FRAGMENTS OF US

CHAPTER - 5

INAAYA'S POV

It’s been almost two weeks since that society meeting, the one where Aahan offered to drop me home. He’s undeniably kind, with a charm that seems effortless. People naturally gravitate towards him, and it's easy to see why. But I’ve made a conscious effort to keep my distance. Aahan is well-known, his striking looks and magnetic personality drawing attention from every direction, especially from the girls who seem to be infatuated with him. But I’m not like them. My priorities are crystal clear—my ambitions come first, and there’s simply no room for distractions like a relationship. I’m content being single. Sure, there are fleeting moments of loneliness, but I have my friends to keep me grounded, and that’s more than enough.

Tonight, though, is different. I’m standing in front of the mirror, getting ready for a house party—my very first one. None of my friends have been to one either, so we decided to dive in together, eager to see what all the fuss is about. The party is being hosted by Dhruv Rajput, one of my seniors. He’s always treated me like a little sister, looking out for me in a way that’s both protective and endearing. When he asked if I wanted to come, I found myself saying yes without hesitation. I suppose part of me is curious, craving a new experience. The party kicks off at 7 p.m., and Keshav will be swinging by to pick up Riya and me.

The music is already pulsing through the walls as we step into the house, the bass vibrating under my feet. Keshav leads the way, with Riya and me flanking him on either side. The party is in full swing—people are scattered across the living room, some dancing, others chatting in clusters with drinks in hand. The lights are dim, casting a warm, almost intimate glow over everyone, but the atmosphere is electric, buzzing with the kind of energy that only a party can create.

I glance around, taking it all in. This is a world I’ve never really been part of, but I can’t deny the thrill that courses through me as I move through the crowd. Keshav nudges me, grinning like a kid in a candy store, clearly excited to be here. Riya looks a bit overwhelmed, but her eyes are sparkling with the same curiosity I feel.

Just as we find a spot to settle in, I catch sight of Aahan across the room. He’s with his friends, Raj and Atharv, who are both as effortlessly cool as he is. Aahan’s presence is hard to miss—he’s laughing at something Raj said, and even in the dim light, he stands out. The girls nearby are stealing glances at him, whispering and giggling amongst themselves. I shake my head slightly, reminding myself that I’m here to enjoy the night with my friends, not to get caught up in the Aahan Bhardwaj effect.

But as our eyes briefly meet from across the room, I can’t help but wonder if tonight is going to be as straightforward as I planned.

AAHAN'S POV

The party is in full swing by the time we arrive, and the place is already packed. Raj, Atharv, and I make our way through the crowd, nodding and exchanging a few words with people we know. I’m used to this—being in the center of it all, the noise, the attention, the energy. But tonight, there’s something different in the air, a sense of anticipation that I can’t quite shake.

We find a spot near the bar, and Raj immediately starts joking around, drawing laughs from the group that’s gathered there. Atharv leans back, surveying the room with that cool detachment he always carries. I’m half-listening to Raj when something—or rather someone—catches my eye.

Inaaya.

She’s just walked in with her friends, Keshav and Riya. I’ve seen her before in class, in the corridors, but seeing her here, in this setting, is different. She looks slightly out of place, but in a way that makes her stand out even more. There’s a quiet confidence about her that sets her apart from the usual crowd, and it’s hard not to notice. Our eyes meet, just for a second, but it’s enough to make my pulse quicken.