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Chapter 22 - Special Guest

In the changing room, my hands shake slightly as I button up my costume, my nerves getting the better of me. I turn to Megha, my eyes filled with worry.

Megha's gentle touch as she straightens my lehenga calms me slightly. I looked up at Megha, searching my friend's face for reassurance. "Megha, what if I mess up in front of the special guest?"

Megha gives me a reassuring smile, her hands firmly on my shoulders. "Hey, look at me. You've got nothing to worry about! Remember all those hours we spent practicing? Every step, every turn - we've nailed it!"

I grab Megha's hands, my voice shaking. "But Megha, we're doing solo performances today! I'll be out there all by myself."

Megha squeezes my hands gently, trying to soothe my nerves. "Niranya, it's just a college festival. It's not a professional stage, okay? Even if you make a tiny mistake, no one's going to care. Just relax and have fun out there!"

I take a deep breath, pushing down my nerves. I nod at Megha, trying to convince myself that it's just a college festival and nothing to be worried about.

As Megha starts doing my makeup, I watch in the mirror, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. Megha's gentle hands and soothing voice help to distract me from my nervousness.

Megha smiles warmly and says, "You know, you're really pretty without any makeup. But with this, you'll look absolutely stunning."

"Thanks, Megha. You're really sweet." I look back at myself in the mirror, admiring the way Megha's makeup enhances my features.

Megha places her makeup kit down and gives me a small smile in the mirror. "We should probably get backstage now. It's almost time for all the performances." She help adjust my outfit one last time.

As we walk backstage together, the crowd's cheers already filling the air. Megha gives my hand a supportive squeeze. "You ready?" She asks with a knowing smile, trying to mask her own nerves. "Remember, just breathe and enjoy it. You've got this!"

We watch the other performances together, laughing and clapping along with the audience. I find myself getting lost in the moment, forgetting my own nerves as I enjoy the talented performances around me.

As Megha's name is announced, I give her a quick, encouraging hug. "You're going to crush it!" I whisper in her ear before letting her go.

Megha's performance is indeed graceful, earning loud cheers from the audience. I watch with pride, feeling my heart swell as I see my best friend shine on stage.

After sometime my name is announced, I feel a sudden rush of adrenaline. I look over at Megha, who gives me a reassuring smile and a thumbs up from the sidelines.

Taking a deep breath, I step onto the stage, my heart pounding in my chest. I close my eyes momentarily, visualizing every step of my routine.

(The Song Played)

"Takk Tadak Bhadak Dil Dhadhak Dhadhak Gaya Atak Atak Na Mana
Latt Gayi Re Ulajh Gaye Kaise Koi Hat Gaya Mann Se Lipat Anjana
Woh Neel Ang Sa Roop Rang Liye Shagun Samadhi Prem Bhang Chadhe Ang Ang Fir Man Matang Aur Tan Badan Mein Sang Sang Aur Kanha
Murli Ki Yeh Dhun Sun Radhike Murli Ki Yeh Dhun Sun Radhike Murli Ki Yeh Dhun Sun Radhike"

I love this song! The energy is so infectious! I start dancing, my lehenga swirling around me as I move. My eyes are shining with joy and excitement.

"Ho.....Aana Jo
Aake Kabhi, Phir Jana Jana Nahi
Jana Ho, Tune Agar
Toh Aana Aana Nahi
Tere Rang Ranga, Tere Rang Ranga
Man Mehkega, Tan Dehkega"

I twirl gracefully, my lehenga flowing behind her like a river of colors. I smile mischievously, my eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Dori Toote Na Na Na, Bandhi Naino Ne
Jo Sang Tere, Dekhe Maine Toh
Sab Rang Tere, Sab Rang Tere
Pheeke Na Ho, Chhute Na Yeh Rang
Tere Rang Ranga, Tere Rang Ranga
Man Mehkega, Tan Dehkega"

Lost in the rhythm and passion of the dance, I spin faster, my lehenga becoming a vibrant blur.

As the music fades, I slowly comes to a stop, my chest heaving with excitement. The crowd erupts in applause.

As the clapping dies down, my eyes scan the crowd and land on a familiar face. I blinks, my heart skipping a beat as I recognizes the familiar features.

Ashtram, sitting in the front row, his eyes fixed on me, a soft smile playing on his lips. My heart races as I stares back at him. I blush deeply, my hand automatically moving to fix my disheveled hair as I break the eye contact with my Ash.

Donning a sharp black suit tailored to perfection, I check my reflection in the mirror, my eyes gleaming with anticipatory excitement. A smirk playing on my lips as I imagine my Angel's surprise at seeing me in her college festival unexpectedly as the Special Guest.

As one of the most successful businessmen in the country, I had earned the respect and admiration of many. My donation to the college has only further solidified my reputation as a generous and influential individual.

The students and faculty of the college only see Ashtram Raghuvanshi, the respected business tycoon, but unaware about the ruthless Mafia King who rules the underworld with an iron fist.

As Ved and I arrive at the college, i met with a mixture of curiosity and admiration from the students.

As we both settle into our seats, I observes the various performances taking place on stage - singers, dancers, dramatics. My expression remains stoic, my eyes occasionally flicking towards the stage doors, wondering when my Jaan will make an appearance.

Ved excuses himself to take a call, leaving me alone. My fingers tap impatiently on my knee as I continue scanning the crowd, my anticipation growing with each passing performance. "Where is she?" I murmur under my breath.

Finally, my Jaan steps onto the stage, my eyes widen in astonishment and admiration. I lean forward in my seat, utterly captivated by her graceful movements. A slow smile spreads across my face as I watch her dance with such passion and skill, unaware of my presence in the audience.

