"Careful, wildcat..."

Aarini’s eyes were already wide, but the moment she heard that voice—“Careful, wild cat…”—her heart skipped a beat.

She slowly looked up, and for a second, everything around her faded into a blur. The noise outside the café, the crowd, the honking cars—everything dissolved into the background.

Because standing in front of her was none other than Reyansh Oberoi—the guy she had mentally nicknamed “Ostrich.”

No... this can’t be happening… not him… please, not him again…

Her heart screamed internally as panic rose inside her.

She instinctively took a step back, but that only made her lose balance again. And just like last time, he didn’t let her fall.

His right hand gripped her waist firmly through the fabric of her pink umbrella kurti. Her hands had automatically landed on his chest, clutching his coat tightly—as if that grip was the only thing keeping her from collapsing.

His chest was solid.

His familiar musky perfume was already clouding her senses.

Her breath came out uneven.

The moment felt unreal.

Reyansh had that signature mischievous glint in his eyes, a confident, teasing smile playing on his lips.

"Kya har jagah girti padti rehti ho? Aur hamesha mujhse hi takrati ho?"

("Why do you keep falling everywhere? And always end up bumping into me?")

he asked, his tone dripping with amusement.

Aarini blinked, finally snapping back to reality. That’s when she realized how close they were. Her dupatta fluttered near his hand, and the proximity between them was way too intimate for her liking.

She instantly took a step back, breaking the accidental closeness.

But her heartbeat?

Still racing.

Still loud.

Still chaotic.

"Tum... Tum yaha kya kar rahe ho?"

(“You… what are you doing here?”)
she asked awkwardly.

Reyansh shrugged with his usual arrogance,

"Cafe mein coffee peene aaye hain, Miss Wild Cat. Tum kya kar rahi ho yahan? Apne dreamy duniya se seedha yeh drama lane aayi ho kya?"

(“Came for coffee, Miss Wild Cat. What about you? Did you come straight from your dreamy land to bring some drama here?”)

Aarini narrowed her eyes, her irritation replacing the awkwardness.

"Oh please. Agar main bolungi na, toh tumhari bolti bandh ho jaayegi. Aur tum wahi kyun hote ho jahan main hoti hoon, haan? Stalker ho kya?"

("Oh please. If I start speaking, you’ll be the one silenced. Why are you always wherever I am, huh? Are you a stalker?")

Reyansh chuckled, clearly enjoying this.

"Tumhare jaisi dramebaaz ko stalk karne ke liye bhi tolerance chahiye hoti hai, jo mere paas nahi hai."

("To stalk someone as dramatic as you, I’d need a lot of tolerance, which I don’t have.")

Before Aarini could throw a sharp comeback, a voice called out—

“Aarini!”

She turned.

Riya was walking up from the parking lot.

“Riya!”

Aarini said in relief, walking towards her friend. But…

Tug.

She stopped.

Something held her back.

Without looking, she snapped—

"Tum pagal ho kya? Har baar mujhe preshan krte ho, ostrich!"

("Are you crazy? Do you always irritate me, Ostrich!")

But when she turned around…

Reyansh hadn’t grabbed anything.

Her dupatta had gotten caught in his wristwatch.

His face carried that same smug expression.

Unapologetic.

Unbothered.

Unbelievably smug.

"Tum aur tumhari cheeze, hamesha meri cheezon mein atak jaate ho. Kya karma hai yeh?"

("You and your items are always getting stuck in my stuff. What karma is this?")

he said casually.

Aarini scoffed, yanking her dupatta away from his watch.

“Not even in your dreams, okay?”

By then, Riya had reached them. She took one good look at Reyansh, then turned to Aarini with wide eyes.

"what happened Aarini?"

"Nothing i was just about to fall."

Reyansh had already gone inside the cafe, as soon as he leaves,

Riya Dramatically said Aarini,

"OMG, kitna hot banda tha! Teri takkar bhi aise hi kisi se honi thi. Wah yar!"

("OMG, what a hot guy! Of course, your collision had to be with someone like him. Wow, girl!")

Aarini rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Pagal hai kya? Issi se takraungi main? No way. Yeh hot ostrich hai yeh. Bas height hai, baaki sab ego ka bhandar."

("Are you crazy? Me? Collide with him? No way. He’s just a tall ostrich. Nothing but a warehouse of ego.")

But inside?

She wasn’t denying it anymore...

Yes—he was hot.

But he had insulted her.

No way he could beat her fictional book boyfriends.

Still… her eyes had clearly disagreed just a minute ago.

No.

"No... hot to hai. Par accept nahi karungi. Never."

(He might be hot… but I’m not accepting that.)

Not today.

Not ever.

She quickly turned to Riya and said,

"Chal, andar chalte hain. Tera Shail wait kar raha hoga."

