'God help me! I literally haven't got any clothes to wear for my first date!', Anjali whined loudly as she stood in front of gigantic clump of clothes piled on her poster bed. Aarushi rolled eyes shrugging off her wails and resuming her mindless scrolling through phone.

'What are all these then, nugatory rags?', Harshita said with widened eyes.

'No... But nothing is appealing enough', Anjali said. She slumped on her bed near messy pile crossing her arms with tensed lines stretching across her forehead.

'Wear anything... Anyways, it isn't going to alter your perfect monkey face', a sly smile was plainly visible as Aarushi said these words.

'Hmm... Right, researches prove that more we spend time with someone more we tend to adapt their habits; no doubt I developed some of your admirable facial features', Anjali retorted sardonically.

'You mean I am monkey?'

'Oh, I didn't expect you to deduce that, smart!', Anjali said with mocking admiration. Aarushi threw a pillow at her and she successfully blocked the attack by catching it just in time.

'You desire for a combat, do you?', Aarushi asked pointing an accusing finger in her direction.

'You reap what you sow; who started it?', Anjali said smiling wickedly. Aarushi made a sarcastic face before switching back to her scrolling.

'Harshu, you suggest something na... The other lady here has got her fashion senses dropped into negative, it would be waste of time to ask her', Anjali said with a goading grin.

'Negative? Mr. Chopra has surely instilled some decent amount of heroism in you to make you say that', Aarushi said with an amazed death stare.

'Stop praising me, I know I am smart and beautiful but my talents don't affect my modesty', Anjali said with a teasing sweet smile. Aarushi rolled her tongue in her mouth giving a hollow scoff.

'Fine, let me clear out your postulation and show you my actual fashion skills', Aarushi said folding the sleeves of her sweater and diving into the pool of clothes lying before her. After scavenging for about fifteen or twenty minutes she pulled out a black skivvy top and short blue and white checkered skirt.

'Here you go', Aarushi said placing the selected combo in front of Anjali.

'Are you sure this is the best you could do?', Anjali asked warily. Aarushi rolled her eyes at her skepticism.

'Harshita lend me your skin color stockings and bring my knee high boots', Aarushi commanded turning a deaf ear to Anjali's wary remarks. Harshita nodded as she exited the room.

'Just go and try it once', Aarushi ushered Anjali. Anjali shot them both a diffident glance before disappearing. Aarushi paced outside the bathroom like an anxious student awaiting her soon to be declared results. A few minutes later, Anjali emerged out wearing the selected combination with a nervous dubious smile.

Aarushi grinned with prideful satisfaction examining her from head to toe. She felt like a proud artist who has just managed to create a masterpiece.

'Pratyush will definitely fall even more for you, absolutely stunning!', Harshita complimented Anjali making her cheeks go light pink.

'Thanks, your work exceeded my expectations very much', Anjali said. Aarushi raised an eyebrow giving her an "I-told-you" look.

'It just needs a bit more detail', she said swiftly removing the hair tie from Anjali's hair and allowing them to flow freely down her back. She took two strands of hair from either side of Anjali's face and adjusted them loosely at the back of her ears.

'Hmm... Perfect!', she said with a satisfactory smile. Anjali examined herself from every end in the wall mirror; the light blue and white checks went with her light complexion bringing out her shimmering eyes while creating a perfect contrasting yet soothing shade with black skivvy and black boots.

'Everything is nice except this pair of stockings'; Anjali said struggling to adjust the pair in a more comfortable position. Aarushi bent down adjusting it in just right position.

'These are a part of dress up, besides it's freezing outside, you don't want legs to be covered with cracks and scratches do you?', Aarushi said.

'Uhh... That's why I hate winters, if it would've been summers I would've gladly thrown them out', Anjali grumbled checking herself out in mirror.

'When have you scheduled your meeting with Pratyush?', Harshita said.

'Today evening, around half past four at City Walk Mall, I'll have dinner outside only', Anjali briefed them. 'By the way, have you both decided your outfits for winter party at NTI?'

'I am thinking of going with a beige short skirt and white top with golden embroidery, while Aarushi is still confused', Harshita said.

'Still confused? You have got such great sense of dress and you are still confused', Anjali asked horrified.

