Mithra's hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the pleats of her red saree, her mind racing with thoughts of Jai's reaction. Would he like it? She wondered, her heart skipping a beat at the mere thought of him. Her friends, still gushing about Jai since the previous night, buzzed around her, their excitement palpable.

"Mithra, you look stunning!" one of them exclaimed, as they helped her drape the saree perfectly.

Mithra blushed, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. She couldn't deny the thrill of wearing the bold, crimson color, hoping it would catch Jai's eye.

As they finished getting ready, the sound of screams and giggles filled the air. "Jai's here!" one of her friends shrieked, and the group rushed out of the room to meet him.

Mithra's heart rate quickened, her pulse racing with anticipation. She took a deep breath, gave herself a final glance in the mirror, and smiled. With a subtle touch-up of her lipstick, she joined her friends, her red saree fluttering behind.

As Mithra descended the staircase, her gaze fixed on the steps, her hand instinctively holding onto the pleats of her saree. She was hesitant to meet Jai's gaze, her heart racing with anticipation. But as she reached the final step, she couldn't help but look up, her eyes locking onto Jai's intense stare.

Jai stood motionless, his face a mask of calmness, his lips slightly parted, and his eyes fixed onto Mithra. His expression was unreadable, his eyes not betraying any emotion, as if time had frozen for him.

Mithra's tension was palpable as she fidgeted with a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ear. She took her time to absorb Jai's appearance, her gaze roaming over his attire.

Jai wore a cream-white formal shirt, the top two buttons undone, revealing a hint of his chest. His shades rested on the collar, adding a touch of sophistication. The sleeves were rolled up perfectly, showcasing his veiny arms, which seemed chiseled from marble. The shirt clung to his torso like a second skin, accentuating his well-defined muscles. The fabric seemed to mold itself to his physique, highlighting the contours of his chest and shoulders.

As Mithra's gaze lingered, she noticed the subtle definition of his biceps, the way the fabric stretched across his broad shoulders, and the slight flutter of his chest, hinting at a controlled breathing.

Jai's eyes were glued to Mithra as she walked towards him. He couldn't help but notice the way her hair fell in soft waves, the tiny bindi on her forehead, and the way her lipstick made her lips look so inviting. He loved the way her neck looked so long and elegant, and the way her saree hugged her curves in all the right places.

But what really caught his attention was the way Mithra carried herself. She seemed so confident and graceful, like a true goddess. Jai couldn't help but feel awestruck by her beauty.

He had seen plenty of girls in tight dresses and high heels, but there was something about Mithra in a saree that just took his breath away. Maybe it was the way the fabric seemed to flow around her like water, or the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled. Whatever it was, Jai was hooked.

As Mithra got closer, Jai's heart started racing. He felt like he was in trouble, like he was falling for her hard. But he couldn't help himself - he was drawn to her like a magnet.

Mithra looked towards the entrance of her PG, where a black Mercedes had just pulled up. A driver in a white uniform got out and saluted Jai as he stepped out of the car. Jai nodded slightly in response.

Mithra's face scrunched up in confusion. "What's going on?" she wondered. She turned to Jai, her eyebrows furrowed, expecting an explanation. But Jai just smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Her friends looked just as puzzled, their faces mirroring Mithra's confusion.

"Allow me to introduce Raj, your designated chauffeur for today," Jai said with a charming smile, turning to face her friends.

Raj, the driver, stood at attention, his eyes fixed on Mithra and her friends. Mithra's friends exchanged surprised glances, their eyes darting between Jai and Raj.

As one of Mithra's friends tried to object, Jai immediately turned on the charm. He gazed at her with his signature puppy eyes, his eyebrows raised in a playful plea. His eyes then flickered to Mithra and back to her friend, conveying his desire for some alone time with Mithra.

Mithra's friends exchanged knowing glances, their eyes darting between Mithra and Jai. Realization dawned on them, and they smirked in response, nodding at Jai in understanding. They seemed to be saying, "Ah, yeah! It was too crowded in there last night"

With a chorus of giggles and whispers, Mithra's friends moved towards the car, their faces still fixed on Jai and Mithra. Jai beamed with a triumphant smile as the car door closed behind them.

As the car drove away, Jai turned to Mithra, his smile still plastered on his face. The two of them stood there, alone, the tension between them palpable. Mithra looked up at Jai, her expression a mix of curiosity and wariness. Jai's eyes sparkled with excitement, his gaze locked onto hers as his smirk widened ever so lightly as he stepped towards Mithra.

Jai stepped in front of his car, a sleek red Ferrari, and held open the door for Mithra, who still stood rooted to the ground. "Ah, my lady, your chariot awaits!" he said with a gallant flourish, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mithra's face grew red as she hesitated, her eyes fixed on the car. She held back a smile, biting the inside of her cheek. Jai's grin widened as he waited for her to get in.

