Tangled Tale With a Love Twist

by Shailly Jain

  She knows it takes more than that to love someone. Just like, it takes two to tango. The biggest problem he doesn’t recognize her as a beautiful woman. She has to do something to gain his attention in that department.

  The one person who is liked by Karan and Sia knows - Sarah. They are not so different people at a basic level. Other than her glamor quotient, they are alike in many ways. If he likes girls all dolled up, she can become one.

  With firm determination, she opens the wardrobe. Current clothing does not help in it at all. Finally, a time in her life where she cares about her outside looks.

  Clothes never bothered her before. She was a coder and, her interactions were limited to computers. She started wearing jeans and plain tees with baggy shrugs after joining Rahul’s firm. Being in a lead role hadn’t changed her much. She has always valued skills overlooks. She started reading fashion articles for some help.

  Magazines give you ideas about the latest designs in trends. But selecting your own style is much more complicated. Sia starts calling one person. She can truly rely on for true fashion advice.

  ********

  Rahul was dead worried after the call. Barging in he shouts, Sia everything fine. Standing feet away from the bedroom door, he hesitantly asks - Can I come in?

  Sia opens the door with an annoying tone, why are you so pumped up?. Rahul can see she is perfectly okay. Calming down he explains, you asked me to come urgently and something about requiring my help. You always leave such long messages with my assistant. Hearing a few words made me concerned. I left everything at hold princess, so tell me - what’s the matter?

  Sheepishly smiling she request, I want you to come with me, for shopping. He cannot believe his ears, you want to go shopping. What’s the special occasion?

  Without meeting his eyes, Sia replies - Maybe. Will, you come or not?. Rahul thought, he will not miss it for the world, she generally shops like a man. Plain tees in different colors, three to four denim in different shades. he hates the baggy shrugs, night suits, and sports shoes. Today’s miracle might change the way she looks, but he loves what’s inside her heart.

  He smiles with a lot of excitement, So when we will start? She was just waiting for his arrival- Now.

  Throughout the drive, she talked about events, upcoming parties, and work. From there, the discussion diverted to her favorite uncle Vikram, He got a big lecture on taking some responsibility. He knows she loves his father as her own and doesn’t want the old man’s feelings hurt in any way.

  But at some point, she has to understand. She is the chosen one to overtake his family business. He has no interest in the business.

  Rahul has known her for the past 12 years, and there is no maliciousness in her heart. It amazes him how openly she accepts people’s fault and makes a place in their hearts. She is a best-suited option, and whatever is his its already hers.

  She is chattering more than her usual self, ie she is hiding something under all the big talks. She started her gossip about Neha, whom he is dating currently as per her hypothesis. His mind is drifted to the thoughts of her secret crush. Who is this guy? Who is making her change?

  He is worried about her, but there is also a mix of anger and insecurity he doesn’t understand. Seeing him deep in thoughts, she just pinched him. Do you ever listen to me?.

  He laughs, yes you are explaining the harm of dating, Neha. She sheepishly smiles at how he can see through her. She doesn’t like her a bit and deserves better.

  But this is not the time to discuss it, she has to focus on the attires today. They reached a small boutique, it’s his favorite stylist small venture. Come on, she will turn you into a real-life princess.

  ********

  She started looking at all the designs but nothing too fancy or exposing. She picked the few attires from the formal section, which made him smile. Princess are you looking for a change from tees to shirts, his smirk smile made her realize she is following the same shopping pattern. She dropped the clothes and started looking for something revealing and classy.

  Mam, try the dresses you have picked. Out of the 5 attires, she picked a backless black dress with sequin work in the front halter neck. It shows a slight hint of cleavage and ends till floor length. The pleats from waist to floor shows her tiny waistline in the best possible light. While wearing the dress, her bun has come undone and freed the curls.

  She looks at her reflection, and surprisingly the mirror portrayed a sensuous female. She was unsure about the flesh showing off. It made her look sexy but uncomfortable. She removes the shoes and looks in the mirror to check before coming out.

