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Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Her Secret Admirer - 2

How did I get into this, Sachin shook his head for the umpteenth time as he waited beside the limousine that was to carry him and Priya to the premiere. This event was supposed to be covered solely by Priya but she had approached him, though with hesitation, and asked him to accompany her.

"It's my first big event and I don't want to mess it up. You are already experienced in these kind of events. Won't you help me?" She had pleaded to him with those kaajal-lined pretty and big eyes and he had found himself nodding his head mutely.

Now he was waiting outside her building to pick her up. He looked at himself again in the mirror. Brown wavy hair (he felt it was a bit long now, it was already touching his shoulders), blue blazer with matching suit and a good flamboyant tie. He liked this look. Hope Priya likes it too!

As he looked again towards the entrance of the building, his breath caught in his throat. Priya was dressed in a black full-length evening gown with hair let loose on her shoulders. She looked like a Greek goddess and he couldn't stop staring at her.  He somehow managed to come back to his senses. Time to turn on my charm, he thought in despair. Sarcasm was the mechanism that he usually used to cope with his nervousness around Priya.

"Am I dressed properly for the event?" She asked him as she approached near him. He could see a hint of make-up on her. It accentuated her pretty face and somehow made her look much more beautiful than she already was.

"Yes, this will do." He said in a dry tone and then added, "Anyways, the main point to remember is, no one is going to look at you at the premiere. There will be stars of the industry there today, right?"

Round One had begun. He smiled inwardly when he saw her fume in anger. She didn't reply, just shook her head and got inside the car, muttering something, which Sachin knew for sure was totally unflattering about him.

The drive was smooth and silent on the outside, but a storm was raging inside Sachin. He kept looking out of the window but he was totally aware of the amazing woman beside him. He could feel her every action, every tiny movement she made and it made him want to look at her again. But he knew that if he looked at her now, his eyes would give away each and every feeling that he had for her.

The journey of an hour felt like ages to him. Finally they reached their destination. There was a line for parking and their limo waited patiently for its turn.

"Sachin." He looked at her as she called him out in a soft voice. He could see uncertainty and fear in her eyes. There was a vulnerable look in them and he felt the crazy need to protect her.

"What if I mess this up?" She asked in a low voice filled with anxiety and his heart went out to her.

"Why would you mess it up? Act like you have no choice other than to be your best today. You are a smart woman, you can handle this. Don't give room for insecurities, okay. This is your day, so go forth and shine!" He said firmly, trying to project his confidence to her.

She nodded her head and gave a grateful smile. "I know you won't mess up." He said, and after a thought, added. "Because, I am with you." He said with an arrogant wink.

She chuckled and smiled, shaking her head. "You really need a lesson or two in humility, you know."

It was said lightly, but it hurt Sachin. Well, It is what I want it to be. He thought sadly.

Two hours had passed and Sachin looked on with pride as Priya covered the event, starting with the celebrities arriving and also interacting with them confidently. She was a pro in this, though she was yet to know that. Sachin could hardly believe that this was the same nervous lady that he was comforting a while ago in the car. She was a born natural and was in her element today.

He took the chance to look at her to his heart's fill.

"Hey, great show!" He heard someone say that to him with a tap on his shoulder. As he turned around, he saw Rishabh, his dear friend who was a part of event-managing group. They exchanged a hug.

"Ya, nice arrangements as usual Rish..." Sachin replied with a smile.

"I can't believe that's my wife over there. She seems to be on fire today!" Rishabh said with pride and happiness and Sachin felt the same stab on his heart like always.

He had known that Priya was Rishabh's wife when she joined his organisation. He loved Rishabh as a dear friend. But nothing could stop or help him from falling for Priya.

"Yes, she is doing a great job. My boss is going to be so happy." Sachin said with a slight smile.

Both the guys watched the woman they loved - one with happiness and the other with regret and longing.

It seemed a long while when Priya finally finished her coverage. She looked towards Sachin and her face broke into a smile when she saw Rishabh standing there too. She rushed forward and hugged him tightly.

"Great job, sweetheart! You were awesome today!" Rishabh said, looking at her with a tender smile. She beamed with happiness and smiled back at him. Sachin saw the exchange silently, happy for both of them.

"Thanks Sachin for motivating and helping me! Your presence was really crucial to give me the much-needed confidence for this event!" Priya said to Sachin with a warm smile and he smiled back at her, nodding his head.

"You were great. May this be just the first of the many more events that will come your way." He said in a much formal manner, though his heart longed to be informal and friendly with her. He never forgot his limits. He had always kept a casual stance with her and treated her in the same manner that he would treat any other office colleague. It killed him from inside, but he owed it to Rishabh. He would never be known as a home-wrecker.

"Hey... I am just about done with my duties. The team will handle the rest. Want to call it a day and leave for home?" Rishabh asked Priya who immediately agreed.

"I guess the excitement was too much for me to handle. I am feeling really tired. Sachin, the limo will be at your disposal. Make the most of it, okay." Priya winked at Sachin and he laughed.

"All right. Go home and take rest. See you in office on Monday. "

Sachin saw them both leave hand in hand. He allowed himself the now-familiar feelings of regret, loss and heartache. But he didn't dwell on them for a long time. He shook his head and searched for some familiar big-shot faces. He would take their feedback and ensure that they all knew Priya's name and number.

Because sometimes, it was possible to just love a person and care for that person without expecting anything in return.