9 Saviour

Samaira

We were on the way to the venue. My head rested on the windowpane, while my mind went back to the reason I learned Korean, because of whom we were able to crack the deal, my Mr. Stranger.

FLASHBACK

“Hi, Mr. Stranger.” I texted him.

“annyeong aleumdaun.[Hello Beautiful]” his reply came.

I couldn’t get a word of what it meant.

“Mr. Stranger, what language is this?”

“geu hangug-in, naui dalkomhan Sama[Its Korean, my sweet Sama]” He once more replied in the new language.

“I can’t get a word of it. What language is this?” I didn’t receive a reply so in fury, I texted him again, “Fine, I won’t talk to you until you talk in the language I am cognizant of.”

“Sama, wait! I am sorry. I was just testing you whether you know Korean or not.”

“It's Korean?”

“Yes. Actually, I have to crack an important deal and the clients are Korean. For my advantage, I decided to learn their native language.”’

“Nice strategy. You would be a great businessman one day.” I wished. He was hardworking, would generally work day and night in his father’s business even when he was just a college student.

“You think so?”

“I believe so.” I believed in him more than I believed myself. It was strange but a fact.

Soon after I learned Korean. At times we would converse in the same. It was fun, life was good back then.

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The car honk brought me out of my reverie. At that moment I wondered whether Mr.Stranger became the top businessman he had dreamt of.

In no time, we reached the venue. I bet the whole state was here.

Why was I even here? , I mused.

I was about to get out of the car when Aditi stopped me, “Wait, we are not going inside from here.” Aditi said and asked the driver to drive, giving him the direction.

“Where are we going? We are already very late. Aditi where are you taking us?” I started bombarding my questions on her.

“Shhh. . . don't worry, just keep quiet for a while and don't panic, we are about to reach there,” Adya said and I looked at her in confusion. I didn't say anything because I knew it won't work and they would not tell me anything so I just folded my hands and started looking out of the window.

After ten minutes the car came to a halt, “We reached. Let's go.” Aditi said and she got out of the car while I followed along with Adya.

“Where are we?” I asked them.

“We are at the backside of the venue. The front gate was packed with a lot of paparazzi which would have made you uncomfortable so we will enter from the backside.” Aditi replied.

“Oh my god! What would I have done without you both.” I said. I really wouldn't have survived without them. They knew me so well.

“I know. . . I know. . . we are the best!” Adya said proudly and I laughed at her antics.

“But how do you guys know about this entrance?” I asked.

They quickly exchanged glances before Aditi replied, “We have our sources.” But, before I could ask her anything she rushed on to say, “Now come on everyone is waiting! Also, I don't want to miss any chance to check out the handsome hunks. Who knows I might find someone today!”

Adya and I only laughed at her excitement while going inside.

The place was crowded. Aditi held my hand to keep me calm since a crowd got me uneasy. It was difficult to spot my family. I tried to call dad but he was not picking up.

“I never knew that people are actually interested in these kinds of charity events. The last time when I attended an event like this with dad, there were not a lot of people. I wonder what could be the reason for this.” I said while we were searching for my family.

“Of course this much crowd was expected. Who would want to miss the chance to meet the organizer of the event.” Adya replied.

“So they are all here to meet Mr. Sharma?” I asked, being perplexed. Mr. Sharma was a mundane person, a man in his early fifties.

“No,” Adya replied.

“But didn't you say they all are here to meet the organizer of the event? And isn't Mr. Sharma the organizer?” I asked.

“Oh shit, we forgot to tell you!” Aditi exclaimed, her forehead wrinkling while I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

“The organizer of the event has been replaced,” Aditi replied.

“Replaced by whom?” I asked her.

“Namit Khanna.” She replied.

“You mean. . . Mr. Richie Rich?” I never knew he attended these kinds of events and what is more shocking is, he organized this charity event, I wondered.

“There are a lot of things you don't know. Didn't I tell you in the morning he is not like the person portrayed in those business magazines?” Aditi asked. Now I think of it, business magazines must have portrayed a version of him that didn’t exist.

“Sammy, why do you call him Mr. Richie Rich?” Adya asked. I never told anyone why I call him that.

“Well, that's a secret,” I said, smirking.

“Hey, little one.” I heard someone and there is only one person who called me by that nickname. I turned around and saw it was really him.

“Dhruv!” I exclaimed and hugged him. Dhruv, me, Adya, and Aditi went to the same college in New York. Aditi was in a different department as she wanted to be a journalist. Dhruv always considered me his little sister and he is just like a brother to me.

“So missed me?” He asked as he pulled himself from the hug.

“Of course, when did you come? Why didn't you tell me that you were coming? Why didn't you tell me that you will be attending this event?” I asked him.

