When Hearts Collide

|•Chapter 8•|

**Author’s POV**

The early morning light filtered through the curtains of Naina’s bedroom, casting a soft glow over her neatly arranged space. She lay in bed, wide awake, staring at the ceiling. Sleep had eluded her for most of the night, thanks to the whirlwind of thoughts swirling around her mind—thoughts about Ekansh, their conversation in the elevator, and what it all meant.

Her phone buzzed on the bedside table, breaking the silence. She reached for it, expecting a work email or message from Riya, but instead, it was a text from her mother.

**“Beta, don’t forget we have dinner with the Singhanias tonight. 7 p.m. sharp.”**

Naina groaned inwardly. In the chaos of work and personal drama, she had completely forgotten about the dinner her parents had planned with the Singhanias. Ekansh’s family. Great. The last thing she needed was more awkwardness.

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**Naina’s POV**

As the evening approached, I found myself standing in front of my wardrobe, once again debating what to wear. It wasn’t just any dinner—this was with Ekansh’s family. His parents had always been warm and welcoming, but now, after everything that had happened between us, it felt like walking into a minefield.

I chose a simple, elegant blue kurta, hoping to strike a balance between casual and formal. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I took a deep breath. I could do this. It was just dinner. I’d handled far more difficult situations, right?

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