The Malhotras were getting ready for the evening reception. The venue was nearly an hour away, nestled in the lush outskirts of the city. Their living room buzzed with last-minute details, car keys, and perfume spritzes.
Upstairs, Suhani sat before her dressing table, fastening a delicate diamond bracelet onto her wrist. Her gown—deep navy blue satin—flowed like liquid velvet, pooling around her in soft, elegant folds. The off-shoulder neckline framed her collarbones with quiet grace, and the fitted bodice flattered her form before flaring into a sweeping skirt that brushed the floor like a whisper. Her long, dark hair tumbled in loose, effortless waves down her back, softening the regal sharpness of the gown.
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
Her mother stepped in, her reflection appearing beside Suhani's in the mirror. "You look so beautiful, my sweetheart," she whispered, placing both hands gently on Suhani's shoulders.
Suhani smiled, reaching up to squeeze her mother's hand. "Not more than you, Mumma."
Her mother chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Come down, darling. We're running late."
The reception venue shimmered with golden lights strung across tall trees, music humming in the background as guests mingled with champagne flutes and practiced smiles. Mrs. Khanna, radiant in a crimson saree, greeted them at the entrance. Her joy made her seem even taller than she was. "Welcome, welcome! So glad you could make it," she said, pressing a flute of champagne into Suhani's hand and ushering them inside.
As her parents slipped into conversation with a group of business acquaintances, Suhani's gaze wandered. She scanned the glittering crowd, her eyes searching. And then, just off to the left—familiar curls, a flash of silver hoops.
Her face lit up. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed, making her way across the room.
"Suhani!" Naina pulled her into a tight hug. "Where have you been hiding, woman?"
"Don't even ask. Between lectures, exams, and barely functioning as a human, I've been asking myself the same thing."
"Ugh, typical med student chaos. You look amazing, though."
"You too." Suhani smiled, genuinely glad to see her. Naina had been her childhood best friend—their bond untouched by time or circumstance.
"Speaking of med students..." Naina arched a brow. "How's it going with Dr. Pain-in-the-Butt?"
Suhani rolled her eyes. "Vidyut? He's insufferable. Always has an opinion—solicited or not. Interrupts like it's a sport. God complex included."
She didn't mention the locker incident. Tonight wasn't about bitterness.
"Can't have you influencing the masses unchecked now, can I?"
The voice made Suhani's spine go stiff.
She turned slowly, jaw clenched. Vidyut stood a few feet away, swirling his wine glass with practiced indifference, eyes gleaming with that insufferable smirk.
"You never stop, do you?" she said, her voice sharper now.
"And why should I? You were clearly talking about me." He tilted his head. "What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't join the conversation?"
"One that knows when he's not wanted," Naina snapped, folding her arms. "You should start a talk show—Unsolicited Opinions with Vidyut Singhania. Has a nice ring to it, no?"
Vidyut chuckled, raising his glass in mock salute. "With a medical degree and this
He turned and walked off, disappearing into the crowd before either of them could respond.
"Don't let him get to you," Naina muttered. "Come on. Let's go find somewhere to sit before I throw a canapé at his head."
The lounge area was quieter, away from the main crowd. Suhani and Naina sank into the plush cushions, sipping mocktails and sampling the bite-sized hors d'oeuvres. The hours slipped by in laughter, gossip, and stories from their separate lives.
As the clock edged past one, the crowd began to thin. Suhani rose with a yawn, smoothing the creases in her gown.
They walked toward the front where their parents stood chatting with other guests. "It's late," Naina's mother said warmly. "Suhani! Long time no see, beta. We've missed you."
"Sorry, aunty. College has been… relentless."
"Well, don't disappear again. Come by soon, hmm?"
"I will," Suhani promised with a smile.
As they said their goodbyes, Suhani turned to her mother, hopeful. "Can we leave too?"
Her mother gave her an apologetic look. "Dad has to speak with Mr. Khanna about something important. Just a little longer, okay?"
Suhani sighed. "Fine."
Needing a break, she slipped away toward the washroom tucked at the end of a quiet corridor. The marble floors clicked beneath her heels as she descended the steps and entered the dimly lit space. She stood at the basin, reapplying her lipstick and inspecting her tired eyes. The exhaustion of the past week weighed on her—clinical work, lectures, and now exams looming in three days. This party had been her only reprieve.
She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and turned to leave.
And there he was.
Vidyut emerged from the men's room opposite, adjusting his cufflink. Their eyes locked.
Suhani groaned internally. Of course.
It was the first time she had noticed him properly. A peacock-blue three-piece tuxedo hugged his frame perfectly, crisp white shirt open at the collar, a slim analog watch glinting beneath his sleeve. One hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone.
He raised an eyebrow. "Like what you see?"
"You wish," Suhani snapped, trying to walk past him.
He blocked her path casually, leaning against the wall. "What is your problem, Malhotra? I swear, your blood pressure spikes every time I breathe near you."
"Because you don't know how to leave people alone."
He took a step forward. "Relax. Not everything revolves around you."
His eyes flicked down her figure—just long enough to be offensive. "I came to take a piss, not bump into your ego."
Suhani's nostrils flared.
He wasn't done.
"Touch up all you want," he added, voice dipping into something darker. "It won't fix the attitude."
He walked past her without another glance, his footsteps echoing in the marble hallway.
Suhani stood frozen, fists clenched at her sides. Her lipstick was perfect—but her night was now thoroughly ruined.