“Easy little one. .I just wanted to give you a surprise.” He smiled.

“By the way where is uncle and aunt?” He asked.

“I don't know. We are trying to find them too. Dad is not picking up the call.” I said, frowning.

“Okay, come with me you all. All the youngsters are on the second floor. I already met Simran, Sonia, and Ishaan there.” Dhruv replied.

“What? Ishaan is there? I am sure he must be flirting with some chick, that's why he is not picking up the call.” Adya said angrily and strode towards the lift.

“Looks like your brother is in danger Sammy.” Aditi smiled mischievously while we laughed at her statement.

“Let's go girls. People are eagerly waiting for you.” Dhruv said.

“Who all are waiting for us?” I asked him.

“Just come you will know it soon. You will love to meet them.” Dhruv shrugged.

We took the lift to the fourth floor and as soon as the door opened, I could feel people’s gaze directed our way.

“Why are they staring at us?” I asked them.

“They are not staring at us. They are staring at you.” Aditi replied. I knew this dress would only gather unwanted attention.

“I told you Aditi let me wear something simple. But you didn't listen.” I told her with disappointment on my face.

“It's not your dress idiot. They would have stared at you even if you were wearing any other outfit. You are just so beautiful no one can take their eyes off you. I wish I could be a guy and you, my girlfriend.” Aditi replied dramatically and I just giggled at her statement. We were so involved in talking that we didn't realize that Dhruv was not with us.

“Where is Dhruv?” I asked Aditi.

“Here little one,” A familiar voice replied. We turned to look in his direction to find him standing near a couch with Arjun Malhotra and his childhood friend whom I met once in college. There were two more girls and a guy with them; I didn't recognize them. When we reached them, Dhruv introduced us. The other guy was Rohit Khanna and one of the girls was his wife Riddhi Khanna. Dhruv further said that they all were childhood friends. At last, he introduced me to Nitya Khanna whom he introduced as Rohit's cousin. He said he wanted me to introduce him to someone else also, his other childhood best friend since he had just left to attend an important call. Soon Simran, Sonia, Ishaan Bhai, and Adya joined us. Dhruv introduced them to his friends. Not soon after we all got immersed in talking, everyone was invited to the dance floor. Everyone went to the dance floor, only I stayed back. Aditi had wanted to stay back and so did Arjun.

“Why don’t you guys go on the dance floor,” I suggested the both who weren’t quite interested to leave.

“No, I don’t want to,” replied Aditi. She was behaving weirdly as if was waiting for someone and so was Arjun. His eyes darted over to the entrance.

“Aditi, please go and dance.” I forced her. She had to give in finally. Poking her tongue out at me Aditi left while I chuckled at her act.

“You should enjoy too,” I said to Arjun.

“No, I am fine.” He replied giving me his charming smile. He was busy eating candies. He offered me one, but I denied politely. Soon enough his expression changed when he eyed something or maybe someone. Clutching his phone tightly he said,” Excuse Me.” and left to the dance floor.

I got seated on the couch, observing everyone, how happy they were.

“Hey, beautiful,” I heard someone and looked up to find a guy probably in his thirties, standing near me with two glasses of alcohol in his hand.

“It looks like you are alone here. May I join you?” He asked, suddenly I grew uncomfortable. He was probably drunk. When I didn't reply anything, he sat beside me, and before I could say anything he offered one glass of alcohol to me.

“Here take this. I don't like women being alone. I saw you and I thought to give you company. Such a gentleman I am.” He chuckled.

Gentleman? My foot! I thought and I got up from the seat ready to go far away from this man but he caught my wrist before I could go out.

“Where are you going beautiful? I am being so nice to you, don't leave me alone. Drink with me.” He urged and his grip on my wrist tightened. I started hyperventilating. His act reminded me of something which I always wanted to forget. I tried to take my hands away from his grip but to no avail and tears started falling out of my eyes.

“Leave her hand.” I heard a voice behind me. I didn't turn because I was not in the position to do anything.

“I said leave her hand. Can't you hear? She is here with me.” That guy said.

“I a-am so-sorry sir. I didn't know she was with you.” He stuttered and left my hand immediately and ran away as if he saw a ghost. I clutched my chest still hyperventilating.

The guy made me sit on the couch and covered my back with a soft material. It was a blazer the same colour as my outfit. He started rubbing my back and handed me a glass of water. Then he handed over a handkerchief, I took it without much hesitation and used it to wipe my tears. He was seated in front of me. When I looked at who my saviour was, I found a pair of beautiful blue eyes staring at me, concern etched in them. I was just staring at him as I couldn't believe who saved me, it was none other than Namit Khanna, the one that proved to be my Saviour.