"I only want two things in this world. 

I want you and I want us."
- Pinterest

CHAPTER 26

Mishti and Kuhu stood near the staircase of the Deora Residence, watching the guests arrive and being greeted by the Elite number 11 family, the Deoras. Today's occasion was to commemorate Mr Deora's 50th birthday and the prominent people of the society were invited such as the Elite families, the under Elite families and other celebrities.

Today was also the day that Anya Bella Gupta was going to be officially introduced to the Elite. She was going to be the guest of honour at the Deoras. Mr Deora who was a very friendly man had graciously consented to Mishti's request and had offered to support Anya as well. While everyone in the Elite society knew about Anya, today would be the day where she would be acknowledged and granted a position in society.

It was an important day and Mishti wanted to make sure nothing went wrong today, for Anya's sake. If only she would get here soon.

Mishti : Stupid man. Is he planning a grand gesture? He's almost an hour late. How unforgivably rude of him? Does he have no concern for Anya?

Kuhu : Don't worry. She'll be here soon. I don't know Mr Rajvansh nearly as well as you do, but I know enough of him to be certain that he would not miss this evening. And when he sees you in this dress, he will be very happy that he did not miss it.

Mishti rolled her eyes but gave a sigh. She looked down at her lehenga which looked different in dim light. The dori on the back of her blouse which was criss-crossed with the blouse string kept jingling as she moved. Kuhu had insisted upon dressing Mishti for the night and Mishti had to concede that she had done a brilliant job. Donning a front puff with loose curls, Mishti's face was further brightened as she wore a small maang tikka and large jhumkas. She wore no other accesories other than a small bindi. When Mishti had looked at herself in the mirror that night, She couldn't believe it.

She actually looked beautiful and moreover, She felt beautiful.

Kuhu and this dress had transformed her.

Kuhu : They're here.

Mishti's reverie was cut short by Kuhu's voice, and her gaze flew to the top of the staircase. There were masses of people crowded along the edges of the stairway and on the platform above, but it was impossible to miss the trio that had just arrived.

Anya stood in the middle of her brothers wearing a pale pink lehenga, her dupatta in the form of a saree. She wore a small bindi as well and had worn a simple diamond necklace and matching earrings. Her middle parted straight her made her look more distinguished and innocent. Her brothers were flanking her on each side.

They were twin portraits of determination, each surveying the crowd below as though preparing to do battle. The corner of Mishti's mouth twitched in amusement. The Elite society might be witnessing the closest thing to battle tonight.

Mishti's gaze settled on Abir as her heart pounded in her chest, noting the firm set of his jaw and the cool determination in his eyes—so intense that she could see them from where she stood, halfway across the room. And then he was looking at her. She warmed as his gaze lingered, taking in her in.

Kuhu : For God's sake, Don't show everyone that you're infatuated with the man.

Mishti's eyes widened and she turned towards her sister horrified.

Mishti : I am doing no such thing.

Kuhu : Of course you aren't. And I'm just the Queen of Sheba. Uh Oh! Here it begins.

Mishti whipped around to see Abir introducing Anya to the Elite number 1 family in Rajkot, the Chatterjees. While they weren't dismissive, they weren't completely accepting either.

Kuhu : Anya was perfect. But this is not going to be easy.

Mishti ignored Kuhu, instead turning her attention to the rest of the room and taking note of the stares directed at Anya from every direction.

Mishti echoed Kuhu's words in her head. This was not going to be easy.

The word illegitimate caught her ear and she looked to her side before noticing that it was Mrs Maheshwari who had spoken. The Elite number 3, the Maheshwaris were very well known for their scorn for lesser people as they thought of others. Her son Varun Maheshwari was with her and agreeing with her every word.

Mrs Maheshwari : I can't believe the Deoras let her in. But they are Elite Number 11, so I suppose they don't care. But still, an illegitimate child and the Rajvanshs took her in. Well, their reputations aren't that great so maybe it's familial bonding - Bonding over scandal.

The words, so thoroughly inappropriate and, at the same time, so very expected, were too much. Mishti cast a long, quelling look at the woman—a look meant to be seen.

Varun Maheshwari noticed and matched Mishti's stare with a cool one of his own.

Varun : Eavesdropping is a terrible habit, Miss Singhania.

A year ago, Mishti would not have had the courage to respond—but with a pointed look in the direction of Mrs Maheshwari, she simply smiled and scoffed.

Mishti : I believe I could think of a worse habit, Mr Maheshwari.

With that, she headed across the room to save Anya from these vipers.

Kuhu : That was well said. Wait a moment, I'll call Kunal as well.

