(A/N: Chapter 12 has already been published on scrollstack, for early access to it you have to follow me on my scrollstack account.The link to the account is in my wattpad bio and instagram bio.)
Aarav stood at the edge of the dance floor, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watched his sisters having the time of their lives.
His heart swelled with joy seeing Vanshi, who always hesitated at social gatherings because of her inability to walk, now carefree in Yahvi's embrace, her laughter ringing out as if it was the only sound that mattered.
Vini, timid as ever due to her selective mutism, was giggling with Naina, the bond between them stronger than any words could express.
And Naina, his cousin and daughter of his parents' best friends; Ritika and Hardik, seemed more at ease than she had been in ages.
But it wasn't just the sight of his sisters that filled him with happiness.
Yahvi—this stranger who had somehow woven herself into their little world—was the reason behind their smiles tonight.
She was the spark that ignited their joy.
Shailee's eyes darted between Aarav and Yahvi, her gaze sharpening as she noticed where his attention lay.
She forced a smile when she saw his sisters so happy, but it faltered when her eyes landed back on Yahvi.
That girl—Yahvi—seemed to have a magnetic pull on Aarav's family, on him even.
And suddenly, Shailee felt invisible, her insecurities bubbling to the surface.
What was he smiling at?
Was it his sisters, or was it... her?
Shailee clenched her jaw, shaking off the thought.
Aarav wouldn't cheat on me.
Yet, as he let go of her hand and walked away, her heart ached with the familiar sting of abandonment.
Just like the countless times before—when his work, his patients, his never-ending responsibilities took precedence over her—he left her standing alone.
Again.
On the other side of the room, Yahvi was laughing with Vanshi, who still had her feet perched over Yahvi's, oblivious to the pain Yahvi was enduring.
Her feet had turned a deep red, numb from the pressure, but Yahvi refused to stop.
Her smile didn't falter, even though she winced every time she shifted her weight.
"Let's have dinner," Aarav called out, cutting through the music.
Yash, noticing Yahvi's discomfort, quickly swooped in, lifting Vanshi into his arms.
"Come on, Vanshi, let's get you seated," he said, making it easier for Yahvi to finally get some relief.
Vini and Naina followed, giggling as they rushed to the table, while Yahvi remained behind, leaning on one foot and wincing as the other throbbed in pain.
"Pchh..." Yahvi hissed under her breath, her leg tingling with that painful prickly sensation of falling asleep.
And then, just as she was about to hobble over to a chair, she felt a familiar grip on her waist.
Aarav's strong hand steadied her, his presence almost overwhelming as he effortlessly lifted her.
"Gangster girl," Aarav greeted with a grin, his deep voice laced with amusement as he helped her sit.
