modern world war, an alarm clock in the ice age, arriving at your office in a carriage……..I am assuming you got the picture. Now, why do I mention this term here? Well, all this while I had been trying to maintain the time period of the age. No electricity and no telephone in Arhasia at a time when they were being invented elsewhere. But when it comes to picking songs for the FF, I cannot choose ancient songs coz I have not heard any and I am a lover of the songs of my time. Hence, forgive me if I invoke anachronisms for the songs in my tale. Starting with today's: The Topmost of my Favorite Songs: Nick Lachey's What's Left of Me. (It's simply my most fav!!) I am not loading the videos of the song here coz some of you can't see the page if the video is loaded, but I will provide you some links and you can watch any of them to get the feel and words of the song. The truth is: a dance can be enjoyed only if seen in the mind or on the screen or in real before you. Words can never create something so powerful in passion as a dance. So I would suggest that after you read this chapter: sit back, play the song in the background and imagine ArShi dancing to it in your head the way you want them to. Because it's hard to write exactly what the chapter was like in my head when I envisioned it. The Power of Imagination (of the Mind) will always be greater than the Power of Words.

Here are the links to the song, you can choose any one:

The Song WHAT'S LEFT OF ME with its Lyrics ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrK0Zf6h3zI

The Same Song with Clips from the Movie Pride & Prejudice from Darcy's POV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8LBPwjKLuw (I recommend this to know Arnav's mind in the Dance)

The Same Song with Clips from the Movie Pride and Prejuidice from Elizabeth's POV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSu_0mRGnRc (I recommend this to know what the Dance of the Medieval Time would look like)

And if you are all ready, then choose your drink and come sit beside me so I can start with the story……

Chapter One Hundred Thirty Four: Moving to His Music

An hour after Lord Akash and Lord Arnav had left for the Industry the next morning, the entire Castle was overjoyed when Nani emerged out of Lady Anjali announcing that she was healed and well and Lady Anjali stepped out of her room and all of the servants and Lady Manorama and Lady Lavanya rushed to her to greet her and shower their love on her.

Lady Anjali blushed with all the attention she was getting and then announced happily that there was something she wanted to tell them, "It would redouble your joy ten times, I assure you."

"What is it?" asked Rahim Chacha who had been extremely worried over his mistress' health.

Lady Anjali's eyes shone when she said, "When your First Lord came to check on me today morning, he left after announcing that he was willing to have the ball and will want it this week itself."

The cheer that spread over the assembled was so overwhelming that even Nani laughed her heart out, relieved by the air in the Castle.

"What made him accept it so quickly?" wondered Lady Manorama aloud, "Did you tell him anything, bitiya?"

Lady Anjali shrugged, "I have no clue why he must have decided to let it happen all of a sudden after days of negation. But why worry over it when he has finally let us have it!"

And then the rest of the day was spent in frenzy festivity and Kushi too visited the Castle a little later and joined in the fun.

When it was nearly afternoon, Lord Arnav had apparently taken a break from the Industry and was found entering through the central doors opened by a surprised butler.

Lord Arnav addressed the butler, "Where is Di?"

"In the ballroom, my lord," said the butler, bowing.

"Tell her that the Orchestra is coming in a few minutes and we need to position them in the ballroom," said Lord Arnav.

"Yes, sire," said the butler and he left for the ballroom while Lord Arnav made for his room to wash himself and change from his suit into his pale yellow shirt and dark pants.

When he emerged out of his room, sauntered down the stairs and majestically made his entry into the ballroom, his serious expression froze in amazement as his eyes beheld the sight before him.

The entire ballroom was decorated with curtains and the chandeliers were cleaned and its many candles lit though it was still afternoon and the window cast sunlight into the room.

Lady Lavanya was arranging the vases and flowers in the room and helping her was Kushi.

Lord Arnav's gaze seemed to not move away after it had fallen on the village girl, whose radiant face was cheery as she jested with Lady Lavanya.

He was so taken in by what he was seeing, that he didn't notice his sister come and stand near him, "Chotey?"

