When Hearts Collide

|•Chapter 21•|

**Author’s POV**

There’s a moment in every story when things fall apart—a tipping point where the delicate balance begins to unravel, leaving the characters vulnerable and exposed. This chapter of Ekansh and Naina’s story was no different.

It had been weeks since they had begun to confront their feelings and the past that had once torn them apart. The careful rebuilding of trust between them was fragile, like a house of cards—one misstep, one careless word, and everything could come crashing down.

And tonight would test that fragile foundation like never before.

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The Singhania mansion was buzzing with life that evening. The celebration was in full swing, a grand party in honor of Mr. Singhania's promotion to the board of directors at a prestigious firm. Guests filled the elegant hall, the sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and light chatter mixing with the soft notes of classical music playing in the background.

But amid all the grandeur, Ekansh was restless.

He stood near the balcony doors, one hand gripping a glass of whiskey, the other shoved into his pocket as he scanned the room. His eyes kept flickering toward Naina, who was on the other side of the room, deep in conversation with some family friends.

From the outside, everything seemed perfect. Ekansh in his sharp black suit, Naina in her stunning emerald-green saree that complimented her soft features and dark hair. They looked like a power couple, their chemistry undeniable. But beneath the surface, there was a tension neither of them could ignore.

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions—good and bad. Their hearts were pulling them closer, but their minds were caught in the web of past hurts, miscommunication, and unresolved issues.

And tonight, the weight of those unresolved feelings was growing heavier by the minute.

Ekansh took a sip of his drink, his gaze lingering on Naina. She was smiling, laughing even, but he could see the distance in her eyes, the subtle way her posture stiffened every time someone brought up their past. She was trying to hide it, but he knew her too well.

Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, a night where they could relax and enjoy each other’s company. But something was off. The tension between them, which had been building for days, was nearing its breaking point.

Just then, a figure approached Naina. A tall, charismatic man in a designer suit, someone Ekansh didn’t recognize. The stranger leaned in a little too close to Naina, his smile lingering too long. They exchanged pleasantries, but Ekansh could feel his blood boiling.

He didn’t have a right to be jealous—he knew that. But seeing someone else so casually step into Naina’s space, so comfortable in a way he hadn’t been with her lately, stirred something deep and ugly inside him.