Khanak without looking back, wrenched herself free, and ran as fast as her feet could carry her. She was terrified out of her wits...She tried to scream but no sound would come from her throat. Her eyes were wide with fright, her face was drained of blood and her hands and entire body felt cold and clammy... Her heart was pounding so hard, it felt as if it would pop out of her chest, her breathing painful and fast,.. She wished it was in a nightmare!!... but this was for real.. She wanted to see Shaan so badly..she wept in desperation and cried out his name.... Oh, Shaan , tum kahaan ho?... Her two young friends had disappeared. She had dropped her cell phone somewhere while running, and she didn't know where she was or how to get out of here.
Then Khanak tried to calm herself by taking deep breaths and looked around trying to find some sign which would show her the way out of this horrible place.. She cautiously walked down the dark corridor, and was pleased to find a door framed in bright light. She could hear sounds of laughter from behind and felt that there must be a party going on. Eager to see regular people again, she pushed on the door and was surprised to find it unlocked.. Inside she noticed a very large, almost cavernous hall, with a high ceiling, and a huge chandelier suspended from it. Despite that, the room was dimly lit..as if she had stepped into a scene from an old movie. But it felt so beautiful,..and perfect.. Yes, just perfect..
Smiling she stepped forward and noticed that a sudden hush had fallen over the crowd..everybody was looking at her. They were all wearing beautiful masks of different shapes and colors. Confused at their reaction, she looked down to make sure that her dress was intact and not all messed up from her recent flight! It wasn't, in fact it looked lovely in the candle light. She looked up, and saw that everyone was smiling at her. It was a very strange gathering indeed!..
Then a tall woman, elegantly dressed in a long, peach colored, ruffled gown, came upto her and said; Sweet young lady, we have all been waiting for you..I hope you've had a very entertaining evening..Hmm?..
Khanak didn't know what to say..she just smiled and inclined her head, puzzled. The elegant lady smiled sweetly, took her arm and introduced herself: I am Delilah, but you can call me Lila..and you are Kaa-naak Right?,..Khanak said: No,I am Kha- Nak..but how did you know my name?..
Linda smiled knowingly,: Shall I say that its my little secret, dear? Anyway, whats in a name, as long as you are among friends?..now shall we socialise?..Saying that she took Khanak to different groups of people and introduced her by name. Khanak's head swam as she tried to remember foreign sounding names of masked faces!!...It was in fact very odd and funny!!..She would have laughed out loud, if it weren't for the weird situation..The only thing she felt now was a sense of helplessness, exhaustion and forboding..it felt like this nightmare was never going to end... and she was never going to see her Shaan again...
Khanak's eyes were welling up with tears, when an elderly man in a comical mask came up to her and offered her something to drink.. and as Khanak hesitated, he said kindly: It's alright, its just sherbet.. Thankfully, Khanak downed the whole glass in a few gulps, and immediately felt a little better.
The nice old man smiled at her and asked her to dance. Khanak hesitated since she had never danced before except once at home when Shaan had shown her the 'shehar ka dance.' But then with some urging and encouragement she shyly accepted, and putting her arm through his and stepped out onto the dance floor. After some initial nervousness, she began to enjoy herself, for her partner was an excellent dancer despite his age and Khanak just followed his lead. They danced for sometime before they stopped as the music stopped playing. The sweet old man kissed her hand and said: Thankyou my dear, before he stepped away..
Khanak found Lila and stood with her, trying to catch her breath. Her face was flushed, her eyes shining and she felt a strange feeling of excitement she had never felt before. Then she saw a tall, well built young man in a striking black suit, wearing a black mask, striding in their direction. She looked around confused and found a group of very lovely young women standing and talking next to her and felt sure that he was headed their way. But no...he was coming straight towards her!
Khanak's heart started to race and a heat spread over her face and neck..She was confused at her reaction..Mujhe yeh kya ho rahaa hai?.. The young man stopped near them and looked at Lila and then at Khanak.. She could feel his eyes boring into her..making her nervous and even more confused... Lila said: My dear, this young gentleman has been wishing to to dance with you all evening..Are you willing?...
Khanak didn't know what to say, she DID want to dance with him..no, no she didn't, she shouldn't..what would Shaan think? and what was she thinking..Say no Khanak, say no..
Khanak shook her head in dissent and looked down, she couldn't trust her voice at this time..it felt stuck in her throat.. The young man, who apparently was not used to hearing no for an answer, stepped close to her and taking her arm, pulled her on to the dance floor. She went willingly, some strange force seemed to be pulling her close to him.
The musicians struck up a waltz, the most intimate form of ballroom dance.. He held her close by the waist and positioned her left hand on his shoulder and taking her right hand in his left, led her into the dance.. She stared at his masked face in the dim light mesmerised,wondering why she felt so attracted to this mysterious stranger? This was wrong but it felt soo right! As the dance went on he pulled her closer, so she could feel his body moving against hers and his heat..Nooo this was too much!!!..thinking so Khanak slipped out of his grasp and hurried away trying to fight her feelings.. She looked around for a way to escape but only saw a blur of dancing couples around her.. Then she felt someone grab her waist from the back..and firmly lead her to the patio outside through the large french doors.
Khanak struggled against him saying, Leave me alone!!..I need to go!..but his grasp just got tighter and he pulled her to him imprisoning her hands in his. Khanak looked up at him and shivered, feeling fear and excitement at the same time.. He put his mouth close to her ear so she could feel his warm breath tickling her skin, making her go weak in the knees....
He whispered: My sweet Khanak..enough excitement for one evening hmmm?..Then as she laughed with relief, Shaan pulled off his mask and proceeded to cover her face with kisses...
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Cricket
