The next few weeks felt quiet in the best way.
No big fights. No confusion. Just two people slowly getting comfortable with each other.
They had lunch together every day. Sid knew Anna's coffee order by heart now. Anna knew when he was tired, even before he said it.
Things were not perfect. But they were good. And getting better.
One Thursday, Anna's friend Riya came by their desks.
"Anna, Saturday night. My birthday party. You're coming, and you're bringing Sid."
Anna looked at Sid. "Up for it?"
Sid hesitated. "Is it a club?"
"It's a club," Riya said, grinning.
Sid wasn't a club person. Loud music, crowded floors, people shouting to talk. It was the opposite of his idea of fun.
But Anna was looking at him with hopeful eyes.
"I'll come," he said.
"You will?"
"I will. Just don't leave me alone with strangers."
Anna laughed. "Deal."
On Saturday, Anna walked out in a black dress, her hair open, a little shine in her eyes.
Sid forgot what he was going to say.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing," he said. "You look really beautiful."
Anna smiled and looked away, a little shy.
The club was loud, just like he thought. Lights moving everywhere, music so heavy he could feel it in his chest.
But Anna took his hand and pulled him inside.
She introduced him to Riya's friends. Karan, who talked a lot. Meera, who laughed even more. A few others from Anna's old college group.
Sid was awkward at first. He stood stiffly, held his drink, and smiled too much.
But Anna stayed close to him the whole time.
Every few minutes, she leaned in and whispered, "You okay?"
"Yeah. Better now."
After a while, Karan pulled Sid into a funny conversation about cricket, and Sid actually started enjoying himself. Meera made him try a silly dance move. He failed badly. Everyone laughed, including him.
Around midnight, Anna found him near the bar.
"Dance with me?"
"Anna, I really can't..."
"I'll teach you," she said, pulling him gently.
On the floor, the lights turned soft and slow as a new song started. Everyone around them faded.
Anna put her hands on his shoulders. Sid held her waist, a little nervous.
"See? You're doing fine," she whispered.
"Because of you."
They moved slowly, barely dancing at all.
For that one song, there was no noise. Just her eyes, her smile, and the way she rested her head near his shoulder.
Sid had come to the party for Anna.
But somewhere in the middle of that night, he realized he was happy. Really happy.