'I am good with suggesting others and equally bad when it comes to me', Aarushi sighed.

'Yeah right, the girl who can suggest to wear a plain yellow kurti with jeans when going to meet her crush for first time after long years, she clearly doesn't possess any talent to dress herself up. Not gonna lie, I was shocked when you suggested me this amazing outfit right now', Anjali mused pointing at her dress.

'I don't know whether to laugh or get angry at those words', Aarushi said wearily.

'But seriously, you aren't thinking something stupid like that again right? It's winter party; new-year and Christmas celebration... We do have the right to doll ourselves on such occasions, how about we buy a new dress?', Anjali suggested.

'I don't have any more savings to waste on such frugal stuff', Aarushi rolled her eyes.

'Ask your parents, they won't deny', Harshita said and Anjali nodded in agreement. Aarushi hesitantly looked at them. Ever since she had come off age, she hadn't asked her parents for money other than small monthly allowances she used to receive. Initially she had refused the monthly sum, but after persistent insistence from their side she had given in accepting a tiny sum which was enough to cover her hostel and canteen fee. For other expenditures, scholarships and small savings from jobs had come handy.

'What are you thinking?', Anjali said waving a hand in front of her nose.

'Nothing, I'll see what I can do', Aarushi said with a hard smile.

She sat in her room deliberating over what to say on the call. According to her mother it would be a waste of money in front of her existing clothes, but still her young heart wasn't exactly satisfied with the current collection. She wasn't a huge fan of dressing up, but this time she wanted to dress to the nines. Of course the occasion was one part of this desire, while other part was a bit heedless and naïve; Ajay would be there and she wanted to grasp this chance to unfurl her charm in best possible way.

She took in a deep breath making her decision and pressing the dial button.

'What do you want?', the snarky voice of Aaditya barked through the phone.

'What are you doing with mom's phone? Where is she?', Aarushi replied briskly.

'Shoot away your question I'll tell her', Aadi spoke nonchalantly.

'I said give the phone to mumma'

'And I said you tell the reason you called'

Aarushi could hear him grinning annoyingly through phone. Getting on his sister's nerves was his favorite hobby, but right now Aarushi was in no mood to entertain him so she decided to use her ultimate weapon.

'Fine, I'll call dad and believe me I won't forget to mention the fact that you are idling around with mom's phone instead of studying', she said in a much calmer voice and clever smile; the only person who can make this little fellow submissive and meek was Raghvendra Sharma, and Aaditya would certainly not dare to disregard his words in any circumstances.

'Ok ok, no need to disturb papa. Mom's out and her phone is with me', Aadi replied shortly.

'It's okay, I'll call her later', Aarushi said in faintly disappointed voice.

'Just leave your message with me; I know you too well sis, you won't call us in the middle of day until it is something fairly important', Aadi responded back in a bored voice.

'Just tell her to transfer me some amount then, I need a new dress', Aarushi said.

'New dress? Aren't you paranoid of these new stuff and all?'

'Yes, new dress for winter party and I am not paranoid of such stuff', Aarushi annoyingly said.

'Party, where is it?'

'In a neighboring campus'

'Who invited you?'

'A friend, but wait why am I answering your questions?', Aarushi exclaimed out loud.

'Hmm... a friend... or maybe... a boyfriend?', Aadi said slyly. Aarushi can see his malicious smirk with closed eyes. Aaditya Sharma was hell bent on testing her patience today!

'Shut up. You aren't mom or dad, I am not answerable to you; and there's no boyfriend', Aarushi snapped back.

'Just tell me, I swear it will be my most precious secret', Aadi said wickedly. Aarushi scoffed mentally. After spending sixteen solid years with a sibling, she had learnt an important lesson; never trust your siblings' words, and that's a never with capital N.

'Oh... so it will be a secret, fine then tell me who is Shreya?', Aarushi asked with innocence. She had been given a latest tip about her brother's current crush by one of his friends, and doubtlessly; she was going to use this amazing weapon.

'Who is Shreya? I don't know anyone with such name', Aadi chuckled nervously.

'Are you experiencing short term memory loss bro, I can tell mom to give you some medicine so that you can remember who Shreya is', Aarushi said shrewdly.

