My One And Only - Chapter 5 The Painting Exhibition

Soon it was 7 P.M. The guests had started to arrive at the venue. Since it was the first time that the painting exhibition was not being held in collaboration with IIM University, the entire fund and show was sponsored by Empericorp Inc.

Sofya herself had overseen all the planning, designing and funding for this exhibition. This would mark a great step in Susan’s career, and as the big sister, Sofya wanted to provide her with the best.

Susan had gone there early to play her role of host to perfection. Mr. Khemka u0026 Sofya soon followed in the car. Because of the fact that Susan was a Khemka, a lot of business corporates and industrialists had also been extended the invitation.

Media was also present there for full coverage of this event.

The exhibition was being held in the famous Four Seasons Hotel. The gallery had been given the decor of a warehouse- brick walls, dark wood floors, white ceilings and white pipe work. It’s airy and modern, and there were several people wandering across the gallery floor, sipping wine and admiring Susan’s work.

Along with this, a mini bar had also been arranged in the corner of the room, offering all kinds of equisite wines and drinks. A dance floor had been set up at the rear end of the room, and a panel on high stage for press conference later.

As the Raizada family entered the room, they couldn’t help but take in the surroundings. It was alluring.

” Good evening u0026 welcome to Miss Susan Khemka’s show. ” A young woman dressed in black, with very short brown hair, bright red lipstick and large hopped earrings greeted them. She glanced at them, and then much longer than is strictly necessary at Arnav. Her cheeks became crimson red, she handed them a brochure u0026 directed them towards a table laden with drinks and snacks.

As she turned away, she heard a voice.

” Excuse me Miss, where can i find Miss Sofya? ” Advay enquired, his eyes quivering and voice laded with expectations, as if a small child was asking for sweets.

” Miss Sofya is over there. ” Both Advay and Arnav looked in the direction she had pointed.

Sofya was standing by one of the round tables in the middle of the room, chatting animatedly to her colleagues. She was dressed in simple blue jeans, pink crop top which revealed her bare shoulders u0026 slim waist and black high heels. Her long wavy hair was tied up in a high pony tail and the only make up she had on was a little glass on the lips and eyeliner. Her black oval eyes were shining brightly combined with little heart shaped earrings and a silver lining bracelet.

Even though she was dressed casually for the occasion, she looked dazzling.

Advay made a beeline for Sofya, leaving Arnav rooted to the spot. He stared at her for quite a time, his eyes darkening, then making a U-turn, headed for the mini bar. His heart was in turmoil.

” Umm.. Miss Sofya? ” A hesitant voice sounded right behind her.

Sofya turned towards the sound, her eyes landing on Advay. Even though she had never met Advay before u0026 he was not a prominent figure in the industry, she still recognized him.

” Advay Singh Raizada! ” She replied with a smile, eyeing him from top to bottom. He had also inherited the same good looks as Arnav.

She excused herself from her colleagues u0026 came towards him, ” How are you? ”

” You know me? ” Advay was so excited to meet her that he had a hard time believing he was actually meeting her in person. It was like a dream come true.

Sofya laughed. Her laugh was like chiming of the bells. ” Of course I know you, you are my future bro-in-law. How’s life u0026 college? Do you have a girlfriend? ” She asked winking.

Advay blushed. He had not imagined that she was such an easy going person, but then again, all people were not Arnav. They started talking normally and she would laugh occasionally, throwing back her head, her pony tail whipping through the air.

” By the way, these paintings are just great, even for a beginner. Susan is quite talented. ” Advay complimented, looking around at the large boards hanging on the wall.

” Thank you! But maybe you should compliment the painter u0026 not me. ” Sofya answered pointedly. ” Have you met Susan? ”

Advay shook his head. He had only heard about her but not seen her in person.

” Come, I will introduce you. ” Sofya beckoned.