Mishti pushed past the last cluster of people to find Anya standing in an empty area, several feet from the various clusters of revelers nearby who appeared to be so enthralled with their own conversations that they could not bear to interrupt themselves to meet Anya. Mishti knew better. So did everyone else. Abir and Arjun stood on either side of their sister, looking entirely ready to do bodily harm to half of Rajkot. Mishti met Abir's gaze briefly, noting his obvious anger at this society that so easily shunned those it did not immediately accept. How many times had she felt precisely the same way as he did in this moment?

She could not stop to sympathize with him, however. His sister needed her. She hugged Anya tightly.

Mishti : Anya! How wonderful to finally see you. Kuhu and I been waiting for such a long time.

Kuhu came at that moment, Kunal right behind her. She hugged Anya as well.

Kunal : Finally you are here, Anya. Come on. I'm tired of dancing with Kuhu. Come on. Let's show the crowd a thing or too.

Kuhu : Yeah, yeah, go. But don't blame me if he steps on your toes, Anya.

The foursome laughed at Kuhu's jest, and Kunal guided Anya into the center of the room. Kuhu and Mishti watched as the two took their place and Anya received her first public acceptance—in the form of a dance with one of the most powerful men in Rajkot. The sisters looked to each other, unable to hide their wide, proud smiles.

Arjun : Want to join them, Miss Singhania?

Mishti looked at him puzzled but then realised he was asking Kuhu. Kuhu laughed and accepted his hand, leaving Abir and Mishti alone watching over their siblings.

Abir : And then there were two.

Mishti smiled. But then the uncertainty kicked in. What did one tell to the man whose proposal they had rejected?

Mishti : Your sister is doing amazingly well.

Abir : Thanks to you and your family.

His eyes darkened and narrowed as they passed over her, and Mishti detected a slight shifting of his weight. And it was then that she knew...he had noticed her dress. Ask me to dance. She knew that it was a terrible idea—that the very last thing she should do was allow herself to be swept away by Abir tonight—mere hours after refusing his proposal of marriage and resolving to remain far, far away from him. Ask me to dance so that my first waltz in this gown is with you. She quashed the little voice, resolving this moment to stop her silly flights of fancy. Dancing with Abir was a decidedly awful idea.

She heard a voice asking if she would like to dance. Mishti looked at Abir confused. Had she imagined the words for Abir had certainly not said them. She blinked uncertainly, barely noting Abir's thunderous expression before understanding dawned, and she turned to face Jai Khanna.

No! She resisted the urge to stomp her foot. She didn't want to dance with this man, but she wasn't sure how to refuse him. She looked at Abir willing him to tell the man that he had already asked her but he was just looking at her with the same, intense gaze.

Not having any choice in the matter, for politeness' sake, Mishti accepted Mr Khanna's arm and stepped to the middle of the room.

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Stupid!

Stupid!

Stupid!

The words echoed through Abir as he watched Jai and Mishti dancing slowly. Abir berated himself for not stopping Jai when he could have and now... Now he had won the chance of dancing with the most beautiful woman Abir ever knew.

Especially in that dress. God! From head to toe, Mishti was such a vision of loveliness that it had taken extreme restraint not to kiss her senseless. The lehenga accentuated her curved hips and slight swell of her breasts. The back of the blouse was more enticing. As for her maang tikka, All Abir felt at that moment was to lift the chain and mark her as his own by filling vermillion in her hairline.

This dress was made for temptation and Abir knew he was utterly tempted. But it was not the dress alone. He knew instinctively that Mishti felt beautiful in the dress. He knew she thought herself to be plain but today, he was glad she felt beautiful even if it was not the dress that made her so.

He moved a bit and his eyes caught her own. Abir stiffened as he saw the sadness in her eyes. There was something about her tonight that was different, more tragic, from other nights. He knew instinctively that he was the reason for her sadness—that he had made a thorough mess of everything, mucking up his marriage proposal, somehow leading her to believe that he didn't really want to marry her.

He cursed as a business client came over to speak to him thus not allowing him to keep track of Mishti's whereabouts. He excused himself as quickly as he could and perused the dance floor once again and cursed. Mishti and Jai were not there anymore.

He looked at the people standing in the side but couldn't find them there as well. Where were they?

He looked back at the dancers to find Anya laughing up at Kunal as he whirled her across the crowd, showing all of Rajkot that, half sister or no, foreign or no, Anya Gupta was as fine a dance partner as any in the room. A burst of emotion flared in Abir's chest as he watched his new sister—who had so quickly found a way into his heart—smile up at Kunal as though it were the most natural thing in the world for her to be dancing with one of the most revered members of the Elite. Anyone would be hard-pressed to find fault with the girl, although it would try its very best to do so. Between him and Arjun and Kunal and the Singhania family, however, Anya would be protected—as much as she could be.