  Rahul had forgotten to inform his office about his sudden leave. He almost dropped the phone when she walks out. She looked steaming hot in a black dress, so this is what she is hiding under those baggy clothes. The taking off of her glasses and bare feet added a vulnerability to an overall sexy look. Seeing other’s expressions, he is not the only affected party.

  He feels a sudden overprotectiveness towards Sia and a bit of anger towards her changing. She looked at him with big hazel eyes for approval. Rahul’s words gave away the uneasiness. What are we trying here " Nun to slut”? The words fell out of his mouth without a thought.

  Its good she hasn’t taken offense, shut up just tell me it this too much. He took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders and pushed her towards changing room. Get back in your clothes, we will find something for you.

  They both can’t agree over the same attires. So giving up on the tedious task, making a puppy face she asks Rahul, Plz can you pick a few attires for me, I will not argue over any of them. I believe in you, go get the dirty work done babes.

  While he is discussing clothes with Tabitha (boutique owner), she is enjoying the ice cream with a big smile playing on her lips. Seated in the big plush royal chair, she looks like a child. He picked a few fashionable choices for her. Rahul bought the black dress too for the way it looks on her. She liked most of them and started looking in the scarf section for added accessories.

  ********

  All the shopping has made her famished. He smiles, Should we stop somewhere for food? I am starved to death. He knows a few good places to eat but decided on her favorite restaurant.

  Karan has behaved casually with her after that night. What amazes him is her interest in him. It seems like she wants him too. He thinks she is playing with a lot of hearts, there will be a mistake in the future. Once that happens, Gaurav can see for himself.

  Wherever work is concerned she is a delight, he really enjoys the discussions. Sia never crosses his path without an explanation. She is dedicated to working the same as him.

  The thing which disturbs him is the new look. Over weeks she has been experimenting with her looks. The dresses she was wearing fit her but he can sense she is not comfortable. God knows what she is trying to pull off, but he likes her old clothes. She looks innocent in them, and he can concentrate more on his work.

  Today she is wearing simple low waist jeans with a simple black georgette shirt. The neck is showing a hint of cleavage as she bends to see the screen. His desires are out of control. How can he be attracted and angry at the same time? She is driving him crazy. Discussion with her feels like a battleground.

  While she talked about the project all he wanted is to taste her. Rub his mouth in the peaks of her softness. His trail of thoughts is disturbed by the phone ring. If he doesn’t watch his step, he will end up as her next victim.

  Coming back he can sense her eyes on him. She has taken on a new habit of staring at him with those big hazel eyes. The pull of those eyes is so intense, he understands why people fall for them. It’s not only that, her smiling has a hint of affection.

  All these changes can be due to Arvind too. He has been following Sia like a lovesick puppy. Wherever she goes he follows. He hasn’t found someone so irritating before, the guy is getting on his nerves.

  There is no stopping Gaurav, with each passing day his bond is growing with Sia.
Karan doesn’t understand why Gaurav indulges himself with Rahul. He has nothing against their friendship, in fact, under any other circumstances, he would have liked the man. Somewhere among all the negatives, there is a silver lining too. Sia is a good influence on Gaurav, he has started behaving like his old self. Due to this, he has never intervened with the trio. Sometimes he feels left out.

  Last week at Gaurav’s place, seeing Ayushi’s pic on the wall made him happy. Seeing her picture bought a sense of peace. Talking to Gaurav about her was difficult. In starting its painful to think that she is gone. But remembering their good times felt good. He knows she is watching over them as an angel. Taken before her time, but not forgotten.

  Karan’s thoughts move to Sia from time to time. He doesn’t understand the conflict in his heart. Why he falls for her wishes knowing the truth. Today he joined her for a temple prayer. He doesn’t believe in any higher power just did it for her. Whatever makes her happy, he wants to do it. She has a grip on his heart and mind, that he can’t shake.

