The Malhotras

The Malhotra Mansion was filled with the guests, people were enjoying each other's company. The Hall was bustling with the sophisticated crowd. Each and every thing in the room was screaming luxury. Everyone was gathered to celebrate the 24th birthday anniversary of one of the richest businessmen of the country. A big glowing chandelier was hanging on the ceiling in the middle of the room casting its lightning all over the hall. The soft music was playing in the background.

Advait was attending the guest with his usual stoic demeanor greeting everyone with professional handshakes and formal hugs.

Now he was standing at the side. He was dressed in a crisp black tuxedo pairing with the black pants. The cloth fitted him perfectly, pressed firmly to his chest. His biceps were on display in his perfectly fitted suit. His one hand was in his pocket while the other was holding a glass.

Tia came up to him smiling politely, "Happy birthday, sir!" She wished in her professional tone.

"We aren't in the office, Tia." Advait said briefly glancing at her.

"Oh then listen me out, if today's not your birthday I would have smashed your face." She replied gritting her teeth.

"What did I do to get this honor?" He asked raising his brow amusingly.

"You told your stupid jerk friend to ask me for help." She said accusingly.

"It was absolutely professional, trust me." He said making a straight face.

"Then go and tell your asshole best friend not to follow me around." She said shoving a wrapped box in his arms.

"You also have a mouth and indeed a very dirty one, bring it to the use." He said and took a sip from his glass.

She grimaced at him, "You know what, you're no better than him."

"Thanks for the compliment." He replied with a blank face.

He smiled at Reyansh who was grinning at his way from across the hall talking with a random couple, she followed his gaze and her glare hardened looking at him.

Advait looked at her and chuckled, "Why are you drilling holes in his poor soul?"

She turned to glare at him.

"I was just teasing you, babe." He said snaking his arm around her neck. She playfully punched him in the gut.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Malhotra." A voice came from the behind, they both turned around and Shreya was standing there with a beautiful flower bouquet in her hands. But her face was devoid of her usual charm like always, her eyes were....sad.

"Thanks, Miss Shreya." He replied.

Tia passed her a beautiful smile, "Hey! Shreya."

But Shreya only returned the gesture with a small smile.

Advait noticed her facial expressions, "You don't look fine. Are you okay?" He asked, concern was evident in his voice.

She barely nodded her head when Reyansh came from the behind, "Oh hey shreya, how are you?"

"I'm good, bhai." She replied in a low voice.

Reyansh studied her, "What happened to you? Where's your usual charming smile ha?" He said nudging her to lighten her mood.

She kept quietly and shook her head meekly.

"Let's lift up your mood." Tia said holding her hand.

She dragged her away with herself. Advait and Reyansh exchanged confused glances at Shreya's odd behavior.