It was evening.

Vidyut, Adrita and the twins have already left for Adrita's parents' home. Others were ready to leave for the party.

Harsha: Ruhi, once again, think before leaving. You sure you want to wear this hoodie to the party?

Ruhi (nodding her head): Yes yes!! I am comfortable.

Anirudh: Let it be! Anyway, she doesn't have to dress up in formal. It's we who have to maintain social status. Let the kids enjoy their lives.

Mihika (smirking): What if anyone will question like: Bhaiyo ne kuch sikhaya nahi to? (Brothers haven't taught you anything?)

She teased her, knowing Ruhi had witty comebacks.

Ruhi: They taught me to ignore people who hold unwanted opinions.

Anirudh rolled his eyes, knowing she won't think twice before answering this.

Saurav: Let's go or we will be late.

With this, they left for the party. Harsha and Khush left for her party.

With Ruhi and others...

They were in a car, driving towards the Venue.

Mihika: Saurav, Bhaiya, I will take the kids directly into the venue. You both come after attending the interviews.

Anirudh: Alright!

Ruhi (pouting): Why do you still count me in, kids? I am a big girl now. See, I will be joining college in a few days.

Saurav (pulling Ruhi's cheeks): You are still our little girl who took care of me when I had a fever and no one was at home. Also, I love the jam bread you made for me.

Ruhi (whining): I don't remember.

Saurav: I am here to tell you again and again.

Ruhi (grinning): Yess...

Anirudh: You remember, when you got angry first?

Ruhi (nodding innocently): When you kissed that mouse.

She smiled cheekily. Making others chuckle.

Ruhi: But still, don't call me 'kid.' I am a bua of kids.

Khushi (smiling innocently): Yuhiii...

Ruhi (making a crying face): I am not talking to you.

Khushi grinned, knowing Ruhi can't stay quiet.

A few minutes later, they reached the Venue. As decided, Mihika started to walk away from the cameras and paparazzi, with Ruhi, Khushi and Niyati.

Someone tapped Ruhi's shoulder from behind.

Ruhi turned to see Nayan. She stood, smiling widely.

Mihika (surprised): You here?

Nayan: Mom got an invitation to this party. So, we came.

Mihika (nodded): Let's go inside. They will come after the interview.

They started to walk inside. Nayan shook his head, smiling, as he noticed Ruhi's outfit.

Ruhi glanced at him. He was wearing a three-piece tuxedo. He had a small smile on his lips, his cheeks tinted pink. His clean-shaven face had a faint shadow of a beard.

She quickly shifted her attention towards Niyati, who came running towards Ruhi, as one of Mihika's colleagues came towards them. Ruhi stumbled back a little.

Nayan (holding Ruhi's hand): Careful Niyati.

Niyati (innocently): Sorry.

Ruhi: I am fine. Don't worry.

They were about to walk when Nayan's eyes fell on Ruhi's shoelaces, which were about to open.

He sat on his knees, tying her shoelaces. Ruhi smiled widely but she felt uneasiness. She scanned her eyes in her surroundings.

Nayan was tying her shoelaces, when Ankita, Saurav and Anirudh came there.

Saurav: Ohh hoo!!!

Nayan (standing): What ohh hoo? Don't you help bhabhi?

Anirudh: Us help your bhabhis and you helping our Rooh-

Nayan (cuts Anirudh): I help my mom too. You ask Mom.

He turned to his mother.

Ankita: Boys stop teasing my baby. Let's go. We need to meet everyone. Girls, you three be with Nayan as we will be busy with Business partners.

Khushi and Niyati nodded. Ruhi seems lost.

Anirudh (wrapping his arm around Ruhi): Let's go bache...

Ruhi nodded. Everyone started to walk.

Ruhi (whispering): Dada, do you think CCTV cameras are arranged here?

Anirudh: Yes, but why?

Ruhi (shaking her head): Nothing. Just casually.

Anirudh (sensing her nervous tone): Rooh? If you don't feel comfortable just let me know. We will leave.

Ruhi (smiling): Yes yes! I will be with Nayan.

Anirudh nodded. Elders went to meet the business partners, and kids sat at a table.

Ruhi sat feeding snacks to Niyati.

Nayan (holding Ruhi's hand): Meri Ruhi chuhi, itni shant kyun ho? (Why are you silent?)

Ruhi (shaking her head): Nahi to? (Nothing?)

Nayan: Then why haven't you searched the Pani puri stall yet?

Ruhi: Umm... I don't think there is anything to share. But if there is anything. I will share it.

Nayan: Okay!! Let's go for Pani puri?

The four walked towards the Pani puri stall.

They were having Pani Puri. Nayan sensed, Ruhi was shifting uncomfortably.

On the other hand, Anirudh had his eyes on Ruhi. He sensed that she had something on her mind. Though he is surrounded by business people, every now and then he glances at her. He is sure, something is wrong.

With Nayan, he wrapped his arm around Ruhi.

Nayan (whispering): You okay?

Ruhi: I don't know.

She finally said.

Ruhi (requesting): Can we please leave?

Nayan: Ruhi, you know, I am learning to drive a car. I don't have a bike with me now. As I came here with my mom. I will ask bhaiya or mom to take you home.

Ruhi: No! Don't. They are busy. I don't want to disturb them.

Nayan: Let me book a cab?

Ruhi: Don't! They will be worried.

Nayan (whispering in her ear): Meri Ruhi Chuhi ko mere sath bike ride jana hai? (You want to go on a bike ride with me?)

He saw her cheeks, turning pink.

Ruhi (looking here and there): No!

Nayan (chuckling): Let the college begin. We will bunk someday and enjoy around.

He sighed in relief as he noticed her mind was distracted.

Khushi and Niyati were glaring at them.

Nayan (raising his eyebrow): What?

Khushi (complaining): You are so unfair to us.

Niyati (joining Khushi): You always talk with bua in secret. That's cheating.

Ruhi (trying to change the topic): Let's have Pani puri and then we have to try other snacks too.

Both the girls nodded with a pout. They were enjoying Pani puri when suddenly Ruhi alerted.

To be continued...