Priti's POV:
"I still don't understand why I have to go," I muttered, flipping through my wardrobe for the third time.
"Because Naman's mom is basically family," Ma called from the kitchen.
"And it's her 50th anniversary," added Pratyush, barging into my room like it was his own. "Don't wear anything embarrassing."
I shot him a look.
Subhangi, lounging on my bed, tossed a pillow at him.
"She'll outdress you even in pajamas, dude."
He rolled his eyes but left.
Basically Naman's mom (aka Sudha aunty) invited us five for her 50th wedding anniversary. So Subhangi decided to get ready at my place.
It wasn't the party that bothered me. It was the feeling in the air lately.
Like… something was shifting.
Subhangi was distracted, Naman was weirdly polite, and Pratyush — well, he was being more annoying than usual. Even Ma looked at me like she knew something I didn't.
"Who all are coming?" I asked casually while helping with gift wrapping.
"Oh, the usual. Family, friends, college mates. Even Nalini invited someone special, I think," Ma said with a mysterious smile.
Someone special?
Before I could ask more, Naman's mom called to confirm that "all six of you better show up looking your best."
Six?
Me, Subhangi, Pratyush, Naman, Nalini…
Who's the sixth?
---
The Night of the Party:
The lights were golden. People shimmered in sequins and silks. Music floated around like a soft mist.
I walked in with Subhangi, both of us matching in pink and peach sarees.
Naman greeted us with his usual grin.
"You look nice," he said to Subhangi — way too fast, before turning to me. "And you—Priti, you'll be glad you came tonight."
"Why?" I raised an eyebrow.
He just smirked.
"You'll see."
That's when I noticed Nalini at the entrance.
She wasn't alone.
A tall guy stood beside her, wearing a black kurta, sleeves rolled up, like he didn't care how many eyes were on him. His jawline could slice cake. His presence? Unignorable. But it wasn't just his looks.
There was something about him. Something familiar… but not.
He leaned in, whispered something to Nalini, and she laughed softly. Comfortably.
He turned slightly, scanning the room — and that's when our eyes met.
It wasn't a long stare. Maybe two seconds. But my breath caught like I'd stepped into cold water.
Who… is that?
His gaze didn't drop.
It lingered — just enough to make me feel like I'd been seen.
Not looked at.
Seen.
My stomach did that weird flip-flop thing it usually saved for exams and emotional K-dramas.
I blinked, forcing myself to look away.
"Priti?" Subhangi's voice cut through the moment. "You okay?"
"Yeah… I'm fine. I just—who is that with Nalini?"
"No idea," she said, looking. "New cousin, maybe?"
I wasn't so sure.
Because the way he looked at me?
Felt nothing like family.