My One And Only - Chapter 22 Are You Still Mad?
The preparations of the wedding was in full force. The date of the wedding was decided to be after one month. Invitation cards were sent out to everybody, the social elite class and business groups. Grandpa had himself taken over the responsibility of arranging everything with the help of Susan as Sofya was too busy managing the company. Her work itself had become more demanding out of sudden, though she suspected it was because of the wedding season that the sale of jewellery had dramatically risen. Empericorp was a world class in jewellery sector and it’s designs were considered one of the best.
The upshot of it was that she had no time to talk to Arnav, and he hadn’t called her also. He himself was busy in his work, with upcoming projects on his hand. Sofya was convinced he was still furious at her, but she couldn’t do anything.
The opportunity presented itself in the form of a Sunday. The selection of the wedding gown was to be done by the bride herself, but Sofya did not had any free time. It was on a Saturday evening, that Mr. Raizada had called her to tell that she would be accompanied by Arnav to select her wedding gown. Initially, Sofya wanted to say no but then she agreed. She also wanted to speak to him.
Sunday dawned on without any further ado. Sofya was dressed in a light peach, knee length dress complimented together with brown boots. Her hair was tied up in a long ponytail, and she had applied minimal makeup, giving off her natural glow. She looked radiating.
At around 4 o clock, the black Maybach pulled slowly into the compound of Emerald Villa. Bidding farewell to Susan, she walked out and saw Charles opening the door for her.
” Miss Khemka. ” he smiled.
” Thank you. ”
As she sat down beside the man on the backseat, he turned to look around at her. His face as cold as always, he was dressed casually in a blue jeans and white T-shirt, complete with a jacket. Nevertheless, he looked handsome.
” Miss Khemka. ” Arnav inclined his head to one side, silently acknowledging her.
Sofya nodded. After not seeing him for so long, it was as if she was thrust into a bright light. Looking away, she watched the street scenery as the car whizzed past the city. Neither of them spoke, the silence was too engulfing.
After about half an hour of the ride, Sofya spoke slowly, ” I hope you have made the arrangements as per the clauses? ”
” I will have them done once you decide to shift your belongings. ” he replied curtly, without looking at her.
Sofya looked at him. His features seem to be illuminated by the street light, making him look like a greek god.
She asked the question that had been in her mind for a while. Holding his hand that was lying casually on his lap, she asked him softly, ” Are you still mad? ”
Arnav turned around slowly in his seat, his eyes wide. To tell the truth, he was utterly shocked by her touch and even more so by her question, because he had thought that she didn’t care. But her question had thrown him off guard.
He looked down at her hand, her warm touch, and to his surprise found that he didn’t mind at all. Instead, his heart was longing for more while his mind rejected her.
” Arnav? ” Sofya asked again, bringing him out of his thoughts.
” Umm.. ” he cleared his throat, snapping out of the daze. Looking up, he saw her black almond eyes twinkling, expectantly gazing at him. Swallowing the bile in his throat, he replied her in a husky voice, ” You know very well you lied to me. If you could just tell me the truth, maybe I could help you with your problem. ”
Sofya didn’t say anything. She didn’t expect him to be so understanding. Maybe there was a different side to him other than his usual cold and aloof self.
” I will, when the time is right. ” she agreed, regaining her usual posture.
Arnav said nothing, but continued staring out of the window. After about fifteen minutes of driving, they reached their destination.
Bridal Reflections was one of the upcoming stores in NY for brides. It housed a variety of products and services ranging from gowns, bouquets, female accessories to designing venues and catering parties. The owner of the shop was himself a very precarious person. His handiwork was well recognized for intricate designing and stitching.