𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐡

9. for a friend.

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Aaravi
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The next morning, I dragged myself to the meeting, still feeling the weight of Karan's message. I arrived on time - barely - earning a quick nod from Sheena. She had already started discussing the logistics of the launch event, her usual animated self back in full force.

"We've got the venue booked, the invitations are going out, and Vikram suggested a few options for the event manager," Sheena said, flipping through her notes.

"Who's handling the event?" I asked, more out of habit than curiosity. My mind was still on autopilot, thinking about the music, the fans, the next performance.

Sheena glanced at me, eyes gleaming. "I was going to tell you yesterday, but we've hired Karan Khanna."

I blinked. "Karan?"

"Yeah, you remember him, right? From Priya's wedding? Apparently, he's one of the best event managers around, and Vikram swears by him."

I tried to keep my face neutral, but my heart was suddenly racing. Of course, I remembered him. How could I forget?

Sheena went on, unaware of the storm brewing inside me. "He'll be overseeing everything - the decorations, the flow of the event, guest management. Basically, making sure everything runs perfectly. So, you two will need to discuss some details soon."

"Right, got it." I tried to sound casual, but my mind was already spinning. Work with Karan? Professional? Sure. But how would I handle my feelings fluttering all over the place? Absolutely not.

Sheena kept rambling about logistics, but I wasn't listening anymore. An idea was gnawing at me, and before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "Hey, Sheena, can I ask you something?"

Sheena paused mid-sentence, raising an eyebrow. "Sure, what's up?"

I hesitated, unsure how to phrase it. "Do you think... it's okay for someone famous to, I don't know, date someone new after a breakup? Like, do you think it's too soon, or... is it illogical?"

Sheena's brows furrowed in confusion, and then, slowly, a smirk formed on her lips. "Wait... Are you seeing someone?"

My cheeks flushed instantly. "No, no, I'm not. I'm just... asking for a friend."

She crossed her arms, eyeing me suspiciously. "Asking for a friend, huh? Aaravi, if this is you pulling some stunt, you better tell me now."

I quickly shook my head. "I swear, Sheena! I'm not pulling any stunts. I'm just... curious."

Sheena leaned back, her smirk softening into a genuine look of concern. "Listen, if your friend" - she made air quotes around the word - "is thinking about dating again, that's totally up to them. But the media can be brutal, you know that. People will talk, no matter what you do."

I sighed, nodding. "Yeah, I know."

She tilted her head, studying me. "You sure this is for a friend?"

I swallowed, feeling the weight of her gaze. "Yes. For a friend," I repeated, but even I didn't believe it.

Sheena shrugged, leaning forward. "If your friend wants to move on, I say go for it. Just tell them to be smart about it. Don't make it too public too soon, especially if there's still media drama from the last relationship. They'll twist the narrative, trust me."

"Right," I muttered, trying to process her words. Was it really that simple? Could I actually give myself a chance to feel something again - maybe with Karan?