(“Let’s go inside. Shail must be waiting for you.”)

Riya nodded,

“Yeah, he called. He said that his friend was parking the car... might have gone inside to the cafe.”

Aarini’s heart dropped slightly.

Please… don’t let that friend be him. Please not Ostrich.

Reyansh was already walking into the café.
But his smirking face and those sharp eyes lingered in her mind, refusing to leave.

Even as she stepped into the café, her dupatta swayed slightly—almost like it still remembered being caught in that watch.

Riya teased,

“By the way… yrr, whatever you say, that guy was hot but my Sahil is also handsome.”

Aarini laughed out loud, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Because deep inside, her heart was beating in a weird, uneven rhythm…

As if something had already started between her and Reyansh—even before either of them realized it.

.

.

.

Aarini's face turned pale the moment she saw him take the seat across from her.

No... no... no way...

Her worst fear had just come true.

Reyansh Oberoi was none other than Sahil’s best friend.

The same Sahil who was Riya’s fiancé. The same Sahil whose wedding was just around the corner. And now—of course—the universe had decided to sit all four of them at one table.

Aarini could feel the unease crawling under her skin like a second heartbeat. Her lips were slightly parted in shock, her eyes fixed on Reyansh who had just comfortably taken the seat opposite her with that ever-smug smirk resting on his lips.

Why? Her mind screame.

Of all people, God, it had to be him? Shail ka best friend bhi yahi?

And now he’ll be at the engagement, the wedding... basically everywhere.

I’ll see his arrogant face at every function. No way. I need to stay away. Far, far away.

She forced her gaze down, staring at the table as if it could give her an escape plan.

And what the hell happened to me outside?

Why did I freeze like that?

Why did my heart skip a beat seeing him up close?

Why did his stupid cologne still linger in my senses?

Snap out of it, Aarini. You hate him. HATE. HIM.

She was lost in her chaotic thoughts when Riya’s voice broke through.

"Aarini!"

Aarini blinked, pulled out of her mind’s mess. Riya was beaming with excitement.

"Meet Sahil. Sahil, this is Aarini—my best friend, soul sister, and the only person who knows all my embarrassing secrets."

Sahil smiled warmly and extended a hand,

"Hi Aarini, I’ve heard so much about you."

Aarini managed a polite smile, shaking his hand,

"Hi, same here. Congratulations, by the way."

Sahil chuckled,
No"Thanks. I hope you’ll be part of all the madness coming up."

Before Aarini could respond, Sahil turned to Reyansh and said,

"And this is my best friend—after a lot of emotional blackmail, I finally convinced him to come today. Meet Reyansh."

Aarini’s fingers curled under the table.

She already knew Reyansh. Way more than she wanted to.

But she kept her expression neutral as her eyes slowly lifted—only to find Reyansh already looking at her.

His gaze was steady, unreadable. There was a slight arch in his brow, like he was amused by the situation, by her reaction... by them.

The moment their eyes met, Aarini looked away sharply.

No. I am NOT playing into this.

But her stomach fluttered despite her resolve.

"And this," Sahil continued, wrapping an arm around Riya, "is my fiancée. Soon to be my wife."

Reyansh gave a nod, lips curved in that signature half-smile of his. But his eyes—those deep, unreadable eyes—were still focused on Aarini.

She could feel it.

Every inch of her skin felt it.

She shifted in her seat, crossing her legs and mentally putting up a wall around her.

Riya and Sahil began chatting, their laughter filling the space, but Aarini’s mind was still spinning. The universe had a twisted sense of humor.

Riya turned to them excitedly.

"So! The engagement is the day after tomorrow. You both have to come."

Sahil added, "Yes, and if possible... maybe even prepare a dance performance together? That would be epic!"

Before the sentence could even fully leave his mouth—

"NO!"

Aarini and Reyansh said it together, loud and in perfect sync.

The table fell silent.

Sahil looked stunned, blinking between the two.

Reyansh leaned back, nonchalantly sipping water, as if he hadn’t just shut down the idea with military precision.

Aarini cleared her throat, avoiding everyone’s eyes.

"I mean... no, I—I don’t think that would work out. We’re just... not in sync."

Reyansh muttered under his breath,

"Definitely not."

Sahil raised his hands in surrender,

"Okay okay... chill, no pressure. It was just a suggestion."

Riya gave Aarini a pointed look.

"But Aarini... you promised me you’ll dance at all my wedding events. You said you’ll be there for everything. Remember?"

Aarini hesitated, her expression softening.

Of course she remembered. She had meant it too. She’d never let anything come between her and Riya’s happiness.

Even if it meant dancing... around him.

She gave a reluctant nod, "Yes, yes. I’ll dance. For you."

Riya grinned, clearly satisfied.