'Why do you need to disturb mom for such teeny tiny thing; Money for dress right, I'll ask mom to transfer it, bye- bye, see you, have a good day' the line went dead before Aarushi can even say "ok". She guffawed at the velocity of abrupt ending of their conversation.

About an hour later, her phone rang again. This time it was her mother.

'Hello, mumma', Aarushi sang sweetly in the receiver.

'Hello, Aadi said you needed money, why?', Pramila's stern voice made her shiver slightly.

'Yeah... Actually a neighboring university is hosting Winter Party, I haven't got any suitable dress to match the theme, it would be better if I buy a new one instead of rummaging fruitlessly', Aarushi explained.

'Which university is it? And how come you all are so free from studies to attend such kind of event?', Pramila said.

'NTI Delhi; we are collaborating for project with them, so one of my friend invited us over. And mom, it's not like we are wasting complete days; just one evening won't affect our studies', Aarushi spoke with a slight harsh edge.

'Watch your tone, it's your mother you are talking to', her mother warned. Aarushi inhaled a deep breath, biting her tongue from speaking her thoughts. Maybe due to her austere upbringing, there was still a line of regression and hesitation that kept her from connecting to her parents without any resentment, especially with Pramila. Keeping thoughts to herself and obeying them without question was something she had learnt to do at very early stage of life, because no matter how she tried to present her point at the end she would've no choice but to comply with them or be tagged as churlish and unruly.

Sadly, her parents too never tried to see through her thoughts and emotions. It's not like they don't love her or she doesn't love them, but transparency of thoughts and lack of resentment aid in mending every relationship. Aarushi had her aggravations and questions, but every time she had tried to voice them out, a cold chastise from her mother berating her for being blind eye towards her relationship with elders had cut the words short.

'Sorry. But we aren't wasting our time, besides it's not only me, Anjali and Harshita are also attending', Aarushi said.

'I don't care about who is attending and who is not, whatever you do make sure it doesn't affect your record or studies', Pramila said. Aarushi let out an inaudible sigh; it was pointless to argue with her, saving the argument for later was better than losing money for dress.

'Fine, will you transfer some fund now?', she asked shortly.

'I can. But you must keep in mind our current situation, your family isn't as rich as Harshita or Anjali's family; so think twice before making any unreasonable demands', Pramila said cutting the call. Soon enough, Aarushi's phone announced the money transfer in her account.

At least, the result of everything was positive. She had managed to acquire cash for her new outfit.

She began scrolling through various varieties of colorful dresses listed across internet, enlivened by the high spirits of living a memorable party day.

The sky was painted in shades of saffron and rose pink, birds were returning to their early abodes sheltering themselves from the chilly winds blowing around the city. The quietude of winter evening was overcome by the feverish wave of excitement enveloping the young souls of NTI and Medical College as they eagerly waited for that evening's special event, The Winter Party.

'Aarushi, how much more time do you need? I am dying to have a look at you', Anjali dramatically called out as she waited for her friend outside the restroom door. A second later door creaked open and a woman clad in cherry fitted point sleeve one piece dress with flowing knee length pearl white skirt and black stockings paired with elegant black stiletto heels stepped out. The faint glitter powder sprinkled on her top gave off the ideally gracious and party vibes.

She strapped a pearl studded gold choke neck necklace around her neck pairing it with a pair of silver pearl and golden flower ear studs. Her shiny black hair was slightly wavy in the middle as they cascaded down her shoulder. The natural make up look brought out her flawless features and sprinkled her already glimmering doe eyes with final touches of beauty and shimmer.

A coy smile played on her carmine painted neither full nor thin lips as she looked around her friends batting her long lashed big doe eyes.

'Beautiful', Harshita whispered running a hazy eye over her. Anjali let out a low whistle stunned to the core.

'Gorgeous', Suhani exclaimed, smiling encouragingly.

Aarushi smiled at her friends before studying herself in the full length wall mirror. The girl standing inside the reflection was really the definition of eternal beauty. She smiled a radiant smile fairly impressed by her own appearance.

'Your mouth is hanging open', Anjali whispered in Sarthak's ear making him jump a mile.

