The moment Aira stepped onto the dance floor, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations dimmed, eyes turned, and an unspoken tension crackled between her and Ravindra.
His fingers rested lightly against hers—firm but not forceful, inviting but not overstepping. It was the kind of touch that spoke of experience, of control, of someone used to leading.
Aira, however, was not one to be led.
The music started—a slow, sultry rhythm.
Ravindra took the first step, expecting her to follow.
Instead, she countered.
A sharp turn, a shift in balance—effortless yet undeniable. She wasn't resisting him; she was challenging him.
His eyes darkened with something between intrigue and amusement. "You're playing a dangerous game, General Mehra."
Aira smiled, her movements fluid. "I don't play games, Mr. Raizada. I win them."
The crowd around them murmured, enthralled by the silent battle unfolding on the floor.
Step. Twist. Counter.
Each motion was precise, calculated. Aira's footwork was impeccable—light, swift, unwavering. She didn't just match him; she controlled the rhythm itself.
Ravindra adapted quickly, trying to regain dominance, but Aira remained untouchable—never giving him the upper hand, never allowing herself to be caught off guard.
It was a dance of control. A duel of power disguised as grace.
And then, he did something unexpected.
He let go.
Aira's breath hitched—not in shock, but in recognition. He wasn't conceding. He was testing her.
She didn't falter. Instead, she moved with flawless precision, spinning on her own before stopping in perfect sync with the final note of the song.
Silence.
Then—applause.
The spell broke, and the world around them rushed back in.
Ravindra chuckled, low and approving. "I underestimated you."
Aira smirked, stepping away. "Everyone does. Just once."
With that, she turned and walked back to her brothers, leaving him standing there—intrigued, challenged, and, for the first time in a long while…outplayed.
And he loved every second of it.
Meanwhile…
Veer whistled under his breath. "Damn, she actually made him work for it."
Vivaan grinned. "Did you expect anything less?"
Veer shook his head. "No. But I bet he's going to come back for more."
Vivaan leaned back, watching as Ravindra's gaze followed Aira. "Oh, he definitely will."