One
One
Manik
“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for attending my party. I am so glad to have you all here. Hereby I announce the opening of the most awaited masquerade dance. Grace the floor, people. Cheers!” The host, Mr. Drakes, announced, addressing the crowd. I could hear cheers erupt beside me, excitement radiating from those around me. Though I hadn’t been eager about the whole thing, I couldn’t help but feel a little excited about the masquerade itself. I’d never attended something like this before, and honestly, I was looking forward to it.
Soon, two girls in white frocks emerged from backstage, each carrying a tray laden with masks. They walked amongst the guests, offering a choice to each.
“Manik.” I heard my name called. I looked back to find Mukti making her way towards me, looking ravishing in a nude gown with a thigh-high slit. “There you are. I was looking for you all around.” She finally reached me.
“Where’s your boyfriend, hmm?” I asked, glancing over her shoulder for any sign of him.
“Don’t talk about him. We broke up. He wasn’t my type.” She answered, and I chuckled.
“And that’s the third time in the last two months I’m hearing ‘He wasn’t my type’ from you.” I said. She pouted and slapped my arm playfully, making me laugh.
Mukti Vardhan has been my best friend since childhood. We were in the same school, then the same college, and now we’ve opened a joint business. She’s desperately searching for her ‘Mr. Right’ and gets involved in relationships, only to realize he isn’t the one. Weird, I know, but it’s just a Mukti thing.
“By the way, you look dapper, Mr. Rockstar.” She complimented. I wouldn’t deny it; I really did look dapper in my white shirt, black silk blazer, sleek tie, and black pants. My Rado watch and polished black shoes completed the look.
“Even you look good today—a miracle, I suppose.” I mocked, and she rolled her eyes.
“Just one question, how do girls manage to walk in those six-inch heels? If I were in your place, I’d have broken two or three bones by now.”
“Talent, my boy. Talent.” She said.
“Yeah right. Talent. That is what Nandi—” I stopped myself mid-sentence, refusing to think about her.
Thankfully, Mukti didn’t push it.
“Hey, look at all the girls trying to get your attention. They have such bad taste, choosing you out of everyone else.” She said, emphasizing the ‘you.’
“I get it. You want them to admire you. I was stupid not to realize it sooner.” I said, feigning a dramatic mistake.
Mukti had a look of confusion on her face. “What?” she asked.
“I should have realized you’re a lesbian.” I added, sincerely.
At first, she didn’t understand, but when realization dawned, her eyes widened.
“Youuuu. You are dead, Manik Malhotra!” She shouted. The expression on her face was hilarious, and I couldn’t stop laughing.
She was about to pounce on me, but thankfully a girl with a tray of masks intervened, expecting us to choose one.
My eyes scanned the tray, searching for a suitable mask. Meanwhile, Mukti picked a silver one for herself, while I was still deciding.
Finally, I found the one I wanted. I picked a greyish-black mask. It was perfect—attractive, dark, powerful. All traits I embody.
“Thank you.” I said to the girl, who blushed in response, and I smirked.
Girls were crazy about me, I’m not bragging, just stating a fact. It’s hard to resist a hot, handsome, drop-dead gorgeous man.
The music started, and everyone headed to the dance floor.
“Wanna join?” Mukti asked beside me.
“Sure. Just don’t kill my feet with your heels.” I chuckled, donning my mask.
She ignored my comment and said, “You know, maybe, just maybe, Nandini would also be on the dance floor, dancing with a guy.” I turned to Mukti, already wearing her mask.
“What?” I blurted, feeling a strange discomfort.
“Yes, I heard she was back from Chicago last night and was invited to this party. There’s a high possibility she’s here.” Mukti informed me. “Now, shall we?” She asked, extending her hand.
I just nodded, unsure what else to say. I suddenly felt… something strange.
Okay, Manik, there’s nothing to feel strange about. It’s simple. Nandini is back. She’ll be here. She’ll be dancing. She’ll be dancing with a boy.
However, the latter part made me uncomfortable, surprisingly angry. I tried to act nonchalant, but my hands clenched into fists, and my jaw tightened.
Mukti dragged me onto the dance floor.
An intense romantic song began playing. Shit! That meant Nandini would be dancing with a boy to this song. This. Really now.
