Mumbai, Malhotra residence
It was seven in the morning. The cool Mumbai breeze filtered through the windows, and the first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains. Arshita Malhotra was still fast asleep on her cot. A faint smile graced her face, as if she were lost in some undiscovered palace with the prince of her dreams. Pulling the blanket up to her chest, she slept soundly.
Just then, a familiar voice echoed from outside the room, "Ashi, wake up! How long will you sleep? The sun is already high!" It belonged to Mrs. Reena Malhotra, Arshita's aunt. Reena's voice held a stern yet loving tone, a daily habit. She was in the kitchen, boiling water for tea and also taking care of the household chores.
Arshita's uncle, Mr. Ashok Malhotra, and aunt, Reena, raised her as their own child. Arshita's parents died when she was just five years old. A car accident took her childhood, and since then, the Malhotra family has been her sole support system. Besides Arshita, they also had a son, Rishabh, who was 16 years old. Rishabh had recently graduated from the tenth grade and was enjoying his summer vacation.
Arshita was an innocent and beautiful 20-year-old girl. Her big eyes were filled with dreams, and her heart was filled with simplicity and hope. She often daydreamed about the prince of her dreams—a man who would understand her, respond to her every request with a smile, and with whom she could experience every aspect of life. She was everyone's darling at home. Be it her uncles and aunts or Rishabh, everyone lovingly fulfilled her every whim.
"Aunty, just let me sleep for two more minutes," Arshita mumbled sleepily, not even opening her eyes. There was an innocent coquetry in her voice.
"Yes, why not? It's already seven o'clock in the two minutes we've been talking. Don't you have to go to college today?" Reena replied with a slight taunt. Hearing this, Arshita suddenly woke up. She sat up in bed in surprise and said, "Oh, I forgot! Charu told me to come early today."
Charu—or Charvi Sahay—was Arshita's best friend. Their friendship began on the first day of college, and they had been incomplete without each other ever since. Arshita affectionately called her "Charu." She hurriedly got out of bed and ran to the washroom. Reena ji interrupted from behind, "Hey, be careful! Don't fall!" There was a slight laugh in her voice, mixed with concern.
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### College Gate, 8 am
Charvi Sahay stood at the main entrance of the college. Her short, shoulder-length hair swayed gently in the breeze. She wore blue jeans and a pink top, and four-inch heels made her even more attractive. Glancing repeatedly at her wristwatch, she muttered, "Where has this girl been? She can never be on time. I told you so many times yesterday to come early, but who listens? Let her come today; I won't even talk to her." Her voice held less anger and more drama.
Just then, an auto-rickshaw pulled up near the college gate. Arshita emerged from it. Her hair was still a bit disheveled, and a look of bewilderment was evident on her face. "Friend, Charu, please forgive me, please!" Arshita said, folding her hands.
Charvi, the college principal's daughter, scrunched her nose and said, "It's the same excuse every time. Come on, hurry up and get inside." Just then, their eyes fell on the college gate, where a black luxury car was slowly pulling in. Two bodyguards accompanied the car. From it stepped Rudransh Birla—a 25-year-old man whose mere presence commanded attention. Six feet tall, with deep brown eyes and an enigmatic smile—he was the most recognizable face in the college.
Arshita, upon seeing him, placed her hand on Charvi's shoulder and said, "Dude, Charu, he's so handsome! I wish he were mine." Her eyes were sparkling, her face lost in dreams.
Rudransh Birla was no ordinary boy. He was the CEO of the Birla Group and the hidden king of Mumbai's underworld. But one aspect of his life remained unfulfilled—his studies. After his parents' death, he had dropped out of college and taken the path of the underworld. But his grandfather, Danish Birla, wanted him to complete his studies. He firmly enrolled him in this college, explaining that if he didn't attend classes, the consequences would be dire. Unwillingly, Rudransh came to college today.
Charvi lightly slapped Arshita on the head and said, "Come out of this dream world, Miss Malhotra. He's just here to complete his studies. Anyway, I've heard he's connected to the underworld. The more distance you keep from him, the better. Come on, come inside."
Arshita smiled slightly and said, "Hey, Charu... The sun meets the night, Stars are found during the day. Those who have good luck, They get nomads."
Charvi rolled her eyes and said, "You and your poetry, you understand. Come on now!" With that, she pulled Arshita into the college.
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### First surprise of college
As they climbed the college stairs, Charvi stopped Arshita and said, "Listen, do you know why I called you this morning? Because you're going to start dancing again today. And this time, Papa himself has said that you'll bring glory to our college in the university competition. Now there's no chance of refusing."
Hearing this, Arshita's breath caught. Dance was her passion. She was a master of Kathak and had won numerous awards during her school days. But she had stopped practicing for the past few months. She had been admitted to college on a scholarship because she was the Delhi topper. Now, getting ready to dance again was a challenge—especially since Rudransh was also in college.
Just then the college peon came up to them and said, "Arshita, the principal is calling you to his cabin." Charvi smiled and said, "Go, Ashi, all the best!" She headed for class, and Arshita followed in the direction of the principal's cabin. On her way to class, Charvi noticed the same peon telling Rudransh the same thing. She smiled to herself and thought, "Wow, this is going to be fun."
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### Principal's cabin
Arshita knocked on the door and said, "May I come in, Sir?" The principal's stern voice came from inside, "Come in." Arshita went in and said, "Sir, you called me?"
The principal looked up from his chair and said, "Yes, Aashi. This time a university level competition is being held in our college. Such an opportunity has come after three years. I want you and Rudransh to participate in the dance this time."
Arshita was shocked. "But sir, I do Kathak. Does Rudransh also do Kathak?" she asked in surprise.
Just then the door swung open. Arshita turned and looked—Rudransh was standing there. His brown eyes were staring at Arshita, as if trying to read her. His gaze was so intense that Arshita was frightened. She thought to herself, "Did he overhear me? What will happen now? Charu was right, I should control my tongue. Run, Aashi, run away from here!"
The principal looked at him and said, "Hey, Rudransh, here you are. We've been waiting for you." Rudransh came in, but his eyes were still fixed on Arshita.
Arshita said nervously, "Sir, can I leave now? It's time for my class."
The principal stopped her, "Wait, Arshita. Rudransh will be in your class. I think you two should get to know each other. This time, you two will have to handle the entire event together. And finally, a dance performance by both of you will add to the grandeur of this function."
Arshita and Rudransh stared at each other. Arshita's heart was pounding, while Rudransh's eyes held a strange question. What would happen next? Would they both be ready for this performance?
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