Chapter 29: Chapter 26

The gala dance event was in full swing at Raghav’s college. The grand ballroom shimmered with golden lights, the atmosphere electric with excitement. The music pulsed through the room as students mingled, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Raghav, standing at the edge of the crowd with his friends, felt an unsettling sense of anticipation. His eyes kept drifting toward the entrance, hoping to escape soon.

Siya had told him she would rest claiming she was too tired, but something didn’t feel right.

The crowd suddenly quieted, and Raghav’s heart skipped a beat as the doors opened. There she was. His wife.

Siya walked in, every eye turning to her, drawn to the radiant beauty she exuded. Her dress, a light pink satin with delicate & shimmering silver embroidery, flowed effortlessly around her as she moved. Her dark hair cascaded in a bun, with soft curls dangling behind the ear lobe, framing her face, which was glowing with her radiant makeup.

The silence that followed her entrance was almost reverential, as if the entire room was silently applauding her.

Raghav stood frozen, stunned by the sight of her. His breath caught in his throat. She was a vision, breathtaking and perfect. All the words he planned to say escaped him at that moment.

Without thinking, he started to walk  toward her, but just as he stepped forward, his best friend Rudra appeared, grinning like a cat that had just caught a mouse. Rudra took Siya’s hand without hesitation and spun her toward the dance floor.

“Hey there, Siya. Fancy a dance?” he asked, his voice full of playful charm.

Siya gave a cheesy laugh and allowed him to lead her, smiling as she was swept away by Rudra’s easy confidence.

Raghav blinked, standing frozen for a moment longer, lost in thoughts. Is this really happening? Wasn’t I supposed to be the one to ask her?

His eyes narrowed as Rudra and Siya danced together, his friend twirling her effortlessly on the dance floor. A hint of pure jealousy tugged at his chest.

“Are you going to stand there all night, or are you going to join the fun?” Gauri’s voice broke through Raghav’s thoughts. She was standing beside him, her arms crossed as she watched the unfolding scene. Her lips curved into a teasing smile.

Raghav gave her a pointed look. “What do you mean? I was—”

“Oh, don’t play coy with me,” Gauri interrupted with a playful roll of her eyes. “You’ve been eyeing her the whole time, haven’t you? I saw it, don’t worry.”

Raghav exhaled sharply, but he couldn’t deny it. His heart was still racing from the sight of Siya, and now, watching her in Rudra’s arms? It didn’t sit well with him.

“Come on,” Gauri said, grabbing his arm. “Let’s go dance. Don’t just stand here pouting.”

Raghav followed reluctantly as Gauri led him to the center of the ballroom. He couldn’t help but glance back at Siya and Rudra. He was still burning with jealousy.

As they began to dance, Gauri smirked at him. “I can’t believe you let Rudra steal your thunder like that.”

“I wasn’t planning on… never mind,” Raghav muttered, glancing over at Rudra and Siya again.

Gauri’s grin widened. “You’re jealous, aren’t you, Lmao?”

Raghav shot her an exasperated look. “I’m not jealous. I’m just… confused. Why is he always so damn charming?”

“Because he’s got that ‘I’m too cool for school’ vibe,” Gauri teased, nudging him playfully. “You, my friend, are more the ‘I’m-too-busy-being-serious’ type. There's no competition.”

Raghav snorted, but he couldn’t deny the truth in her words. He couldn’t remember the last time he had acted carefree, like Rudra did so easily.

Just then, the music shifted to a slower beat, and Raghav’s eyes flicked toward Siya and Rudra again. They were moving more gracefully now, the chemistry between them undeniable.

Raghav’s thoughts became a storm, but then, in an instant, he had an idea. A clever idea.

“Let’s change partners,” he whispered to Gauri, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Gauri raised an eyebrow. “What are you planning?”

“You’ll see,” Raghav said, flashing a half-smile. “Just trust me.”

Without waiting for her response, Raghav smoothly maneuvered them out of the dance and toward Rudra and Siya, who were lost in their fun. Gauri  went along with his plan, though her eyes did sparkled with amusement.

“Excuse me, Rudra,” Raghav said, tapping his friend on the shoulder.

Rudra turned, his smile never fading. “What’s up, man? Need a breather already?”

Raghav gave him a pointed look, but before Rudra could reply, Raghav took his hand off Siya’s waist and placed his own hand there.

“I think it’s time for a change,” Raghav said smoothly.

Siya blinked in surprise as Raghav swept her into his arms, leaving Rudra behind.

Rudra burst into laughter, watching them with gleaming eyes. “Well, well, look at that! Raghav gets jealous, and boom! He’s suddenly taking over!”

Siya smiled softly at him, her eyes filled with affection. “What was that about?” she asked teasingly.

Raghav smiled in return, his grip on her waist tightening slightly as they swayed to the slow rhythm of the music. “I thought it was my turn,” he murmured, his eyes locking with hers.

Siya chuckled. “You’re really not subtle, are you?”

“I’m not trying to be,” Raghav replied, his voice low and warm. “I just don’t like sharing what’s mine.”

The words lingered between them, both thrilling and comforting. I just don’t like sharing what’s mine. The song continued to play, and Raghav and Siya moved in sync, as though they had been dancing together forever.

Across the room, Rudra couldn’t help but laugh loudly, shaking his head at his best friend’s antics. Gauri, who had now taken Siya’s place on the dance floor, grinned at him.

“Raghav’s finally showing his true colors, huh?” Gauri teased, her voice dripping with mischief.

Rudra gave her a playful wink. “You know, I think I might actually have to step aside for once. It’s clear I’m not the only one who’s got moves.”

“Oh, please,” Gauri snorted. “You couldn’t get a girl if you tried.”

Rudra raised an eyebrow, his smile never fading. “You just wait. I’m going to steal the girl one day.”

Gauri laughed, shaking her head as she spun under his arm. “You just keep dreaming, Rudra. Keep dreaming.”

Song: Indilla’s Love Story

Back on the dance floor, Raghav and Siya were lost in each other, their graceful movements flowing together effortlessly. Their favourite music filled the space around them, the lyrics almost like a secret conversation between the two of them.

Raghav leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. “You’ve made this night unforgettable, Siya.”

Siya smiled softly, her gaze locked on his. “We make a great team, don’t we?”

Raghav’s heart skipped a beat. “Nuh, The best team.”

As the song reached its climax, Raghav twirled her with such ease that it felt as though they were the only two people in the room. The music, the laughter, the teasing—it all faded away, leaving nothing but the two of them.

For the first time that night, Raghav didn’t care about anything else. He had Siya. And that, in itself, was enough.