Chapter-37

The flashing lights blind my vision as I stand on the podium with Xavier by my side. I knew many people were coming but a hall full of men.

My eyes rake on the men standing below. All with lethal weapons. Guns almost acting as an ornament. I gulp seeing them.

They all are looking in my direction. It is making me super uncomfortable. I look over to Xavier smiling.

I knew he was into some dangerous work, which involved mob but I think I seriously underestimated him. I never really asked him what work he actually do?

When we met I remember asking him and he vaguely replied that he is into some dangerous stuff. I never really inquired after that.

And after him, I was really used to seeing men with guns around the house so much so that while living with Xavier I never really found it weird or out of place.

I sigh and look forward. I see the men hollering and raising their glasses in appreciation of Xavier's word.

I put a small smile on my face while looking forward. Now that I am in, I must step up.

I feel a pair of eyes constantly boring into me. There is this nagging feeling. I look at my right. There is a sea of men. I can't really fathom who is drilling his eyes into me?

I was finding that pair of eyes when a familiar pair of sapphire eye meet mine.

The rooms just feels smaller. I am unable to moves my eyes off of his eyes.

I look into his eyes, only his eyes. I don't know why but looking at his face seems difficult.

My eyes are transfixed on his.

But with much difficulty I move them down, to see his face.

The face which is etched in my memories. No matter how much I try to forget it, even on my death bed when I'll close my eyes his face would be the first to cross my mind. It is as clear as a rivers water which shows your reflection.

My gaze softens as I fully see him. Standing there with a heart broken expression on his face.

As I see that look on his face, I feel my heart twisting.

"Kuhu."

Xavier's voice brings me out of my daze and I stumble on my feet.

I feel myself falling but Xavier immediately stables me by grabbing my waist.

"Are you okay, kuhu?"

He asks gently.

"Ye yea, I am fine. Fine."

I say standing properly.

I try to avoid looking in that direction again as I look forward. I feel an uneasy feeling crawling up my body.

I haven't seen him for almost one year and now to suddenly see him like this with Xavier.

I look up to see Xavier standing by my side. He is smiling and acknowledging people.

Feeling me staring at him he looks down at me.

He smiles at me. That smile, the kind one telling me how much this man has given me without asking. How he so effortlessly does so much without wanting anything from me in return.

I look up at his face seeing that his face is so strikingly similar to nikaloi as now my baby nikaloi's face plague my mind.

He has given me my life, my nikaloi.

"Darling, if you are not fine. I can make the arrangements for you leave. I will handle everything here."

He says while pushing a loose curl behind my hair.

Absolutely no anger on his face just concern and compassion.

I smile back at him and say

"No, you wanted me to attend this ball and I will."

He takes my hand in his and we both move down the stairs to meet everyone.

I avoid looking in the direction I saw Lorenzo. I am here for Xavier and will do what he expects of me. Lorenzo's presence should not affect what Xavier has worked so hard for.

He has been preparing for this ball for over an month.

...................

Xavier introduces me to a few people and we share pleasantries.

"I must say Xavier you have a lovely wife."

Someone remarks and I just smile.

This is my reality now. I am Xavier's wife.

Not someone's soon to be mistress. I shouldn't let Lorenzo faze me.

We went and met more people.

Considerable time went by in making acquaintances. I was feeling tired and thirsty.

Xavier was talking to a bunch of men and I was standing alongside him hearing their conversation. They were talking in Russian so I couldn't understand a word.

I yank on Xavier's sleeve. He looks down at me and bends downwards.

Leaning in to hear me.

"I am thirsty."

I whine to him like a little girl.

He chuckles lightly.

"Gentleman I am afraid we have to stop the conversation as I have to tend to my wife."

He tells the men. They all laugh.

I feel my face warming up. I didn't expect him to say that. I thought he would make some excuse but he just blurted that out.

"A true gentleman listens to his wife."

A man says proudly while the rest all nod.

Xavier takes my hand and we both move away towards the bar.

As we reach the bar I immediately ask for a glass of water.

The bartender gives me the glass and I immediately chug the whole glass down finally relieving my thirst.

He chortles looking at me. I raise my brow questioning him and he tells me

"Nothing just admiring my cute wife."

Before I could reply we get interrupted by a familiar voice.

That voice.

I can recognise his voice no matter how much time passes.

Even after an eternity I would wake up on just a call from this voice.

I feel the chills runing up and down my body on just hearing him.

"Won't you introduce me to her?"

Lorenzo asks and suddenly an uncanny silence prevails.

My throat dries down again and I feel adernaline rising in my body.

My heratbeats running so fast that it's making me breathless. I don't turn in his direction rather just keep staring ahead blankly.

"Ofcourse I would introduce you too, Mr Accardo."

Xavier says turning in lorenzo's direction.

I also turn but still keep my eyes down not meeting his gaze.

He is standing only a few feet away. With us facing him he also moves a bit close.

"This is My wife, kuhu and this is Mr, Acc..

Before Xavier could complete his sentence

Lorenzo comes near me and suddenly grabs my hand.

My eyes finally meet his surprised at his action. I stare at him wide eyed while he smiles looking at me.

He brings my hand close to his lips and kisses the back of my hand. I feel myself prespiring. My mind is completely blank.

"Pleasured to meet you, miss oberoi."

He says and looks up at me with smile. This time the smile is not a sinister rather a clamimg one like I have relived him of his worries just by being present.

I just keep looking into his eyes while he is still holding my hand in his hand. I fell my tears resurfacing again.

One year.

One whole year without him.

Everyday I would think about him.

Every single day.

He never left my mind no matter how much I tried to erase his thoughts. He was imprinted in my heart, mind and soul.

I just want to melt in his embrace. I want to hug him and cry in his arms.

I feel a tear slipping from my eyes. His smile also strains while looking at me.

It's like he is telling me not to cry and that me crying is hurting him more.

I feel Xavier secure his hand around my waist. I immediately snap out and jerk my hand back from his hold.

I swipe my hand over my cheek wiping off the lone tear.

"I think that is enough introduction, Mr Accardo.

And it's Mrs Ivanov."

Xavier says moving away from there and taking me along with him.

I don't protest and neither say anything. I just move where ever he takes me.

And as we were walking away I turn my head and look back at him.

Standing there with his hands in his pockets. Seeing me looking back he smiles.

That smile.

He is about to do something I am sure of it.