  Sia doesn’t know what she is doing wrong. He seems like losing interest in her. His eyes show the desire he feels on a sexual level but they have lost the warmth. There is no point in continuing this charade. She is losing herself in all the fancy clothing and makeup. She has gone all this trouble for nothing. Its time to do something drastic.

  ********

  Opening the gala invitation the idea struck her. It is the perfect occasion to confess her love. It will be the last and best of her. She will lay her feelings in front of him to choose. Not knowing is worse than the heartbreak.

  Preparing a few opening lines of the proposal, she checks the calendar. It is only a week for the gala. These occasions are making most of the opportunities under a thick disguise of festivities. Aditya sir is guiding her to make the most of these occasions. She was invited to such occasions before. But never grasped the concept of it.

  To be fair most of the business comes because Vikram’s uncle has good terms with everyone. She always has to handle the execution part. Its high time she learns how the business is generated. Rahul has some work so he is not coming. Which means she has to do this on her own. In a way its good, she will have the alone time with Karan. If all goes right with Karan, he will be the first to know.

  Smiling she pulls out the black dress from the closet. She knows whats to wear now. Completing the software has become a priority. Between everything, it seems like she will not be able to complete it.

  Karan never expected Arvinds to call for last-minute help. They have become work partners over time. But it’s unlike him to call. He must be short on acquaintances in the city still. The Gala security team has backed out at the last moment, he wants Karan’s team on it. Some secretive. The anonyms host bothers him but the gig is not on his name. He is doing a favor and its not his project. He is going to attend the occasion now he will make a profit out of it.

  Gaurav knows when Karan hides his feelings behind arrogance and rudeness. With Sia, he has a bond, and its nothing like Ayushi. Sia runs deep in his heart but he will never accept. Smiling he joins the meeting, it’s last-minute so the gala plan has to be formed Quick and implemented in the nick of time.

  The one with the Gala

  Gala decorations are beautiful. Its grand hall the stairs looks like going to heaven. Golden sequence work curtain is giving it a royal look. To give it a subtle look it is merged with the sheer white. The extravagant chandelier in the dome roof is the centerpiece in the sky. On the floor, it a different story with the flowing champagne fountains, and females dressed as angles. Somebody has tried to replicate a vision of heaven for them to enjoy.

  Decorators have deployed thousands of lights to lit the room. But they are no match to Sia’s sparkling eyes today. The glitter of her diamond earrings gives a shine to her cheeks. She is wearing a backless black dress with a thigh-high slit. The dress perfectly fits her curves and highlights her long legs. Walking down the stairs she looks Ravishing. Karan takes a big gulp of scotch to soothe the intense burning desire. So that’s how she dresses for events. She is escorted by Mr. Vikram Sengar. Arvind’s eyes are fixated on her too.

  Vikram introduces her to many of his acquaintances before he left for the meeting. Arvind is being extra clingy. Gentle smiles, creepy looks, inappropriate compliments. Shady behavior is raising suspicion. Something is cooking up and she wants no part of it. Sia knows it is his tactics to acquire something. She doesn’t have time to dwell on Arvind’s plans.

  Today she has eyes only for Karan. To get rid of Arvind she joined the company of Gaurav. He knows how much Sia wants to distance herself from Arvind. She indulges herself in the conversation to avoid Arvinds lingering gaze. Seeing his brother with the box Arvind leaves with a crooked smile.

  Gaurav and Sia join Karan on the dinner table. When Gaurav excuses to check a security issue, Sia seizes the opportunity. Sliding her hand over his she softly says Karan it is rude to leave while eating. Her face holds a seductive look, he took a sip of champagne. While the conversation she softly removes an invisible lint of his coat. Her fingers slowly taping with the rhythm. The dreamy look in her eyes is confusing him. As Gaurav joins the table, Karan leaves to clear his head.

  Arvind squeezes Karan in a hug. Man thanks for filling in at the last moment. I don’t know what I would have done without you. Meet my brother Karan. Seeing the elder man he nods to show respect. Karan leaves them to discuss family matters. From the bar, he can see and hear them properly.

