His eyes shone in the dim light and he smiled at me. I tried not to get affected and put on a tight lipped smile. He came down to my ears and requested "Can I pick you up bridal style?" For once my heart started racing and I did not know what to answer. He looked into my eyes for consent and I involuntarily nodded my head in a yes.

The next thing I knew was I lost balance and he swept me off my feet and secured my frame in his arms. I could listen to his heart beat and I fell in love with him all over again. Wait a minute did I just say love?

There is no point of denying. This moment I have realised in my complete senses that I am in love with Virat. He rose his eye brow still holding me. That's when I realised I was smiling madly at him. He put me down on my feet and we walked towards dining area hand in hand.

It's like everyone around stopped mattering to me. It felt blurred and all I could see was Virat. I don't remember how quickly things are happening around me. I was in a state of daze flying while nothing happening around mattered anymore. We soon reached back to Virat's house.

All his cousins along with his family were gathered in the living area. I changed into a casual dress and joined them. Virat's mom asked me to sit beside her on the sofa.

I was a bit hesitant but went and sat maintaining a safe distance. She began speaking "Erica beta! Ye hamara family hain (This is my family)".

I looked around to see "my" if I may say so sister in law, brother in law, their lovely son, two sisters of Virat whom I recognised from the ceremony and an uncle who seemed to be brother of maa I mean aunty (Virat's mom).

I folded my hands in a Namaste. They all had a warm and welcoming look. "You will have to guess both of our names Bhabhi!" spoke Virat's sisters.

I quickly replied " Varsha and Shristi". They had a million dollar smile on their faces. "Virat bhai must have told you so much about us. Don't believe anything negative. We are quite nice people" Shristhi spoke.

I let out a chuckle. I wondered only if their brother felt so responsible.

I don't get to complain anyway. I am here to do my job.

A while ago, I was too carried away during the dance. We returned home and I sat on the couch for a while before changing my heavy bridal lehenga.

Virat came to me and said "I am sorry Erica! I know all of this is not mentioned in the contract. I mean dancing and stuff but I had to make everyone believe that we were in love". He said it in a formal tone and I only nodded. However, I managed to ask in an equally cold tone "Virat when do we figure out our future plan of action"?

He was about to speak when I received a call from bhabhi to come to the living area.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when Virat's mother shook me out and asked "Erica! Tum theek ho? Kuch khoyi khoyi lagti ho. Tum humari wajah se pereshaan ho kya beta? (Erica! Are you alright? You seem lost! Are you bothered because of anything we have done?)

I felt terrible about myself for betraying such a lovely person. I chose not to reply as I couldn't lie looking straight into her eyes. I just rested my head on her shoulder and said "I miss my mom! Aunty" I said truthfully. I really missed her. I wanted to tell my mom how I have complicated my life and fell in love. She would be disappointed with me but I would still feel relieved to confess.

Aunty replied "Aree! Eri beta main teri maa nahin hoon kya? Achaa yeh sab bateein chod apne bare mein kuch bata. Waisi tujhe Hindi nahin bolni aati toh bhi theek hi hain. Issi bahanein main bhi English seekh loongi.(Erica dear am I not your mom? Let this matter be. Tell us something about you. And if you don't know to speak Hindi it's absolutely fine. I will learn English because for you).

I smiled between my tears. She knew how to make you feel comfortable. I guess her son got this trait from her. When Virat smiles and tries to make you comfortable you instantly feel like you are in a happy space and that smile of his is very contagious. I can stare at that smile forever and feel the butterflies in my stomach forever. While thinking maybe I spoke out loud. I think I said "Virat also makes you feel warm and at home just by smiling and being there for you".

Before I could shut my mouth the damage was already done. I was so loud that the entire hall shouted and clapped. I felt so embarrassed and kept my eyes glued to the floor.

What could get worse? I realised I already blabbered all of this before the entire Kohli clan. Just as God has ways of answering my questions I saw Virat look at me with a confused expression.

God! Let me please be engulfed by the Earth!!!

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A/N:

Hey! I hope you guys are doing well during these difficult hours. You can expect more updates of this story. Do let me know your thoughts about this chapter.

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