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The club was bathed in hues of crimson and gold, with dim lights dancing across velvet walls and a mirrored ceiling. Heart-shaped balloons floated above the tables, and the soft, romantic melodies filled the air, mingling with the low hum of conversations and clinking glasses.

At one of the private lounge booths sat Shaurya, Nandini, Varun and Priya, lost in their own little world despite the noise around them. The booth, tucked away in a quieter corner of the club, allowed enough space and privacy for conversations and a few stolen moments amid the chaos.

Both Nandini and Priya had told their families that they were going out together for Valentine’s night. Two best friends celebrating singlehood. A harmless girls’ night out. Nandini’s grandfather had even laughed while reminding them to ‘stay away from drunk idiots’ and ‘to be home by 11.’ Neither girl had technically lied. Theywereindeed together. They just hadn’t mentioned that Varun and Shaurya would be with them too. Their two very significant‘plus ones.’

Nandini sat close to Shaurya, their knees touching beneath the table. She looked stunning in the long red gown that hugged her curves perfectly. The slit on the right side teased him, offering glimpses of her toned leg each time she moved. Adelicate diamond pendant sparkled at her collarbone. Her hair was styled in soft curls cascading down her shoulders, her lips tinted a bold red to match the night.

Shaurya, seated right beside her, looked maddeningly hot in a black linen shirt with the top two buttons left casually undone. Paired with well-fitted black trousers and that ever-so-perfectly-styled hair, he looked every bit the man who didn’t need to try for attention, but still had every woman in the club doing double takes. Under the soft, amber lighting, the faint stubble along his jaw only added to his dangerous charm.

Across from them, Priya and Varun completed the foursome. Priya looked chic in a fitted shimmery wine-coloured dress, and Varun, in his navy-blue blazer, flashing that mischievous smile of his, looked like he had walked straight out of a rom-com novel.

They all lifted their glasses in a toast. The girls had ordered champagne while the boys had ordered something stronger.

“To Valentine’s nights together like this for the rest of our lives,” Nandini said, grinning, clinking her glass with Priya.

“To secrets half-told and plans fully executed,” Priya added with a wink, and the men joined in the toast with a smirk.

“To Nandini’s success in finding the investor for her startup,” Shaurya added.

Nandini smiled with quiet pride. Just three days ago, she had met Mrs. Choudhary, one of the principal partners at Aura Wellness, a renowned lifestyle venture capital firm co-founded by a former brand entrepreneur turned investor. Known for championing women-led consumer brands with a strong emotional appeal, Aura Wellness operated out of both Delhi and Singapore and had built a reputation for backing purpose-driven, homegrown D2C ventures, particularly those rooted in Ayurvedic and organic wellness.

Given their focus on empowering female entrepreneurs, they saw real potential in Nandini’s startup. They had agreed to invest. By next week, she would be signing the official contract. And with that, her business would finally be back on track, stronger than ever.

After a sip, Varun leaned in and said, “Honestly, thank God you two patched things up. I was almost about to check Shaurya into an emotional rehab. He was walking around like he’d just watched five tragic films back-to-back.”

Shaurya didn’t bother denying it. He turned to Nandini, took her hand, and gently lifted it to his lips. “I swear, that was our last fight. From now on, no more drama, no more doubts.”

Varun smirked. “Bold promise, bro. I’ll believe it the day Nandini goes a full hour without giving you the death glare. And trust me, I am saying this from experience… as someone who’s been your friend forever. No one can tolerate your broody, grumpy tantrums the way I do.”

Nandini grinned, nudging Shaurya playfully. “He’s right. But being broody and grumpy suits you.”

Shaurya shrugged with a grin.

But then, Nandini’s smile softened, and she looked at him thoughtfully. “I do feel bad, though,” she said, “for keeping this relationship a secret from Grandpa.”

Shaurya’s expression softened. “Not for too long now,” he promised. “We’ll make it official whenever you’re ready.”

She raised a brow playfully. “Let’s just wait until he retires that antique shotgun hanging in our living room first. Because I swear, if he finds out and it still works—”

Priya cracked up. “Imagine the headline:‘Man shot for loving granddaughter too dearly.’”

Even Shaurya laughed at that, though he rolled his eyes. “Come on. I’ve already won over your grandpa. He likes me.Sure, he’ll throw a fit or two. But eventually, he’ll realise he’s not going to find a better grandson-in-law than me.”

“Yeah,” Priya chimed in, raising her hand. “I agree. Shaurya’s got that parent-pleasing face. The respectful and responsible kind. I’m not worried about you, Nandini.”

She turned to Varun with mock dread. “It’s me I’m worried about. My dad still thinks I’m too innocent to evenlikesomeone, let alone date them. And now imagine breaking the news that I’ve been secretly seeing this man here…” she gestured dramatically toward Varun, “…who’s even been to our house while they were away.”

Varun laughed, catching on. “Remember! I had to hide in your closet for a good fifteen minutes because they came back early and your mom barged in to show you her shopping.”

The table erupted into laughter as Priya gasped. “Don’t even remind me! I was panicking. She just wouldn’t stop, even when I told her I was sleepy and would see the stuff the next day! Thank God her friend called and she left the room.”

Varun mock-shuddered. “I was suffocating in there. Honestly, if you hadn’t opened the door when you did, I’d be a news headline by now:‘Boyfriend Found Unconscious Among Sarees and Fragrances.’”

Priya swatted his arm, giggling. “Suffocating? Please. I’ve got the best perfumes in that closet. It smells like a designer boutique in there.”

Varun leaned in with a lopsided smile. “Yeah, but none of them smell like you. Fresh. Warm. Familiar.”

The table fell quiet for a beat. As Priya and Varun slipped into their own little bubble of whispered teases, Shaurya turned his gaze back to Nandini. Her cheeks were still flushed from laughing. He never got tired of looking at her like that.