The way my Angel moves, the passion in her dance - it ignites something fierce within me. Her lehenga flares out beautifully, the vibrant hues shimmering under the stage lights.

My Angel's face turns a deep shade of red as she realizes the intensity of my gaze. She quickly composes herself and turns to the audience, giving a small curtsy.

As my Jaan leaves the stage, I remain rooted to my seat, completely mesmerized. Ved settles back into his seat beside me.

Ved asked me, "what happened, where are you lost?"

I recite the poetry, my eyes glazing over as I lose myself in the words. "Wo naachne mai magan thi.... Aur mai usai dekhne mai magan..... Uske kadam chal rahe the..... Aur dil mera dhadak raha tha.....Wo muskura rahi thi.....Aur khush mai ho raha tha....Wo ek roshni jesi hai...... Jo andhere ko bhi ujala kar de......Wo meri Devi hai.....Aur mai uska bhakt."

[ "She was lost in dancing... and I was engrossed in watching her...
Her steps kept moving... and my heart kept beating...
She was smiling... and I was the one feeling happy...
She is like a light... that can illuminate even the darkness...
She is my Goddess... and I am her devotee." ]

Ved's concerned voice breaks through my poetic trance "Arey bhai, what happened? Tu thik toh hai na Mafia King se sidha shayar kese ban gaya."

{Le Author : Pyar mai pare huye insan ko shayari bhi aa jati hai.... Pyar ka chakkar Babu Bhaiya....hehe 😆....chalo ab aage padho sab}

I blink, finally focusing on Dev's words. "Shut up, Ved. Just shut up." My voice is low and menacing, filled with a quiet rage.

Ved chuckles, finding my sudden outburst amusing. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "Aww, someone's feelings are hurt, are they? The mighty Mafia King, reduced to reciting love poems and getting angry at his friends."

Just then, the principal's voice echoes through the microphone, announcing the special guest. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are honored to have with us today, the esteemed Mr. Ashtram Raghuvanshi, the most successful business tycoon of India."

My expression shifts, becoming composed and professional. I walk to the stage, my confident stride echoing my powerful presence.

"Thank you, Principal Saxena. I'm delighted to be here today as your special guest. As students of this esteemed institution, you are the future leaders of our country. You have the power to shape the world around you. My message to you today is to never settle for mediocrity. Always strive for excellence, push beyond your limits, and never be afraid to take risks."

As I concludes my speech, the auditorium erupts into applause. I nods graciously, accepting the praise with a slight, confident smile. As the clapping subsides, I step back from the podium and make my way off the stage, flanked by the principal and other dignitaries.

I feel an unusual sense of pride and inspiration hearing him speak as the special guest. His charisma fills the hall, captivating everyone's attention.

Turning to me with a playful smirk, Megha leans in close and whispers, "Well, well, looks like someone's smitten! Your Ash is quite the charmer up there, huh? I think he's stealing all the limelight just for you!"

Rolling her eyes and feeling her cheeks flush, Niranya shushes Megha abruptly. "Megha, shut up! This is not the time or place for your silly teasing."

Megha chuckles mischievously, "You have to admit, it's quite mysterious how he managed to keep his identity as the special guest a secret from everyone except the organizers."

Turning to look at Ashtram with a mix of surprise and curiosity, I whisper to Megha, "I had no idea Ash was going to be the special guest. He never mentioned anything to me. It's like he deliberately kept it a secret from everyone, including me."

Megha grins mischievously, "Maybe he wanted to surprise everyone, especially you. You know Ashtram sir, always the mysterious one." She chuckles and nudges my arm.

Then suddenly Ash strides towards us, his posture radiating confidence. As Ash reaches us, Megha quickly excuses herself, winking at me before slipping away, leaving me alone with Ashtram.

In one swift motion, Ashtram grasps my wrist, pulling me gently but firmly towards a secluded alcove just off the main corridor. His dark eyes flash with intensity as he presses me against the wall, leaning in close.

His intense gaze holds me captive, and I find herself unable to look away. "Ash, what are you-"

Ash cuts off my words with a fervent kiss. His hand tangles in my hair, the other pressing against the wall beside my head as he holds me close.

Momentarily stunned by Ashtram's passionate kiss, my instinctive reaction is to melt into his embrace. My eyes flutter shut as I succumbs to the fervor.

Pulling back slightly, his intense gaze roams over my appreciatively. "You look absolutely radiant today, Jaan. This college festival brings out a special glow in you." His fingers gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear, lingering briefly to caress my cheek.

My heart still racing from our sudden kiss. I bites my lower lip, trying to regain my composure. "You're not so bad yourself, Ash. That speech you gave... it was inspiring."

"Is that so? Then perhaps I should give more speeches..." He traces his thumb along my jawline. "Though I must admit, the real reward was seeing you blush like this."

I sighs contentedly as Ashtram kiss my forehead, feeling a warmth spread through me at his tender gesture. Suddenly his phone rings.

He pulls back slightly, keeping one hand resting on my bare waist. "I'm sorry, Jaan. It's an important call I must take. Could you please join Megha in the hall for a bit? I'll be done with this call soon and will catch up with you then."

I nods, slightly disappointed that our private moment has been interrupted but understanding the importance of Ashtram's call. I smiles softly at him.

He gives me a quick peck on the lips before stepping back to answer his phone, his expression turning serious.

As He left to attend his call. I search for Megha in the hall, looking around at the lively festival celebrations. Making a beeline for the washroom, I mutter to myself "Where could that mischievous minx have gone?"

As I walk towards the washroom to find Megha, suddenly a strong hand pulls me into the dark classroom. I open my mouth to scream but a gloved hand clamps over it. My eyes widen in fear as I struggle against my unknown assailant.

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