37 Bridal Reflections

Arnav turned around slowly in his seat, his eyes wide. To tell the truth, he was utterly shocked by her touch and even more so by her question, because he had thought that she didn't care. But her question had thrown him off guard.

He looked down at her hand, her warm touch, and to his surprise found that he didn't mind at all. Instead, his heart was longing for more while his mind rejected her.

" Arnav? " Sofya asked again, bringing him out of his thoughts.

" Umm.. " he cleared his throat, snapping out of the daze. Looking up, he saw her black almond eyes twinkling, expectantly gazing at him. Swallowing the bile in his throat, he replied her in a husky voice, " You know very well you lied to me. If you could just tell me the truth, maybe I could help you with your problem. "

Sofya didn't say anything. She didn't expect him to be so understanding. Maybe there was a different side to him other than his usual cold and aloof self.

" I will, when the time is right. " she agreed, regaining her usual posture.

Arnav said nothing, but continued staring out of the window. After about fifteen minutes of driving, they reached their destination.

Bridal Reflections was one of the upcoming stores in NY for brides. It housed a variety of products and services ranging from gowns, bouquets, female accessories to designing venues and catering parties. The owner of the shop was himself a very precarious person. His handiwork was well recognized for intricate designing and stitching.

As they walked into the shop, the manager hurridely came forward. " Miss Khemka, Mr. Raizada, please this way. I am sorry to say that Mr. Edwards is out of the country on urgent matters. He has specifically instructed to show you the best designs and I will be your accomplice for today. "

She completed, bowing to them and then looking at Arnav longer than was necessary.

" It's okay. " Sofya answered sweetly, smiling. She had seen her ogling at Arnav. Sighing, she thought she better get used to it while Arnav ignored her completely.

" This way please. " The manager led them through a couple of staircases up into a wide open room with light pink walls. There were at least forty to fifty mannequins standing, each wearing an exquisite bridal gown.

Stopping at the top of the staircase, Sofya looked in awe. She was amazed that Mr. Raizada had actually made such preparations for her to choose the wedding gown. She was a little too touched by the care that he showed for her.

" Mam, please? " The manager brought Sofya back to earth, as she stood still in one place, gazing at the scene in front of him with one foot in the air.

Arnav smiled at her reaction. Lightly putting her hand around her waist, he dragged her forward, into the middle of the room.

Sofya looked up at him, her eyes a little moist at this sweet gesture of his.