Page 39 of Always? Forever.
He looked so handsome. He was wearing black trousers, a black blazer and a white shirt, and a black tie. The top three buttons of his shirt were open making him look so sophisticated and classy. His hair was not gelled but kept in the regular way he keeps it but a bit styled. He was also wearing a Quartz watch and not the smartwatch he usually wears. It added to his overall look in the best possible way.
I liked it when men wore such watches, it made them look very…dashing. But I really liked thathewas wearing it and it madehimlook like he stepped out of a photoshoot. I was speechless. I was also very conscious of the way he kept looking at me as if I was the most beautiful woman on this planet.
Could it be that he found me attractive? It was really hard to believe. But the way he looked at me proved me wrong that he didn’t feel an ounce of attraction towards me. He made me feel beautiful. He made me feel seen. He made me feel safe. He pulled out something from his jacket, it was a box. I looked at him confused.
“For you, open it,” he said as he handed it to me. Aria was right there looking at Kartik judging him. I couldn't tell her no because if it were me in her shoes, I would do the same. Not that this was real, she didn’t have to do it. It wasn’t like this was gonna turn real. Was it?
I opened the box to seemynecklace. I gasped, I was spellbound. How in the world?! If my conversation with Aria wasn't enough, this made me tear up.
"How did you...I thought I lost it." My voice barely audible
"Looks like I found it. May I?” He asked gently, I nodded and turned around.
I felt a shiver run through me as he brushed my hair to one side. He took the necklace from the box in my hand. He put it around my neck. My heart was beating fast as he clasped it around my neck. His hands stayed there on the back of my neck a minute more than they should have but I didn’t mind. It felt natural as if we did that every day, as if he helped me with my jewellery every day. I could get used to it. I wanted to get used to it.
I turned around and saw Kartik looking at me intensely with adoration. It made me feel things. Things that I hadn’t felt. Things that only my novels had made me feel up till now. Things I never imagined I’d ever get a chance to feel in real life. It scared me.
“You look beautiful,” he said softly.
“You don’t look bad yourself,” I said as I reached out to straighten his tie. I just needed an excuse to touch him. I had always envisioned myself to do such a thing. I had been told it was a very wifey thing to do. I didn't mind doing it for Kartik. I could see us getting ready for work and me doing such a small thing as straightening his tie and then him kissing me before we headed out. I had zoned out. I zoned back in to notice him looking at me in amusement.
“You okay? He asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.
I nodded my head vigorously.
He chuckled before he stepped back.
As Aria prepared to retire for the night, she approached me and whispered something in my ear.
"You better not let him go," she said, her words carrying a sense of urgency. I glanced at her.
"I can see the way he looks at you," she continued, "it's the way you've been yearning for someone to look at you. Don't lose him."
She patted my shoulder gently, leaving me with a sense of profound realization and warmth in my heart. She winked at me and gave Kartik a stern look before leaving the room.
“Shall we?” Kartik asked gesturing me to go first
I nodded, and as I walked ahead I couldn't help but say, “You know that I know that ladies first is a scam right?”
I heard him sigh and knew he was probably shaking his head. “How is it a scam?” he asked curiously.
“Correct me if I am wrong but 90% of the time when guys say “ladies first” when they want to check our ass out, isn’t it?”
Kartik looked baffled like he wasn’t expecting me to ask, I almost laughed.
“Well you see..” he started.
I gave up and started laughing. He looked at me in disbelief and joined me too. We both quieted down after a moment. The way he looked at me in that moment made me believe a lot more than what was possible.
“We should go,” he said in a strained voice as he started walking.
I nodded and followed him. I’d follow him anywhere.
Chapter 29
Kartik
We reached the venue. All the way I couldn’t stop myself from glancing at her every once in a while. She looked exquisite. I on the other hand didn’t look like I belonged with her. I got out of the car first. There were paparazzi everywhere. I had forgotten that my uncle, my mom’s brother, was also famous in the business industry, and considering Tanya was an upcoming model, of course, there would be paparazzi. I had forgotten about it completely and forgot to warn and prepare Samaira. This would be counted as our first public appearance. Although it would be beneficial. I had no idea how Samaira would react to it. I opened Samaira’s door and held out my hand. She took it with a smile on her face before it dropped, noticing the paparazzi. Shit.