"Huh?" he broke from his trance and looked at his sister and his face softened, "Di! You're looking so well now."

His contented exclamation in his manly rolling voice echoed through the wide empty room, and Lady Lavanya and Kushi stopped their talks and looked towards the door.

"I am well, my Little One," said Lady Anjali cheerily, "Thanks to all the affection I was shown these few days."

"Has the orchestra arrived?" he asked, looking across the room and catching the gazes of Lady Lavanya and Kushi, and the latter instantly looked away.

Lady Anjali was about to answer him when someone knocked on the door and they all looked to see who it was and found Master Aman peep confusedly through the door, "Master?" his eyes fell on Lord Arnav and was reassured, "The Orchestra have arrived. Shall I let them in?"

"Yes," said Lord Arnav, and watched as the huge double doors were swung open by two servants who had come with Master Aman and then a trail of half a dozen men walked in with their instruments and Master Aman directed them to the farthest end of the room where a platform was readied for them to position their musical instruments and play for the imminent occasion.

Lady Anjali beamed on seeing all this, "Oh, thank you, Chotey! This is such a delightful surprise!"

"Anything for you, Di," said Lord Arnav, gently, as he watched how his sister's young face had lit up like a child's. He always wanted to keep her happy like this, just like how he'd promised himself since that fatal night.

Kushi helped Master Aman in assisting in the arrangement of the Orchestra on the platform and Lady Lavanya continued with her decoration of the ballroom with the vases and flowers. She saw that more vases were needed. She informed this to Kushi and then left the ballroom in search for more vases which the butler may know the whereabouts of.

"It is set, my lord," said Master Aman, as he stepped down from the platform, and then turned to extend his hand to Kushi to help her get down.

Cold fire raged in his chest when Lord Arnav saw a smiling Kushi place her hand in Master Aman's as he helped her to step down from the platform.

Lord Arnav looked away and caught his sister's gaze. "What?" he asked her.

"Nothing," shrugged his sister playfully, and then she nodded to the Orchestra, "Make them play."

Lord Arnav clapped his hands twice and the conductor of the Orchestra bowed to him and then turned to his group and lifted his hands, one hand holding a thin baton.

The slow music began to play and Kushi stood next to Master Aman, staring at the Orchestra, raptured by the elegance of their playing. It was the first time she was seeing an Orchestra for real.

Lady Anjali looked up at her brother who stood expressionlessly looking at the Orchestra, "Chotey, would you not ask me to dance?"

He looked at his sister from the corner of his eye, "Now?"

"Yes, now," said Lady Anjali, smiling, "It has been so long since I've let myself dance."

Her brother sighed and then he turned to his sister, his hand stretched to her, "You will have to repay for this untimely request, Di. I will not like this dance one bit."

"What else are brothers for but to listen to a sister's sweet requests," said Lady Anjali merrily, as she slid her hands around his neck and he gently pressed one of his hand at the small of her back.

"You must take care when you dance Di for you carrying now," said Lord Arnav cautiously and Lady Anjali rolled her eyes, "Carrying or not, dancing is what I do best. You on the other hand, Chotey, have always been the one with horrid steps."

Lord Arnav was about to reply to that when Lady Anjali's eyes glanced over his shoulder to the two standing near the platform, "Well, don't just stand there and waste Beethoven to the air, Aman. Ask Miss Kushi to dance."

Lady Anjali was certain she had felt her brother's hand on her back flinch unintentionally when she had addressed those words to Master Aman but she ignored the knowledge and, smiling at her brother's bored expression, danced slowly around the room.

Master Aman held out his hand and with a grateful smile, Kushi accepted his offer and soon they were waltzing around the room as well, much to the annoyance of Lord Arnav.

"You dance quite well, Miss Kushi,"said Master Aman, as he held her gently in his arms and moved her to the steps he was taking.

"You are quite assured in the skill too, Master Aman," said Kushi, moving to her partner's moves.

"Di, I'm bored, we should stop this," said Lord Arnav, irksomely, casting furtive glances across his shoulder to the couple dancing beside them.

