Ekta's POV
I woke up late-too late, actually.
Afternoon.
Not my proudest moment.
After dragging myself out of bed, I quickly tidied up my place, took a shower, and had a lazy lunch. I tried working on my assignment due tomorrow, but my focus was all over the place.
Back in school, I used to finish assignments days before the deadline.
Now? Procrastination was my new best friend.
By evening, I finally gave up and went to the market with Archana to pick up some essentials. Once back, I started getting ready for the party.
I slipped into a soft pink gown-a gift from Shalu Di-and paired it with statement earrings and transparent heels. A touch of makeup, a spritz of my favorite perfume, and I was ready.
Since the venue was Di's home, I booked a cab and reached around 8 PM.
Late.
Great. Now, I just had to survive Di's scolding.
✨
The moment I entered, I headed straight for the drinks counter. My throat felt dry, and I needed something refreshing.
Only alcoholic options.
Just my luck.
Sighing, I decided to find Di instead. She was in the main hall, looking breathtaking in a maroon gown.
"Di, you look amazing!" I gushed.
"Thanks, Eku! But why are you so late? I was waiting for you!" Her voice carried a mix of affection and mild annoyance.
"Sorry, Di. I was working on my assignment and then went to the market. That's why I got delayed."
She sighed but let it go. "Forget it. I want you to meet someone!"
Excitement twinkled in her eyes as she grabbed my hand, ready to drag me somewhere-but before she could, a voice interrupted.
"Shalini, come here, beta!"
It was Sunil Uncle.
For a second, I was shocked. Di always described him as a strict, distant father, but right now, his voice was warm and affectionate.
Di glanced at me apologetically before heading towards him. Left alone, I decided to check out the food counter.
I wasn't disappointed.
I tasted almost everything. (Hey, it's a party. Why waste the opportunity?)
By the time I got to tiramisu, I was lost in my own world, savoring every bite.
Until-
"Excuse me."
A deep, commanding voice cut through my moment of bliss.
I turned around, spoon still in my mouth-and froze.
A man stood before me.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Effortlessly handsome.
Dressed in a sharp black three-piece suit, he exuded confidence and authority.
For a second, my brain short-circuited.
Before I could process anything, I blurted out-
"Ji?"
Smooth, Ekta. Very smooth.
He didn't react to my awkwardness. Instead, he asked, "By any chance, do you know Ms. Shalini Mehta?"
Wait.
How does he know Di?
"Yes, I know her," I replied cautiously.
He extended his hand. "I'm Abhimanyu Singh Chauhan, a friend of hers."
A friend?
Then why was Di so excited for me to meet him?
Still, I shook his hand. "I'm Ekta."
"Nice to meet you, Ekta. I'm a criminal lawyer."
Oh. That explains the intense vibe.
"I'm a second-year business management student," I said, unsure why I was even giving him that information.
For a moment, there was silence. His sharp gaze lingered on me, as if he was studying me, trying to read beyond my words. His presence was unnerving-like he could see through me, past the polite smiles and practiced indifference.
I suddenly felt small under his gaze.
"So, do you like books?" he asked, shifting the conversation.
A little surprised, I nodded. "I love reading."
"What genre?"
"Mostly fiction. Mystery, thrillers, sometimes romance."
His lips curled into something that resembled a smirk. "Interesting."
What was interesting? I had no idea.
Before we could continue talking, my phone rang. Di.
I had a feeling she was searching for me.
"I need to go now. We'll meet later. Bye!"
I hurried off, leaving behind a man whose presence lingered in my mind.
✨
I found Di looking furious.
Uh-oh. What now?
"Di, what's wrong?"
"Eku, don't even ask! Mr. Mehta is trying to fix my marriage with someone else!" she fumed before launching into the whole story.
I groaned. "Forget it, Di. It's your life, and you'll choose what you want. Oh, by the way, I met him."
Her expression changed instantly.
"I totally forgot! I wanted you two to meet!"
I opened my mouth to explain, but before I could-she dragged me across the hall.
"Di, wait-"
She stopped in front of a man.
"So, this is Vaibhav Rawat-my boyfriend."
Wait. What?
A man in an emerald-green suit stood before me.
Sharp black eyes. Calm demeanor. He looked... okay, I guess?
"Seriously, Ekta? Just 'okay'? That means the previous guy was handsome," my subconscious mocked.
I ignored my inner voice and smiled politely. "Hello, I'm Ekta. Nice to meet you, Mr. Rawat."
"No need for formalities. Just call me Vaibhav. Or Vaibhav Bhai," he said warmly.
Bhai?
I wasn't expecting that.
But strangely, hearing him call me that made me feel emotional.
"He's the one I wanted you to meet," Di added.
Wait. If he's the one she wanted me to meet, then... who was he?
A mix-up? Or something else?
As we chatted, I found myself genuinely liking Vaibhav Bhaiya. He was kind, respectful, and, most importantly, he cared deeply for Di.
He was definitely the right one for her.
Later that night, Bhaiya insisted on dropping me off at my PG because of Di's strict orders.
Once I changed into my pajamas and lay in bed, my mind wandered.
To the party. To Vaibhav Bhaiya. To Di.
But most of all-
To that stranger in the black three-piece suit.
The way he spoke. The way he observed everything so keenly.
The way his presence was so... undeniable.
For some reason, his face kept flashing in my mind.
Again and again.
Why?
I had no answer.
And before I could figure it out-
Sleep took over.
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