INVISIBLE STRINGS // SARAJ

starry nights

At the function, the atmosphere was abuzz with music and the murmur of guests. The lights twinkled around them, casting a festive glow over the evening, but Savi felt far from relaxed. Her Badi Ajji leaned in close, her tone firm but deceptively sweet, "You better behave tonight. Be proper. Stand tall, smile, and don't scare away the men this time."

Savi's eyes rolled instantly. "Right, because that's exactly what I want—to be approached by your handpicked 'ideal men'."

Before she could get any more words out, Badi Ajji's hand shot up, gently pulling on her ear as a warning. "Enough with the backtalk, Savi," she hissed in a low voice, her grip just tight enough to send a clear message.

Savi winced but didn't retort. She knew better than to push Ajji further in public, especially at an event like this. As soon as her ear was released, she wandered off, making her way through the crowd.

She found a quieter corner and scanned the room for anyone she knew. Her eyes brightened when they landed on a familiar face. Isha Ma'am! Savi's heart lifted at the sight of her former teacher, the one person who had always been more of a guide than just a lecturer. She quickly made her way over.

"Isha Ma'am!" Savi called out, her voice warm with affection. When Isha turned, a smile spread across her face.

"Savi! What a lovely surprise," Isha greeted, enveloping her in a hug.

"I didn't expect to see you here. This doesn't seem like your kind of event," Savi said, pulling back but keeping her eyes on her teacher with curiosity.

Isha sighed lightly. "You're right, it's not. I actually had some work nearby, and... well, they invited me as a courtesy. I thought I'd stop by for a little while." She glanced around the room, her expression neutral, though her discomfort was evident.

Savi chuckled. "Kuch zyaada hi extravagant haina?"

"Bilkul sahi" Isha replied with a wry smile. But her expression quickly shifted. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes landing on something—or someone—across the room. Her smile faded.

"I have to go, Savi," Isha said abruptly, placing a hand on Savi's arm for a brief moment. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

Before Savi could ask what was wrong, Isha was already moving toward the exit. Savi was left standing there, slightly perplexed. She turned her head to follow Isha's line of sight, but whoever it was seemed to have moved into the crowd and so she lost them. Sighing to herself she turned to find her gaze landing on Rajat.

He was standing in a small group, laughing with a few of his friends, wearing a dark blue kurta that accentuated his tall frame. His glasses were missing tonight, giving his face a different, more open look. For a second, Savi almost didn't recognize him—he looked more relaxed, and dare she think it...handsome. His usual brooding was nowhere in sight as he threw his head back, laughing at something someone said.

Her stomach flipped unexpectedly, and she quickly looked away, trying to shake off the thought. She had seen Rajat a thousand times before, but something about him tonight, dressed in traditional attire, seemed different. She looked away remembering their previous argument, and decided to make her way to the refreshments table. 

***

A little while later, as Savi poured herself a drink, Rajat spotted her across the room. She was standing under the soft glow of string lights, the yellow saree draped elegantly over her shoulder, floral gajra adorning her hair. For a moment, he simply observed her, taking in the warm color that complemented her lively spirit. She looked radiant, and he had to remind himself to look away, mentally shaking himself before heading over.