Page 55 of Since You Came Along

‘Of course he will,’ Siya replied. ‘They took salsa lessons together in college, and as far as I know, Rutvik was the one who insisted. The event is also a chance to network with influential people, so I'm sure he won’t miss it.’

The image of Meera dancing with Rutvik, her face lit with a smile, made his heart ache. The very idea left a bitter taste in his mouth.

‘What? Meera’s ex is going to be there?’ Abhay exclaimed, outraged. ‘Why didn’t anyone tell me? I would’ve brought a cricket bat or something to deal with that guy!’

Siya sighed. ‘What I would give to punch him again! But this is an official event. Meera’s colleagues, trustees, and students will be there. Let’s keep it civil.’

‘Wait, you punched him once?’ Abhay asked, pride clear in his tone.

Siya chuckled. ‘I broke his nose.’

‘That’s my girl,’ Abhay muttered under his breath, but Raghav heard it. Meera had hinted at something brewing between Siya and Abhay, and now it seemed she was right.

After circling the college for what felt like an eternity, they found a parking spot. As Raghav stepped out, still looking down at his phone to call Meera, a pair of black heels came into view.

He froze, his eyes trailing up to see Meera smiling at him. Her emerald gown shimmered in the dim evening light. The black beading at the waist and neckline highlighted her curves.

Her dark, smoky eyes carried a sultry allure, while her crimson lips were bold and inviting. Her hair, styled in soft, wavy curls, framed her face.

Raghav’s heart stopped for a moment, then pounded in his chest. She smiled at him, saying something he didn’t quite catch.

Closing the distance between them, he took her hand, raised it to his lips, and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. He held her gaze and whispered, ‘You look beautiful, my lady.’

Raghav saw a faint blush creep into her cheeks as she smiled, biting her lip. She didn’t blush often, but when she did, Raghav thought it added to her beauty.

Meera smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘And you look handsome, kind sir,’ she said with a sweetness that made his heart stumble. If they weren’t standing on the college premises, he would have kissed her right then and there.

As they walked into the venue, a student called out to Meera. With a quick wave and a hurried, ‘I’ll be right back,’ she disappeared into the crowd.

Raghav glanced around. The vibrant floral decorations framing the entrance barely registered in his mind. The warm glow of fairy lights hanging overhead created a dreamy, celebratory atmosphere, but none of it mattered to him. His mission tonight was singular, to be there for Meera.

Abhay, walking beside him, broke the silence. ‘From what Siya told me, Rutvik is a real jackass.’

Raghav arched a brow. ‘When did Siya say that to you?’

‘Does it matter?’ Abhay waved dismissively. ‘She said that he didn’t just cheat on her, he broke her down, piece by piece. He shattered her self-confidence so completely that at one point, Meera hated even looking at herself.’

The words hit Raghav like a punch to the gut. He remembered the lack of her pictures in her room, her choice to skip a pre-wedding shoot, and how she’d seemed uneasy in front of the camera on their wedding day. It all fit together now.

He spotted Meera a few steps away, chatting with two women. Every so often, her gaze darted to him, her eyes sparkling with a joy that made his chest tighten. The thought of Rutvik, the man responsible for her pain, being in the same room as her sent a storm of anger surging through him.

Abhay sensed his tension and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. ‘We’re here for her. Don’t worry.’

Chapter 20

They approached Meera, and for the first time, Raghav seemed to notice the room. Intricate patterns of yellow fairy lights looped across the ceiling. Round tables and chairs, draped in rich blue satin, lined the edges, leaving the centre clear for dancing.

Meera turned to talk to them, but before she could speak, a voice boomed over the speakers. The room hushed as everyone turned their attention forward.

The Dean began his speech. ‘Good evening, everyone! Welcome to our annual ball event. I’d like to thank our talented students for their participation and our dedicated professors for their support in making this event a success. A special mention to Plan Ahead, the event management team, for their professionalism and generosity. They’ve donated half their fee to ourSave the Girl Childcharity. Thanks to everyone here, we’ve raised over eight lakhs today!’

The hall erupted in cheers. Meera glowed with pride and satisfaction. Raghav couldn’t help but smile at her joy.

The applause and cheers died down, and the Dean continued, ‘We will shortly announce the results of the morning’s dance competition. Until then, the floor is open. I urge everyone to grab a partner and enjoy the evening!’

As the music swelled, Raghav tapped Meera on the shoulder. When she turned, he extended his hand. ‘Would you like to dance?’

‘I’d love to,’ she grinned, slipping her hand into his.

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