Niyati's Pov

As I wrapped myself in the comforting warmth of my pink leather jacket, the chill of the night air dissipated, replaced by a sense of security and calm. The rain pattered softly against the windows, casting a soothing melody that harmonized with my newfound tranquility.

Initially, I had felt a twinge of self-consciousness about my dress, its delicate fabric and fitted silhouette making me wonder if it was too revealing. But as I slipped on the jacket, its supple leather embracing my shoulders, my doubts vanished. The jacket's edgy charm tempered the dress's sweetness, striking a perfect balance that made me feel confident and at ease.

With the jacket's protective layer, I felt shielded from the world's prying eyes, free to enjoy the evening without worrying about my outfit. The soft rain and crisp night air only added to my relaxation, enveloping me in a cozy cocoon of comfort.

As I stepped into the mansion with Arjun, the silence between us felt heavy. The party's loud music and vibrant lights seemed to fade away, replaced by the eerie stillness of the night.

"I'm going to change," Arjun said, breaking the silence, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, watching him disappear into crowd. His words echoed in my mind - "I'm going to change." Was it just about changing clothes because of rain, or was there something more?

*The Party*

With a sigh, I stepped into the grand party hall of Malhotra Mansion.

The grand party hall of Malhotra Mansion shimmered with opulence, the crystal chandeliers casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floor. The air pulsed with the vibrant beats of Bollywood music, enticing guests to let loose and revel in the splendor.

Across the room, Sara stood near the bar in her stunning white gown, laughing with friends. Her joy seemed infectious until I spotted Reyansh Khurana striding towards her with that signature confident smile plastered on his face.   
Sara, resplendent in a white gown, her raven hair styled in loose waves, stood poised near the bar, sipping a sparkling cocktail. Her eyes sparkled as she laughed with a group of friends.

Reyansh Khurana, debonair in his tailored black tuxedo, scanned the room with an air of confidence, his piercing gaze locking onto Sara. He strode toward her, his chiseled features creasing into a charming smile.

"Hi, beautiful. Mind if I join you?" Reyansh asked, his deep voice cut through the noise..

Sara: (polite smile) Not at all. Sara's polite smile faltered for a moment before she replied.

Reyansh:  You look stunning tonight. What's your name? he asked, his flirtation dripping from every word.

Sara: “Sara,” she said simply.

Reyansh: Sara... lovely. I'm Reyansh. Reyansh leaned closer, intrigued.

Sara: I know who you are, Reyansh Khurana she shot back dryly.

Reyansh: “Really? You know me?” His surprise was palpable. 

Sara: Who doesn't ? she teased.

Reyansh: Well, I'm glad I'm famous he smirked.

Sara: “Infamous might be more accurate,” Sara quipped back.

Reyansh:  “Oh, I like you,” Reyansh chuckled before launching into a barrage of flattery that felt rehearsed and overly practiced.

Sara: Seriously, Mai tumhe acche se janti hu, Tum famous politician ke bete Reyansh Khurana ho jo apne best friend and Vivek jiju ka so called Business partner hai par jise business ki koi knowledge nahi hai and logo se baat karne ki tameez nahi hai. Tumne London se MBA kiya hai na lekin usme bhi tum 2 baar semester mai fail hue ho aur tumhare bare mai kya hi batau Imperial college ki har ladki ko tumne yahi sab kaha hai na.

Ye jo tum itna cool dude banne ki koshish kar rahe ho, na... voh kisi aur pe try karo.

Reyansh: Hold on ...Kya? Tum mere bare mai kuch jyada hi nhi janti. Kahi london mai maine tumhe ignore toh nahi kar diya tha na tina, sheena, katrina ke sath ghumte hue? Isiliye gussa ho na lekin yaha koi nahi hai tumhare seewa pakka.

Sara: You're trying too hard, Reyansh. Save it for someone who's interested.

Reyansh: Accha hua tumne mujhe pehle hi bata diya ab main tumhare sath flirt nahi karunga. (curious) Aur tum ho kon jo mujhe itne acche se janti ho? (And who are you?)

Sara: Kya accha hua or kyu flirt nahi karoge tum itne samajhdar toh lagte nahi ho. Main Niyati ki dost hoon aur tumhe main kaise janti hu na voh vakt aane pai tumhe pata chal jayega. (I'm Niyati's friend.)

Reyansh's expression changes, realizing his mistake.

Just then, I caught sight of Reyansh’s eyes narrowing as they locked onto me—like a predator spotting its prey. “Oh great,” I muttered under my breath just as he turned to me again.

“You’re Niyati’s friend?” I approached them just as Sara said something that made Reyansh’s expression shift from charming to defensive.