Finally, Mithra slid into the passenger seat, her movements graceful. Jai jogged over to his side of the car, his eyes never leaving hers. He hopped in behind the wheel and started the engine, the Ferrari roaring to life.

Jai's gaze locked onto Mithra's, his eyes burning with intensity. He leaned in suddenly, his face inches away from hers. Mithra's heart skipped a beat as his warm breath danced across her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

The tip of his nose grazed her skin, his face so close that she could feel his warmth radiating onto her. She inhaled deeply, and his cologne filled her senses, drawing her in. The scent was intoxicating, making her feel lightheaded.

Mithra's eyes fluttered closed as Jai's breath caressed her neck, his lips barely grazing her skin. She felt his fingers brush against hers as he reached for the seatbelt, sending sparks flying through her body.

Time seemed to stand still as Jai's face hovered inches from hers, his eyes locked onto hers. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

Finally, Jai's fingers closed around the seatbelt, and he pulled it across her body, the buckle clicking into place. His hand lingered on her waist, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

Mithra's eyes flew open, her gaze meeting Jai's. The intensity in his eyes left her breathless, her heart racing with excitement. She felt like she was drowning in the depths of his eyes, unable to look away.

"Safety first" Jai said and started the car, he was totally aware of the electricity that had crackled between them during the seatbelt moment. He knew Mithra had felt it too, her body language and rapid breathing a dead giveaway. But what she didn't know was how much that proximity had affected him.

Jai's heart was racing, his pulse pounding in his ears. He had been inches away from Mithra's face, her neck, her skin... and it had taken every ounce of self-control not to lean in closer, to kiss her. The scent of her perfume, the softness of her skin, the sparkle in her eyes... it had all combined to leave him breathless.

But Jai was determined to play it cool, to not reveal how much Mithra affected him. So he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and said "Safety first" in a light, teasing tone. Little did Mithra know, it was more like "Self-control first" for him.

The tension in the car grew as Jai tried to break it. "So, who was that guy you were chatting with yesterday?" He attempted to sound nonchalant, hoping his tone didn't betray the hint of jealousy he felt.

Mithra furrowed her brow, confused, before realization dawned on her. "Oh, Ajay? Yeah, he's a friend from college." She nodded slightly, her expression still puzzled by Jai's sudden interest.

Jai's eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. "Just a friend, huh?" He echoed, his tone light, but his mind racing with possibilities.

Mithra's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze flicking to Jai's profile. "Yeah, just a friend," she repeated, her voice firm, but her cheeks betraying a hint of a blush as she noticed the grip on the steering wheel loosen.

As they reach the venue Mithra's curiosity got the better of her. "You didn't tell me how I looked," she asked, her fingers fidgeting nervously. Ever since she saw Jai that morning this was the one thing she wanted to know.

Jai's expression turned solemn, his eyes clouding over. "Mithra, you look...," he paused, his voice cracking slightly. "You look how I imagine my mom would have looked if she were here today. I never got to know her, but...," he trailed off, his gaze filled with a deep longing.

Mithra's eyes widened in shock, her lips parting in surprise. She was too stunned to speak, her mind reeling from the revelation.

Jai's finger pressed against her lips, silencing any potential response. "Shh, it's okay. You're the first person who's ever made me feel like I've seen her."

The moment hung between them, filled with emotion and understanding. Mithra's face was a picture of stunned silence, her heart racing with a mix of emotions.

Mithra's emotions overflowed, as she acted on instinct, her arms encircling Jai's neck as she leaned in to hug him tightly. The sudden movement startled Jai, his eyes widening in surprise. Mithra's head nestled in the crook of his neck, her warm breath dancing across his skin.

The proximity was intoxicating, and Jai's breathing became irregular. Mithra's soft body pressed against his, her arms locked around him like a lifeline. Jai was taken aback, his hands hovering uncertainly before settling on her waist.

As Mithra realized what she'd done and noticed Jai's hesitation, she began to pull back, her hands loosening their grip. But just as she did, Jai's arms snaked around her waist, pulling her close. He leaned into the hug, his face buried in her hair.

The cars leather seats creaked softly as they embraced, their bodies awkwardly angled in the confined space. Mithra's legs tucked under her, her feet resting on the floor mat. Jai's arms wrapped around her, his hands splayed on her back.

The hug was a gentle, tender moment, filled with unspoken emotions. Mithra's heart raced, her face hidden in Jai's neck. Jai's eyes closed, his breathing slow and deliberate.

As they held each other, the world outside melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment of raw connection.