Continue from last part

Kairav had walked away, but Savi remained standing there—his words still echoing in her ears. For the first time, someone had understood her pain without asking too many questions, and it left a strange lightness in her heart.

Just then, Tanmay walked up behind her and said casually,

“You okay? I thought you passed out after falling on bhaiya.”

Savi gave a faint smile and replied,

“You and your jokes… that’s all you ever do.”

Trying to lighten her mood, Tanmay teased,

“By the way, do you really think Kairav bhaiya would’ve caught you if you were someone else?”

Savi shot him a glare,

“Stop it! Don’t overthink things.”

Tanmay raised his hands in mock surrender,

“Alright, alright… not another word.”

She grabs his hand and pulls him toward the food counter, saying with mock authority,

"Come on now, go and get me an ice cream and a cold drink."

Tanmay makes a disgusted face and mutters,

"Dude, you seriously need help. Just yesterday you were heartbroken, and today you’re back to craving ice cream?"

She glares at him and raises an eyebrow,

"Are you going or not?"

He knew arguing with her was pointless. No one had ever won a fight with Savi, and he wasn’t about to become the first. With a dramatic sigh and a sulky face, he quietly turned and walked toward the counter.

Tanmay returns triumphantly, holding the ice cream like a prized possession. He extends his hand toward Savi with a half-smile.

"Here you go, madam. Your precious ice cream."

But just as she's about to take it, a hand appears out of nowhere and snatches it cleanly from Tanmay’s grip.

Both Tanmay and Savi turn their heads at the exact same moment.

Their expressions freeze.

Kairav was standing right in front of them, calmly eating Savi’s ice cream—like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Tanmay and Savi didn’t say a word. Neither of them ever really could in front of him. There was something about his presence… something that made both of them hesitate.

After a moment, Kairav lifted his eyes and looked at them. His voice was calm, almost casual.

“Do you want some ice cream?”

Savi quickly shook her head, not even looking at him.

He watched her for a beat, then spoke again—his tone still soft, but this time with a hint of amusement.

“But didn’t you just order it? Why not now?”

She stuttered, eyes lowered.

“Not anymore… you can have it.”

And without waiting for a response, she turned to Tanmay.

“Let’s go. Let’s meet the others,” she mumbled.

The two of them quietly walked away, heading to the other side of the party hall.

Behind them, a faint smirk touched Kairav’s lips as he watched them leave.

They were standing with their other friends now, trying to blend in with the noise and laughter. Tanmay was talking about something random, and everyone seemed to be listening.

Everyone, except Savi.

Because she could feel it—that slow, constant gaze burning into her back.

She didn’t turn to check. She didn’t need to.

It was him.

Kairav.

Her heartbeat picked up, just slightly.

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

Then, slowly, almost absentmindedly, she raised her hand and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear—twice.

Her fingers lingered near her neck for a second longer than they needed to, as if trying to steady herself.

Her eyes stayed focused on nothing in particular—just the space in front of her. She nodded gently at something Tanmay said, though she hadn’t really heard it.

Her free hand gripped the edge of her dress. A quiet gesture, but it said enough.

She was nervous.

Unsettled.

Not because he was loud or threatening.

But because he wasn’t.

He didn’t have to say a word—his silence did enough.

And even without looking, she knew—Kairav was still standing somewhere behind her. Still watching.

Still making her feel things she didn’t know how to name.

Just then, the party lights dimmed a little and the organiser’s voice echoed through the hall, smooth and cheerful:

"Alright everyone… it’s time to turn this evening into a memory. Let’s add a little magic—some fun, a little spark."

The lights shifted to a warm golden hue, soft and ambient. Glass chandeliers above shimmered delicately as a slow track started playing. Not too loud. Not too fast. Just… perfect.

People began moving toward the centre of the hall—elegant dresses twirling, tuxedos brushing shoulders, the rich scent of cologne and fresh flowers in the air. The kind of party where even silence had class.

And then the music dropped—

“Haath rakh de dil par zara…”

That one line echoed, slow… deliberate.

And right in that moment, as if pulled by invisible strings, Savi’s hand landed gently on someone's chest.

Firm. Warm. Still.

Her breath hitched.

She looked up—and froze.

It was him.

Kairav.

Their eyes locked, everything else blurring into a soft haze.

The lights, the crowd, the music… all faded.

Just him and her, standing still in the middle of it all.

Kairav didn’t move. Didn’t blink. His hand was already half-raised, but now it hung in the air—uncertain, incomplete.

And Savi?

Her hand was still on his chest, right above his heartbeat.

And for a second, she could’ve sworn she felt it skip.

Neither of them said a word.

But in that long pause—between lyrics, between glances—

something shifted.

Something real.

The music faded slowly… and then stopped altogether.

But they didn’t.

Savi was still in his arms, eyes lowered, his hand still around her waist… and the world had begun moving again—but not for them.

One by one, people noticed.

Whispers started.

