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Shaurya Ahuja.

He was dressed in a black bespoke tuxedo, so well-fitted, it could’ve been stitched onto his frame. His hair was sexily styled, and a bit of night stubble graced his jaw. The moment he stepped into the community hall, it seemed as if the world had slowed down. Time stood still for a beat at least for the women.

He hadn’t even opened his mouth yet, and all eyes in the room were on him.

Priya clutched Nandini’s arm in excitement. “See. I won the bet.”

Kavya squealed. “He looks like someone who owns half of Delhi and flew in on his private jet just to see us.”

Mrs. Bhalla chuckled. “And here comes the drama.”

Just then, Mrs. Mehra rushed over to greet him with a beaming smile. “Shaurya! You made it! I thought for sure that work might keep you busy.”

He offered her a polite smile. “I said I’d come. I don’t go back on my word.”

As he conversed briefly with Mrs. Mehra, his gaze subtly searched the crowd until it settled on Nandini. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before she turned away, feigning disinterest, though her heart betrayed her with its galloping pace.

Priya noticed the smirk that played on his lips when their eyes met.

“Don’t even say it,” she told Priya through gritted teeth, realising her friend saw the eye lock between her and Shaurya.

“What? I was just saying he’s looking absolutely dashing tonight,” Priya teased.

“You underestimated Mr. Sexy Tux,” Kavya whispered with a wink.

Priya leaned in closer to Nandini. “Also, did you notice? He hasn’t taken his eyes off our group.”

The women exchanged knowing glances.

“Looks like you’ve lost the bet,” Kavya said.

Nandini groaned. “Why do I even talk to you people?”

The girls giggled, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

“Whatever. Next weekend. Pizza at my place,” Nandini snapped, lifting her wine glass and taking a slow, measured sip that barely masked her irritation.

The group erupted in cheers, already discussing their favourite toppings, when Shaurya made his way over to them, looking dangerously comfortable in a crowd that had once labelled him the Grump of Serene Meadows.

“Good evening, ladies,” he greeted smoothly, nodding at each one of them.

The girls immediately went into full swoon mode. Priya offered him a glass of wine. Kavya fluttered her lashes at him. Another girl asked him if he’d tried the kebabs.

“I bet he doesn’t eat them,” one aunty whispered from the side. “With a physique like yours, you must be more into salads and protein shakes.”

Nandini just shook her head, trying not to react to the laughter around her. But it was impossible. She could feel his presence near her, his gaze—lingering.

That man was going to be trouble for her blood pressure tonight. Because Shaurya Ahuja had just entered the party, andsomehow, the whole energy of Serene Meadows shifted with him.

Mrs. Mehra clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention. “Alright, everyone. It’s time to light the wish lanterns! Girls, go grab them from the counter near the cake table.”

The girls squealed in excitement and rushed towards the table. In all the chaos, Nandini suddenly realised that she was left alone with him.

She turned to him, crossing her arms. “You said you weren’t coming tonight.”

Shaurya, looking all too pleased with himself, gave her a lazy smirk. “I like being unpredictable.”

She huffed, a strand of hair falling over her face. “Because of you, I lost a bet.”