Ananya, returning to India after years of academic pursuits abroad, carries with her a love for literature and a spirit eager for new beginnings. Little does she know, her arrival in Mumbai will lead her to unexpected connections and a journey of lo...
As evening descended, the house buzzed with excitement. Ananya had transformed into a vision of elegance, ready to host her mother’s birthday party.
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The decorations were perfect, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter. Guests started arriving, and Ananya's mom and dad looked wonderful, radiating happiness. Ahaan, handsome in his black suit, greeted everyone warmly. Suhana and Shanaya arrived with their families, looking gorgeous, their presence adding to the joy of the celebration.
Sid soon followed, accompanied by his family. He looked dashing, blending seamlessly into the lively crowd. Finally, Kartik made his entrance, looking absolutely handsome in a black suit paired with a white shirt and a bow tie.
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Ahaan welcomed all the guests while Ananya, Suhana, and Shanaya attended to everyone who had arrived.
The garden was filled with joy, with music playing and people dancing. As Ananya mingled with the guests, she heard someone call her name. Turning around, she saw Ishaan, her childhood friend and her mom’s friend’s son.
“Hey, how are you, Ishaan?” she greeted him with a smile.
“Hey, I’m good. How are you, gorgeous?” he replied warmly.
“I’m good too! Where’s aunty?” she asked, looking around.
“She couldn’t make it, so she sent me to attend the party on her behalf,” Ishaan explained.
“I really wanted to meet her, but I’ll catch up with her another time,” Ananya said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
As they chatted, Suhana and Shanaya approached, their eyes widening at the sight of Ishaan.
“Hey, beautiful ladies,” Ishaan greeted them.
“Hi,” they replied in unison.
“Ananya, come with us. We need to talk to you,” Suhana said urgently.
Ananya excused herself from Ishaan and followed her friends. Once they were out of earshot, Suhana whispered, “I don’t like this guy. He flirts with every girl.”
“Me too. I don’t get good vibes from him,” Shanaya added.
“Leave it. What do you want from me?” Ananya asked, trying to change the subject.
“Nothing, just wanted to save you from that creep,” Suhana replied, making them all laugh.
The party continued with everyone dancing and enjoying themselves. Kartik tried to approach Ananya several times, but she kept avoiding him. To distract herself, she decided to spend more time with Ishaan, laughing and talking, which only made Kartik’s jealousy flare up.
Unable to control his emotions any longer, Kartik watched Ananya move away from Ishaan and took his chance. He grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the crowd.
“Kartik, what are you doing? Leave me, someone will see us,” Ananya protested.
Ignoring her, Kartik led her to a quiet corner of the garden. He pressed her against the wall, still holding her wrist tightly.
“Kartik, leave my hand. It’s hurting,” Ananya said, her voice tinged with pain.
Realizing his grip was too tight, Kartik released her hand but remained close, his face inches from hers.
“Why are you ignoring me? Why? You’re talking to everyone except me. And who is that guy you were laughing with?” Kartik demanded, his voice low and intense.
“Who are you to ask me that? You’re nothing to me. Ishaan is my friend. What difference does it make to you?” Ananya retorted, her eyes flashing with anger. “You’re just my brother’s friend.”
Kartik’s frustration boiled over. He grabbed her waist, pulling her closer, their faces almost touching.
“Is that all I am to you? Your brother’s friend?” he whispered fiercely. “If that’s true, then why does your heart race when I’m near? Why do your eyes light up when you see me? Why didn’t you push me away just now?”
Ananya’s eyes filled with tears. She struggled to maintain her composure.
“Leave me, Kartik. I don’t want to say anything. Just let me go,” she pleaded.
“Not until you answer me,” Kartik insisted. “Why does it matter so much if I’m just your brother’s friend?”
“ I heard you!” Ananya cried. “I heard you telling Sid that I’m not your type and that I’m just your best friend’s sister. If that’s how you see me, then why do you care who I talk to?”
Kartik’s eyes widened in realization.
Ananya’s tears flowed freely. “I thought we were friends. I liked you, Kartik. But after hearing what you said, I don’t want to care anymore. I don’t want to get hurt.”
Kartik loosened his grip, his heart aching at her words. He reached out to wipe her tears, but she pushed him away.
At that moment, Sid appeared. “There you are! Everyone’s looking for you. It’s time for the cake cutting.”
Ananya quickly composed herself, forcing a smile. “Let’s go,” she said, walking back towards the party.
Sid noticed her tear-streaked face and turned to Kartik. “What happened?”
Kartik sighed heavily. “She heard our conversation yesterday. She thinks I don’t care about her. Because of you, I’ve lost her, Sid. She hates me now.”
Sid placed a reassuring hand on Kartik’s shoulder. “ i am happy you agreed that you're in love with her. Don't worry We’ll fix this. We’ll make her understand. Let’s just get through tonight.”
As they returned to the party, Ananya’s mom noticed her daughter’s distress. “Fight with Kartik?” she asked softly.
Ananya’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you…?”
Her mom smiled gently. “Everyone in this house knows you have a crush on Kartik. Just talk to him, Annie.”
Ananya shook her head, forcing a smile. “I’m just tired, Mom. Let’s enjoy the party.”
The cake was cut, and the celebrations continued, but Ananya’s heart wasn’t in it. Kartik watched her from a distance, guilt and determination warring within him. He had to make things right. Somehow, he had to show Ananya just how much she meant to him.
