Mohit and Shikha arrived at the pub and waited outside for Piyush and Kesha. As they stood there, they couldn't help but notice the attention they were drawing—men were admiring Shikha, while women cast curious glances at Mohit. They were both looking their best.

"Where are they?" Mohit muttered impatiently.

"Why not call them and ask?" Shikha suggested.

Mohit dialed Piyush's number. "Hello, Piyush? Where are you?"

"Just five minutes away," Piyush replied.

"Come soon," Mohit urged.

Five minutes later, Piyush and Kesha arrived. After exchanging greetings, they entered the pub. The interior was dimly lit, filled with flashing lights and the throbbing pulse of loud music. The atmosphere was chaotic, with bouncers removing a few rowdy, drunken troublemakers who were causing a scene. Although Shikha was accustomed to such environments from previous visits to pubs, she still felt uneasy. Mohit, sensing her discomfort, wrapped his arm around her shoulders, providing a reassuring presence.

They settled into a spot on the couches, but the music was so overpowering that conversation was nearly impossible. Mohit leaned towards Shikha's ear and shouted, "Are you okay? Do you like this place?"

"It's great! I feel like dancing," she responded, leaning closer to his ear.

"Wait, what would you like to have first?" Mohit asked, then turned to Piyush and Kesha, "And you two?"

Piyush grabbed Mohit's hand and led him to the bar counter. They got their drinks and returned to their partners, distributing the beverages. Everyone began to enjoy the vibrant ambiance. After finishing her drink, Shikha tugged at Mohit's hand.

"Come on, Mohit, let's dance," she urged.

"You go with Kesha. I'll join you later," Mohit replied.

"Forget it," she said, making a playful face. "Come on, Kesha, let's hit the dance floor."

The two ladies moved towards the dance area. Mohit stayed close to Piyush, keeping a watchful eye on their respective partners to ensure their safety.

"What are you looking at?" Piyush asked.

"Nothing, just... nothing," Mohit replied.

"I've noticed you've been off since this evening. What's bothering you?" Piyush pressed.

"It's nothing," Mohit said, though his gaze remained fixed on Shikha. He felt an unsettling sensation inside him.

"Come on, something's on your mind," Piyush insisted.

Mohit shifted his gaze to Piyush and confessed, "I just can't lose her."

He took a sip of his drink and looked back at Shikha, who was now completely absorbed in the music, dancing with a carefree abandon. She seemed to have shed her usual sophistication, and Mohit watched her intently.

"She's your wife. Where would she go?" Piyush said.

"I don't know. Ever since I found out Samarth is her best friend, I've been on edge," Mohit admitted.

"Mohit," Piyush called, making him look back. "Do you love her?"

"I'm not sure if it's love, but I really want to be with her," Mohit confessed.

"That's love, man. You can't stay a second without her. When she's with you, you forget everyone else. When she's not around, all you do is talk about her. You care for her, you're insecure about her, and look, even now, you can't take your eyes off her. You've never felt this way about anyone else," Piyush explained.

Shikha waved at Mohit and Piyush, inviting them to join her and Kesha on the dance floor. Mohit smiled and moved towards her. The four of them danced together, and eventually, Piyush slyly guided Kesha away, giving Mohit and Shikha some time alone. As they danced, Mohit and Shikha lost themselves in the rhythm. Suddenly, they bumped into each other, finding themselves very close. Their eyes locked, and they were both breathing heavily, trying to control their breaths. Mohit's hand instinctively moved to Shikha's waist.

Shikha gazed into Mohit's eyes, her hands resting on his chest. Their heartbeats raced, and they had never been this close before. Their faces were mere inches apart, their warm breaths mingling. They stared into each other's eyes, mesmerized. Mohit swallowed hard and leaned in, drawn to her lips. As he got closer, Shikha closed her eyes, bracing for the moment. Just as their lips were about to touch, a sudden jostle broke their closeness.

Shikha's eyes flew open in shock, and Mohit quickly pulled away, realizing someone had bumped into them while dancing. Embarrassed, they exchanged glances, with Shikha's cheeks flushing red. Mohit leaned in and whispered in her ear, "It's okay... It happens."

Shikha bit her lip and nodded, her embarrassment palpable. They returned to their seats, avoiding each other's gaze. Piyush and Kesha soon rejoined them.

"Why aren't you dancing, Shikha?" Kesha asked.

"Where were you both?" Mohit inquired.

Kesha blushed, and Piyush replied, "Come on, man, you're married now. You should start understanding these things."

Mohit and Shikha felt even more uncomfortable. They decided to leave the pub, feeling exhausted. They said their goodbyes and headed to their car. The drive home was silent, with neither of them speaking or making eye contact. Shikha soon fell asleep in the car. When they reached their apartment, Mohit parked and unbuckled his seatbelt. He looked at Shikha, finding her peaceful and endearing as she slept. He recalled her carefree dancing and still felt an urge to kiss her but restrained himself. He gently shook her shoulder.

"Shikha, wake up... We're home," he said softly.

Shikha opened her eyes, glanced at Mohit, and quickly turned away, still shy from the evening's events. They changed into their night clothes and went to bed, utterly exhausted.

As days passed, Mohit and Shikha grew more comfortable with each other. Their work life continued as usual, with Shikha and Kesha becoming close friends. However, Mohit still felt uneasy seeing Shikha around Samarth and Richa. Shikha was curious about the rift between Mohit and Samarth and wanted to understand why Mohit and Richa had separated. She still felt uncomfortable around Richa.

Mohit had come to realize that he loved Shikha. He wanted to share the story of his past with Samarth but feared her reaction. Shikha, on the other hand, remained unsure about her feelings for Mohit.

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