"Not yet, my Little One," smiled Lady Anjali and beckoned him to dance a while more, "Ah, Beethoven! What a delight his music is to one's ears, don't you think, Chotey?"

"I care not for any music, Di," said Lord Arnav, getting angry, "This horrid ball was your demand."

"But your decision!" reminded Lady Anjali, "The ball would not take place if you hadn't said it should."

"And I regret it vastly," grumbled Lord Arnav.

Suddenly the music changed and Lady Anjali beamed as she addressed them all, "Oh yes, let's change course!"

Taken aback, Lord Arnav had barely said, "What?" than his sister swirled before him while Master Aman held Kushi's hand and swirled her and both the women spun away from their first partners and came to step before their new partners.

Lady Anjali slid her arms around Master Aman's shoulder, but both their eyes were on the couple a little distance away from them.

Lord Arnav's arms that had let go of his sister were now around Kushi who had been spun by Master Aman right into his arms.

With her anxious eyes on his surprised face, she reluctantly slid her arms around his neck. He could not take his eyes off her, her face so close to his, her soft breath on his neck and then, without his own knowledge, he was swaying them away gently to the music.

As they danced, they were lost to the whole world around them and it seemed to be just them, dancing in the empty ballroom.

Lady Anjali and Master Aman stopped dancing and withdrew from each other's arms. They were standing closer to the door and they stood there watching the sight before them, one staring with astonishment and the other with hope.

Lord Arnav moved Kushi in his arms, his gaze on her face as he led her to moves she knew he would take. Unlike when she had danced with Master Aman or many times before with her father or with the other village boys in the fair, she had never felt so much in sync with any man as she was with this man.

Kushi lost herself in his arms as the music enveloped them and the only thing Lord Arnav cared about in the moment was to carefully lead the girl in his arms to move to his beckoning need. And then, as they gazed at each other and waltzed, it was as though the Orchestra had faded out and a new song had risen from somewhere in their silence.

Lord Arnav whirled Kushi around him.

Watch my life pass me by……….Pictures frozen in time……

He pulled her to him. Are becoming clearer…..

She twirled around him again and she was passing behind him…..I don't want to waste another day…..

She slid slowly to his side, his head turned to look at her, Stuck in the shadow of my mistakes……

His hands held hers…..Cause I want you……

He dipped her backwards, I feel you…..

His head leaned forward, very close to her neck, his breath brushed on her skin and she closed her eyes, affected…….Crawling underneath my skin, Like a hunger…..

He straightened her to her height and his hands held her by her waist, his face close to hers, his eyes on her parted lips, like a burning…….To find a place I've never been…..

His hands held hers and he stretched his arms out wide, Now I'm broken….

They looked away, turning even their waist, but still held hands…..and I'm fading……

He pulled her to him, his hands holding hers above them, I'm half the man I thought I would be……

And then he slipped his hands to her back again and dipped her backwards, But you can have what's left of me…….

Kushi let go of him and turned away but his hand gripped her hand……I've been dying inside….

He pulled her to him, pressing her back to his chest, and they swayed, little by little……

He twirled her around him….Nowhere to go, going out of my mind, in endless circles……

They let go and turned away from each other, Running from myself until……

They turned around, his eyes capturing her gaze, and then they slowly moved towards each other…..You gave me the reason for standing still….

They came to stand before each other, and then his hands were around her waist again….And I want you and I feel you……

And he dipped her backwards, his nose pressing on her neck, their eyes closed, crawling underneath my skin……

He pressed his hands that were on her waist, and she moaned softly, like a hunger, like a burning……

He straightened her up and held her before him, her eyes looking at his chest but his eyes on her blushing face, to find a place I've never been……..but you can have what's left of me...

Lady Anjali and Master Aman could only stare open-mouthed at what was happening. Master Aman was trying to think that he was certainly reading too much into the dance while Lady Anjali's eyes teared up and a gentle smile crept on her sad face.

