Ria meticulously prepared for the party, adorning herself in beige bellbottoms paired with a vibrant red cropped shirt. She tied the ends of her shirt around her waist, exuding a casual yet stylish vibe. Her hair was gently parted in the middle and loosely fastened at the front with charming ribbons. Completing her ensemble, Ria chose to wear eye-catching red hoops and comfortable flats, anticipating a night of dancing. In preparation for an early departure the next morning, she thoughtfully packed her bag, including a change of clothes.
As she readied herself, the distant sounds emanating from the games room beckoned her to hasten. Memories of the conversation with Aniket earlier in the evening surfaced, where he had unintentionally instilled a sense of guilt within her for not being present at the event. Ria gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her thoughts swirling, contemplating whether her decision to stay another night was selfish. Firmly, she reminded herself, "But I am here now, so let's simply make the most of it."
Content with her appearance, Ria contemplated calling Palak and departing for the venue together. Just as she poised herself to step out, her phone rang, revealing an incoming call from Nishant.
Nishant: "Hi, are you coming?"
Ria: "Yes, I decided to stay. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning."
Nishant: "Oh, good. I'm looking forward to seeing you then."
Ria pondered whether Nishant's interest in her went beyond friendship, but swiftly brushed aside the thought, presuming it to be merely out of care.
Ria: "Yes, I'm just about to leave."
Nishant: "Me too. Would you mind if we go together?"
Samar's words about Nishant being someone special echoed in Ria's mind, triggering a sudden surge of self-consciousness. However, as a naturally outgoing individual, she struggled to comprehend the cause of her unease. "There is nothing more to it, so I shouldn't overthink this," she reassured herself.
Ria: "Okay, give me a minute. I had promised my friend I would accompany her. Let me inform her, and I'll meet you downstairs in 5 minutes?"
Nishant: "Alright, I'll see you then."
Ria cast a final glance at herself in the mirror, momentarily caught in a fleeting thought of Samar observing her entrance to the party with Nishant. Swiftly dispelling any lingering concerns, she firmly reminded herself, "Why am I even dwelling on this? Nishant is just a friend, and others' opinions should not matter." With determination, she left the room, locking the door behind her.
Knocking gently on Palak's door, Ria eagerly awaited her friend's response. Palak soon opened the door, adorned in a captivating vintage dress.
Ria: "Wow, I absolutely adore your dress. You look absolutely stunning!"
Palak: "Thank you! You look equally beautiful. I just need 5 more minutes."
Ria hesitated for a moment before sharing her plans.
Ria: "Hey, would you mind if I go with Nishant? He just called, and I wanted to check with you first."
Palak, sporting a mischievous expression, replied, "Excellent choice. Yes, it's absolutely fine. Natasha and I will arrive together."
Ria: "I don't understand why people here are getting the wrong idea. Nishant is just a friend who happened to call me to check if I stayed despite saying I wouldn't be here for the party."
Palak: "I was just joking. Go ahead, we'll see you soon."
With a smile and mutual understanding, they exchanged a nod. She made her way downstairs, ready to embrace the night's adventures. Waiting for her at the building entrance was Nishant, dressed in a white shirt with suspenders, a cap, and a rose tucked into his pocket. He was one of the good-looking seniors from their batch.
YOU ARE READING
This is not the End
Romansa"In their 20s, Ria and Samar fell deeply in love, but at such a young age, they didn't yet understand the depth of their feelings. Drifting apart, they went their separate ways, unaware that fate would eventually bring them back together. As the wor...
