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Kashvi and Haniya stood near the dessert table, chatting softly and laughing at small jokes while tasting different sweets.
Kashvi nudged her. "So? How is the night with Mr. Loverboy?"
Haniya smiled. "He's with me the whole time."
"That's because he can't take his eyes off you."
Before Haniya could reply, a familiar voice interrupted them with fake sweetness.
"Oh, Haniya! Hiding here?"
Haniya didn't even need to look.
Anamika.
Kashvi muttered, "Great. Trouble."
Anamika swayed closer, her gown shining dramatically. "Hi Kashvi, enjoying the party?"
"Was enjoying," Kashvi muttered.
Haniya gave her a soft look—I'll handle her. Kashvi nodded and stepped aside.
Anamika smiled at Haniya. "You know, Aarav was saying earlier how he loves girls who carry elegance naturally. Girls who—"
"Really?" Haniya cut in calmly.
"Yes, we've known each other for years. He trusts me."
Haniya signaled Kashvi to leave. Kashvi walked off, glaring at Anamika before going.
Now only Haniya and Anamika stood facing each other.
Haniya gave a cool smile. "Anamika, I admire your confidence."
"Oh?" Anamika smirked.
"Especially the part where you create stories about Aarav in your head. Impressive imagination."
Anamika froze. "Excuse me?"
"And the way you hover around him," Haniya continued. "It's adorable. Like a lost puppy."
"I am NOT hovering."
"Oh really? Then why were you following him around the whole evening?"
"It's called talking to a friend," Anamika snapped.
"Friend?" Haniya raised an eyebrow. "You mean the one who literally introduced me to his parents while you were standing in the corner pretending not to stare?"
Anamika's jaw tightened.
But then Haniya's eyes shifted—and she stopped.
Her brother, Reyansh, walked in.
Tall, confident, dressed in a navy suit. People moved aside instinctively when he passed—he had that commanding presence.
Haniya instantly forgot Anamika.
"Reyansh!" she called, running to him.
He opened his arms and hugged her tightly. "My princess. You look stunning."
"You're late," she complained softly.
"Had a meeting."
Then his expression changed—sharp, protective. "Where's Mom? And… where is he?"
He was staring straight at Aarav across the hall.
Haniya sighed. "Reyansh, don't start."
"I don't trust him," Reyansh said stubbornly. "I don't want him anywhere near you."
"He's good to me," she whispered.
Reyansh held her face gently. "You said that once before. And I saw you cry for weeks."
"That was a long time ago."
"For me, it feels like yesterday," he said softly. "I'm not ready to let anyone break your heart again."
"Trust me this time," she said firmly.
Reyansh didn't agree, but he didn't argue either. He just stood there, watching Aarav like a bodyguard ready to intervene.
Haniya's attention shifted again—
Across the hall, Anamika was now chatting with Vivaan and Harsh.
Haniya walked a little closer to listen.
Vivaan said proudly, "Aarav and Haniya are basically stuck together these days."
Harsh added, "He literally forgets us when she's around."
Anamika's smile was cracking.
Vivaan continued, "They're hopelessly in love."
Harsh nodded. "Yeah, like magnets."
Anamika's face dropped.
She tried to hide her jealousy, but Haniya could see everything clearly.
Vivaan added, "Aarav's crazy about her. No competition."
Harsh laughed. "Zero."
Anamika's forced smile trembled.
Haniya stepped away, satisfaction warming her expression.
Reyansh noticed. "Why are you smiling like that?"
"Nothing," she said, still smiling. "Just… something funny."
He narrowed his eyes but didn't push.
Across the hall, Anamika stood stiffly, finally realizing she could flirt, talk, pretend all she wanted—
But everyone already knew the truth.
Aarav belonged to Haniya.
And with her chin lifted, confidence glowing, Haniya walked back into the heart of the party—secure, loved, and untouchable.
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