“As I stand on the landing of the stairs and looked down; the sight is enough to reel my head. The hall is full of pomp and unknown people. All are staring at me as if I am the eighth wonder of this world. My palms are sweating and my guts are churning with jim-jams. Right now, I am looking like a total nincompoop in this grandeur attire. I claw my gown and try to find out my saviour amidst this swarm of sophisticated people. Just then, I locate him, coming gracefully towards the staircase. His eyes are sparkling with plaudit and love. I watch out for my man with full attention. He is looking not less than any prince. My handsome Brute. I chuckle in my mind. I lift my gown a bit and start coming downstairs while he takes a few steps to reach me. With a content smile, he forwards his left hand to me and I rest mine on it. Aditya and I come downstairs with humble yet proud steps. Right now, I am really feeling like a queen.”

“Meet my wife, Mrs Nandita Aditya Oberoi.”

Aditya introduces Nandana to the guests as they get circled by all the curious crowd. Nandana looks around with a shy and hesitant expression. A suppressed buzz takes place among the people. Some guys come forward and stretch their hands to get a handshake with Nandana. Some ladies hug her while softly pecking her cheeks as a gesture of cordial first meeting. Some desperate and over-enthusiastic guys try to kiss the back of her palm; however, they immediately get impeded by Aditya. He knows where should draw the line.

“I must say, Aditya, after a long wait, you have chosen a rare pearl for yourself. She is as pretty as an Angel.”

An elderly man praises with an affectionate tone. Nandana shyly stares down. Aditya shackles her with her shoulder and mouths,

“Yes, she is my Angel.”

The girl Alisha comes forward and says in a sarcastic tone.

“But how did you get this Angel? Or should I say, she straight came from heaven? Where are you from Nandita? Must be from any business family who are very regressive about their female members. Because I haven’t seen you at any party or business magazine. Don’t say that Aditya got married to an unknown middle-class girl. Really, Aditya?”

Her words strain Nandana’s nerves at once. She gulps her saliva and looks at Aditya. He smiles at her and blinks to comfort her stress.

“She is from this mother earth and that is enough for her identity. Alisha, have I ever asked you where did you live before coming to this film industry? Whether it was any hostel, home or any slum? (His tone is razor sharp) Because I never felt it is needed. Your work is your identity, not your background. So, it will be better not to be so inquisitive about our personal matters. Otherwise, you know I have all the information about everyone’s matter.”

Aditya’s chilled voice makes all the blood drain from Alisha’s face. She immediately plasters a fake smile on her face and replies,

“Of course, she is your wife. What other identity does she need? Congratulations! Nandita. Wish you both a very happy married life.”

Nandana nods her head in gratitude. One of the guests says enthusiastically,

“Okay, enough of introductions. Now, let’s enjoy the party. Nandita, I have heard that you have a beautiful voice. Please sing something for us. It will be a great honour to listen to you.”

Nandana frowns at Aditya who is grinning mischievously while dodging her glare. Suddenly an idea peeps into her mind. She smiles at the guest and mouths with full conviction,

“I don’t know what Aditya has told you about my singing but it is just a hobby. But I can assure you about Aditya’s voice. I know, most of you don’t know that he can play the guitar and sing like an artist.”

She turns to Aditya and continues,

“Aditya, thank you so much for making this day so special for me. One more request; can you make it more special for me? Can you sing a song for me?”

Her eyes emit all praise and plea which can’t be ignored. With curved lips, Aditya bobs. He saunters to the corner of the hall and instructs a servant to bring a guitar. Within five minutes, the guitar reaches its place. Aditya perches on a stool and tunes the chords.

“This song is for my wife. To the new beginning of my life.”

