Chapter 6: Sparks of the Past

The party hall was abuzz with laughter and chatter, the faint hum of soft music creating a lively ambiance. Guests moved between tables adorned with fresh flowers and sparkling glasses, the air filled with the aroma of gourmet food. Meera stood near the corner of the room, nursing a glass of juice, her eyes scanning the crowd as she tried to stay invisible.

Her boss, Mr. Kapoor, had invited her to this event, insisting it was a good networking opportunity. "It's important to mingle," he had said. Meera agreed, but her heart wasn't in it. In fact she doesn't not like to open up to strangers.

"Just one hour. That's all Meera. It's important for your work. " she muttered under her breath. "Give a Smile, make small talk, and leave."

As she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, she felt a familiar presence -- a tension in the air that sent a shiver down her spine. Slowly, she turned her head and froze.

It was Arjun Malhotra.

He stood near the entrance, scanning the room with his sharp, hawk-like gaze. His tailored black suit fit him perfectly, exuding effortless power and sophistication. The crowd seemed to part naturally for him, as if his presence commanded respect.

Meera's grip on her glass tightened. Of all places, why here? The fate was getting cruel.

Arjun's eyes stopped when they found her. For a moment, his expression softened, his usual confidence replaced by something unreadable. But as quickly as it came, it was gone, and he made his way toward her.

"Meera," Arjun said, stopping a few feet away. His deep voice carried an edge of surprise, though his face remained composed.

"Arjun," she replied, her voice sharper than she intended.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The hum of the party seemed to fade, leaving only the weight of their shared history between them.

"You look... different." Arjun said finally, his eyes sweeping over her.

"Yes, just going with the flow. Moving on." Meera replied curtly, refusing to let his words affect her. "Maybe you should try it too."

Arjun's lips curled into a small, humorless smile. "Is that what this is? Moving on?" He gestured vaguely to the party. "Hiding in corners at events, pretending to blend in?"

Meera's jaw tightened. "I'm here for work, Arjun. Unlike you, I don't have the luxury of doing whatever I please."

His expression darkened. "You think that's what this is? A luxury? You have no idea, Meera."

"No," she snapped, her voice rising slightly. "I don't. Because I don't waste my time trying to control people or prove something to the world."

Arjun took a step closer, his gaze hardening. "And yet here you are, working twice as hard just to prove your worth. To who, Meera? To your boss or To me?"

Her breath hitched, but she quickly masked her emotions. "This isn't at all about you, Arjun. It never was."

"Is that what you tell yourself?" he said softly, his voice laced with bitterness. "Because every time I see you, I can tell you're lying."

Meera's anger flared. "You don't know me anymore, Arjun. Whatever we had, whatever I felt -- it's over. And I suggest you accept that."

Arjun stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, unexpectedly, he smirked. "You're fiery tonight," he murmured. "And I like it."

She stepped back, her hands clenched. "This isn't a game, Arjun. Grow up."

"Game?" Arjun's smirk vanished, and he took a step closer. "I didn't know we were still playing games, Meera."

Meera's grip on her glass tightened, but she refused to back down. "We're not. I left that behind, along with everything else that involved you."

Her words stung more than he cared to admit. "You've changed," he said, his voice low.

She turned on her heel, ready to leave, but his voice stopped her.

"Meera," he called, softer this time. "You can keep running, but you and I both know the truth. This isn't over."

Her shoulders stiffened, but she didn't look back. "Goodbye, Arjun. Have a nice time. " she said firmly before walking away, leaving him standing alone in the crowded hall.

Arjun stood there, rooted to the spot, his hands clenched into fists. Raj approached cautiously. "Sir, are you alright?"

"No," Arjun muttered, his gaze still fixed on the spot where Meera had stood. "I'm not."

He downed the champagne in his hand and handed the glass to Raj. "I need air."

As Arjun stepped onto the balcony, the cold night air hit him like a wake-up call. She was gone, but her words lingered, cutting deeper than he cared to admit. She was different now -- stronger, fiercer -- but she was still his Meera.

And he wasn't ready to let her go.For the first time, Arjun Malhotra felt powerless. And he hated it.

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To be continue...