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But God, she made them sound tempting.

Community Hall (10:00 p.m.)

The community hall and its adjoining garden were ablaze with festive lights for the New Year’s Eve celebration. The pool, typically reserved for the community gym, shimmered under the twinkling lights, its surface reflecting the myriad colours that painted the surroundings. This was the same pool Shaurya often frequented, especially when his own villa’s pool became cluttered with fallen mango leaves and overripe fruits.

Children dashed about, their laughter echoing as they played with the gifts handed out by the event organisers of Serene Meadows. Adults gathered in animated groups, indulging in gossip while savouring a lavish spread of delectable appetisers. The aroma of sizzling kebabs wafted through the air, mingling with the rich scents of other gourmet dishes. Glasses clinked aswines and cocktails flowed freely, adding to the cheerfulness of the evening.

Once Nandini had checked in on her grandfather, who was happily surrounded by his gang of silver-haired besties, sipping wine and laughing over some old memory, she scanned the crowd for her own tribe.

It didn’t take her long to spot Priya, Kavya, Jyoti and the rest of the girls near the drinks counter, all dressed to the theme—red, black, and white that sparkled under the fairy lights. The wine was flowing, the kebabs were being devoured, and someone in the background had just started playing an old Kishore Kumar number on the speakers.Classic Serene Meadows vibes.

“Nandini!” Priya waved her over excitedly, nearly spilling her drink in the process. “Did you check if Shaurya’s left for the party or not?”

Nandini raised an eyebrow. “Why would I check on him? He’s not a toddler.”

“We’ve been waiting for him,” Kavya added, glancing toward the door as if she expected him to walk in any second. “I even wore red because I know he looks amazing in black.”

“You wore red… for him?” Nandini gaped at her.

Kavya gave her a dramatic sigh. “The man looks like he walked straight out of a luxury watch commercial. Of course, I dressed up for him.”

“That’s it,” Nandini muttered to herself, rubbing her temple. “Shaurya Ahuja was right. Serene Meadows does revolve around him.”

“How could you not check if he has left or not? You are his neighbour, Nandini,” Priya argued. “If we can’t get his updates from you, then whom can we rely on?”

Nandini rolled her eyes. “Oh please, I’m not giving you any updates… that too of Shaurya Ahuja. The only thing I know is that he won’t be coming here tonight.”

“What?” they all screamed in unison.

Mrs. Bhalla, who had just stopped beside them, chimed in with her trademark no-nonsense tone, “And how are you so sure he won’t be coming, beta?”

Nandini turned toward her. “Because he told me. And also, the man would rather host a silent dinner with his spreadsheets than attend a community party.”

Mrs. Bhalla folded her arms. “Hmm. That’s not what he told Mrs. Mehra, though. He said he’d be here. Said it himself the other day when she asked him about the headcount. Sure, he didn’t lift a finger to help organise this party, but he did promise he’d show up.”

Priya looked smug now. “Exactly. We know. He’ll be here.”

“I’m not betting against that face,” Kavya added, sipping her wine with a wink. “He’s way too pretty to second-guess.”

Nandini groaned. “Oh my God, all of you need help. This is supposed to be a neighbourhood celebration, not the red carpet at Cannes.”

“But you’re dressed like it’s both,” Priya teased, eyeing Nandini’s red dress with a grin. “Are you sure it’s not for him?”

“Shut up,” Nandini muttered, heat crawling up her neck.

Kavya leaned in, smirking. “So, what if he does show up now? Will your Raichand ego survive hosting a pizza party for us?”

“Please,” Nandini said with a flip of her hair. “I host better than I bet.”

“Wanna test that?” Priya said, holding out her hand. “If Shaurya shows up tonight, pizza party at your villa next weekend.”

Nandini didn’t hesitate. “Done. I’m that confident.”

They shook on it, and just as Nandini was about to reach for her wine, a shriek from behind them pierced through the chatter around them.

“LOOK! Look! He’s here!”

The girls spun around in sync, eager to get a glimpse of Mr. Grumpy, while Nandini turned slowly, as if unwilling to believe what she had just heard—only to see him.