WILD HEARTS

CHAPTER 11

Shehnaaz was in a playful mood. She wanted to surprise Sidharth so she didn't tell him anything about attending the event. And on top of that she deliberately did her best to avoid his messages as much as possible the next 2 days. She knew that it would make him damn pissed and that she was perhaps stretching it but it all would be worth it when he would see her there in person on Saturday. The surprise would be that much better.

Sidharth, of course, was irritated. He was irritated because he was busy and had meetings back to back. He was irritated that he had no time to talk or message Shehnaaz and he was irritated that the little that he did write to her, she was mostly unavailable. So Saturday evening as he was getting ready, he was in a foul mood. He knew he was behaving absurd and needed to calm down. Dressed in black pants while shirtless on top and hair still wet, he poured himself a drink. It's ok. Just tonight and tomorrow I'll see her. A few more hours. Smile, shake hands, take pictures, that's it. Then I'm free.

A knock disturbed his thoughts. He opened the door to see his mother already dressed in an elegant off white organza sari adorned with silver beads. Square solitaire studs adorned her ears while a single diamond tennis bracelet lay around her wrist. Her long silvery gray hair made her look even more striking.

"You are drinking iss waqt?" she frowned looking at the glass in his hand. "Aur tu ready bhi nahi hai. We have to leave in half an hour. Neetu and all are already on the way. And this is our event so we can't walk in 'fashionably late.'"

"I know, relax. I'll be ready on time. I really needed a break. Thaka hua hoon. But I'll be downstairs soon. And Maa? You look very nice."

Ratna's face softened as she touched her son's cheek. "Thank you, beta. And I know how hard you've been working. Is ke baad ek break le lena. Kahin chal lenge hum if you want."

Sidharth nodded and retreated into his room to arm himself for the evening.

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The lawns of the Mariott hotel were luminous with soft lights hanging from trees and bouquets of white roses. The city's elite had descended upon the lawns making it a starry night indeed. Bollywood celebrities to industrialists to politicians all hobnobbed with each other congratulating the bidders of the private auction, proceeds of which would all go to the needs of underprivileged children. Sidharth was tired. And he missed her. He lost count of how many hands he shook or how many times he smiled and posed for the cameras. Right now he was standing with Kushal listening to Mr. Goenka, an old associate of his father, drone on and on about the cost benefits of raw materials from the north east. Unable to stand it any longer he decided to use his ultimate weapon. Taking out his phone he said, "So sorry Goenka ji. I have to take this. You carry on with Kushal (who gave him a threatening look) I'll just be back!"

"Arre no problem Sidharth go ahead."

Smiling at his success Sidharth moved towards the open bar when someone tapped his shoulder. He turned around to see Sonia.

"Oh hi!"

"Hey handsome! How are you? When did you get back? Bataya nahi," said Sonia tilting her head to one side. She was dressed sexy as usual. That was her style. Irrespective of what the event or occasion was Sonia had to dress sexy. And today she came dressed in a strappy white full length bodycon with golden sequins and a deep cleavage. Her lips were red. Yes, she definitely screamed for attention. And was getting plenty. Except from the one she was most interested in.

"Arre don't ask, it has been absolutely crazy. I got back today itself. Aate hi I'm here now. What's up with you? I heard you shot for something?"

"Achaaa, so someone's been keeping tabs, huh?" asked Sonia raising her eyebrow, quite obviously pleased.