Mikael waited with all the patience he could muster. The sounds of Meera, Ravi, and three other colleagues were hushed, the presence of Alina's father beside him made him nervous. He fidgeted with the high collar of his green, embroider Pathani suit. There was a sudden burst of laughter and a gush of greeting made him shudder. And alarmed, he looked up at the two laptops placed on the table. Faces of people, unknown to him, popped on the screen. Eager eyes, chattering mouths looked at him with scrutinizing gaze. Khalid introduced Mikael to his relative from Bangalore. Since Mikael and Alina couldn't ditch their work, they decided to have engagement done in Noida with their relatives joining them through webcam.
Mikael greeted everyone who peeked through various open tabs. They all looked starry eyes, overwhelmed by his good looks and tall figure.
'Oh my God! He is so gora.' One of Alina's aunt commented.
'Doesn't look Indian? Did Alina find an angrez?' Another Uncle looked at him with narrow eyes.
'Do they make such porcelain-skinned Gora men here?'
Mikael felt slightly uncomfortable upon being objectified. Then sudden gasp of one of Alina's cousins grabbed his attention. Quickly, he turned around and watched Alina walk in with her mother beside her.
Though Asmat looked beautiful in red chiffon saree with golden blouse, hair tied in a waterfall braid, and resting behind her, Mikael found his gaze stuck on Alina. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in yellow silk Anarkali dress. The pretty flowing dress had mirror work on the top half and some on the chiffon transparent cream-white dupatta. Her long lustrous tresses pulled back in a mid-parted bun. Alina had her head lowered and a shy smile over her lips. She kept fidgeting with her fingers, glancing up only once. Her gaze met Mikael and they passed a smile.
He shifted a little as she was made to sit beside him on the double sofa. Asmat sat beside her daughter and looked above the couple at her husband. Khalid nodded a little.
Meera began to instantly tease them, especially Alina. She felt pride as she was told to be lucky to have Mikael in her life. Alina turned her head and looked at him. His bright face radiated warmth and was a coolness to her eyes. Indeed, he was very handsome, by standards set up by society, but he was a man of excellent character, a wonderful and mature personality. She was felt indeed fortunate.
There was a beeping sound of video calling that made everyone turn towards the laptop. Alina inhaled sharply, upon seeing Amaal's face pop on screen. Mikael glanced quickly at Alina, but she didn't look at him. She noticed Amaal had earplugs stuck to her ears. She waved her palm at them and whispered.
'Hi! Sorry, I can't talk much. Carry on, guys!' She urged them.
Mikael hesitantly smiled at her while Alina remained straight-faced. Khalid called for Asmat and she looked away from Amaal. Asmat passed a tiny box to Mikael. He opened it and looked up at Alina. She recollected how they had struggled to select the perfect ring. She smiled at him, forwarding her hand to him. Amongst claps and cheers, Mikael slipped the lonely diamond, gold ring into her ring finger. There was loud cheering. Alina bit her smile that only grew wider.
Next, Mikael stuck out his hand to her. She glanced up and quickly lowered her gaze. Slowly, she wrapped her fingers around his palm and picked the classic silver ring. Mikael and Alina shared a quick eye lock. Then, she slipped the ring into his finger. Before letting go of his hand, she caressed his knuckles with her thumb. Mikael winked and smiled at her as he gently pulled his hand from her hold.
The ring ceremony was followed by dinner for all. After that, Meera and Alina assured Mr. and Mrs. Hooda that they will be leaving the apartment, for the after-party. Alina felt slightly guilty for lying to her parents about still staying with Meera. Her parents at first were skeptical about her decision to marry Mikael. They had met him before and found him to be decent, but they found her decision to be hasty. It wasn't their fault, after Haider they became more cautious. But then, looking at their daughter's sincerity, love, and confidence, they gave in.
After everyone had left, Mikael and Alina were alone in their house. Extremely tired, they decided to not waste time and sleep. The next day, they had the office as well.
