The moment we stepped in, I couldn't help but admire the luxurious and spacious interior. Soft music played in the background, and the hall was beautifully decorated. There were tables filled with an assortment of food and desserts, along with beverages like wine. Round tables were neatly arranged, and at the front, a stage was set up for the event.
As my eyes wandered, taking in the beauty of the venue, they suddenly landed on Kathir. He was seated at one of the round tables, talking to his friend Raj. Remembering yesterday's incident—the way he made me feel small—I rolled my eyes. Just as I was about to turn away, his gaze casually met mine."For a moment, nothing seemed unusual-until I noticed the slight widening of his forehead.
I tried to look away, to avoid getting caught in his light brown eyes, but I couldn't. He wasn't looking away either. His unreadable expression sent a strange feeling through me, and my heart began pounding. Was it nervousness? Fear? I couldn't tell. For five whole seconds, he just stared at me, his gaze unwavering. My breath hitched, and my palms grew clammy.
It was only when Raj spoke to him that he finally turned his attention away. Letting out a deep sigh, I rubbed my palms together, trying to pull myself together.
"Why is this event happening?" I asked Emma, hoping for a distraction.
"This event is for a business proposal," she replied. "Maybe they're introducing a new business partner! Let's sit over there."
Emma pulled me along, and we both sat at a round table where our colleagues had gathered.
A man took the stage, his voice echoing through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this event, and a big thank you to Mr. Kathir Rathore for agreeing to launch it."
The crowd's attention immediately turned to him.
"We are honored to partner with you, Mr. Kathir Rathore," the speaker continued. "As you all know, Mr. Kathir Rathore is one of the most renowned businessmen among the billionaires, and we are truly grateful for this collaboration. This event is a token of appreciation for him as we embark on a new journey with KDK Office. Please enjoy the evening-we've arranged everything for your comfort. Thank you!"
As the speaker stepped down from the stage and walked toward Kathir's table, I saw Raj exchanging a few words with him.
"Let's go get some food," Emma said, pulling my hand.
I nodded with a small smile, following her. By now, most of the guests had begun heading toward the buffet. Unlike us, the VIPs-including Kathir-didn't have to get up. Their food would be served right at their table, just as they wished.
As Emma and I approached the buffet, the rich aroma of the dishes made my stomach rumble. Everything looked so delicious. Without wasting time, we grabbed our plates and filled them with the food we wanted to eat.
Emma and I made our way back to the table, my eyes unintentionally drifting toward Kathir again. The moment our gazes met, my breath hitched.
Looking away seemed impossible.
I swallowed hard, not understanding why I couldn't break eye contact with him. His eyes held a depth that seemed to pierce through me, as if searching for something within my soul. My hands trembled, but I managed to steady them, placing my plate on the table before taking my seat. Yet, even as I tried to collect myself, I sneaked another glance at him-only to find his eyes still locked onto me.
Then, just as slowly, he looked down at his plate and resumed eating.
My heart, however, refused to return to normal. The erratic pounding in my chest only made me furrow my brows in confusion.
Why was he staring at me like that?
Does he feel guilty for his yesterday behavior?
I scoffed internally. Impossible. Kathir Rathore wasn't the type to feel remorse. But then-why did his gaze linger on me with such intensity? The very thought sent another wave of anxious beats through my chest.
Shaking my head, I sighed and forced myself to focus on my food. Across from me, Emma was enjoying her meal peacefully, completely unaware of the silent storm inside me.
Two hours passed as we wandered around the event, engaging in small talk and observing the surroundings.
"I feel thirsty. Let's grab some orange juice," Emma said, tugging my hand toward the drinks table.
Just as we picked up our glasses, the background music switched to an upbeat pop song. Emma's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Hey, let's dance!" she exclaimed, already swaying to the rhythm while holding her juice.
Watching her move so effortlessly, a small smile tugged at my lips. Her confidence was infectious, and before I knew it, I found myself joining her.
