CHAPTER 2: Part 3 (UNEXPECTED MEETING)
~ ISHIKA (POV) ~
When this handsome stranger with green eyes asked me about my problem, I was stunned. The possibility of him being a psycho or a killer crossed my mind since we all know what happened. But I opted against it and decided to take a chance.
And, well, honestly what other option do I have at the moment. He is my best bet.
I smiled at him with full force of my being with all my teeth. Obviously because I needed his help but mostly because I am incredibly embarrassed.
"Vo actually someone is following me, and it might be him." I informed him hesitantly.
"Do you know him?" the handsome stranger asked, his voice low and dangerous, a glint of something predatory flickering in his eyes.
"I... I do," I managed to stammer out, a frown creasing my brow.
"Do you want me to take care of him?" he asked, a dangerous glint in his eyes. His eagerness was almost unsettling.
"Ah... Can you do that?" I asked cautiously, my voice barely a whisper.
"There is less to nothing that I can not do."
he sounded almost dangerous. His voice held an undercurrent of menace, a promise of swift and decisive action. It was a chilling declaration, one that sent a shiver down my spine. I can't fathom if I should be happy or scared.
"Please help me this once," I pleaded, my hands clasped together in front of me. "I promise I'll never even show you my face ever again," I added desperately.
He muttered something under his breath. I couldn't catch it, but he looked annoyed. A wave of disappointment washed over me. 'Good, very good, Ishika. Nice way to go. Why do I always open my stupid mouth?' I scolded myself.
"Ji kuch kaha aapne. (Did you say something.)" I asked him.
"Nahi (NO)" he replied simply, his gaze unwavering.
"Move aside." He commanded me.
"Huh?"
"Humne kaha hatiye (I asked you to move.)" he repeated, his tone hardening.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, quickly stepping aside. My heart pounded in my chest as I nervously glanced at the door, my hands instinctively moving to cover my heart.
He opened the door slightly, scanned the hall, and then closed it. "No one's there," he confirmed.
He loomed over me, his height imposing. Black hair framed his sharp features, and his piercing green eyes held an intense gaze. His arms, corded with lean muscles, veiny arms, hinted at untapped strength, creating an aura of quiet power and control. I found myself completely captivated by him.
"Really, can you look one more time. Please" I pleaded in a small voice, looking at him expectantly. He looked at me for a few seconds as if I am a circus clown giving a performance, I frowned, but he actually turned and double-checked the hallway.
"Confirmed. No one's there," He told me, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
"Oh!" Relief washed over me as my face broke into a smile, lighting up my whole face. I bowed my head in gratitude, my hands clasped together.
"Thank you, thank you so much! I'll never forget your kindness," I exclaimed, my voice filled with relief and gratitude. Without another moment's hesitation, I turned and fled the room, my footsteps echoing down the hallway as I made my way towards the ballroom.
>>>>>>>
By the time I reached the ballroom, I was a mess. I couldn't find Saanvi or Aanika in the crowd, but then I spotted Mehak. Her face was flushed with anger.
"What happened?" I asked, breathlessly.
"Nothing. Just some idiot ruined my whole mood," Mehak complained, her voice laced with frustration. "And by the way, where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you," she asked, her tone softening slightly as concern crept into her voice.
"I'll tell you everything," I managed to choke out, tears welling up in my eyes. I blinked rapidly, trying to control the impending storm. "Let's get out of here first. I need to leave right now."
"Hey, what happened? You don't look fine," Mehak said, concern evident in her voice.
"Please, let's go first," I urged, my voice trembling slightly.
"Okay, fine. I'll book a taxi," Mehak replied, her tone resigned.
>>>>>>>
We retrieved our belongings from Saanvi's car using the spare key and hailed a taxi. Once inside, I poured my heart out to Mehak, recounting the terrifying ordeal with the stranger, the bizarre kiss, and the unsettling presence of Lucky.
"Karan Bhaiya waha kya kar rahe the? (What was Brother Karan doing there?)" Mehak asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Don't know" I said in a small voice and shrugged.
Tears began to stream down my face uncontrollably.
"He... he... was really ha... handsome, I d... don't even know his name," I sobbed, my voice barely audible. "He m... must be a brother or f... friend of Hukum Sa. Wh... what do.. do I do? My fi... First kiss..." I was a sobbing mess.
"There, there, don't cry, we will find him." Mehak soothed, wrapping her arms around me in a comforting embrace. She gently caressed my hair, offering silent solace.
"R... really?" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief and hope.
"Really." Mehak nodded solemnly, confirming my question.
"But h... how?" I questioned, my voice laced with doubt. I didn't entirely trust her to handle this.
"Don't forget we have a lot of connections," she said confidently, her tone reassuring.
"Okay," I nodded, my voice barely a whisper. The tears threatened to spill over once more, but I controlled them.