(A/N: Chapter 11 has already been published on scrollstack, for early access to it you have to follow me on my scrollstack account.The link to the account is in my wattpad bio and instagram bio.)
The lively atmosphere of Yash's restaurant buzzed with laughter and the scent of delicious food as Aarav and Shailee's celebration continued.
Vini, Vanshi, and Naina huddled together at a corner table, their eyes gleaming with mischief as they spotted Yash leaning against the bar, his gaze fixed on the entrance.
"Look at him! He's practically glued to that spot," Vanshi teased, nudging Vini with her elbow.
"I wonder if he thinks the door is going to magically open for him."
Vanshi smirked, leaning in closer to whisper conspiratorially, "Maybe he's trying to summon the 'mystery girl' he wouldn't stop talking about earlier. 'The one who has captured his heart'?"
Naina giggled, her eyes sparkling. "More like 'the one who has captured his attention.' I think he's ready to write her a sonnet or something! He should really stop staring; it's borderline creepy!"
Yash, oblivious to their chatter, remained fixated on the entrance, a hopeful expression on his face.
Aarav seated in the corner, rolled his eyes at his cousin's reaction to a girl he just met...who's gonna tell him that girl is trouble?
Just then, the door swung open, and in walked Yahvi, turning every head in the room.
"Oh look! Here she comes!" Naina exclaimed, feigning a dramatic gasp. "Yash Bhaiya, prepare yourself! You might just need to faint!"
Vanshi chuckled and added, "Or at least make sure you don't drool on your shirt. It's not a good look for a 'sophisticated businessman' like you!"
Naina leaned back, crossing her arms with a teasing smile. "Yash Bhaiya, I think you should prepare a grand speech for her. Maybe throw in a few Gulzar lines while you're at it!"
As Yahvi approached, Yash finally tore his gaze away from the door, blushing slightly at the girls' relentless teasing.
He cleared his throat, attempting to maintain his composure, but his sisters' laughter echoed around him, amplifying the excitement of the moment.
"Okay, okay! I get it!" Yash said, rolling his eyes but unable to hide the smile creeping onto his face. "Just let me greet her first before I embarrass myself even more!"
With a final round of laughter, Vini, Vanshi, and Naina exchanged knowing glances, eagerly anticipating what would happen next as they watched their brother navigate the unpredictable waters of newfound interest.
Wearing a short skirt and a crop top that accentuated her confidence, she was a stark contrast to the formality of the occasion, and Yash felt his heart skip a beat.
As Vanshi's eyes finally landed at the lady she just teased her cousin with...her smile dropped.
Her?; she wondered.
The same girl that almost made her fall that day and pretended to care for her?
Yahvi's smile radiated warmth as she greeted them, but her eyes quickly zeroed in on Lover Boy, a mischievous grin playing on her lips that made Aarav roll his eyes in playful annoyance.
"This is Vanshi and Vini the Roy Chand twins."
Yahvi smiled at them, to which Vini replied with a warm smile but Vanshi turned her head away...Yahvi recognized her after noticing her crutches kept beside her.
"This is Naina! Our cousin sis..."
Wait! Did he just say the Roy Chand twins?; Yahvi was confused.
"And this is Aarav Roy Chand..." Yash said, his voice cutting through the buzz as he gestured toward Aarav, who stood confidently among the crowd.
The moment Yahvi heard his name, her thoughts came to a screeching halt.
He's who?; she wondered, a mix of surprise and intrigue flashing across her features. Aarav caught her shocked expression and couldn't help but let out a notorious chuckle, relishing the moment.
"And she is?" Aarav prompted, feigning ignorance with a playful smirk.
"Yahvi! Yahvi Malhotra..." Yash introduced, pride and mischief evident in his tone.
In an instant, Yahvi's notorious grin faded, replaced by a look of realization that made her momentarily pale.
She wasn't merely in the presence of an heir to the Bluebea Hospitals empire; she was face-to-face with the very investor her brother had been tirelessly trying to contact.
The air shifted around them, tension crackling as they both grasped the weight of this unexpected introduction.
Aarav's amusement deepened as he observed Yahvi's reaction, it was a boost to his ego that this girl who had been causing him so much trouble in the past few days was astonished by finding out his identity.
On the other hand...Yahvi couldn't believe what an idiot she had been for not letting them have formal introduction that day.
As Shailee clicked her heels, inserting herself between Aarav and Yahvi, the atmosphere shifted.
"Come on, babe! Let's dance," she said, pulling Aarav away, leaving Yahvi to watch them with narrowed eyes.
"Why do I feel I know her?" Yahvi muttered, her gaze fixed on Shailee.
"You saw her today in the hospital, proposing to Aarav Bhaiya!" Yash explained, trying to contain his laughter.
"Right!" Yahvi snapped her fingers, suddenly remembering. "But I know her from somewhere else as well..." Her thoughts danced on the edge of recognition, but they remained elusive.