As we danced, a man approached Emma. "Wanna dance with me?" he asked, his tone smooth.
Emma smirked and nodded, her body language exuding flirtatious energy. I simply shrugged, stepping aside to give her space. Understanding her excitement, I continued dancing alone, moving slowly to the beat.
That's when I saw him.
Kathir Rathore.
He stood by the beverages, his furious gaze locked onto someone. Following his line of sight, I noticed a woman approaching him, her lips curling into a flirtatious smile.
Wait... I've seen her before. But where?
Kathir clenched his jaw, his whole posture tensed. Before I could process what was happening, his eyes shifted-landing directly on me.
My breath hitched.
Then, in an instant, he stormed toward me with quickened steps.
I barely had time to react before his hand grasped my waist, pulling me into his hold.
"K-Kathir sir, what are you doing?" I stammered, my heart hammering against my ribcage.
His grip only tightened, preventing me from moving.
"Shh. Follow my lead," he murmured, his jaw clenching as his eyes flickered to the woman still watching us.
Confused, I turned to see her standing there, sipping her beer while observing us. Something about her expression unsettled me.
"Kathir sir-" I tried again, but he cut me off with a firm, low voice.
"I said, shh."
His tone sent a shiver down my spine.
There was barely an inch between us, his presence overwhelming. I turned my head slightly, hoping Emma would notice what was happening, but she was too lost in her own dance to glance my way.
Kathir, on the other hand, moved with a deliberate rhythm, leading me effortlessly. He spun me, his hand never leaving my waist, before pulling me back-his grip firm, unyielding. One of his hands intertwined with mine, while the other remained pressed against my lower back, dictating each step.
I wasn't dancing.
I was being controlled.
Every move, every step-he dictated it all.
His eyes flickered back toward the woman, but when I turned to look, she was gone.
Kathir's gaze returned to me, something unreadable flashing through his darkened eyes.
Panic settled in my chest.
No, Vidya. You need to run.
My breath hitched as my legs trembled. Summoning all the courage I had, I tried to escape his grip.
"Kathir sir, everyone is watching us! Let me go," I whispered desperately.
But instead of loosening his hold, he pulled me even closer-so close that I collided against his chest.
The impact made me place my hands against him for support, and my fingers instinctively curled against the fabric of his shirt. He was solid-like a wall.
Shivers ran down my spine.
I swallowed hard as he leaned in slightly, his breath ghosting over my neck.
Then, in a dark, low whisper, he said something that sent chills through my entire body.
"Why do you smell like her?"
His words were laced with something unsettling, something possessive.
Who is "her"?
My heart pounded, and my mind raced for an answer. But before I could respond, he let go of me-stepping back as abruptly as he had grabbed me.
I looked up at him, confusion swirling in my gaze. My body was still trembling, my heartbeat erratic.
But Kathir didn't say another word.
Without so much as a glance back, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there-breathless, shaken, and utterly confused.
There is a light touch on my shoulder. I turn to look, finding Emma still dancing, completely lost in the rhythm. She grabs my hand, pulling me to join her, but I'm too tired.
The sensation of Kathir's touch still lingers on my skin, and his words echo in my mind. Why do you smell like her?
I try to shake off the thoughts, but another memory rushes in-the time he caught me when I almost fell on the office stairs. That day, he said something similar. You remind me of her.
Who is her?
And that girl-the one watching us while drinking beer-who is she? Is there some connection between her and Kathir?
I take a deep breath, scanning the room, but Kathir is nowhere to be seen. I guess he already left. But where did that girl go?
"Hey, Emma, I'm leaving. I feel a little dizzy," I say, forcing my voice to sound casual.
Emma immediately stops dancing, concern flashing in her eyes. She places a hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay? Do you want me to drop you home?"
I offer a small smile, shaking my head. "I'm fine, just really sleepy. I already called Sanjay-he'll pick me up. Don't worry, okay? Just enjoy yourself."
She still looks a little worried, but nods. I give her shoulder a reassuring pat before walking out of the hotel.