'Oh... Uh... Right... You look amazing', he muttered, dazed and startled. They were waiting for Harshita to grab her beaded purse which had been forgotten back in dorm. She had insisted to complete her beige outfit with that specifically selected handbag.

'Aarushi, you made the heart throb of National University of Medical Sciences star-struck, I'll give you a pass with full score', Anjali winked at her playfully. Aarushi laughed acknowledging her compliment.

Anjali had stuck to pair of high waist black jeans and off white top paired with a black leather jacket while Suhani shared the appearance of delicate beauty with cream and salmon pink body hugging gown. Sarthak had opted for an elegant complete black look with overcoat, white sneakers and messy hair; Aarushi couldn't help wonder the number of ladies ogling at his astonishing appearance as soon as he stepped into NTI, and sure enough her predictions came true.

'Trinity achieved', Anjali mumbled to Aarushi, as third girl approached Sarthak near the drinks corner. Aarushi snickered. It had been less than ten minutes and Sarthak was already racing amongst the list of most popular attractive male figures in party.

'Bet he would be a bit cranky tomorrow', Aarushi whispered back as Sarthak declined the offer for dance with a rigid yet polite smile.

'What secrets are keeping you busy on this exhilarating evening?', Viraj's voice exclaimed behind them matching their low voice teasingly. Aarushi turned around to face a dashing Viraj with three piece suit and hair gelled backwards.

'Elegant', Aarushi complimented him.

'Thank you, my lady', he said stooping down in a courteous bow. Aarushi chuckled at his pretence looking around for person she had been intending to see ever since her arrival. Her efforts to dress up would be unavailing if the one she had dressed up for doesn't get to have a glance at her.

'Hi', an unfamiliar sound greeted her as she reluctantly turned towards it. A boy wearing classic black suit with white shirt was standing there with two glasses of mock tail and a fascinating toothed grin. His clothes screamed expensive and his actions shrieked ostentatious.

'Hello', Aarushi replied with a polite smile, perfectly veiling her inner impatience.

'May I have the opportunity to grace myself with a dance with the most gorgeous lady in this spectacular evening?', he asked smiling tantalizingly. Words stuck in her throat as an immediate reaction towards being asked out suddenly. With effort, she jerked herself back from shock arranging a ladylike smile.

'Thanks for such sweet words, but I'm sorry, I don't really dance', Aarushi denied.

'Maybe this is your opportunity to discover your hidden talent', he said raising his eyebrows. The sugared seductiveness in those words was enough to make anyone agree to them, but for Aarushi, they were to no avail as her mind and heart waited for one person.

'Apologies, but it's definitely not my cup of tea', she once again rejected his efforts without second thoughts. She saw the corner of his mouth drop slightly but the tantalizing smile still showed no signs of disappearing.

'It's alright, how about enjoying a drink instead?', he said offering one of the two glasses.

'Here, here, Kartik; I would love to enjoy your free drink', before Aarushi could respond, Ajay's voice cut through the conversation as he heroically swooped the offered glass from his fingers.

His light ochre overcoat fluttered modishly as he deliberately took a step closer to them while maintaining his fashion model persona. Aarushi stared at him open mouthed; indubitably, he successfully gave off the impression of walking straight out of the fashion gala with that high neck black skivvy and simple black jeans topped with an overcoat and hair styled like one of those swoon worthy male drama leads. The woody scent of his oddly familiar perfume ruffled the air around him causing numerous colorful butterflies to cloud over Aarushi's mind.

'What a great evening! I get to share the space with college pin-up Ajay Sanghvi and a beautiful young lady!', the boy named Kartik greeted Ajay while shooting a very radiant smile at Aarushi.

'Hmm... Bitter', Ajay said. Kartik turned to look at him with a confounded and taken back expression. 'I mean your drink; it's too sour for her taste. Anyway, please continue your discussion, don't mind me', Ajay said taking another sip of confiscated drink. The small smile that lingered on his face didn't match the gnarly vibes emitting from him or the sharp piercing stare that followed Kartik's every move like a wolf waiting to pounce upon his prey.