  His brother handed him a family ring with good advice. You are still young Arvind to settle down. There is a lot of enjoyment and fun to savor bro. Do you think Sia is the right choice?. Arvind cant tell his real reasons so he twists it. Have you seen her now? pointing at her he says- see for yourself. I have known her since childhood and all her mischiefs. She is a handful but worth her salt.

  Karan shakes his head, so that’s what happens. She has been enticing Vashisht into proposing her. The poor soul doesn’t know, what he is getting into. It finally means she has chosen the fish she wants. Gaurav will be out of the equation tonight.

  The waiter slides a slip-on Sia’s table. It’s an invitation for her to join in rose gardens. Gaurav wants to go with her as the slip is anonyms but she says it a prank. If she will find something fishy she will call. Her heart is beating faster as it can be from Karan. He hasn’t returned to the table.

  ********

  Rose garden is decorated in dim light. Slowly moving she sees her name on the board. The pathway is decorated with red petals. The trail leads to the small table. It’s perfect with flowers, food, and champagne. She turns at the tap of shoulder its Arvind. Going on one knee he proposes with the big rock. It’s perfect but her heart wants Karan and only Karan. Slowly shaking the head she moves to go back.

  Arvind clutches her wrist in a tight grasp. He shouts You are saying no to me. I have been wooing you for months and now you say NO. Sia, I take what I want. You don’t get a pass to screw me twice.

  She doesn’t understand what’s happening, moving away from his grasp she asks. What does that mean?. Loudly laughing he moves closer, I have seen you with my laptop. I want it back. Become my wife and present me that as our wedding gift or I will take it by force.

  Sia can see the fear behind the threat. He is in some sort of mess. Challenging him she takes a step towards him, over my dead body. It doesn’t belong to you and never will. He tries again by saying but this time in a meek voice, its life, and death situation for me.

  Sia is never going to give away that software to him. If you are thinking of making any more threats, Save it. The sound of footsteps is coming near. Leaving him there she moves to see Karan. Her head is clear as daylight, she needs to see him now. But, she runs into a hurdle.

  Seeing Aditya Sir she picks two glasses of wine. She hands him the glasses, to fix his misplaced tie. No ones at home to fix your tie. He softly says, actually, no one is there. Sia gives a soft smile, next time call me. After fixing
it she hugs him.

  Do you know who invited us all?. He sheepishly smiles, you are looking at the host. I used a new company name on invitations to anonymity. She raises her eyebrow to express the shock.

  Aditya has to say her face hides nothing. May I have this dance with you beautiful?. Taking her to the dance floor he asks - What’s special Sia? Shying away she asks Why do you think, I am up to something. Kid, you are looking amazing. So tell me who is the lucky guy and blushing doesn’t answer the question. Speak up, kid.

  Her gaze moves to Karan, seeing him Aditya concerns raises. He is playboy Sia, I hope you have thought it through.

  Her eyes meet Karan’s across the floor. The loathing in his eyes gave her cold feet. Excusing herself she starts looking for him. He is going towards the first floor.

  ********

  Following him in the room she moves closer to confess. When he asks the question nagging him. Sia, you have been flirting with me throughout the evening, what’s the matter?

  Sia wants to tell him everything, but under his intense gaze, she froze. Slowly gaining some confidence she starts, I wanted to tell you that I have started feeling something for you. It too early but I want to know…. her words trailed off seeing the danger look in his eyes.

  Karan’s cynical smile is sending a shiver down her spine. It looks like he is holding back his real emotions. Sia knows she should leave him alone but she has waited too long for this. Gathering all her courage Sia hisses. Say something, It is getting awkward with every passing minute. She smiles a little to encourage him.

  He viciously grabbed her from the shoulder and pushed her to the wall, pinning her down with his body. The thud on the wall has undone her bun, Her hairs are now formed around her face and shoulders. Sia’s eyes are portraying the confusion she feels. Her eyes are looking at him with fear. His eyes are full of anger and disgust, her reaction has fueled more anger in him.