74. Party!
Bella’s POV
I looked at the familiar palace while my car entered the gate of familiar palace. My heart tightened when all those happy and bitter memories came back crashing on me.
I wiped my sweaty hands on my white dress. It was mandatory to wear white clothes, so i wore what i shopped that night after dinner.
It’s almost afternoon, i can see people in the garden playing with colors.
My eyes unknowingly started looking for that one person but couldn’t find him.
Part of me got relieved and part of me restless.
“Ma’am we have reached”
Michael opened the door for me.
I got out of the car and tried to control my racing heart. I never thought i will come back here.
“You can stay in the car… I’ll meet everyone and will come back… I am not going to stay longer.”
I said but they refused to budge.
“We can’t leave you alone”
He said in robotic manner.
I sighed and started walking inside.
People are covered in colors, i can’t even recognize their faces. Looks like i am too late for the party. I can see counters of colors, sweets and drinks. I don’t know what kind of music they are playing but it’s good.
“Bella!”
I heard Maa.
“God! You are finally here…”
She engulfed me in a tight hug.
“I thought you are not coming… You are looking beautiful by the way…”
“Thanks for inviting me… You are looking gorgeous.”
She is really looking cute with red and pink color on her cheeks. Her white clothes also have colors here and there.
I looked behind her to find Mr. Marino looking at me with unfamiliar expressions. He has finally ditched his signature black suit and wearing white button up shirt with white pants.
“Hello…”Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.
I gave him awkward smile. I don’t know how to act after whatever happened.
“Glad to see you again… How are you?”
He asked.
“I am fine, thank you…”
I replied.
Oh god! It’s so awkward.
“Bella!… Oh god you are back…”
I literally flinched the way Grace screamed.
“Dom she is back!”
She stumbled before reaching me and threw herself in my arms.
Is she drunk? Yeah, she is definitely drunk.
“Yes, she is back… Now let’s go to the room.”
Dominick grabbed her arm trying to control her.
“You always want to go to the room… We’ll do that in night… Let me play now.”
She whined.
I heard maa laughing at Dominick’s Embarrassed face. I don’t think sober Grace has this much courage. She hardly speaks in front of her own husband.
“You have Played enough…”
He threw her on his shoulder and walked inside.
“Why is she drunk at this time of the day?”
I looked at the handsome couple in front of me.
She chuckled.
“I gave her something which Dominick told me to keep her away from… No one orders me around, you know”
“Women!”
Mr. Marino mumbled and walked away.
“Women!”
She mimicked him and we laughed.
“Anyway… Did you eat something?…”
“Yes, I didn’t know that there is gonna be so much to eat here…”
I replied.
“No worries… You will make space till party ends…”
She grabbed fistful of red color and smudged on my cheek.
“Happy holi…”
I mimicked her actions and wished her the same.
She suddenly stopped smiling when her eyes darted behind me. I followed the direction of her gaze and my smile disappeared too.
Luca and Jasmine.
I looked at my sister who seemed to be shocked to see me. I can see guilt on her face. She is still blaming herself.
They exchanged their greetings while i stood there.
“Please enjoy the party…”
Maa said and looked at me.
“Bella do you want to come with me?”
I looked at her.
“I’ll join you later.”
She gave me knowing smile.
“No problem…”
With that she left.
“Excuse me”
Luca said and walked away.
Jasmine shifted in her place nervously.
“How are you feeling now?”
She mumbled trying to steal her eyes from me.
“I missed you”
My eyes watered so did hers.
I tried to control but she didn’t. She started crying.
“I am sorry… I didn’t mean that…”
She threw herself at me and engulfed her in tight hug.
“I know… I know… He told me everything…”
I said trying to hold back my tears.
She broke the hug and looked at me confused.
“He?”
“Luca!… He approached me yesterday… He told me everything.”
I explained.
“How can you be so stupid Jasmine… Why did you let him do this to you…”
“I was worried for you…”
She wiped her tears.
“I am sorry i couldn’t understand you…”
I hugged her again.
“I am sorry i said those mean things to you.”
She sobbed.
“You didn’t mean it…”
I rubbed her back.
“How are you Tinkerbell?… I know it wasn’t easy for you… I should have been with you. I wasn’t there when you needed me the most…”
It feels good to hear that name again.
“I needed that solitude… I am fine now…”
I released a heavy sigh.
“You are not fine.. you lost your smile”
She looked at me.
“You wanted me to become mature… Here i am”
I forced a smile.
“Not like this.”
She sniffed back her tears.
“Not like this.”
“It’s fine Jasmine… I am okay… I am trying to move on…”
I don’t want to talk about it.
“Are you okay?… You don’t have to stay with him… Come with me.”
I have to make sure that she is safe.
Her eyes found Luca who was talking to some men.
“Things are changing Bella… It’s complicated but i want to give him a chance… I was confused but he cleared our misunderstanding, I have to give him chance…”
I can see that thing in her eyes, she is falling for him. Honestly i am no one to stop her but i am worried about her.
“You know what’s right for you”
I sighed.
“I am there whenever you need me.”
“You are not angry that i am giving him chance?!…”
She asked.
“No! I want you happy… That’s it.”
I assured her.
We talked so many things. Everything we wanted to share after so many months. I understood that she has grown fond of Luca, it means he is taking care of her. I don’t want anything else.
When it comes to boys, Jasmine doesn’t really give anyone attention. That’s why she was 24 year old Virgin. If she has chosen Luca then he must be having those qualities.
We played with colours. She made me dance. I laughed after so many days. It feels good.
“I need to go to the washroom”
I said.
“Actually we are leaving too… You want to come with us.”
Jasmine said stealing glances at Luca.
“Umm… I’ll go back in my car. I don’t think they will fit with us”
I pointed at by bodyguards.
“And i have to meet Maa too… You can go ahead.”
“Are you sure?”
She asked and i assured her.
“Let’s meet tomorrow…”
“Yes… I’ll send you the venue”
I nodded.
She bid me goodbye and went inside to empty my bladder. I used guestroom which is on the ground floor.
I am looking cartoon with all colours on my face, i have already ruined my white gown. I doubt it will be useful again Even thought i can easily wash off the colors from my skin.
It’s late i should go back now. I dried my face and quickly exited the room. I was halfway in the corridor when i realized i forgot my phone.
“Fuck!”
I quickly turned around to go back but instead collided with someone.
“I am sorry”
Words quickly left my mouth.
I looked at the person but froze when I saw those familiar Amber orbs.