Akira was moved by his gesture and her eyes almost teared up.

"What?", Vikram asked softly.

She smiled and took a deep breath and said,

"Nothing, I just miss mom. She used to put would a Kohl Dot on me whenever I used to dress up".

"Come here", said Vikram and opened his arms for her.

She came forward and hugged him lightly, careful not to stain his clothes with her lipstick. His one hand rested lightly on her head like a protective shield and the other curled around her back.

The moment his fingers touched her bare skin, a fire was kindled inside his heart. Her same familiar lavender smell made him remember about thousands of moments like this when she was in his arms, lying all defenseless and he did nothing. This hug meant everything to him for tonight was their night. He had never touched her inappropriately before. It was always a hug or a kiss on the forehead, but this time he couldn't stop his desires from acting upon. His hands traced the delicate chain that was holding her outfit together and then slowly moved down with his fingers tracing her back lightly.

"Hey You !!!", said Akira and then slightly punched on his chest as she felt his hands generating those tingling sensations.

"Blame the dress, not my hands", he said and smiled looking into her eyes.

"You yourself approved if it", she said and pouted.

"I know !!!", he said and then mumbled,

"I am totally regretting it though."

"What did you just say?", she asked hearing him mumble something.

"Nothing. Just ignore me", he said and chuckled.

"Well, aren't we getting late already?", she asked and detached herself from him.

He took a good final look at her and said,

"Sure my lady", and extended his hand for her to hold and they came out of the house.

"Wao !!! You rented this limousine for the gala dinner?", Akira was amazed to see the car outside

"Rent it !!! You are indeed funny Akira. I own it", he said and opened the door for her.

"Jeez !!! But you always ride with your Audi !!!", Akira asked all surprised.

"Yeah because no one drives a Limo to office dummy", Vikram said and closed the door and then entered the car from the other side.

As the car sped through the streets of Brooklyn, Vikram's happiness knew no bounds, for he was going to share the dance floor with her, for he was going to unfold his heart in front of her. The thought of taking her into an embrace and running his hands over her body had already gotten him excited. Her sexy outfit with that thigh-high slit was already ruining the sanity of his mind. But there was only one thing that worried his mind and that was the presence of Raymond.

He knew that his presence would affect her, but he was also sure of Akira's decision. He knew that she will never go back to him, for the safety of his child was at stake. And the Akira that he knew, would go to any lengths to keep others happy.

---

After about 20 minutes of the ride, they reached the City Center where the gala had been organized. Vikram immediately came out and opened the door for Akira and again extended his palm for her to come out of the car.

But he saw her nervously clenching her fist inside the car and held onto her clutch as tight as possible. She looked up at him and asked,

"Tell me it's going to be ok".

Vikram took a deep breath and looked at her and said,

"I wish you could just read my mind and know how gorgeous you are looking tonight and I bet you will be breaking many hearts here. Trust me Akira, I will make tonight, the night for you to remember forever. Just take my hand and come with me and you will see".

His gentle smile and the sincerity in his eyes assured her and she held his hand and came out of the car and suddenly all the cameras and lights were on her.

Thousands of pictures were being clicked every second and she got all nervous and out of panic, she covered her face with her clutch.

He placed his hand on her hand that was holding his arm and whispered into her ears,

"Relax... Just breathe and smile at them and let them be enamored with your beauty. Don't listen to what they say and just keep walking ok?".

She turned towards him after hearing him speak.

"You are looking breathtaking Akira. I just .....", he said and then stopped mid-way.

"You what?", she asked.

"Nothing, let's go inside", he said and took a step forward.

She removed her hand with which she was covering her face and started walking with him. She was consciously at first and then slowly she started walking with a bit of poise for she didn't want to disappoint Vikram at any cost at such a huge public gathering.

They looked like a perfect couple, made for each other as they walked together towards the main entrance on the red carpet.

The media went frenzy over them.

And thousands of questions were darted towards them,

"Who is this angelic face with you, Mr. Shah?".

"Are you guys really a couple?"

"Can we expect a December wedding this year Mr.Shah?"

"This way Mr.Shah, a bit to the left side please".

"Can we expect any special announcement today Mr.Shah?"

They just kept walking and smiled at the reporters evading their questions. They didn't stop clicking pictures even till the point they entered the main hall.

The moment she stepped inside, she stopped and took a deep breath. She turned towards him and asked,

"Is this how it is?"

"Yeah", Vikram nodded and smiled.

"No wonder you hate going to galas", she said and smiled.

"By the way, how was I? Was I any good?"

"Mighty fine my dear. You were more than just good", he said and then holding onto her hand he moved ahead.