'If I may know your name, miss? It would be nice to make some acquaintances while we are at this party', Kartik said, completely unaware of death glare. 'Aarushi Sharma, sophomore student at NUMS', Anjali said before anyone else. Aarushi raised her eyebrow at her and Anjali gave her knowing smirk in response.

'It's Aarushi then', he beamed. 'I wonder if I'll get a chance to treat you today evening', he rephrased his previous question to a more direct one.

'Sorry, you won't', Ajay suddenly said.

'Why?'

'Because she isn't available', he said smoothly. 'I'm sorry, Are you both dating?', Kartik said, suspiciously looking between them both.

'No!', Aarushi said at the same time as Ajay. They briefly glanced at each other and instantly looked away both red in face. On the other hand, Viraj chortled and Anjali clapped her hand on mouth to stifle a laugh.

'Then she is available!', Kartik said eagerly.

'She isn't!'

'Why?'

'Because she promised her evening to me', Ajay promptly retorted. Aarushi's jaw hit the ground; when did she make such a promise?

'Oh... in that case, we have no choice I guess', Kartik said, the corner of his mouth turned down in disappointment. 'I hope I'll get to see you again', Kartik said after a moment's pause with hopeful glance in her direction.

'You definitely will! She is a part of integrated program you see', Viraj blurted and immediately regretted his words at the look of murderous glare from Ajay's side.

'Great! I'll see you around then!', Kartik called out. He shot a last radiant beam at Aarushi before walking off in opposite end and disappearing amongst the crowd. The pounding music was vibrating across the party arena as crowd of students swarmed across the dance floor, chatting, dancing and singing at the top of their lungs. The party was in full blow; Viraj was soon enough dragged away by Hardik to a distant group of boys, bellowing and pounding on the dance floor. Aarushi could see her friends socializing or swaying on the beat. Couples had their arms around each other as they smoothly glided across the floor, changing their dance steps to match the pace of beat or escaping the crowd for some lone time.

Aarushi pulled Ajay to a quieter place as soon as she was sure they were out of the surveillance of others.

'Why did you say that?', she asked.

'What did I say?', he retorted carelessly.

'When did I promise my evening to you?', Aarushi fumed.

'Oh that... it was just a dupe', he said easily. Aarushi stared at him aghast and marveled at the perfect display of acting skills and easy lie. 'Why did you lie?', she asked.

'I just returned your favor of helping me out with Sakshi the other day', he said with a nonchalant shoulder hunch. 'If you wish to spend your evening with him I'll call him back right now', he continued taking a look at Aarushi's ghastly expression. He started walking in the direction Kartik had disappeared. Aarushi quickly pulled him by his jacket sleeve.

'No need, I'm better off alone', she muttered resignedly. Ajay pointed to her hold on his sleeve and she immediately let go blushing pink. He dramatically pretended to arrange his clothes back.

'In that case, thanks'; she quickly said starting to walk back. She felt a strong tug pulling her back. Thankfully she had done some practice with stilettos or she would've definitely ended up embarrassing herself by hitting the ground face on under the effect of Ajay's staggering pull.

'What?!', she hissed, straightening herself.

'Do you think I deserve such a plain thank you?', he retorted with a lopsided mocking smile.

'Do you want me to thank you with a dance routine then?', Aarushi rolled her eyes.

'Exactly!', his smile transformed into a fully fledged devilish grin. Aarushi's eyes widened; how can someone be as much annoying as much as he was handsome!

'Are you even human?', she questioned horrified and amazed. She had been expecting to receive some compliment from his side not some unreasonable and obnoxious demand. She wondered if he has decided to be galling schmo for the day.

'I am a very handsome human, thank you; and as for your thank you, it just needs a bit of amendment; I don't want you to dance for me but I want you to dance with me', he said with a witty crooked smile. Aarushi blinked in surprise; was her ears ringing or had Ajay Sanghvi really asked her out?

Although, she couldn't deny the euphoria that rushed through her but it wasn't strong enough to override the feeling of annoyance and frustration that surged through her. When she said she couldn't dance she wasn't making up lies; she didn't possess necessary balance to walk on straight line path without tripping at least once and here the task was dancing, with heels on and a huge crowd watching your every move, it was god's grace that she had maintained a graceful composure up until now. And Ajay was very well aware of her issues; still he had enough self possession to ask her out.

