I offered silent prayers begging god to not let me get embarrassed. Virat was so good with acting romance and love. A tiny part of my heart wondered if he really was in love with me.
He clicked his rough fingers on my bare back sending shivers down my spine. In his baritone voice he spoke to the photographers " We are done! Do send me the pictures before press release and unauthorised pictures with wrong captions cannot be published. You will get the content to be written from my manager".

I tried to look relaxed. I was looking for his manager. She was a tall, slim and a beautiful girl. Virat gave her a smile and said " Rhea you know what to do". I did not like the fact that Virat smiled at her. I hated the fact that she knew Virat better than me.

Virat came towards me and my heart started thumping. He extended his hand and said " Shall we go love". My heart skipped a beat. He took my trembling hand and helped me walk with my heavy lehenga. Every step we took together the only word that rang in my ears with his amazing voice was love and my heartbeat echoed everytime I remembered the word. It felt like music and I wanted to dance. We walked towards the door and I realised almost all the photographers and Rhea left leaving me and Virat alone.

I was not sure about talking anything. Virat broke the silence and said " Erica right! Sorry I forgot your name". A part of me felt broken but I managed to smile and said " That's fine Virat! I don't expect you to remember my name".

I then realised that being the reason for him calling me love. I managed to put up the broadest smile possible. He spoke again " See you in ten. I will get changed and we will leave for the reception party".

I made myself comfortable on a single chair placed in the hallway. When I saw Virat's bhabhi approaching me. I stood up and she said " Hello prettiness! Look at you looking all angelic. I am sure Virat will fall in love all over again with you".

I wanted to cry on that statement. I faked a smile and she said " I know it's difficult to suddenly accept the change and adjust in a new place leaving everything behind. We all had to face it dear. But it's difficult for you with all the media attention added. You must be strong and remember I am always there for you".

It felt nice and I gave her a slight hug. While I was still resting on her shoulder I saw Virat approach in a burgundy coloured sherwani and a cream half coat complementing my outfit. He looked straight into my eyes and I looked down immediately and pulled out of the hug with his bhabhi.

He approached us and spoke " Bhabhi! We should be leaving" to which she replied " Look at both of you so made for each other" and he smiled as if we were real couple receiving complements. She left leaving us both alone once again.

This time he took my hand without permission and started walking and I was wondering if I committed a mistake again and was slightly scared that he might shout at me. But I was also determined to not let him dominate me.

He took me to a corner and said " Look! You can't bond much with my family. Once in a while is fine so that they don't doubt us".

I nodded my head in agreement. He was right. There was a good chance they would catch us. But why was he hiding the truth from such a loving family? Why did he have to go through a contract marriage?

He snapped me out from my thoughts by moving his hands before me. I looked into his eyes and looked aside quickly. " You should stop zoning out and be alert" he spoke still holding my hand and we walked into the lift.

His cologne overpowered my senses in the lift and I clutched my lehenga. He questioned " Do you have a fear of lifts?" And lied saying "yes". He then walked me down to the car and we headed towards Regal gardens for the reception party.

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Regal gardens
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My eyes began to get blurred due to the cameras as we were entering the reception party. We were accompanied by four body guards. All the while Virat protectively held my hand and walked behind me. I felt quite secure and comfortable. The paps shouted his name like people fighting in fish markets. He was yet very calm and managed to give them soft smiles.

We entered a grand reception area filled with choicest of decor and people dressed in.all glory. My mind asked me only one question "Do I belong here?" And every inch of the room screamed a no.

We stood on the elobrate stage and people started greeting us and wishing us well. I was in a state of haze and trance as if drugged. Does nervousness always overpower ones senses to become numb?

Robotically I smiled and greeted all the guests. Virat's presence also stopped affecting me suddenly. The next thing I knew was everything was blurred.

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Hey guys!
I know it's been long.
Please read this and do share your thoughts.

Also do share it with your friends if you feel it's worth reading.

I will try to update regularly.
What happened to Erica? Any thoughts?