He sounds content. After a melodious music piece, Aditya starts the songs. The lyrics are emitting true love for his princess. How he used to disbelieve the word, love and how it came into his life as a miracle. He not only sings the lyrics but also feels every word. He eyes Nandana and winks. Nandana blushes profoundly. He stands and ambles at her. She bites her lower lip in ecstasy. Aditya stands in front of her and scoots down to match her short height. Their eyes meet. His lyrics describe how his life was incomplete and deserted before his angel stepped into it. His eyes ooze the pain. Nandana touches his cheek and wobbles in denial. Her eyes are moist. Aditya smiles and describes through his song how her innocent, ocean-deep eyes touched his soul and he found his home. The most beautiful miracle happened in his life. He found his love and started believing in it. It's like an intoxication that he never wants to come out of.

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

On the other side of the bungalow, there is another thing that was happening. As the party hall is lit and rumbled with guests, nobody notices that a man intrudes to the premise by jumping off the wall and dispersing inside the vacant portion of the bungalow. He stealthily gets inside the living room and looks around if anyone is there. When he becomes sure about the emptiness of the place, he approaches the staircase and comes to the first floor. He searches all the rooms and finally gets into Aditya and Nandana’s bedroom. The room is dimly lit. He paces towards the walk-in wardrobe and enters. He pulls out each and every drawer as he is searching for anything. After a brief effort, he gets what he wanted. He grabs the revolver in his hand. His eyes are beaming with hope. He thrusts it inside his pocket and switches off the light before sitting in a corner of the place.

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

Aditya circles Nandana while playing the guitar passionately. It seems that after so many years he is speaking his heart. How he turned into a Prince charming of his fairytale love. It's truly said, love is a miracle, especially for those who didn't know its true meaning. Aditya runs his finger for the last time on the chords. A lone tear rolls down from Nandana’s eye. She starts clapping with a love-drenched smile. Everybody follows her applauses. Aditya bows with an unconventional shy face. Nandana observes it and grins inwardly. As usual, her brute is not ready to show his soft side to the world. The party goes on. Couple dance, drinking challenges, delicious food…there is no scope of complaints. Around 2 am the last guest disperses leaving behind Aditya and Nandana knackered.

“So, Angel…the party is over but our party is still on. What do you say? Shall we go to our bedroom and continue our celebration?”.

Aditya winks at Nandana. She squints her eyes and replies mischievously,

“Aditya…I think I should give you one more name.”

In reply, Aditya only widens his eyes.

“Mr One Track Mind.”

She rolls her eyes.

“No more celebration, Mr husband. I am too tired. I just need a sound sleep.”

She announces while turning at the staircase, yawning. Aditya grins nonchalantly.

“Ahem…what about bound sleep instead of a sound sleep? Bound in my arms. I think it would be more relaxing.”

Aditya fakes a serious tone. Nandana takes a couple of minutes to understand his words and in the next moment, rushes at him with her small fist.

“ADITYA….”

Both storm upstairs, giggling.

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

“I just hate men for this. You all don’t need time to change. But look at me! How can I sleep without getting rid of these elaborate clothes and makeup?”

Nandana sounds jealous while eyeing Aditya who takes out his blazer and throws it onto the sofa.

“If you want, I can help you. Let’s go to the bed. You know, kill two birds with one stone.”

He mouths huskily and approaches her with a slow gait. Nandana immediately steps back and shows her hand with rolling eyes.

“Ummmmhu….no need. You kill your birds alone. I can manage myself, Mr One Track Mind. Go to bed and sleep. I don’t want any mischief of yours.”

She sounds hell scared. Aditya giggles at her reaction and slowly unties the knot of his tie.

“Okay, I can spare you for tonight but on one condition.”

He sounds mysterious. Nandana arches her brows and asks,

“And what is that?”

“I need my extra morning dose tomorrow.”

Aditya reveals while skirting his thump on his lower lip sexily. Nandana feels a tremor in her belly. She stares down shyly.

“You are impossible…”

She utters almost inaudibly and vanishes inside the walk-in wardrobe. Aditya takes out the shirt and slouches on the bed, lying supine. A content smile is lingering on his lips. All of a sudden, a scream breaks his reverie.

“ADI….TYAAAAA...”

He leaps up with a jerk. The sight in front of him is enough to numb his limbs at once.