Chapter 2: A celebration

The Weight of Unspoken Words

The dim glow of neon lights flickered against the walls of Blue Haven, but Shaan Kapoor felt like he was standing under a harsh spotlight. His fingers curled into a fist before running through his hair in frustration.

"What the hell is this?" his voice was sharp, cutting through the music as he turned toward Aryan, who was trying very hard to look innocent.

Aryan raised his hands defensively. "Why are you shouting at me? This was Anshika's plan. She wanted to surprise you and asked me to help."

Shaan exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. The conversation from earlier echoed in his mind.

"I don't want to go to any party."

"WHY?" Anshika had shouted, frustration lacing her voice.

"I've invited my friends, my colleagues… they want to meet you, Mr. Kapoor."

"But I don't." Shaan had snapped back, voice unwavering.

And yet, here he was.

Shaan sighed and muttered, "I need air."

Before Aryan could respond,

Nishant grabbed Shaan's wrist and dragged him toward a quiet corner.

Shaan pulled his arm away. "What the—what are you doing , your intentions don't look good?"

Nishant didn't answer right away.

His sharp gaze scanned Shaan's face, his usual smirk replaced by something more

serious.

"Spit it out."

Shaan scoffed, forcing a smirk. "Oh, come on—"

"Spit it ," Nishant cut him off.

Shaan hesitated, but Nishant wasn't the type to let things slide.

"It's nothing," Shaan finally muttered.

Nishant held his gaze for another second before letting out a breath,

his expression softening slightly as if relieved.

A Memory That Never Faded

The classroom was chaotic, the air thick with excitement after a heated match.

"Yeah, yeah, you girls lost the game. Now you can't accept it, huh?" Shaan's teasing voice rang through the room, his smirk never fading.

Aria scoffed, taking a few steps toward him, hovering just slightly over his desk.

"In your dreams, shaan. You all cheated in the quiz. Don't you dare say the boys won. "

Shaan chuckled, amused by her nerve. He reached out, patting her head like she was a kid throwing a tantrum.

The whole class watched in anticipation. It was a common scene—Aria and Shaan, always at odds, yet never truly apart.

Then, Anshika's voice joined the banter.

"Oh? How can you say you won?" Her laugh was soft but shameless. "I literally saw your two friends open their books during the quiz and cheat."

A heavy silence followed.

Nishant and Aryan instinctively moved away from Shaan, suddenly very interested in the wall.

Shaan shot them a glare. Traitors.

But amidst the playful exchange,

Aria felt something unfamiliar stir inside her.

Was it jealousy?

Was it insecurity?

Was it the realization that she wasn't special?

She looked around. Every other girl in class had a crush on Shaan.

He bickered with them, laughed with them, teased them.

But it was different with Anshika.

Because Anshika was her best friend.

And Anshika knew.

Aria felt her chest tighten, her hands curling into fists. She turned away and walked out of the classroom.

She didn't know what she felt, but she knew she didn't want to be there.

The Present is Just a Reflection of the Past

The night air was crisp against Aria's skin as she stepped out of the club, her heels clicking against the pavement.

Her mind raced, trying to process everything. Shan's name. The party. Anshika's presence.

It felt like the past was laughing in her face.

Footsteps.

She turned around before the voice even came.

"Oh, hello," Anshika's voice was light, playful, like nothing had changed.

"Where are you going? I was waiting for you."

Aria stared at her, an unbelievable look crossing her face, a mix of amusement and irritation.

"I was waiting for you."

A flashback of high school hit her like a wave.

"Oh, hello. Where are you going?"

Anshika had said those exact words back then, too.

Then and now.

The realization left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Anshika snapped her fingers, pulling Aria back to the present.

Aria blinked. "Yeah, woah, actually, I have to go… Sneha—my hostelmate and bestie—she's sick. She messaged me, so I need to check on her."

Anshika tilted her head slightly, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips.

"Oh?" she mused. "Is it really because of Sneha? Or is it… because of Shaan?"

Aria froze mid-step.

Her face tensed, her hand running through her hair as she fought to keep her expression neutral.

This wasn't the first time.

From high school to now, Anshika had always pushed her into this corner.

She invited me to this party… knowing exactly what she was doing.

Aria exhaled slowly.

She had two choices.

Snap at Anshika, let everything out—every suppressed frustration, every hurt feeling.

Reply gracefully, pretend none of this affected her, and walk away.

She looked at Anshika, her fingers curling slightly at her side.

This time… she wasn't sure which choice was the right one.