AUTHOR POV
Vani and Charu step out of the auto in front of a beautifully lit bungalow. Soft music, fairy lights, warm ambience-it feels like a celebration.
Vani looks stunning in the red top and white skirt that Charu forced her to wear. Her hair flows softly, her cheeks naturally glowing. Charu grins proudly.
"I told you, this look is perfect," Charu whispers.
They walk inside.
Meeting Maya Ma'am & Her Husband
Maya Ma'am spots them immediately and rushes over, smiling brightly.
"Vani! Charu! You came!"
She hugs both warmly.
Her husband, Veer, joins her-a tall, well-built man with sharp eyes. But the moment his gaze lands on Vani... it doesn't move.
He stares.
Not politely.
Not respectfully.
His eyes travel from her face to her clothes with a slow hunger.
A mischievous, dark idea flashes across his expression.
Vani feels uncomfortable instantly and steps slightly behind Charu.
Maya Ma'am doesn't notice; she's too busy hosting.
Suddenly, two familiar voices interrupt.
Sanaya Ma'am:
"Oh wow... look at her. Red top... white skirt... someone's trying very hard tonight."
Zoya Ma'am smirks.
"College mein toh chup rehti hai, yahan fashion show?"
Charu glares at them, but Vani just lowers her eyes, heart squeezing.
Maya Ma'am notices the tension and quickly pulls Vani closer, giving the teachers a cold smile.
The door opens again.
Ahaan walks in wearing a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, hair perfectly styled.
He looks... breathtaking.
Vani goes still.
Their eyes lock across the room.
Ahaan stops mid-step, shocked to see her there-beautiful, glowing, fragile.
A small, silent moment passes between them... just a glance, but enough to make both their hearts skip.
Vani quickly looks away, her chest warm.
Vani turns to Maya.
"Ma'am, I'll be back... just going to the washroom."
She walks down the quiet corridor.
But Veer hears it.
A slow grin spreads across his face.
He follows her quietly.
The washroom hallway is dim.
Before Vani can even push the door, a strong hand grabs her arm and pulls her into the corner.
She gasps.
"V-Veer sir...?"
His grip tightens.
"You looked very pretty tonight..."
He whispers against her ear.
Vani freezes.
"Sir, leave me-"
"Shhh... Maya is busy. Nobody will know."
He leans close, his breath hot on her neck.
"You came dressed like this for attention, didn't you? Let me give you some..."
He tries to kiss her.
Vani struggles desperately, tears forming-
"Please stop-please-let go-"
Suddenly-
A hand grabs Veer's collar from behind and yanks him backward.
Veer crashes into the wall.
One fierce punch lands straight on his jaw.
Veer stumbles, stunned.
Ahaan steps into the faint light.
His eyes-burning with pure fury.
Veer stares at him, terrified.
Ahaan lowers his voice, deadly calm:
"Stay. Away. From. Her."
Veer gulps, touching his bleeding lip, and runs away down the corridor.
Vani collapses to the floor, trembling, tears falling uncontrollably.
Ahaan turns to her.
For a second, he looks like he wants to hold her, comfort her-
But anger, guilt, and protectiveness mix in his expression.
He clenches his jaw, forcing his emotions down.
Finally, he says only one sentence:
"Stay away from Maya."
His voice is heavy... broken.
And he walks away, leaving Vani on the floor crying.
Lights blur in her eyes.
Her heartbeat shakes.
Her breath won't calm.
.
.
.
VAANI POV
Half an hour... I don't even know how long I sat curled up in that bathroom corner, my hands shaking, tears dropping one after another. My chest felt so heavy, like someone had tied a stone inside.
"Aaj Maya ma'am ki party hai... I can't ruin her happiness," I whispered to myself, wiping my wet cheeks with trembling fingers. She was going to announce something important tonight. I had no right to ruin her moment... no right to create drama.
I took a deep breath, washed my face, and tried to calm down.
But the moment I remembered Ahaan sir's words...
"Stay away from Maya."
Something inside me broke again.
Why... why did he say that?
What did he think of me?
Why did it hurt so much?
Tears burned my eyes again, but I forced myself to step out. I can't cry... not here.
When I entered the party area, the music was loud, lights were bright, everyone was laughing... but I felt completely alone.
Maya ma'am spotted me immediately.
"Vani! Where were you? What happened? Your face looks-"
Before I could speak, Veer entered, wiping the corner of his mouth.
Maya ma'am's eyes widened.
"Veer! Why is your lip bleeding?"
He shook his head.
"Kuch nahi."
But I could feel his eyes-sharp, angry, burning holes into me. Like it was all my fault. Like he wanted to blame me for something I didn't even do.
And then...
My heart stopped.
Ahaan sir walked in behind him.
For a moment, our eyes met.
His expression unreadable... but his jaw tight, eyes filled with something between anger and pain.
I quickly looked away.
Maya ma'am took Veer's hand and pulled him towards the stage. Her excitement was glowing brighter than the lights.
"Everyone, I have a special announcement tonight!"
Everyone clapped, cheering loudly.
I stood frozen.
Veer held her waist, smiling.
And then Maya ma'am said it...
Words that sliced straight through me.
"I'm pregnant...! And soon, we are going to be parents!"
The crowd exploded in happiness.
People clapped, shouted, congratulated.
The whole hall filled with joy.
But inside me... silence.
A loud, painful silence.
My ears buzzed.
My heartbeat stopped.
I looked at Ahaan sir instinctively...
He wasn't happy.
Not even a fake smile.
His face turned stone cold.
His fists clenched.
And in the next second...
He walked out.
Angrily.
Without looking back.
I stood there...thinking why it affect ahaan sir so much ?
Did there is something between Maya mam and ahaan sir ?....
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