At that moment, Naina, Vini, and Vanshi approached her, each with a curious look in their eyes.
"So, you're the infamous Yahvi," Vanshi said, an air of mockery lacing her tone.
"I expected someone... prettier. "
Yahvi smirked, not missing a beat. "Well, Vanshi, looks can be deceiving. It's not my fault you're standing next to a short stack of cupcakes....who likes like there's choco chip all over her face."
Naina chuckled, glancing at Vini, who was nodding with wide eyes. "I like her! She's funny!" Naina exclaimed, her voice brightening the mood.
"Yeah, she's got spunk," Vini added, surprising everyone on how easily she spoke in front of Yahvi.
Yash observed the girls as they warmed up to Yahvi, mesmerized by the unexpected camaraderie forming. "It seems like you've found your fan club, Yahvi," he teased, grinning.
"Only if they promise not to be jealous of my radiant personality," Yahvi quipped, throwing a wink their way.
Just then, as the music swelled, Yash pulled Yahvi for a dance. "Come on, let's show them how it's done!"
Yahvi laughed and shook her head. " I'm taking these girls with me!" She gestured toward Naina and Vini, who jumped at the chance.
"Yay!" they cheered, their excitement bubbling over. But Vanshi turned away, a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
"I hate dancing!" Vanshi stated...after which everyone went to the dance floor except her.
"Hey, don't sulk," Yahvi said, her tone playful as she caught sight of Vanshi's hesitance lingering at the edge of the dance floor.
Vanshi's lips formed a slight pout, her expression a mixture of uncertainty and longing. Yahvi knelt beside her, the noise of the celebration fading as she focused solely on Vanshi. "You can dance too, you know. It's all about having fun!"
Vanshi looked skeptical, a furrow forming on her brow. "How? Are you trying to mock me when my family isn't around?"
Yahvi's face brightened, her enthusiasm infectious. "Easy! Here, I'll show you!" Without hesitation, she slipped off her heels, her feet finding the cool floor as she squatted down to Vanshi's level.
Gently, she lifted Vanshi's feet with her hands and placed them over her own.
Vanshi's eyes widened in shock, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "Wait, what are you doing?" she asked, a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering in her chest.
"Trust me!" Yahvi said, flashing a reassuring smile. "Just follow my lead!"
With a swift, graceful motion, Yahvi stood up and pulled Vanshi to her feet, holding her hand firmly.
Just as Vanshi stumbled, a gasp escaping her lips, Yahvi caught her, wrapping an arm securely around her waist.
"Got you!" Yahvi laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight as she began to sway gently, matching the rhythm of the music that pulsed through the restaurant.
Vanshi's initial shock melted away, replaced by a blossoming smile as she began to move in sync with Yahvi.
It was awkward at first, but the laughter bubbled up inside her, and she surrendered to the moment.
Vini and Naina stood nearby, eyes wide and hearts racing with excitement. "Look at her!" Vini exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy. "She's actually dancing!"
As the two girls cheered from the sidelines, Aarav's gaze drifted from Shailee, who was still lost in her own world, to the pair on the dance floor.
He couldn't help but smile as he watched Yahvi and Vanshi moving together, the joy radiating between them like a beacon.
Yahvi twirled Vanshi gently, their laughter mingling with the upbeat music.
Vanshi's initial hesitation transformed into pure exhilaration; she could feel the rhythm coursing through her veins. It was as if Yahvi had unlocked a part of her that she never knew existed.
"You're doing amazing!" Yahvi exclaimed, her voice a melody of encouragement. "Just let loose!"With newfound confidence, Vanshi let out a small giggle, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "I can't believe I'm actually dancing!"
Aarav's heart warmed at the sight, and he felt tears in his eyes for his sister. This moment was everything he had hoped for: connection, laughter, and pure, unfiltered joy.
He shot a glance at Shailee, who seemed oblivious to the magic unfolding a few feet away.
Aarav turned back just in time to see Yahvi giving Vanshi a spin, and for that moment, He felt like everything in his life was normal.
Aarav watched with a blend of admiration and concern as Yahvi danced with his sister, the glow of happiness illuminating her face.
It was a stark contrast to the girl he had encountered just days ago—the girl who had been running away from goons, her life seemingly hanging by a thread.
What if he had not gone down to search for the ring that day?
The haunting memory of that moment lingered in his mind, and he couldn't shake off the question that gnawed at him: If she could radiate such joy, then why was she in such despair before?
This made Aarav even more curious to know her side of the story.
TO BE CONTINUED
A/N : Oh My God! Did Yahvi just win hearts?
Will Vanshi like Yahvi? or will she go all tough again?
What about Aarav? Does he have a soft corner for Yahvi now?
And where have Shailee and Yahvi met before?
Stay tuned to find out...
Do not forget to vote and comment.
