chapter 8

Chapter 8Dress you upAs soon as they reached home, she hastily jumped out of the car and ran up to her room. She quickly closed the door and stood with her back to it, breathing heavily. Ved followed her up at a more leisurely pace. She heard him tap on the door but defiantly stood back, not opening it.“Oh come on Ishiqa! I have something for you.” She realised that she couldn’t ignore the pleading tone in his voice, and reluctantly, she opened the door.  He held out a parcel to her, “Happy Valentine’s day.” She squeaked in surprise. “What is it?” “Open it and find out.” He entered the room and waited patiently as she tore open the ribboned package and let out a gasp. She stared at the wonderful, truly couture dress in the package.   It was an exquisitely cut dress in turquoise silk, with small bands of silk holding the bodice in place; it was fitting at the bodice and flared out below the waist into a knee-length floating skirt.   She looked up at Ved. “It is very nice of you Ved, but I cannot accept this. It is too expensive!”“You are going to wear this today…now. I never asked you whether you wanted it or not. Please get dressed, we are running late,” and he left the room. All the joy of the moment before came crashing down. She stared at his retreating back and then looked at the dress in her hands and ran after him, “Ved I am not going to wear it. I have never worn something like this before.” He turned around, “Dearest Ishiqa, is that your way of saying that you want me to tear off what you are wearing and dress you up? Because, I am sure, that is what we are going to end up doing if you are not quick enough to change. And believe me, the pleasure will be all mine.” He smiled taking a step towards her, making her insides turn to jelly. She imagined his hands removing her clothes and she started to shiver, as though he had actually touched her. She ran back into her room and closed her ears as his throaty laughter followed her into the room. She took a quick shower and changed into the lovely dress that hugged her body like a second skin, as though it was exclusively tailored for her.  She brushed on some blush and outlined her luscious lips with a light lipstick.  She sprayed  perfume on the insides of her wrists and on her neck. As an afterthought, she applied some on her cleavage, which she knew looked enticing! She placed her dainty feet into heels and pinned up her hair in a chignon. She let some strands frame her lovely face alluringly. A last look at her reflection in the mirror and she was out of the room. Ved was waiting for her, looking magnificent in a superbly cut grey suit. He straightened on seeing her and inhaled sharply. He led her back into the room. Turning her to face the mirror in the hall, he stood behind her. He took out a small diamond stud necklace and earrings and fastened the necklace around her neck. The diamond pendant fell in place just above her cleavage, highlighting her delicate collarbone, and shone brightly as it caught the light. “Ravishing, that is what you look today,” Ved said huskily, his pulse quickening at the sight of her. She stared at their reflection in the mirror, transfixed, and breathed deeply as he turned her around. He took a step back and held out the earrings to her, his eyes not leaving her even for a second. She took them with unsteady hands and slowly fastened them to her ears. He gazed at her impassively, trying to mask his feelings but his breathing was ragged and he had to turn around and walk away quickly. She followed him out to the car, walking elegantly in her high heels. As he waited, he couldn’t help but notice the swan-like grace with which she walked down the steps.When they reached the venue, Ved held out his hand to hold hers in his warm palm, and pressed it softly. He was more in control now. “Smile sweetheart, we are going to a party not a funeral.” The shutterbugs went click, click; the whole atmosphere was so new to her and she was horribly conscious of herself in the dress. The girls stared at Ved. They were actually falling all over him quite shamelessly. “Hi Ved, so this is the one?” One of them touched his chest flirtatiously and looked at Ishiqa with jealousy dripping from her eyes and then smiled bashfully at him, “We could sizzle together darling, don’t be in a hurry to make a mistake.” she drawled, drawing a pattern on his chest with her long fingers, the nails painted a deep red. “I know Ameesha, but Ishiqa is now the chosen one,” he replied with a curt smile, pulling Ishiqa close. She stiffened as she felt the heat of his hand gripping her waist, but kept the nervous smile firmly pasted to her lips. She didn’t fail to notice the look of contempt that the woman, whom Ved had addressed as Ameesha, had given her.“Hi! Ved and umm….er.. Ishiqa! Am I right?” Their hosts for the night came up smiling to greet them warmly. Most of the girls around her were in revealing outfits – spaghetti straps, halter-necks, strapless and even backless outfits. Some wore full-length gowns, some short skirts showing their voluptuous figures, with their breasts almost bulging out of their bodice. But despite the opulence around, Ishiqa easily shone like a star. She was the cynosure of all eyes, and Ved couldn’t help noting the undercurrent of jealousy her presence brought on.