Forming an alliance with Mishti had been one of the best decisions he could have made to ensure Anya's acceptance into society.

Mishti.

She was remarkable. Even as she had pushed and prodded and refused him, she had delivered on every one of her promises, turning Anya into someone that the Elite couldn't dismiss.

God knew he couldn't have done it on his own, not even with his newly honorable intentions. It was only because of Mishti that Anya was here tonight. She was a vital part of Anya's success. And, somehow, she had become a vital part of his life.

The thought spurred him on; all of a sudden, he knew he had to get Mishti alone once more. It was no longer that he had to marry her out of respect for propriety and responsibility. It was that he wanted to marry her. It was more than want. It was need. Now he just had to convince her that she wanted it, also.

He wished he could love her and fulfil her fairytale. But it was not in him and she could understand that, right? They would have respect, trust, compatibility and affection between them. In the greater scheme of things, Did love really matter?

The music finished, and the couples whirled to a stop. Abir watched as they began to disperse from the middle. He saw Anya and Kunal find Kuhu and Arjun and resume their earlier conversation, but there was no sign of Jai and Mishti.

Where the hell had they gone?

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Mishti didn't know how, but suddenly Jai Khanna had taken her to a secluded corridor near the room. Unsure of how they had been dancing one moment and the next moment, ended up here, Mishti gave Jai a reluctant smile.

Mishti : Maybe we should go in, Mr Khanna.

Jai : First, let us finish what we came here for, Darling.

Mishti's brows rose at the endearment.

Mishti : I'm sorry?

Jai : By the way, don't you think you should call me Jai now that I'm going to be your future husband?

Mishti's eyebrows shot up at his words.

He noted her surprise and tried again, this time speaking to her as though she were a child.

Jai : You have the opportunity to marry me. Me.

For Heaven's sake, was there not a single man in Rajkot in possession of an ounce of romance when it came to marriage proposals?

Mishti : I'm touched that you thought to marry me, but...

Jai : No need to say thank you. Perhaps you could show it though?

The suggestive glint in his eyes sent Mishti reeling back, marvelling at the man's arrogance.

Mishti : I'm sorry, but you have the wrong impression if you think I'm going to marry you.

Mr Khanna blinked twice, as though unable to comprehend her decision.

Jai : You cannot be serious.

The irony of the situation was not lost on Mishti. After twenty-six years of waiting for someone, anyone, to show interest in her, two men propose to her and she rejects both suits. Was she mad?

Mishti : Indeed I am.

Jai : What were you doing coming with me to the exhibition and smiling at me and all?

Mishti raised her eyebrows once more.

Mishti : I'm not sure I encouraged any sort of feelings. I was being polite and friendly, that's all.

Jai : Ho, Like any woman thinks of friendliness when she looks at a man.

Mishti's eyes grew cold as she realised what he was insinuating. How dare he?

Mishti : Maybe us women do look for a partner for life, Mr Khanna. But never ever make the mistake of thinking you could fit out criteria.

Once the words were out, Mishti wondered if she should have told that? While she didn't regret the words, She also didn't want to invite more trouble for herself.

Jai stared at her, eyes glittering with anger, as she turned resolutely away, returning her attention to the dark gardens beyond.

Jai : Alright then. Have it your way. But in a year or two, When you are alone, You'll remember me and probably come to me with a pathetic smile and sorry on your lips. No one's going to marry you.

The words were meant to sting, and they did. She kept her back straight as he exited the room, and she listened to his footsteps disappear, returning him to the room, before she sat down on a nearby bench.

And then she let out a long sigh, feeling the strength leave her as Jai's horrible words repeated themselves over and over inside her head. Of course, he was right. She'd received two proposals in her lifetime, and neither of them had had anything to do with her. Jai had needed the money she would bring with her, and Abir...Abir was attempting to keep her reputation intact which, while honorable, was not exactly the most romantic of notions. Why couldn't someone, somewhere, want her for her?

Tears sprang to her eyes at the thought. What a thorough mess. She took deep, cleansing breaths and wondered how long she could stay in this room without being missed.

Abir : You shouldn't be here.

Mishti closed her eyes. Of course he would come here.

Mishti : Could you switch off the light?

She could feel the darkness envelop the corridor and then she opened her eyes, hoping Abir couldn't see the tear stained lids.

Abir : You look really beautiful tonight, Mishti.

Mishti could not help a small smile. The dress had worked then.

Mishti : It's the dress.

Abir : Perhaps.

Mishti : Perhaps?

Abir : The dress is tempting indeed. But it's not the dress. It is you. You're beautiful. In and out.