Pyar manga hai tumhi se Mujhe pyar karo Aaj abhi zidd maano meri Na intezaar karo
I shook my head, trying to clear her thoughts from my mind. For God’s sake, I don’t want to think about her.
I began swaying with Mukti, but I couldn’t stop my eyes from wandering, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of her, but it was difficult with everyone wearing masks. I was going mad.
When will she stop affecting both my heart and mind? When? I don’t want to think about her, don’t you understand, brain? She’s a witch. She’s a witch. I chanted this in my head to refuse the thoughts creeping in. She was too pure to be addressed by any other word.
There you go again, Malhotra!
Main bhi dil ki sun raha hoon Tum bhi dil ki suno Pyar manga hai tujhse Mujhe pyaar karo
Just her name, and my world was already messed up.
The partners began changing, and I let go of Mukti with a nod. A girl in a blue gown and a golden mask approached me, smiling. I returned the gesture as we began swaying.
Soon we were engaged in conversation, but my mind wasn’t ready to let go of Nandini’s thoughts.
Tujhe paane ka junoon iss qadar hai Tere khwaabon se bhari ye nazar hai Zara dheere se mere paas aao Tumhe kitna pyaar hai ye batao
The partners changed again, and I let go of Kavya, her name.
I was waiting for a girl to come to me, deciding this would be the last dance before I went home.
I caught a glimpse of a girl approaching, about to reach out to her when a familiar scent caught my nose. Instantly, I gripped the wrist of the girl passing by.
I turned to find her facing her back to me. My heart pounded in my chest. The familiar scent, the familiar figure—I couldn’t be mistaken.
Pucho naa bas dil de do Mujhe pyaar karo Pyaar manga hai tumhi se Naa inkaar karo Aaj abhi zidd maano meri Naa intezar karo
She wore a black gown, partially backless, her hair tied in a messy bun. Shining black pearls adorned her ears, intriguing me as always. As my eyes traveled down, I noticed she was also wearing a pair of black heels. But suddenly, my eyes stopped on her bare back. She was wearing a backless! She was wearing a freaking backless!
Anger surged through my veins as I imagined other men touching her bare back while dancing. I closed my eyes, trying to control myself.
Why am I still so possessive over her? It’s bothersome.
When I opened my eyes, she was still facing away from me. God! I so wanted to see her beautiful face.
My hold on her wrist tightened, and I pulled her closer, her back crashing against my chest. And with that, all reasoning, all practical thoughts flew out the window.
Her tempting scent invaded my senses, making my body shudder.
Both my hands slowly, seductively traveled down the length of her arms, finally entwining my fingers with hers.
I inhaled her scent and placed a soft kiss on the side of her head.
Mm…
Tu hai neele aasmaan ka musafir Chala aaya taaro se meri khatir Teri baahon mein ajab sa ik sukoon hai Mujhe jaana ab kahi aur kyun hai Tum meri bas meri ho Mujhe pyaar karo
“Hey.” I whispered in her ears. “Missed me?” I added.
“So you recognized me?” Hearing her voice after so long did strange things to me.
“Of course. How can I forget you?” I said and turned her towards me.
My breath hitched. I couldn’t breathe. I looked more carefully and found she was wearing a dark red-hued black mask with a silver outline. Her lips were coated in a striking red shade. Absolutely stunning! My eyes took in her whole form, and I couldn’t stop praising her more and more. Her curvaceous figure, extra beautiful face, and tempting perfume were working magic on me. Actually, beautiful wasn’t the word for her; she was far, far more.
My gaze locked with hers. “It seemed like you had forgotten me, you know. You were having a lot of fun dancing.” She said.
I didn’t reply but just stared at her. So, Miss Nandini—or should I say Mrs. Nandini—was jealous.
“Really? Then why don’t you go back to her? Leave me.” She glared at me.
Hearing her, my eyes twinkled with amusement. She was jealous.
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How was the chapter? Did you guys like it?
Do you all think that it was really their last kiss? *wink*
Are they both acting foolish?
Do you think they love each other? Or, as they said, was it just habit doing all the things? Do comment and share your views.
Pictures
Mukti’s dress
Manik’s dress
Similar kind of mask they all were wearing
Nandini’s dress