The Fake Smile

"Wha…" Nivritti could not speak a single word. She didn't know how to feel. She started counting from 1 to 100 in her mind and held onto Kyung-Soo's arms tightly. She didn't want to have a panic attack in front of the minister. She had to divert her mind.

"Ritti! What?" asked Kyung-Soo.

Nivritti opened her mouth but before she could tell him everything, Bong laughed and called her. "Nivritti, come!"

She looked at Kyung-Soo as if she was pleading for her life. She gulped and breathed heavily. She closed her eyes once and when she opened her eyes, a smile appeared on her face.

Kyung-Soo gasped when he saw that smile. He understood that it was a fake smile. Something was bothering her. But she could not tell them then and there. What was it? She was fine a few seconds ago. She was laughing and teasing the boys. She was happy that everyone had worn Indian attire, then what changed her mood so drastically?