“Yes,” I confirmed coolly. “And you’re exactly who I warned her about.”

Reyansh raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering across his features. “If only you’d let me flirt with her for a bit longer…” Sara looked between us with concern etched on her face.

Reyansh: Oh, sorry. I didn't know. Tum wahi ho jo mere aur Niyati ke beech mein pad gayi thi aur tumne meri side li thi na. (You're the one who intervened between Niyati and me earlier.)

Dekho agar tum mujhe yeh sab nahi batati ki tum mere baare mai janti ho toh mai puri party, wedding tumhe patane mai time waste kar deta and ab mai kisi aur ko apna time dunga simple.

Niyati approaches, her eyes flashing with anger as she notices Reyansh talking to Sara.

Niyati and Arjun enter the living room, where Sara is already seated.They part ways as they notice people waiting for them.

Sara: (concerned) Niyati, where were you? I was worried.

Niyati: Nothing, Sara. Just some personal work. I was just taking a walk.
My gaze darted back to Reyansh. “Did he bother you?” “Not really,” Sara replied cautiously.

Sara: Did something happen with Reyansh Khurana? Forgive him, he's not that bad he's just stupid .
Niyati: What makes you say that? Did something happen when I was away? I know he must have tried to flirt with you or make you fall in love with him.

My protective instincts kicked in hard as frustration bubbled beneath my calm exterior.

Sara : “Niyati…” she started gently but hesitated before continuing. “He might have tried flirting… but maybe there’s more to him than what we see?”

Niyati : Sara, dekho ye jo Reyansh jaise ladke hote hai, inhe humare feelings ki koi value nahi hoti. Ye toh bas logo ke emotions ke sath khelna jaante hai.
(No!” My voice came out sharper than intended; a warning laced within it. “Guys like him don’t care about our feelings—they just play games.”)

Sara : Niyu, pyaar koi padhai ya exam nahi hai ki soch samajh kar kiya jaye. Voh toh bas ho jata hai. (“Niyu! Love isn’t like studying for an exam; it just happens.”)

Niyati : Baat Pyaar ki ya dosti ki nahi hai. Dekho Arjun Reyansh ka dost hai lekin voh mujhse kitne acche se baat kar raha tha lekin ye Reyansh pata nahi he's just not right . (“It’s not just love or friendship at stake here! Look at how Arjun treats me compared to him when they both are childhood friends.”)

Sara : Niyu, trust me. Mai koi Reyansh ke chakar mai nahi fasungi. Hum toh sirf baat kar rahe the. Aur kya pata voh vaisa na ho jaisa vo dikhata hai? Bigdail ameer shehjada type.

Niyati : Sara, samajh rahi ho na? Main kya keh rahi hu? Tum uski side kyu le rahi ho.

Sara : Haan, Niyu. Samajh rahi hu. I am always on your side. Lekin by the way Arjun kon hai aur voh humare conversation mai kyu hai hmm ?

Arjun joins Reyansh and Vivek, who are engaged in conversation.

Reyansh: (smirking) Ek aag toh dusri thandai, hai yaar. (One's fire, another's ice)Reyansh grinned at Sara and me while casting a glance toward Arjun.

Arjun: What's that supposed to mean, Rey?

Reyansh: (glancing at Sara) Sara aur Niyati dost hai, lekin Sara... (pauses) Sara kitni calm and composed hai aur Niyati toh bilkul jwalamukhi hai.

(“It means Sara is calm and composed while Niyati is… well…” He paused dramatically before finishing with a grin, “…a volcano ready to erupt!”)

Vivek: Really? Stop annoying my sisters Rey.

Reyansh: Yes, Vivek. Sara's simplicity and innocence... it's like my mom all over again.

At that moment, Shanaya glided into view wearing a breathtaking red tulle gown that commanded attention instantly—a stark contrast to my moodiness. She approached Arjun with an alluring smile.

Meanwhile Shanaya approaches Arjun. Shanaya glided across the room, her presence commanding attention. She wore a stunning red tulle gown, its delicate layers cascading down her slender frame like fiery petals.

The gown's fitted bodice hugged her curves, accentuating her tiny waist. The sweetheart neckline framed her heart-shaped face, drawing eyes to her bright smile.

Shanaya: Arjun, can I talk to you for a minute?

Niyati feels a pang of jealousy seeing Shanaya's flirtatious behavior.

Niyati: What is Arjun doing with her? Does she know him?

Arjun: (reassuring gaze ) Nothing, Niyati. Just work-related.

Shanaya: (smiling slyly) Arjun, can you do me a favor?

To be continued......