A few playful giggles.

And then—

"Bade bhaiya..."

A familiar voice, thick with mischief, broke the moment like glass.

Tanmay stood beside them, a teasing smile tugging at his lips as he tapped Kairav’s shoulder lightly.

That one touch was enough.

Reality crashed back in.

Kairav blinked, like snapping out of a trance.

Savi flinched.

They both stepped back, almost at the same time.

Savi’s cheeks were already flushed. She didn’t look up.

Didn’t wait.

Didn’t explain.

She just turned and walked away—quick steps, almost running.

Like she needed space to breathe.

Like standing there a second longer would’ve made her fall apart.

Tanmay watched her go, then looked back at Kairav with a smirk.

Kairav ran a hand through his hair—part nervous, part trying to shake off what just happened.

But the faint redness near his ears gave him away.

Tanmay didn’t say anything more. He didn’t need to.

That look was enough.

Kairav exhaled softly and turned around, walking away in the opposite direction—his steps slower, heavier.

Because no matter how much he pretended…

he was still standing in that moment with her.

Savi quietly slipped away from the dance floor chaos and walked to the farthest corner of the hall.

She stood there, her back against the textured wall, trying to breathe.

But her breathing was getting faster.

Shallow. Uneven.

As if her lungs were struggling to keep up with her heart.

What was that...?

Her fingers clutched the edge of her dress tightly.

Her cheeks were warm. Her chest felt… heavy.

Not in a bad way. Not in a good way either.

Just... strange.

Her heart was pounding so loudly she could hear it in her ears.

She shut her eyes for a moment, trying to calm herself.

It wasn’t supposed to feel like this.

And just then…

a hand rested gently on her shoulder.

She froze.

A wave of panic washed over her. Her breath caught in her throat.

She turned around quickly, eyes wide, startled.

“Tu…” she whispered, blinking.

It was Tanmay.

Smirking.

Of course.

His arms were casually folded, and his teasing grin was already in place.

"Kya hua? Kairav bhai ka wait kar rahi thi kya?”

His voice was light, playful—but sharp enough to pierce through her flustered state.

Savi’s eyes widened for a second, and then she instantly looked away, cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink.

“Shut up, Tanmay…” she muttered, almost too softly.

Kairav stood quietly near the drink counter, one hand in his pocket, the other resting against the marble edge.

But his mind was far—lost somewhere in that one dance.

In her.

He could still see her eyes—wide and startled, lashes low, her breath caught.

The way she hadn’t looked up… but hadn’t moved away either.

Her soft nervousness, her silence, that slight tremble in her fingers…

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips without him realising.

She didn’t even know what she had done to him.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

He turned, slightly startled.

Before he could react, a warm pair of arms wrapped around him in a tight hug.

“Kairav!” the familiar voice chirped happily.

He smiled, recognizing her instantly—vamika, Savi’s elder sister.

She pulled back from the hug with a wide smile on her face.

“When did you get here?” she asked, brushing her hair behind her ear.

Kairav nodded, his smile still soft.

“Just today. Came straight here.”

There was still a faraway look in his eyes.

Vamika noticed it—but chose not to ask, not yet.

Because whatever had pulled him into that daze…

had clearly meant something.

She watched him quietly... that stubborn smile playing on his lips—one he had been trying to hold back for a while now, but failing.

It was subtle, but it was there.

Persistent.

Soft.

Like something inside him refused to stay still.

Vamika tilted her head slightly and smirked.

"What’s got you smiling like that, hmm? You look… unusually happy today."

She had no idea…

that the reason behind that smile—

was her little sister.

He let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck.

“N-no... nothing like that. I was just... you know, just smiling.”

His words stumbled out like he was trying too hard to sound casual.

Vamika  smiled lightly, resting her elbow on the counter as she turned slightly toward him.

“Hmm... just like that? Or is there a girlfriend behind that smile?”

She meant it playfully, but there was a flicker of something real in her eyes.

He responded almost instantly.

“No! No, absolutely not. Not at all.”

Too quick.

Too firm.

The kind of reply that doesn’t just deny

it hides.

Vamika laughed softly, looking down at her glass, unaware of the ache behind his smile…

and even more unaware of who it was truly meant for.

As they continued talking, a small voice broke the moment.

Kairav and Vamika turned around—

only to find two familiar figures standing at a distance.

Kairav’s eyes lit up instantly.

“Dad!” he called out, his voice breaking into a rare boyish smile.

Without a second thought, he walked forward and pulled his father into a tight hug.

“I missed you, Dad.”

The words came out softly, almost like a whisper —

the kind that had been waiting too long to be said.

Then he turned to his mother, gently wrapping his arms around her.

He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“I missed you, Mom.”

It wasn’t loud.

It didn’t need to be.

His mother smiled, her eyes moist with affection.

She cupped his face gently, then leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“I missed you too, my son. Finally… you came back.”

Kairav grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling with that rare, boyish charm.

