Nitya's POV
London
"The award for the Best Historical Sketcher- New Comer 2024 goes to..."
"Wait!"
The host stopped the announcer with a mischievous smile.
I closed my eyes and tried to calm down my pounded heart. My fingers were sweaty. I was tapping an erratic rhythm with my foot on the floor.
It was a habit that I couldn't shake off.
Why don't they just announce the winner?
'Calm down! Nitya." I mumbled to myself.
"Any guesses?"
Those two words broke my trance.
"Nityaaaa"
"Nityaaaa"
A screeching voice echoed in the air. An unknown smile crept on my lips as I shook my head in anticipation.
Those over-excited voices weren't helping but adding more nervousness to my already erratic heart.
"Hey! Are you ignoring your best friend?" A whispering voice engulfed me.
"Alisha."
I faked anger and called her name.
"Where is he?"
I finally turned my head in her direction. A train of emotions flickered in her eyes for a nanosecond and was replaced by a teasing smile.
The moment she opened her mouth, a loud voice called my name.
"The winner is Nitya Maheshwari, India."
When I heard my name, I couldn't believe it. For a moment, it seemed like an illusion. A beautiful one! The one I never wanted to wake up from.
A surge of joy filled my heart. The room was filled with the enchanting of my name. Still, my eyes were looking for three people who weren't there.
"What an irony!"
"Go. Slay like a queen that you are!" Alisha hugged me tightly.
The next moment I held my midnight blue silk gown. It was flowing gracefully to the floor, shimmering subtly with each step I took.
In no time, I was standing on the stage. The initial wave of happiness turned into nervousness. My hands trembled slightly as I clutched the award tightly.
"Congratulations Ms. Maheshwari," the host greeted me.
"Thank you!" I bit my lower lip and gave a nervous smile.
"So are you ready with the project that comes with this award?"
I knitted my eyebrows together and gave him a confused look.
Before I could ask anything, he rubbed the back of his neck and said in a flirty tone, "I'm sorry! That was a surprise for you. You'll get to know about it by the organization itself."
By not pushing it more, I nodded my head in agreement.
"Can you say a few words for the newcomers and explain to the young people what a historical royal sketcher is?"
"Good Evening everyone.
Before I start, I wanted to thank each one of you for your support, appreciation and criticism throughout my journey.
Reaching here wasn't an easy task for me. I left my family who wanted me to study business right then.
I was passionate about sketches. On top of that, history, specifically kings and queens used to allure me a lot as a kid. So Eventually I decided to go for what I like and see where I am today. Just in front of you all."
The moment I said those last words, tears were threatening to come out of my eyes. But I didn't want to show them to the world.
I didn't want anybody to see me in vulnerability.
"Don't you think that your parents will be proud of you today?"
The question left me defenseless.
"Parents?" I chuckled in bitterness.
As if they cared about anything other than their fake reputation.
"Of course," I said in a low tone, "Who won't? Unless they don't care about the existence of their child."
Then I paused and continued, "And I think it's not the case here."
"Great. See you at the after party then."
After thirty minutes
"Alisha, can you stop it?" I scolded my best friend in a low tone.
"Don't you think he is too hot to stop?" She winked while taking the next sip from her glass of scotch.
"Babes, behave," I warned her.
"He isn't here, so you're punishing me," she whined.
The emotions which I was holding the whole time were spilt after hearing that.
He didn't come.
"He would have been busy," I said distastefully.
"Whatever you say." Alisha shook her head and turned her face towards the group of men in black.
They were trying to get the place vacant as if some kind of king was going to grace this party. I rolled my eyes over the thought.
The lively chatter and upbeat music filled the room, creating a buzz of excitement. I turned towards the bartender.
He gave me a flirtatious smile and greeted me warmly.
"What else can I get for you?"
My eyes scanned the colourful bottles that were behind him.
"A whiskey, neat please."
"Nitya, you can't hold up alcohol." Alisha tried to stop me.
"It's my day today, you will not stop me." I pushed her towards the group of people who were grooving on the loud noise.
As I got lost in the warmth of my drink, memories flooded my mind. Each sip seemed to unlock the keys to my past.
"Bhai.." I mumbled, remembering how we would be waiting for my call like always.
I was trying to take out my mobile but the atmosphere got tense.
There was a hustle and bustle as somebody entered the party. I scrounged my nose and tried to look at his face.
Unfortunately, my vision was blurred. It seemed like this drink was getting in my head. I shook my head and turned again.
"Who is he?" I asked the bartender.
"That man?" He chuckled.
I nodded my head while putting lemon at the tip of my tongue.
"Somebody powerful and effortlessly handsome for you, princess." the bartender smiled.
A smile adorned my lips.
I liked this bartender guy. He wasn't leaving any chance to make me feel special.
After 15 minutes
"Bhai, pick up the call." I frustratedly mumbled while moving towards the corridor.
"Ah!!"
Suddenly I collided with someone, I rubbed my forehead with my closed eyes.
When I was engrossed in my thoughts, I heard somebody clearing their throat.
"What are you still...?"
I swallowed my words as my eyes met with a pair of blue angry orbs. They were deep, it seemed like I was drowning in them.
My slightly intoxicated vision blurred momentarily as I tried to regain my composure. His stare was piercing mine.
"I'm sorry," The words rolled out of my mouth involuntarily.
He arched an eyebrow, his demeanor was powerful and effortlessly dominating.
"Watch where you're going next time," he retorted, his tone carrying a hint of arrogance.
My heart pounded with the highest speed. The combination of embarrassment and irritation flooded my mind.
"Excuse me? Maybe you should look up from your pedestal once in a while."
To be continued....
So how was the chapter?
What do you think about Nitya?
For whom she was waiting whole time?
What happened between her and her parents?
Whom did she meet in the party?
Follow me Instagram for early updates.
Share your views via likes & comments.
Motivate me to write more and very soon.
Till the next time
With love XOXOXO
Purva Narang
(Your author)
Write a comment ...