Kalaba Kadhala | Part 2

The air inside the lavishly decorated halls of the Sapphire Grande Hotel was filled with the gentle hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the soft strumming of a live band playing in the corner. The annual business party was the event of the season, a place where power and influence intertwined with luxury and glamour.

Amongst a sea of glittering faces, Prabhas stood tall, his charismatic presence commanding attention.

The party buzzed with energy, each corner of the hall showcasing a different cluster of elite guests. It was an atmosphere where alliances were forged, fortunes made, and secrets whispered. Prabhas effortlessly navigated this world, every word a calculated move in the game he had mastered.

As the night wore on, their charm and chemistry had garnered the attention of everyone in the room. Yet, as Prabhas chatted with a few of his close associates, he remained blissfully unaware of the tempest brewing in Anushka's heart.

Anushka was engaged in conversation with a few of Prabhas's associates, discussing mundane topics that bored her, when she felt an unfamiliar twinge in her chest. She glanced over to see a strikingly beautiful woman leaning in closer to Prabhas, her laughter echoing like sweet chimes. The woman was all too obvious in her flirtation, her hand lingering on Prabhas's arm as she leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

A pang of possessiveness twisted in Anushka's stomach, not unlike a serpent coiling around her insides. She watched as Prabhas grinned, his charming demeanor shining as he reciprocated the woman's light-hearted banter. It was a simple exchange, but in that moment, the world around Anushka faded, replaced by the steady thrum of jealousy that ignited something within her.

Taking a deep breath, Anushka pushed her way through the throng of party guests, her heart racing as she approached Prabhas's group. The moment she reached them, her gaze locked onto his, a flicker of authority sparkling in her usually gentle eyes.

"Prabhas," she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "We need to talk."

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk teasing the corners of his lips. "Is everything alright, sweety?"

"I mean, yes," she replied, her authority firm, but her cheeks flushed beneath the scrutiny of his friends. "Can we step outside for a moment?"

With a playful shrug, he took a step back from the group, still amused by her sudden assertiveness. "Lead the way."

With a deliberate move, Anushka took his hand and led him away from the animated crowd, her grip possessive as they stepped into a quieter corner. In a secluded corner of the vast ballroom, the music faded, leaving only the soft clinking of glasses and muffled conversations. Anushka turned to face him, her brow knitted in a mixture of concern and indignation. "What was that all about?"

Prabhas feigned innocence and, with a casual air, leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "What do you mean?"

"The girl over there!" Anushka gestured sharply in the direction of the group, where Riya leaned against a man, still laughing boisterously. "You seemed to be enjoying her company a little too much."

"Oh, that?" He chuckled nonchalantly, his mischievous eyes dancing with amusement. "She was just being friendly. You know how it is at these events—everyone's trying to make connections."

Anushka felt her heart rate escalate. "Connections?" The word dripped with contempt. "That was clearly more than just casual conversation. She was flirting with you!"

Prabhas finally caught a glimpse of the intensity in Anushka's gaze and straightened up, his playful demeanor giving way to something more sincere. "C'mon, Sweety. It thrills me seeing you jealous but You know I only have eyes for you."