Mishti : Thank you Abir.

She closed her eyes. The compliment was too sweet and she was overwhelmed.

Abir : Mishti, did something happen?

His voice, so quiet and gently made her long to hug him. To be back in his arms safe and sound. She wanted that. But she held the chair like it was her life and didn't get up.

Mishti : Please go away.

Abir : Mishti!

Mishti : Please, Abir!

She got up and made to move, but Abir caught her and pulled her towards him. Her back crashed into his chest as he held her close. Her eyes closed as his arms enveloped around her.

Abir : I can't let you go, Mishti. Please. Marry me.

It was all too much. She couldn't bear it. Tears came again, fast and uncontrollable and entirely embarrassing. She stayed quiet, willing herself not to make a sound to give away her sorrow. He whispered again, close to her ear, the words so tempting and lovely.

Abir : Marry me.

Mishti shook her head.

Mishti : I cannot.

Abir : Why?

Mishti : I... I don't--- I don't want to marry you.

Abir let go of her and she could hear the anger in his next words.

Abir : You don't mean that.

Mishti : It's the truth.

Abir : It's not. I don't believe you. You want me. Do you think I haven't noticed how compatible we are? You like me. You care.

His lips were so close to hers, and she was so aware of him. The breath of his words caressed her in a way that made her want nothing more than to close the short distance between them and take the kiss she yearned for.

Abir : You know I shall give you everything.

Those words gave Mishti the strength to move away. She could hear the conviction in his tone but the words were still false.

Mishti : Not everything.

Abir lifted his hand to place it on her cheek, but then pulled back from the gesture.

Abir : Everything that I can give you.

Mishti : But what happens when that's not enough?

Abir brought a hand down hard on the chair behind her, and Mishti flinched at the sound that his palm made on the wood.

Abir : What more do you want, Mishti? I'm rich. I'm handsome...

She cut him off with a pained, frustrated laugh.

Mishti : Do you think I care about any of that? I'd have you poor and ugly—I don't care—as long as you—

His gaze narrowed on her as she stopped the flow of words.

Abir : As long as I, what?

As long as you loved me.

She shook her head, not trusting herself to speak.

Abir : No, tell me! What is it you want?

Mishti had had it.

Mishti : I DON'T CARE IF YOU BRING ME THE MOON. I STILL DON'T WANT TO MARRY YOU.

Abir : Why the hell not?

He was so close to her, so angry, and she said the first thing that came into her head.

Mishti : BECAUSE I LOVE YOU. I don't want you because I love you and I can't stand being married to you as an obligation.

They were both surprised by the words but he recovered first.

Abir : What?

Mishti saw his eyes through the faint moonlight that came in through the window and could see the surprise there. She laughed, a self loathing, sad laugh that made Abir cringe.

Mishti : Please don't make me say it again.

Abir : Mishti...

Mishti wiped her tears and turned away from him, determined to get this through.

Mishti : Do you remember the first night that we met? In your...

Abir : Yes?

Mishti : Do you remember making me a promise that you would do any favour that I ask in return for me helping your sister?

Abir's veins ran cold. He did not want to hear her words. He knew what she was going to say.

Mishti : I ask for that favour now. Right now. Please, just go away.

The pain in her voice was heartbreaking, and Abir itched to touch her, to comfort her. Instead, he raked his hands through his hair, cursing violently. He wondered what to do, determined to say something, anything, that would convince her that she should marry him.

She held up a single hand, and Abir had a fleeting moment of surprise at its steadiness.

Mishti : Pleae don't tell anything. Please just leave.

And, because it was the one request she would made that he could honor, he did.

Mishti sat for a long while in the quiet room, allowing the darkness to surround her. The tears that came were fleeting, soon replaced by a bone-deep sadness that came with the sense of finality that the interaction with Abir had brought.

For, in that moment, she knew with utter certainty that she would be alone forever. Refusing Abir so summarily had ruined her for all others. For, if she could not have him, she would never want anyone else.

Perhaps she had made a mistake. Perhaps she could have loved him enough for both. But could she survive a lifetime of knowing that he never really wanted her? That he had proposed simply because it was the thing to do? That, left to his own devices, he would have found someone infinitely more worldly? Infinitely more beautiful? Infinitely...more?

No. She could not bear it. Refusing him had been her only option.

Mishti : What are you to do, Mishti?

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Let's try for 100+ votes  and comments this time.

 
Please bear in mind that since my semester has started, I'm finding it harder to update which is why I'm keeping targets. The number that I give is only for the votes and doesn't include the comments. It's a way for me to keep track and I shall do my best to give updates as soon as the target is completed. 

Happy belated V-Day.... Love you all <3