'Are you really so desperate to embarrass me?', she lashed out exasperated. He tilted his head frowning in perplexity.

'You know I cannot dance', she said and twirled around ready to walk off only to be tugged back in spot. She tried to shake off his hold but was disappointed against his strengthened hold. 'Are you so desirous to fall down with me?', Aarushi asked in a tired voice.

'Nobody will fall', he said simply. Aarushi's eyes shot up to his face, he had an undistinguishable resolve; a resolve which could melt down every question and doubt. She stopped struggling against his hold but was still reluctant to give in to his offer.

'What gives you the confidence?', she asked feebly.

'Not confidence, it's believe; none of us will fall down until we are together and even if we do, I'll not let you be implicated the slightest', he stated letting go of her hand. Aarushi wondered if she imagined the underlying assurance in his words. She shuffled as the deliberating storm raged inside her. Ajay patiently waited for her answer fixing her with a passive intense gaze.

After long minutes of silence she finally reached her decision.

'Okay, I trust you', she said taking a deep breath. A blessed out beam spread across his face. He took a few steps back before extending his palm towards her. Aarushi could see his ears glowing light red under faint glow from party decoration as he hesitated before formally asking her. She giggled at his hesitation; it was amazingly adorable that how he had been twittering playfully a moment ago and next second he is nervous like an elementary boy.

'May I?', he asked softly. Aarushi smiled before taking a step forward and intertwining her arm with his. Ajay's eyes widened with her move as he became hyper aware towards their bodies almost brushing against each other. Aarushi bit back a giggle at his stupefied look; she stepped even closer until she could feel heat emitting out of his body. Even though, she was wearing stilettos, she was still a few inches short from his six feet. She stretched herself slightly, seductively gazing in his eyes.

'Yes', she whispered in his ear. He gulped blinking back to life. Aarushi sniggered noiselessly, captivated by his adorable shyness. Her heart was already performing a break dance but the dopamine rush had overwhelmed every other emotion of hesitation and nervousness.

He led her to the dance arena as the DJ broke out in the instrumental version of some medium paced western song. Aarushi glanced around the dance floor, astonishingly and thankfully none of her friends were in sight.

Ajay twirled her on spot as the beat dropped and placed his arms tenderly on her waist, steadying her staggering steps. Reflexively, Aarushi wrapped her arms around his neck reducing the distance between them.

'Just follow me', he whispered locking an intense gaze with her. Aarushi nodded. He launched into a set of comprehensible dance moves and Aarushi followed the pursuit absorbing the melody and bliss of the moment. She couldn't believe she was living the fantasy of many people. Somehow her faltering steps weren't an obstacle as they smoothly glided across the dance floor, she couldn't understand if it was the ecstasy of moment or magic of love that capsulated them covering every flaw and fault.

'Aarushi, can I ask you something?', he said as he slowly swayed on spot.

'Hmm'

'Can I have your evening?', he asked with hesitating nervousness.

'Aren't you already having it?', Aarushi chuckled softly. He shook his head. 'Not fully', he said with a clever smile. Aarushi raised her brows questioningly. Sometimes his phrases sounded more confusing than numerical of physics.

'I want to show you a place, away from this crowd; can I?', he said. Aarushi could see the nervousness spelling itself out on his features as he anticipated her answer. Her mind smiled at his anticipation, of all the people she could ever trust, he had unreasonably occupied the top place.

'You can, but how are we going to escape from everyone?', she said the obvious question. Ajay smirked wittily. 'Don't worry, I have mastered this art', he said, winking at her.

Aarushi knew he had a plan, but more than that she was elated by the beautiful turn her evening her taken. And somewhere, she was totally convinced that there were more surprises awaiting her in near future and she was eager to embrace them in loving cage of memories.

A/N:

Whew!! It was a long and tough journey to write this one!

I had completed the chapter three or four days back and suddenly the whole system went down, deleting all the hard work. I had to rewrite everything from start and surprisingly it turned out to be better than before!

Hopefully you enjoyed their interactions!

A charming chapter coming up with lots of heart fluttering moments! Do stay updated!

Don't forget to vote and comment your views!