Which Rathore?

A Connection with Vikram? - Part 1

"I didn't realize you were invited Apeksha" I turned around and confronted her. Everyone had gone silent. It's just something about her, she can instantly bring the energy down.

"You don't have to know everything now do you?"

"I mean since it happens to be my house you're standing in; I guess I could ask. Whose side are you from, Arman or the bride's? Because frankly, the idiot who invited you will regret it."

"Well in that case it was your father, you know, I happen to be his long-time friend's daughter, which is how we had met. Have you forgotten already?" She said with a different kind of glimmer in her eyes- the one she has when she knows she is irritating the hell out of me.

"How can I forget Apeksha, like father like daughter, betrayal runs in your family. Mine only seems to foolish to recognize."

"Don't you dare comment on my f-"

"Excuse me!" I pointed towards one of the staff members, interrupting her. "Could you please show this guest the way to the bar and get her some food!" And before turning away, "Enjoy the evening Apeksha." Such a wretch.

"Come one Sum, you can't let her spoil your mood like that." Avi interjected when he saw my sulking face. He's right, I have better things to care about. In just a short conversation with Apeksha, I had totally forgotten Ambar and Vikram should have already arrived. I excused myself from my friends, keeping them busy by reuniting them with some of our old college friends, and set out, hanging around in an area that gave me direct vision of the entrance. After about 10 minutes of making small talk with irritating guys, I gave up and decided to walk away when I was faced with a very familiar face. "Jai?"

"Sumera! Chalo I'm glad you remember me. You look absolutely gorgeous by the way, how are you doing?" Jai was so enthusiastic; he always has been. He is Arman's friend from his internship when he was in college. They gelled really well and here he is, years later at his engagement. He is a good guy, good looking, good natured, but a little too flirtatious for my liking. He NEVER leaves the chance to flirt whenever we meet.

"I'm doing well Jai, it's great to see you here I hope you've made yourself at home." I smiled and started to walk away when he pulled me back from my arm and I glared at him.

"Whoops! Sorry!" He let go of my arm and raised his hands and I noticed that he was slightly tipsy. "Jai you need to have some food and ease off on a drinks a bit, the engagement hasn't even happened yet."

"Oh Come on, why are you always running away?" He yanked my arm yet again and this time I was ready to give him a piece of my mind when I felt someone call my name- two people call my name- in perfect synch and I felt my heartbeat fasten. Jai's hand slipped away from my arm when I turned around with the widest smile across my face.

Ambar and Vikram stood there and for a moment I couldn't think. Who is it that I'm smiling at? Who is it that I was really waiting for? I concluded it was Ambar, I basically said I love him over the phone that night, except I wanted him to know the truth first. They made their way towards me and Ambar and I just kind of smiled at each other, maybe it was a little awkward. I observed both of them. They're both wearing black and look absolutely amazing. Vikram is a little taller than Ambar, and Vikram had an intense expression on his face. Ambar on the other hand seemed more relaxed today. I'm guessing because of what we said to each other on the phone that day, maybe he doesn't feel insecure or as jealous as he used to feel whenever Vikram was around me. Hmmmm. Mixed feelings about that.

I turned towards Vikram and naturally felt myself feel lighter when he smiled at me and inched closer. In this moment, I was very much aware of Ambar, just as Ambar was watchful of Vikram's every move. Vikram gave me a hug and as his hand slipped across my lower back I actually hugged him slightly tighter than I was initially. Why? I don't know. It seemed like a reflex reaction to the shocks I felt. Really different but electric vibes nonetheless. I then turned to Ambar and went to hug him myself. I was distracting myself from what I had just felt with Vikram. Just about two days ago, I was so sure Ambar is right- for me. But I did feel a sense of calmness when I put my arms around Ambar's neck and felt his arms make their way around me.