DRENCHED IN SHADOWS?

When Sparks Collide

"Careful , miss ! Watch it."

Her lips curled into a crooked smile, defiant and careless. "Maybe you should watch where you stand."

He took a step closer, blocking her way, his jaw tight. "Move."

She said bitterly, not quite steady. "Or what? You'll make me?"

"Don't push me."

"Like I'm scared."

"You're making a scene."

"Better than standing there like you own the place."

Saanvi's voice broke through, steady but urgent. "Sukriti, please. Let's go."

But Sukriti pulled back, fighting free. "I don't need your help. Now this man will see -- he messed with a wrong girl ! "

Saanvi's voice was steady but filled with concern. "Sukriti, please... I think you accidentally drank something you weren't supposed to."

That man, Advay, now smirked slightly. "Well, that's obvious, isn't it? If you can't handle it, then why do people even bother drinking in the first place?"

Just then, Neil appeared, his carefree grin spreading across his face. "What's going on here, bro?"

Advay began explaining everything, the irritation clear in his tone, but Neil's attention kept drifting back to Saanvi. There was something about her — the way she moved, the way she cared — and it caught him off guard.

Meanwhile, Saanvi was busy trying to steady Sukriti, who was swaying slightly.

Sukriti waved her off weakly, "Saanvi, leave me alone."

But Saanvi gently tugged her towards the exit, determined.

Advay watched them with a scoff. "What kind of people show up at places like this? That's the reason I avoid crowded places ! "

Neil laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, man, there are some really sweet people in this world too, you know."

Advay rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on, Majnu. They just add to the drama. It was all quiet before these two showed up."

Neil nudged him playfully. "Dude, why do you think all girls are useless to you? Have you ever actually been in love with someone?"

Advay mocked , his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Neil. "Love? Please. It's just a word people throw around when they're too scared to be alone.

A Weakness dressed up as some pretty lie." He spat the words out like they tasted bitter.

But deep down, he didn't realize how wrong he'd be — how, one day, love wouldn't be something to fear, but the only thing worth fighting for.

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Outside, Saanvi helped Sukriti into a cab, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Sukriti mumbled, "I didn't mean to cause trouble."

"I know." Saanvi smiled gently. "But remind me to never let you pick your own drinks again."

Back in the café, Neil watched Advay from the bar.

"You're acting weirder than usual."

Advay didn't look up. "I just don't like unnecessary drama."

Neil sipped his drink thoughtfully. "Or maybe... you're just not used to people crashing into your world."

Advay finally glanced up. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Neil shrugged, grinning. "Nothing, bro. Just... she didn't even see your precious boots, and now you can't stop thinking about her."

"I'm not thinking about anyone. And she... she was nothing less than chaos. Advay Rathore doesn't do clumsy chaos. But the way she looked—like a storm trying to hold itself together..." Advay muttered. 

Neil shook his head. He didn't do complications. Not anymore.

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— With shadows, ink, and a little bit of stardust,
Dusklore 🌙🖋️