Mr. HansH (Ishq Mein Marjawan)
New Year's Eve

I spent all the time with Neha before my departure for Korea to change face, I followed her to the new year's night party as well as the anniversary of her client's wedding. The event was held in a large hall in Excelsior.

Fortunately tonight, for the final wedding of the year to be taken care of by Neha and her team, the theme is truly elegant: black, white, gold, and, guests are also required to wear masks. Round tables for the twelve laid around the shiny dance floor were given clean white linen cloths and surrounded by white cloth-lined chairs with gold ribbons on their backs. Each seat had gold plates and cutlery, as well as beautiful crystal glasses with gold-striped edges. The table decorations are large vases of dark glass containing a bouquet of white and yellow lilies and roses, as well as some dark green vines that dangle down to the table. Candles flickered from crystal glasses, bouncing on gold sequins and crystal beads scattered over the tablecloth. In the dim lighting, this gives an amazing impression like luxury tables at the prestigious award ceremony.

The meeting hall continued to fill with guests - women in expensive black, white and gold evening dresses that made them float in the air as they moved around the room, as well as the men in official black suits who were sewn so neatly.

We enjoyed the view as much as we could, then, reluctantly left the place and walked across the dance floor towards the stage. The black curtain hanging from one side created a small backstage area where band members gathered, sitting on chests and some chairs borrowed from the performance hall. They were dressed neatly in black shirts, black trousers, and white ties. Neha must make sure they are all ready to perform to entertain the invited guests tonight.

On the stage, just after we left the area, the host was welcoming the guests and calling them to the dance floor. The dance began when the band members began to display their amazing actions. Under the light of a light that highlights each couple, the dance takes place as it should. Except for one thing: me. I wasn't supposed to be in the middle of that dance floor - let alone with HansH, that guy - which I never thought I was - also at that party and he recognized me.

"Dance with me, please?"

Oh my God, how did this happen? Even if a part of my face was covered in a mask, the man still recognized me. As for me, I know it's him. He knelt before me with a hand out, asking me to dance with him.

If only I could avoid it then.

In consideration of not wanting to embarrass her in front of the crowd, I welcomed her hand and agreed to dance with her. And this makes my heart beat ungodly.

What happened to me, God? This feeling..so foreign..so thrilling....

I tried to focus my attention and follow HansH's direction, but it wasn't easy. I was well aware of HansH's large hand grasping my hand, his body swiping on my body as we moved to the beat of the music from the stage. And, HansH's sturdy arms fit so well around my waist. Really, this closeness corroborates my nerves. The manly scent of the masculine perfume HansH teased my nose and it was curious that I was leaning against his warm chest. Not even just that, I noticed the hard muscles on HansH's back while those muscles moved under my palm. The man's breath was wafting softly on my cheek. And the man's eyes were warm and dark, like an intimate caress when he looked down to look at me.

The silence makes me nervous. Not to mention that man's hand moved up and down caressing my back. Whether unlucky or what, it was so coincidental that night that I wore a black backless dress that everything that happened seemed to support that beautiful moment in the intoxicating romantic scene. I trembled happily, and I knew HansH was well aware of my reaction. He pulled me a little closer.

"You're so beautiful" she whispered. "And I'm a lucky man because you're willing to dance with me. Thank you." Thank you."

Uuuuuh. I'm sure the red color on my cheek is still visible even under the dim light of the lamp. This sweet moment inevitably made me smile happily.

Lord, more than that, with one arm around my waist and holding me in his arms, HansH touched my face with his other hand. He made me look up at his face. My heart seemed to stop beating as his eyes looked into mine, and I looked back at him, my heart pounding faster as he slowly lowered his head.

And kissed me.

I want to feel like I fainted on the spot. It's so amazing. As soon as HansH's lips touched mine, there was a great tremor inside me that I didn't understand why. It's so fun, it's so happy, and it feels like I'd really like to feel it for longer with this guy. This reality was much better than what happened in my dreams back then. More beautiful, more thrilling....

I feel like my cheeks are burning.

"You're the one" the man whispered. "You're the one I'm looking for, the girl who keeps coming to my dreams. You're the one I'm looking for, the life friend I want to keep with me. I want you, Zia."

That's exactly when I snapped. Zia's. He can't see this face.

Restless, I lowered my head and broke out of his embrace, rushing away from the dance floor.

"Wait!"

Behind me, I could hear his pace getting faster towards me and I accelerated again. But remaining unbalanced, he was able to chase me and get me back into his arms.

"Why are you going?"

"A-a-ak-me.. i...."

HansH, in the same instant, the man also gasped in shock and released me from his embrace. "That's...?"

Damn it! Real nice. My face hasn't changed but I already have to use Alisah's identity? Waw! The amazing!

"Alice." Sanjeev was out of breath. "My sister called, she needs our help, so we have to go now. Come on."

I nodded, and Brother Sanjeev immediately pulled my hand and led me to the car leaving the frozen HansH behind there.

I'm sorry, HansH. Ii'm sorry....

"Luckily, I saw you, Zia, and luckily I arrived on time" said Kak Sanjeev, as the car's engine roared and drove off the parking lot.

I swallowed spit. Still in shock at everything that just happened.

"How can you be here?"

"Who else, dear? Of course I can get into that party with Neha's help."

"Oh, thankfully. That was almost...." I fell silent, suddenly not knowing what to say.

"Take it easy on yourself." Brother Sanjeev thrust a bottle of mineral water at me, and I drank it. "I know you must be in shock. It's not easy. But there's always a beginning, right? And I think this is a pretty perfect start. Didn't you?"

I just nodded. I cannot respond to the words of Brother Sanjeev, for my thoughts are now on HansH. I feel sorry for him, he must be confused. For a year after losing Alisah without a trace, she closed her heart to another girl. And now, as soon as her feelings turned to Zia, Zia disappeared and became Alisah. It will be excruciating, not only for him, but for me as well. When I can fill HansH's heart with my true identity as Zia, I have to approach him with the identity of someone else.

Really, it's a sad story. It's very sad, Zia. How poor of you.

"Zia?"

"Emm?"

"He kissed you?"

"Emm. I'm...."

"Don't use your feelings, Zia."

"Em, i...."

"You're just distracted. Let's get that."

"Yes, I know. Of course."

Of course, this is my true feeling. Which has been sidetracked. Not for a while.

This feeling is no longer for you, brother. Not anymore....