Morning came with laughter, sunlight, and excitement buzzing through the hotel. The four girls woke up early, their energy infectious. It was finally the day of Kunal bhai's engagement — and none of them could contain their joy.
After a quick breakfast, they helped with small arrangements — tying ribbons, arranging flowers, and making sure every detail looked perfect. The hotel was alive with cheerful noise: the rustle of sarees, the clinking of bangles, the scent of marigolds and perfume filling the air.
Hours flew by, and soon it was time to get ready. The girls rushed to their room, chatter echoing down the hallway.
Anu was the first to finish dressing, draped in a pastel pink saree that matched her calm nature. Ishu wore deep maroon, playful and bright as always. Pihu, glowing with the happiness of her brother's big day, wore a soft lavender saree with a pearl border.
And then there was Sakshi.
She stepped out from behind the curtain wearing a black saree — simple yet stunning. Her long hair was left open, cascading down her shoulders. She didn't wear much makeup—just kohl around her expressive eyes and a faint nude gloss. But somehow, she didn't look like her usual self.
Today, she looked ethereal — like a goddess who had accidentally stepped into the mortal world.
Her height made her stand out effortlessly, even without heels. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt something new — a quiet confidence mixed with a faint unease.
"Damn, Sakshi!" Ishu gasped. "You're going to steal all the attention tonight."
Sakshi laughed. "Not a chance. It's Kunal bhai's day!"
They helped each other with jewelry and pleats, teasing and taking pictures until the clock struck evening. Then, hand in hand, they walked to the grand ballroom.
The engagement ceremony began soon after. Music floated through the air, cameras flashed, and laughter filled the room. Kunal bhai looked radiant with his fiancée, and Pihu couldn't stop smiling.
The girls danced, cheered, and clicked hundreds of pictures. Every corner of the hall shimmered with joy, love, and light.
It was perfect — almost too perfect.
And while everyone celebrated, no one noticed the pair of dark eyes watching from across the hall… fixed solely on Sakshi.
---
The rings had been exchanged, laughter echoing through the hall as music played in the background. The engagement wasn't over yet — people were dancing, talking, and celebrating endlessly.
In the middle of that cheerful chaos, all four girls' phones buzzed at once.
They exchanged confused glances.
It was a message from their university:
> "Tomorrow – Final practical exam (Rescheduled). Attendance mandatory."
For a moment, none of them spoke.
"What?" Anu blinked. "But it was postponed for next week!"
Ishu groaned. "Seriously? This had to happen now?"
Pihu looked guilty. "Oh no… we all will have to leave tonight."
Sakshi sighed. "Yeah, we'll manage. We're already prepared. We'll go, give the practical, and come back by evening."
They told Pihu's family about the situation, and everyone understood, though they felt bad about the girls leaving early. But it was late, and no one was free to drop them back to their apartment.
Pihu's mother turned to Sakshi. "Beta, you know how to drive, right?"
Sakshi nodded. "Yes, Aunty."
"Then take our car. Go safely, and once you finish your practical, come back. Kunal will send someone if needed."
Sakshi agreed. She took the keys, and after hugging everyone and saying goodbye, the girls headed toward the exit.
"Wait here," Sakshi said. "The parking's a bit inside. I'll bring the car."
"Okay, but come fast!" Ishu called out.
Sakshi smiled and began walking toward the parking area. The lights were dim there, the sound of laughter from the hall fading behind her. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor, echoing in the quiet space.
Kunal had mentioned the car was parked at the very end — near the service gate. As she moved deeper inside, the sound of voices caught her attention.
She froze.
Ahead, near a black SUV, stood a group of men — all dressed in black coats.
Her breath hitched.
They hadn't noticed her — not yet. She crouched slightly behind a pillar, her eyes widening as she realized what was happening.
One man — trembling — was kneeling before them, begging.
"Please… I did what you asked. Don't— please don't—"
Before he could finish, a tall figure stepped forward. His voice was calm, almost cold.
"People who beg," he said softly, "don't survive long in my world."
The tone alone made Sakshi's heart race. Under the pale light, she finally saw his face.
It was him.
The same man from the restaurant.
The same dark eyes that had followed her that night.
He hadn't seen her. Not yet.
Sakshi's hands trembled as she clutched the car keys tighter, forcing herself not to make a sound.
She took a slow step back—praying he wouldn't turn around.
But fate wasn't kind tonight.
The man in black stood over the trembling figure, eyes cold and expression unreadable.
"Teach him," he said quietly.
At once, his men moved.
The sound of punches, pleas, and bones cracking echoed through the parking lot. The man on the ground screamed — and something inside Sakshi broke.
A terrified scream escaped her lips.
The noise sliced through the air.
Every head turned.
The men stopped.
And then — he turned.
Those dark, dangerous eyes locked onto hers.
For a heartbeat, neither moved.
Then, slowly, he smirked.
Not a smile — but a chilling, powerful smirk that sent a shiver crawling down her spine. Under the yellow lights, his face looked devilish — sharp jawline, eyes glinting with danger.
He said something — a short command — to one of his men.
That was enough.
Sakshi stumbled backward, almost tripping on her saree, before running to the car. Her trembling hands barely managed to unlock it. She yanked the door open, jumped in, slammed it shut, and pressed the start button.
The engine roared to life.
In the rearview mirror, she saw the men starting to move. Her breath caught.
Without another thought, she pressed the accelerator hard.
The car sped forward, tires screeching as she turned sharply out of the lot.
When she reached the main entrance, her friends — Pihu, Ishu, and Anu — were waiting.
"Sakshi! What took you so long?" Ishu asked as they climbed in.
But one look at Sakshi's pale face, her shaking hands gripping the steering wheel, and they all fell silent.
"Sakshi?" Anu asked softly. "What happened?"
She didn't answer. She couldn't. Her heart was racing, her throat dry, her mind replaying that horrific scene — the screams, the smirk, those eyes.
All she could whisper was,
"Let's just… go."
The car shot out of the hotel gate into the night — leaving behind the laughter, the chaos, and the man whose eyes still haunted her every heartbeat.
---
Next Chapter Teaser:
> She thought she had left him behind that night.
But fate had other plans — and soon, those same dark eyes would find her again… not by accident this time.