CANVAS OF COURAGE [Ongoing]

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I clasped my hands together briefly, but they refused to stay still. One drifted down, my fingers brushing the soft folds of my saree.

"You've worked hard for this," I said, my voice steady despite the betraying flutter deep inside me. " You truly deserve every bit of this success. Your dedication and perseverance have paid off beautifully—congratulations!"

Something shifted in his expression like he waiting someone to say this to him. His lips curved—not a full smile, but the faintest upward pull, as though my words had touched a part of him, he rarely allowed anyone.

"This isn't just my achievement—it's ours."  And then his eyes softened. Something that sent a heat rushing up to my cheeks faster than I could stop it.

"Coming from you," he began, his gaze unwavering, "that means more than you realize."

The words, simple as they were, hit me like a gentle storm.  His voice carried a depth that seemed to slip past every defense I thought I had. I should've looked away—should've let the moment release me—but I didn't. I couldn't. and I wouldn't.

"You are looking beautiful in saree." He said in his deep, velvety voice. "It suits you perfectly—the colors, the elegance."

My chest rose with a slow breath I barely managed to draw, and I felt the blush deepen across my face, a warmth that refused to be tamed. Still, I held my ground, letting the corner of my lips curve just slightly.

"You look handsome too, just like a star." I said, my voice soft but playful, as I adjusted the edge of my saree.

"A star, huh? Well, I only shine brighter when you're around," he replied, stepping closer, his gaze locking with mine.

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "But tonight, it's you who's stealing the spotlight. I can't take my eyes off you." his slow breath fanning against my face, which sending shivers to my spine.

For a second, I freeze. 

Did I hear him correctly? 

Is this really happening? 

My heart raced, each beat louder than the last. Surely, it has to be a dream, right?

A shy smile escaped my lips as I glanced away, my heart racing. "You're quite the charmer," I murmured,

As Kaira, standing beside me, took a graceful step forward toward Siddarth and spoke.

"Congratulations, Siddarth," she said, her voice calm. "The project is nothing short of brilliant."

"Thanks, Ms. Rai for your warm regards." Siddarth said, his voice is filled with professionalism.

I feel happy, so happy just because she calls her by her second name. 

 And I love that. I love that he's the only one who calls me Sanvi, and I'm the only one who calls him Siddarth. It's ours, this little thing, just between us.

Just as Kaira turned toward Eshan, I caught a glimpse of him from the corner of my eye. He stood frozen, his mouth slightly agape, and his gaze fixed on Kaira as though she were some celestials being descended into the room. It was as if the sight of her had rendered him incapable of coherent thought.

Kaira, oblivious with an easy smile.  His expression remained comically awestruck, and I struggled to stifle the laugh threatening to spill out.

Arya, who had been watching the scene unfold with sharp amusement, finally broke the tension with her usual wit. She leaned slightly toward Eshan, prodding him gently with her elbow. "Eshan bhai, at least close your mouth before someone thinks you're trying to catch flies."