Alina changed into her nightdress, wrapped the night robe around her waist, and walked towards the dressing table. She mindlessly tied her hair in a loose braid, her thoughts wandering to Haider. She kept debating if she should talk to him. Perhaps, break the news about her engagement to him? As she thought about him, her gaze fell over the simple ring glistening on her finger. Slowly, she caressed it. It was strange for her when a single diamond ring meant the whole world to her compared to the expensive solitaire ring that felt burdened on her finger.
She flinched upon hearing a knock on the door, then Mikael's voice floated from the other side, - 'Alina, I have made you coffee. Have it, you will feel good.' He said. She lowered her head and answered whilst picking up a comb.
'In a minute.'
Alina placed her braid on one side and looked around. The aroma of hot beverage guided her towards the balcony. It was small but spacious enough for two people. She walked behind him and hugged him, resting her head against his back. Mikael smiled, leaning back. He held her hands with one hand and she pulled back.
'Here.' He forwarded his cup. She looked puzzled at him.
'Don't worry, I have taken only one sip from it. I don't want to bother you with going and—'
Alina giggled holding on his arm, - 'Are you mad? I can do that much.' She turned and walked out of the balcony. A few minutes later, she brought her own cup.
Together, they talked about Alina's parents, relatives, the event, and then they began chatting about their future. Alina never felt so sure about anyone more than Mikael, and the more they talked the surer she got.
She insisted that she will wash the cups, she patted his arm before walking out. Alina had just cleaned and let it dry on the dry stand when she felt Mikael's presence beside her. They passed a smile. She turned around but stopped in her tracks when he held her hand. A small smile crept on her face as he pulled her for a hug.
'You complete me, Alina. I love you.' He confessed kissing the top of her head. Alina leaned back, she had to crane her neck to look at his face. Irritated, she parted and slid on top of the kitchen counter. She huffed, placing her palms on his shoulder,
- 'This is better.' Swiftly, she pulled down her short night-robe. She looked starry-eyed at him. Mikael smiled and kissed her forehead. She closed her with a dreamy smile, slowly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and breathed heavily.
He leaned but she kept holding on to him. They admired each other. Alina's gaze fell over his lips and she inched closer. Gently, she lifted her gaze and glanced up into his eyes. Mikael passed a smile and leaned closer. She watched his eyes close and closed her eyes in response. Their kiss was slow and soft at first. Alina shifted closer, feeling a warmth in the bottom of her stomach. She shivered a little feeling his palms rest on her waist, caressing the sides over the satin night-robe. Mikael took a step closer, deepening their kiss. Alina glided her hands from his shoulders, fisted the short sleeves, and pulled him closer. She gasps inaudibly, feeling his body press against hers. Their kiss turned passionate and her legs parted on her own accord, Mikael shifted pressing his body weight against her.
Alina broke the kiss, still keeping her face close to his, - 'Gosh! Mikael.'- she exhaled, - 'I love you so much.' She caressed his cheek with love in her eyes. Mikael observed her closely and kissed her cheeks. She leaned forward and hugged him, placing her chin on his shoulder. Feeling his arms hold on her waist, firmly gave her a sense of security. Alina titled her head and planted a kiss on his neck.
Mikael chuckled, - 'Don't push me further, Alina.' He teased her. She moved back and laughed.
'What if I do?' She raised an eyebrow. Mikael smirked at her. Alina pecked his lips and quickly, retracted. She looked away, grinning. He held her arm and made her look at him. They shared a mini- eye lock and then he began to kiss her again. She smiled into the kiss and instantly reciprocated.
Mikael broke the kiss and Alina clicked her tongue with agitation, - 'You looked incredibly beautiful in the dress. Yellow suits you.' He complimented. Though she liked his words but right now, she had other things in mind.
'Thanks.' She quickly answered and pulled him by the neckline of his shirt, pressing her lips against his mouth. Mikael chuckled against their lips.
WOW!! The kiss *_* *uff*
How was the Chapter, guys *_* Mikael and Alina in their happy space *dreamy sigh* Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*