Master Aman heard a scuffle behind him just then and looked over his shoulder to see Lady Lavanya at the doorway, staring crestfallen at the dancing couple in the middle of the vast room.

He read the defeated light in Lady Lavanya's eyes and he saw how her fingers trembled as she held the vase in her hands.

Master Aman frowned thoughtfully and looked back at the couple before him again.

The music had probably heightened for the moves were faster this time.

Lord Arnav was lifting her, her arms stretched wide, and then when he slid her to the floor, he dipped her so quickly, her hair loosened and fell to frame her beautiful face in the dark cascade of her long hair.

Falling faster, Barely breathing, give me something to believe in, tell me it's not all in my head……

Lord Arnav straightened up and pulled her to him, his hands around her waist, take what's left of me, make me whole again…….

And then the music gentled down to its finale. He twirled her around him alone last time and then pulled her again to his chest and then, slowly swayed there in in the center, with her arms around his shoulder and his arms around her waist, Will you take what's left? Take what's left of me……..

Lady Lavanya felt her world blur in the tears rising in her eyes and her trembling fingers lost grip and the vase in her hold slipped. She could not even look down to see if it would smash on her feet……

But she suddenly sensed someone near her and he bent down and caught the falling vase before it touched the floor.

He straightened up before her and she found herself staring up at Master Aman's kind face.

He pressed the vase into her hands, "My lady, be cautious, for what is broken cannot be stuck together again."

Lady Lavanya's hands slid around the vase and she held it to her chest and nodded determinedly, looking to the ground.

Then she took a deep breath and with her proud head lifted, she looked at Master Aman in her ladylike way, "Thank you, Aman. Your services are always commendable."

Master Aman bowed to her and she nodded and then she looked over his shoulder at the couple in the room, her eyes expressionless.

Panting, they stood against each other, in each other's arms, and they looked at each other, lost in their gazes and flushed expressions.

Lady Anjali was so grateful for what she had seen that she began clapping, and Kushi looked at her with a start and stepped away from him, embarrassed with the realization.

Lord Arnav stepped away casually, his hands slipping into his pockets, his face turning to frown at his sister on realizing she had not been dancing but standing apart and watching, "Why weren't you dancing? Wasn't it you who insisted on this madness right now?"

"Well, I did dance to my heart's present content," stated Lady Anjali, and then she walked towards her brother, her hands caressing his flushed cheek, "But it has been so long since I saw my Little One move to music."

"There is no need for it," grumbled Lord Arnav, "Dancing is an unproductive activity. I'd rather spend a day in the Industry than dance with a woman." He looked at Kushi from the corner of his eyes but she was already busying herself with the flowers at the other end of room and he couldn't see if her fingers were trembling like the strange way his were.
"I have to go," he said stiffly to no one in particular, and he strode out of the ballroom, passing Lady Lavanya at the doorway, neither looking at the other, even when he said, "Follow me Aman."

"Yes, sire," said Master Aman and, bowing to Lady Lavanya, he followed after his speeding Master.

Lady Anjali smiled at Kushi who seemed to be too occupied with the flowers and then Lady Anjali turned about to leave when her eyes fell on Lady Lavanya who was looking abstractedly at the doorway, through which Lord Arnav had passed.

Lady Anjali walked towards the other and placed a hand on her shoulder, earning Lady Lavanya's startled gaze.

"Is something bothering you, Lady La?" asked Lady Anjali worriedly.

Lady Lavanya smiled, and nodded to the vase she was holding, "Nearly broke something fragile."

"Oh," Lady Anjali smiled at the vase, "You needn't worry about breaking things here. It's too commonplace in the Castle to have glasses and vases broken. We can always buy new ones…..."

And with that happy assurance Lady Anjali left the room, leaving Lady Lavanya to stare at the vase, lost in her thoughts of what Lady Anjali had not intended by her words.

Don't get started on the ball already, folks. Two or three chapters more and only then can I start the ball. We need the preparations complete and the players ready, right? And then, we shall have the Grand Night!! But tell me, dears, how did you find this favorite chapter of mine?

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