❞𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐊 [𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐥]

𝐨𝐧𝐞.

SAMAIRA 

Parking my car in the allotted slot, I carefully stepped out, trying my best to keep my saree intact. As I walked towards the Avenue, familiar faces began to come into view—faces that had changed, matured, and become more beautiful over the eight long years that had passed. The Avenue was adorned with beautiful floral ornaments, hanging like delicate chandeliers. The decorations were regal, making everything feel like a scene straight out of a movie.

Taking a deep breath, I headed toward the stage where the couple was seated. Memories I had been trying to suppress ever since receiving the invitation resurfaced, gnawing at me. I had fought a tough battle with myself to be here tonight.

As I stepped onto the stage, a figure with a radiant smile pulled me into a tight hug. "Badi soni lag rahi hain aap," I whispered into her ear. "Meri shaadi hai, main toh lagungi hi na," she replied with a chuckle. 

The same old Naina.

"Mere saath bhi thoda mil lo," came the groom's voice, a hint of a pout in his tone. 

"Teri attention-seeking aadat nahi gayi, bol Bunny?" I teased, breaking the hug. 

Bunny grinned and embraced me. "8 saal baad bhi tujhe hamari aadatein yaad hain? Strange," he said, a mix of taunt and something else in his voice.

He had every right to be upset.

"8 saal mein change bhi kya huya hai? School mein bhi dono chipke rehte the aur aaj bhi," I replied sheepishly, attempting to keep the conversation light, hoping he wouldn't dig any deeper.

He opened his mouth to say something but then paused, his gaze shifting to something—or someone—behind me. 

My heart sank as I turned around, locking eyes with the one person I had hoped never to see again. His dark brown eyes were staring into mine, as if they could see right through me. Shubman Gill is back in my life.

Why is he here?

I quickly moved aside, allowing him to greet Bunny. "Why is he here? You told me he wouldn't come?" I whispered urgently into Naina's ear.

"We did invite him, but never expected him to come. He's a celebrity, after all," she whispered back, a hint of helplessness in her voice.

This was so not okay. If I had known he would be here, I would have never come. The memories I had been desperately trying to keep at bay came flooding back, leaving me feeling disoriented.

flashback

Papa was standing in the principal's office, his head hung low. I had let him down, and I knew I was to blame for everything. "Mr. Malhotra, as a former student of our school, I would have expected you to be aware of our strict principles. Civilize your daughter," the principal said, her voice cold and unyielding.

She took a deep breath before continuing, "If your daughter is found in such a compromising position with a male student ever again, I will make sure she is expelled and barred from sitting for the board examinations. This is a school, not a brothel."