One | The Ball

”Stop walking like that Neil! People will laugh at you!“, I yelled at myself mentally as I walked up to the center of the hall - hand in hand - with the girl I detested the most.

Akanksha Goenka.

Nevertheless, I must look good!

We took our positions for the waltz and I had to look into her eyes.

I never liked her, she was just disgusting! But somehow people thought she was the best creation of God!

Just a false theory though because - even God would not disagree that I was his best piece of work. The most enchanting personality in London. Except being that charming, I was extremely popular, loveable and a part time playboy, full time flirt.

I had dark blue eyes, walnut brown hair and a clean shaven face. Today I wore my favourite black tuxedo, hair brushed to perfection. I had noticed women gaping at me when I had walked into the large hall, for the Christmas Eve dance.

It isn't their fault, you know.

And she, Akansha Goenka, daughter of a rich man with so - called beautiful eyes, fair complexion, wonderful voice and an amazing dancer was good enough for any Prince Charming but definitely not for me. I hated her from the very start and I still do and I am sure I'll continue.

I, Neil Parker was compelled to dance on the Christmas eve with her because my father though she would make a great daughter in law for him.

My father was an administrative worker for the British Monarchy and her father seem to be very close to the Queen (so now you know why she would make a 'great daughter in law for my father)

Mr. Jaydrath Goenka, her ancestor, unlike the great freedom fighters of India, kind of liked the British and after the India's independence shifted to Britain with his family and now, after sixty years I was suffering with this girl, all thanks to him.

Soon the music stopped and we walked away from the centre with a huge round of applause (which was well deserved I must say, for dancing with so much grace with a girl I so hated).

I could see my dad, Mr. Jason Parker and her father, Mr. Arvind Goenka smiling at us.

The girl seemed to like all that but I couldn't bear the thought of anything to do with her.

Once, not a long time ago, my father had told me that she liked me very much and wanted to marry me, I remembered throwing an absolute tantrum and completely denying food and water for complete seven hours until the idea was dropped.

The idea was dropped for the day. But now, I didn't know too well.

As of her liking me, I knew it since the time we were at school, in fact she had proposed me also but all I ever did was reject her but she seems to stubborn.

I still don't understand why she would like to marry a person who absolutely hates her, maybe because she had a wish to play with fire and to be very honest I wouldn't mind burning her fantasies to ashes.

As the spot light went into another couple I left her hand with a jerk as she looked at me astonished. I walked straight to my dad who seemed to still look happy and gleeful.

" I'm not marrying her dad! ", I said with a stiff voice, though a whisper.

" You should, Neil. She is really a good girl and most importantly she loves you. ", he said trying to explain his point.

"Dad, what is the announcement you spoke of?", I asked adjusting the lapel of my blazer.

"It's your wedding with Miss Goenka.", He said coolly.

I looked at with, in shock.

"I thought that idea was dropped Dad!", I said in gritted teeth.

"I am your father, Neil. I decide which idea is dropped and which is fulfilled. And she is more than perfect for you and this family.", He said casually adjusting his watch.

I drew in a sharp breath.

"I don't—"

"When the clock strikes twelve, I announce. And you shall adhere to what I say. None of your tantrums will help this time. I have given my word.", He stated sharply. I icyly realised this was a command.

I drew in a deep breath, looking at my friend, Arthur and his girlfriend, Rachel dance gleefully. Waltz is lovely, but only with someone you truly love.

It was quarter to twelve, that was only fifteen minutes before my dad announced my marriage with Akanksha Goenka.

Everyone wants to live their fairy tale love story. I wanted too. To find a love as true as Cinderella and Prince Charming - who had ever expected I would end up here, in an unwanted marriage with someone I could never truly love.

I Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley played in the background, as I stood in silence.

Akanksha looked at me in silence, both of us knew what was about to happen in a few minutes. She was excited to be my wife, and I was just plain annoyed.

Probably this was what life had destined for me.

A Prince Charming with an unhappily ever after.

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