The heavy lehenga weighed me down and I was unable to stand for a long time in the washroom. After what seemed like about an era I could sense that the room was empty and both Virat and Anushka might have left.

Now I couldn't dare to open the knob and step out. Also another concern that raided my mind was what would I do if Virat went to the reception hall and did not find me. What would I answer him.

I somehow gathered courage and opened the door. I felt a wave of releif as the room was empty. I quickly decided to go down to the hall.

Large bronze vases shone as the sequins of my lehenga reflected in them. I cared less about the pain my pencil heels caused me as I paced quickly to the hallway. As I entered the main hall everything before my eyes took me by a surprise.

I could see the entire crowd cheering loudly as Ranbir joined a group of stage performers and began to dance on a groovy number. I couldn't spot Anushka anywhere but there were quite a few women who dazzled in glittery clothes and I could say they worked in the Film industry as they were gorgeous.

My attention was diverted as I saw Chetna bhabhi walking towards me. I smiled at her. She had a very sympathetic look in her eyes. I did not like it. I was overpowered by fear as for a moment I felt she might have known the truth.

Did she find out about our fake marriage?

No! It cannot be true. I really want to have a nice bond with her. Even if it was being a fake sister-in-law.

I stopped my mind's chatter and tried to smile snubbing fear. She layed an arm around my shoulder and gently spoke "Why don't you join Virat on stage Erica. You have to meet a lot of guests".

I could not understand the reason she would give me a sympathetic look. The mention of Virat got me disturbed. I felt my throat was becoming dry as his words "I love you jaan!"
"You mean the world to me!!"
"Don't get me wrong!"
"She's just a fake wife" echoed in my mind. I lost it all over again at the fake wife word. I tried to convince myself that I should not be feeling this way about him and it is a contract we share.

I looked at him and he was seated majestically on the dias in the royal chair and was cheering for Ranbir. He looked adorable smiling. This is the first time since the day I met him he smiled whole heartedly.

This man who is my husband on paper apparently has found solace after speaking his heart out to his lady love. I had mixed feelings. I was happy for him and yet sad for some odd reason.

Maybe I was staring at him for too long and out of the blue our eyes met. I looked away and walked towards the dias. I made myself comfortable beside him. In a very gentle voice he questioned "Where were you?".

I looked him in the eye and replied "Well! Mr.Kohli I was making sure I stay sane and I live closer to reality".

He raised an eyebrow confused. I tried my best not to admire and adore him. I looked down and lied saying "I was drunk. So I was getting out of my world and getting back to reality".

Well! It wasn't a complete lie. What was I thinking when I was trying to impress him. I didn't realise I was nervous until Virat dabbed beads of sweat on my forehead with his handkerchief.

This time I did not stare into his eyes. I kept looking away. "You will be alright Erica! Why are you taking stress?" he questioned in a rough but mellow voice.

I did not reply and stood numb.

"I owe you an apology" He spoke. Frankly, I don't think he owes me anything. I stared blankly at his face.

He continued "We should have talked about this contract in detail before. I should not be expecting you to handle the entire thing alone. We will work out a better plan once we are done with this reception party".

I simply nodded.

"Why was he being nice to me?" I wondered. He should rather be shouting at me. It was a huge mistake on my behalf to get drunk for such an event. A lot was on stake.

"Have you heard of an apology dance?" He questioned. I twitched my lips in a no. He smirked and took my palm gently.

He walked me to the dance floor. That's when I started observing people around. They were cheering for an actress dancing and suddenly started cheering for both of us.

We both were standing on the dance floor very close to each other. The lights went dim and all I could see was the sparkle in his brown eyes.

He came close to me and whispered in my ear "Do you know to dance?"

I looked him in the eyes and my eyes conveyed a yes to him. A bollywood number jiya from gunday played and he held me by my waist. This was the first time I was dancing with a man and my heart raced.

"I was dancing with my husband" my heart thudded.

"Only on paper for a few months" my brain dismissed.

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Hola people!
I was not sure if anybody wanted to read this story any more. I know I was gone for a really long time.

I am having seminars and presentations. So couldn't update all this while.

Thank you @pastries_coffee for reminding me this story is still alive and matters.

Do share your views about this chapter guys.

Also this story has to be edited. I will do it once it's completed. So please bare with me. Mostly it is Erica's pov or sometimes third person pov. I will mention that from now on if it is third person's pov.