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Haniya entered her room and opened her wardrobe. She already knew what she wanted to wear tonight. A soft satin dress, fitted at the waist, flowing lightly when she walked, the color warming her skin. She styled her hair carefully, added subtle makeup, and put on the bracelet Aarav gave her before.
When she looked in the mirror, even she paused.
She looked… beautiful.
Her phone rang. Aarav.
"Everyone is waiting for you downstairs," Aarav said. His voice was warm, but she could hear the impatience. "Come soon."
"Okay, I'm coming," she replied.
She took a breath, opened the door, and walked downstairs.
As she descended the steps, the whole team froze for a second. Vivaan even dropped his phone. Harsh blinked five times. Kashvi's mouth fell open.
But Aarav… Aarav forgot how to breathe.
He stared at her like the world had gone silent. His heartbeat hammered in his chest. His hand loosened at his side. He wasn't even blinking.
Haniya stopped in front of them. "Let's go?"
Vivaan snapped out first. "Damn, girl! You look like… like a literal fairy!"
Harsh nodded. "If beauty was a crime, you'd be jailed forever."
Kashvi hugged her. "You look too pretty, Haniya. I can't even look directly."
Aarav still wasn't saying anything.
Finally Vivaan nudged him. "Bro. Say something. You look like you saw heaven."
Aarav swallowed. "She looks… unbelievable."
Haniya smiled shyly. "Thank you."
They headed out. Vivaan pumped his fist. "Okay, plan! Harsh, Kashvi, and I go together in one car. And the lovebirds go together in Aarav's car."
Haniya glared. "Stop calling us that."
Harsh smirked. "Then stop acting like that."
The whole group laughed. Haniya and Aarav walked to his car while Vivaan yelled dramatically, "Drive safe, Romeo and Juliet!"
Aarav opened the door for her before she could touch it. She got in, and he shut it gently, like she was made of glass.
Inside the car, Aarav fastened his seatbelt and finally looked at her properly.
"You look… too good," he said softly. "So good that I don't know what to do."
Haniya felt her heart skip. "Just drive."
"Don't tempt me then," he muttered.
She turned toward the window to hide her smile, but Aarav suddenly slowed the car and stopped by the side of the road.
"Aarav?" she whispered.
He leaned toward her, cupped her cheek, and kissed her gently at first… then slowly deeper, as if the night belonged only to them. Her fingers curled into his shirt, and he pulled her closer, breathing her in.
After a long moment, he pulled back, still close enough that their foreheads touched.
"I needed that," he whispered.
"I know," she replied softly.
They drove again. Vivaan's car was right in front of them, probably singing loudly and off-key.
Soon they reached the mansion—the president's house. Lights, security guards, luxury cars—it was grand but warm. Aarav parked and quickly came around to open the door for Haniya.
As she stepped out, a familiar voice called—
"Aarav!"
Anamika was standing near the entrance, dressed beautifully, smiling brightly—with a bit too much intention. Aarav's brows lifted slightly in surprise.
Haniya's face changed instantly. She didn't speak, but her jaw tightened.
Anamika walked closer and placed a hand on Aarav's arm. "You look so handsome tonight. I was waiting for you."
Aarav stepped slightly back. "We just arrived."
Anamika didn't care. "You should've informed me. I would have come with you."
Haniya's eyebrows rose sharply.
Vivaan and Harsh arrived behind them.
Harsh whispered, "Ohooo someone is jealous."
Vivaan added, "This is premium jealousy. 4K quality."
Haniya elbowed them. "Shut up."
They laughed.
Aarav moved closer to Haniya, gently placing his hand on her lower back. Enough to claim her without saying a word. Her irritation softened immediately.
They walked inside the mansion together.
Vivaan stopped at the entrance and stared up at the huge chandelier. "Bro… how rich are you exactly?"
Haniya sighed. "Not that much."
"This house has two floors just for decoration!" Vivaan whispered loudly. "Two decoration floors, Haniya! I am scared to breathe here."
Harsh nodded dramatically. "I feel like if I sneeze, I will have to pay five lakhs."
Kashvi laughed. "You guys are insane."
Haniya rolled her eyes. "Please behave."
Vivaan leaned toward her. "Sorry, ma'am. We will try to act poor quietly."
Haniya smacked him lightly.
They moved deeper into the mansion, admiring the beautiful décor, lights, and soft music already filling the hall.
Aarav walked beside Haniya. Their hands brushed lightly, unintentionally… then intentionally. He didn't hold her hand—he couldn't, not publicly—but the small touches were enough.
She glanced at him.
He smiled.
And the night had only just begun.
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