Ruhi prided herself on control. She had spent months carefully molding her relationship with Abhi, ensuring that she remained at the center of his world. But now, standing on the balcony with Ishika's cool gaze meeting hers, she felt something she hadn't in a long time-uncertainty.
Ishika wasn't just another girl vying for Abhi's attention. She wasn't chasing him like the others, giggling at his every word or seeking his approval. No, Ishika was different. She wasn't trying to take Abhi from Ruhi.
She simply existed in his world-as if she belonged there.
Ruhi hated that.
With a calculated smile, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "Enjoying the party?" she asked, her tone laced with false sweetness.
Ishika tilted her head slightly. "I am. It's a good crowd."
Ruhi twirled a strand of her hair, pretending to be unbothered. "It's funny, though. You never used to be around this group before. And now, suddenly, you're everywhere."
Ishika raised a brow. "You mean now that I'm engaged to Abhi?"
The directness threw Ruhi off for a second, but she recovered quickly. "Engaged in name only," she said with a light chuckle. "I mean, let's be real, Ishika. You and Abhi? There's nothing there."
Ishika smiled, but there was something sharp about it. "If that's what you think, then you have nothing to worry about."
Ruhi's nails dug into her palm.
Before she could respond, the balcony door slid open, and Abhi stepped outside. His eyes flickered between the two of them. "What's going on?"
Ruhi immediately brightened, slipping her arm through his. "Nothing at all! Just girl talk."
Ishika's expression remained unreadable as she nodded. "Yeah. Just a conversation."
Abhi's gaze lingered on her for a second longer than necessary before turning back to Ruhi. "Come inside. People are asking for you."
Ruhi beamed. "Of course."
As she walked away with Abhi, she forced herself to remain composed, but inside, she was seething.
Ishika wasn't just a threat-she was playing a game of her own. And if Ruhi wasn't careful, she might just lose the one thing she had worked so hard to secure.
For the first time, she felt the first real crack in her perfect illusion.
...to be continued...