Page 61 of Reckless Dare

Ava nodded.

Nitya got up and cleared up the dinner dishes from the kitchen counter.

“I’m gonna be busy with the arrangements for the next two days until the masquerade. So, if you don’t see me, call me if you need anything.”

Ava hugged Nitya with a smile. “Thanks. I’m really looking forward to the masquerade.”

*****

The rest of the weekend sped by. The only topic everyone spoke about in the housing units or anywhere was the masquerade dance. Finally, the day of the masquerade dance arrived.

Ava could literally feel the buzzing excitement. Nitya left early in the morning to take care of the preparations and Pooja also left for her spa appointment outside the campus.

Ava had a lazy morning. She had a long video call with her family. But it was her sister who grabbed the phone and demanded details.

“Ooh,” her sister said with an excited grin. “The masquerade dance sounds super exciting. What are you wearing?”

Ava smiled. “I have a dress delivered but haven’t checked it yet. I will after I shower and have breakfast.”

The package had arrived at her housing unit earlier that morning. It was packed in a large, shiny box. Although she was curious, she put off trying the dress until later.

But her sister was outraged. “What! How can you not check! What if it doesn’t fit you!”

Ava laughed. “Then I guess I’ll have to borrow something else.”

“End the call and try the dress now!” her sister ordered. “And call me again in the evening, just before you step out for the dance.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ava replied with a grin.

“And also send me pictures of the guy you are dancing with!”

At her sister’s demand, Ava shook her head with a dry smile. “I told you Neeraj is just a friend, Pree.”

“I still want some pictures of your masquerade dance.”

“Fine.”

The call ended and Ava took a quick shower. She wanted to grab breakfast, but thanks to her sister, she was now very curious about her dress. Donning her underclothes and wrapping a towel around, she went to the package that was laid on the bed and opened the zip.

She could see deep red colored cloth. Curious, she dragged it out. Only for her to gasp out loud.

The dress was stunning. With beautiful shades of deep red, black and gold, it looked like something celebrities wore to Oscars. It was figure-hugging on top with layered flares at the bottom. Small and subtle colored glittering stones lined the dress. There was a matching red and black mask to cover the top portion of the face. Even the mask looked stunning with glittering jewels stuck to the sides.

She had wanted to try it on, but seeing it, she hesitated. Biting her lip uncertainly, she called Neeraj.

“Hello, Ava,” he greeted in a friendly tone. “Are you getting ready for the dance tonight?”

“Neeraj, I can’t wear the dress. It seems way too expensive.” She was foolish to think it would be a simple, modest dress. Even though she was just borrowing the dress for the event, she was terrified something might happen to it.

“Don’t be silly,” Neeraj said with a laugh. “My cousin will be glad if you wear it and show it off to others.”

The dress would definitely draw everyone’s eyes. But Ava felt uncertain.

“Are you sure, Neeraj. Nitya said I could borrow from her if I needed a dress.”

“No way!” Neeraj exclaimed. “I already got a matching tuxedo and tie.”

Ava felt a bolt of guilt. She couldn’t mix up Neeraj’s plans due to her reservations. “Okay. Thank you so much for the dress. I will take care of it well.”

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