She took a few more pictures while Tina Mehta continued to speak animatedly until Bharat gave her another brief nod and stepped away.
There was a brief look of disappointment on Tina Mehta’s pretty face.
Yamini didn’t want to capture it.
She continued to take pictures while other people approached Bharat Jogra in groups. She noticed that he didn’t initiate conversation. He only seemed to tolerate it.
Snobbish jerk.
As though sensing her stare, he turned slightly.
For one second, it felt like he was looking straight towards her.
She froze.
Oh my God.
Her pulse shot up so fast she thought she might drop the camera that was shielding her face.
He turned away barely a moment later.
She let out a slow breath and quickly lowered her head, letting the cap shade her upper face.
The event officially began, and the speaker talked about sustainability and environmental programs.
She noticed that Bharat Jogra listened for only a few minutes. Then he gave a small nod to one of his guards.
Within moments, there was another announcement on the mike.
“Ladies and gentlemen, His Highness has an urgent commitment and will be leaving shortly…”
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
Relief hit Yamini hard.
Thank God, he’s leaving soon.
She stayed back as other photographers rushed forward. But she lifted her camera one last time.
Click.
He shook the chief minister’s hand again and gave a brief nod to Tina Mehta.
Then he walked toward the exit surrounded by his guards.
Yamini did not follow.
From her place near the pillar, she watched security clear the way toward the helicopter.
Minutes later, the blades started again. Yamini held her camera close, squinting slightly as the air whipped around her.
Then the helicopter lifted. And just like that, he was gone.
Yamini stayed where she was for a moment longer, staring at the empty sky, her heart still racing.
Bharat Singh Jogra was gone.
And thank God, he hadn’t seen her.
