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Naina sat cross-legged on her bed, flipping through her notes half-heartedly as the chaos around her grew louder. Ananya was rummaging through her wardrobe, tossing clothes onto the floor, while Meera was busy trying on different pairs of earrings. 

"You're wasting time, Naina," Meera said, turning to her with an exaggerated sigh. "You're coming to this party whether you like it or not." 

Naina shook her head, her voice firm. "You know I don't do parties. Too loud, too crowded, too...not me." 

Ananya huffed dramatically, holding up a glittery black dress. "Do you ever stop being a grandma? Come on, live a little! You don't have to love it, just come and stay for a while. It's better than staying here and memorizing medical terms all night." 

"I really don't care about this party," Naina replied, looking back at her notes in an attempt to seem more convincing than she felt. 

"You will care when you see yourself in this." Meera held up a white full-sleeve crop top and a pair of jeans she'd plucked from Naina's own closet.

Naina groaned. "Why are you going through my stuff?" 

"Because you have good taste, even if you refuse to admit it," Meera said, grinning as she threw the clothes onto Naina's bed. 

---

An hour later, Naina stood in front of the mirror, fidgeting with her hair. She'd tied it into a loose braid at first, but Ananya had insisted on leaving it open. Now her black hair, streaked with caramel highlights, framed her face and fell just below her chest. The white top hugged her figure, just showing off her flat stomach, and the jeans fit perfectly, covering her legs but still giving a perfect view of her hourglass figure. She had her signature necklace and did minimal makeup, as she always did, which highlighted her eyes and her lips.

"You look gorgeous," Meera said, leaning over her shoulder. 

"I look overdressed," Naina muttered. 

"You're perfect," Ananya said with a smirk. "Now come on. We're going to be late." 

---

The party was already in full swing by the time they arrived. Music blared from the speakers, and the crowd was thick with people laughing, dancing, and shouting over the noise. Naina instantly regretted her decision to come. 

She lingered behind her friends as they made their way toward the drinks table. Ananya and Meera blended into the crowd effortlessly, while Naina felt like she stood out in the worst way. 

Her eyes scanned the room, hoping to find a quiet corner where she could disappear for the night. Instead, they landed on him.

Ayaan. 

He was leaning casually against the bar, laughing at something one of his friends had said. His light pink shirt was rolled up to his elbows, revealing his toned forearms, and his smile was so effortless it made her chest tighten. 

And then, his eyes met hers. 

Naina's heart skipped a beat. 

The room seemed to shrink, the noise fading into the background as his dark gaze locked onto hers. For a moment, she couldn't look away. The intensity of his stare made her feel vulnerable, like he could see every thought running through her mind. 

She turned away quickly, her cheeks burning as she grabbed a glass of something off the nearest table. She didn't even know what it was, but she took a sip, hoping the alcohol would calm her nerves.