He straightened up dramatically, placing a hand over his heart.

“Yes, Mata Shree.”

He bowed playfully.

“And now, your son shall go nowhere. Never again will I leave you behind.”

His mother laughed softly, shaking her head.

Just then, the Maheshwari family walked in —

Laxmi ji, Balveer Maheshwari, and little Naksh.

The moment Balveer spotted Kairav, his face lit up.

He stepped forward and pulled him into a warm hug.

“Beta, when did you arrive?”

Kairav smiled, returning the hug with equal affection.

“Just today, Uncle. Came straight here.”

Before anyone else could speak, Naksh grinned and jumped in.

“Then Bhaiya, no wonder — you’ve become even more handsome and smart than before!”

Everyone chuckled.

Kairav ruffled Naksh’s hair with a fond smile.

Just then, Laxmi ji looked around and asked Vamika,

“Where’s Savi? Haven’t seen her around.”

Vamika waved her hand casually.

“Oh Mom, she’s probably with Jay. Where else would she be?”

At that, Kairav’s head turned slightly.

His brows lifted — just a little.

A flicker of something unfamiliar crept into his eyes.

“Jay?” he asked, trying to keep his tone even —

but the name echoed in his mind louder than he liked.

Vamika looked at him and laughed.

“Oh God, no! Not some guy named Jay. I meant Tanmay!”

She nudged him playfully.

“They’re like Jai and Veeru, you know? Partners-in-crime. Always together.”

Kairav’s lips curled into a smile.

But only half of it reached his eyes.

Oh. Tanmay.

Just then, Tanmay and Savi came skipping toward them —

hands clasped, laughing like children, completely lost in their own little world.

They weren’t walking.

They were bouncing, like two unstoppable whirlwinds of joy.

Watching them, vamika smirked.

“Look mumma — here comes your little storm.”

Savi and Tanmay slowed as they reached the group, their smiles wide.

Vamika reached out, ruffling Savi’s hair gently.

“Someone’s having too much fun today.”

Savi smiled back sweetly—until her eyes met Kairav’s.

And just like that…

her smile faltered.

The mischief faded from her face.

The bounce in her steps disappeared.

She stood still.

Quiet.

Like someone who had just been caught doing something wrong…

even when she hadn’t.

The Maheshwari family finally turned to the Raisinghaniyas.

“We should get going now. It’s gotten really late,” Laxmi ji said warmly.

Both families folded their hands in a respectful goodbye, smiles exchanged, words of gratitude passed like tradition.

But amidst all the politeness —

Savi couldn't bring herself to look up.

Her eyes darted from her dupatta… to her shoes… to the ground.

Anywhere but at him.

She could feel his presence though —

strong, silent, and steady, like always.

And Kairav?

He noticed.

He watched her — the way she shifted awkwardly, the way her gaze kept dancing around him but never resting on him.

And he smiled to himself.

Because even without eye contact, even without words —

she had already said everything he wanted to hear.

Both the Maheshwari and Raisinghaniya families walked together toward the parking area.

Balveer Maheshwari moved to the driver’s seat and turned the key —

but the car didn’t start.

He tried again.

Still nothing.

Frowning, he stepped out and walked around the car.

That’s when he noticed it.

The front tyre — completely flat.

He bent down to check it.

“Someone let the air out,” he muttered, voice tinged with surprise.

Seeing him, Anuj Raisinghaniya approached with concern.

“What happened, Balveer? Everything alright?”

Balveer stood up, brushing his hands.

“The tyre’s punctured. Someone’s deflated it intentionally.”

Soon, Savi stepped out with vamika, Naksh, and Laxmi ji.

Tanmay looked at Balveer and said helpfully,

“Uncle, let’s call the driver. He can take your car later — why don’t you all just come with us for now?”

Anuj Raisinghaniya nodded in agreement.

“Yes, Balveer bhai saheb, don’t worry. Come with us — we brought three cars today.”

Everyone quickly began settling.

In the first car, Neeta ji and Anuj sat with Laxmi ji and Balveer ji.

In the second car, Bhavya, Tanmay, and Naksh took their seats — Tanmay had brought a driver since he didn’t feel like driving today.

That left just one person standing.

Savi.

She was quietly observing everything, when Anuj turned to her with a kind smile.

“Beta, you sit with Kairav.”

And in that single sentence —

Savi’s world paused.

Kairav, already leaning against the car with his arms crossed, heard it too —

and a slow, knowing smirk crept across his face.

But Savi?

It felt like the ground beneath her had v

anished.

Her feet wouldn’t move.

Her voice wouldn’t rise.

And the one direction she couldn’t bring herself to walk toward…

was now the only one left.

Dear Reader,

Every story I write carries a piece of my heart, and when you read it, it feels like that piece has found a home.

If something in these words stayed with you, moved you, or even made you pause — I would love to hear from you.

Your feedback means everything. It inspires me, grounds me, and keeps this journey alive. 💌