Silent Affair (On Hold)

Chapter Fifteen

As Virat had asked, Khushi had quickly gotten ready and rejoined the guys, while Avantika was still getting ready.

"Avantika, we're leaving," Arnav called out.

"Wait, wait," Avantika hollered as she put on her earrings, running down the stairs. "I'm ready, I'm ready."

"About time," Arnav huffed, and the four of them left.

They all got into Arnav's car, the boys sitting in the front, the girls sitting in the back. Every now and then as Arnav drove, Arnav would glance at the rearview mirror and look at Khushi. Mostly she would look out the window or give her attention to Avantika as she babbled away, but never once did she look at him.

Or so he thought.

Although Khushi wouldn't look at him when he was looking at her, Khushi occasionally would glance up at him, catching him trying to catch a glimpse of her. She could feel his gaze burn through her, as if it were a physical thing, and Khushi could only hope for the drive to be over so she could get away.

It wasn't long before they arrived, the party turning out to be at one of Arnav's buddies' mutual friends. There were quite a number of people there and the smell of booze was in the air.

"Aww yeah, beer," Virat grinned.

Khushi scowled at him and Virat chuckled, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"No beer for you sir," Avantika frowned. "Did you forget you have to drive home from our place?"

"I could always just crash at your place, right bro?"

Arnav nodded.

Avantika rolled her eyes. "Fine but Bhai, if you even think of drinking, then its round 2 between you and Khushi."

Both Arnav and Khushi looked at each other, remembering the other day and their crazy antics... especially what had happened afterwards.

"Enough standing around," Virat said, "let's party!"

The four of them headed inside the house and saw Shivaay and Anurag, the guys doing their bro-shake, Avantika rolling her eyes to it all.

"Come on Khushi, let's get some punch."

Khushi nodded and followed her over to the snacks table. Avantika got them each a glass and they looked out at all the party members.

"I haven't been to a party like this in ages," Avantika said.

Khushi nodded; she, too, hadn't been to one in a long time. In the past, Khushi used to go with Arnav, especially during their high school days. After Arnav went to college, Khushi would beg him to take her to the college parties, and he eventually would give in and take her with the other guys.

"At least we're all grown now, so no more stupidity, like spiking the punch bowl."

Khushi looked down at the bowls, clearly labeled if it had been mixed with alcohol or not. At least they had the decency to do that.

The music was starting to get louder and more people began to join the dance floor.

"Oh come on Khushi, let's dance!"

Khushi shook her head, heavily objecting. Oh no! No way!

"Come on Khushi, it'll be so much fun," and Avantika grabbed her by her hand and dragged her out to the floor.

Khushi's eyes widened in shock and she stared at Avantika as people came around them and began to dance. Avantika began to shimmy along with the music, but Khushi simply stood there.