Their food arrived, and the conversations shifted to wedding shopping, outfits, and plans. Riya animatedly described her lehenga, while Sahil teased her about taking too long in the trial room. Their chemistry was adorable—undeniably real.

Aarini watched them, her expression warm now.

"You two look... perfect together," she said, a smile tugging at her lips.

Riya blushed,

"Aww, thank you. But only if you help me survive my in-laws’ formal dinners."

"Deal."

Aarini giggled.

"Actually,"

Sahil added, "Riya talks a lot about how you've always been there for her. I wanted to say... thank you, Aarini. It means a lot to see her this happy."

Aarini’s heart softened.

"She deserves the best. I’m just glad she found someone who understands her."

Across the table, Reyansh listened quietly. His gaze was no longer teasing—it was curious now. Observant.

Aarini looked calm on the outside, but inside?

She was spiraling.

Why does he keep watching me like that? What is he trying to see? I don’t care. I shouldn’t care. He’s annoying, arrogant, and... dangerously attractive. Ugh, no. Not attractive. Definitely not. I need to stop this train of thought right now.

Reyansh tilted his head slightly, as if reading her discomfort.

"Wild Cat still silent?" he said lowly, just enough for her to hear.

She gave him a sharp glare.

"Don't call me that. Ostrich."

He shrugged, the corner of his mouth lifting.

"oh really and why?"

Riya leaned in, oblivious to the tension.

"Guys! What do you think of having a 'Best Friends' performance? Like, one dance from me and Aarini... and one from Sahil and Reyansh?"

Sahil grinned, "Oh god, Reyansh doesn’t dance."

"Exactly," Reyansh added.

Aarini smirked under her breath, "Figures."

Reyansh heard it.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Riya waved her hand, "Don’t worry, Aarini and I will kill it anyway. You guys just cheer from the sidelines."

Aarini nodded, thankful for the shift in attention. Her shoulders finally relaxed a little.

But her peace didn’t last long.

Because Reyansh spoke again—softly, but with that spark in his tone.

"You sure you don’t want to dance with me, Wild Cat? Just once?"

Aarini scoffed, "I’d rather dance with a cactus."

Reyansh laughed under his breath, not offended at all.

"You’d still manage to trip over it."

And just like that—chaos.

Riya and Sahil looked between them, confused but entertained.

"You two seem like you’ve met before..." Riya narrowed her eyes.

Aarini’s mouth opened—then closed. "Umm... long story."

Reyansh gave a lazy smile, eyes fixed on her. "Very... colorful story."

Aarini’s cheeks flushed.

Lord save me.

And yet—deep down, a terrifying realization began to whisper in her chest.

There was something in this awkward, annoying tension. Something neither of them was ready to admit.

Not yet.

.

.

.

The warm buzz of the café lingered in the air, but between the four of them, a sudden shift had happened—subtle yet defining.

Riya’s voice rang out with cheerful authority,

“Ab parso ki tayyari puri tarah se karlo, okay?”

(“Now complete your preparations for the day after tomorrow, okay?”)

Sahil nodded, brushing his fingers through his hair.

“Of course.”

Riya smiled and turned to Aarini.

“Humne jo songs decide kiye the na, unhi pe dance performance karni hai. Aur tu… apna solo performance ready rakhna. Us gaane pe, yaad hai?”

(“We have to perform dances on the songs we did. And you… keep your solo performance ready. On that song, remember?”)

Aarini gave a small smile, her eyes glinting with fondness for her best friend’s excitement.

“Don’t worry. Main ready rahungi.”

(I will be ready.)

Riya beamed, but quickly shifted her attention to Sahil.

“Aur Sahil… humara bhi toh performance hai. Tumne practice ki na?”

(“And Sahil… we also have a performance. Did you practice?”)

Sahil’s grin faltered.

“Umm… woh…”

Riya’s smile dropped as she narrowed her eyes.

“Don’t tell me tumne practice nahi kiya.”

Her voice was laced with mock warning.

“Yaar Sahil! Parso function hai. Humne saath mein ek baar bhi practice nahi ki. Mujhe laga tum thoda seekh loge, toh saath mein sync toh kar hi lenge. But—”

(“Yaar Sahil! There is a function tomorrow. We haven’t practised together even once. I thought if you learn a little, then we will be able to sync together. But—”)

Sahil raised his hands defensively.

“Okay okay, no problem! Abhi chalte hain. Ghar pe practice kar lete hain. Tum chalo mere saath.”

("Okay okay, no problem! Let's go now. Let's practice at home. You come with me.")

Hearing this, Aarini’s brows slightly furrowed.

If Riya goes with Sahil, then how am I supposed to go home? she wondered silently. And she promised to buy me that book too on the way back.

She barely had time to think before Riya turned toward Sahil.

“Nahi Sahil… mujhe Aarini ke saath jaana hai. Use ghar bhi chhodna hai. Aur usko uski dark—”

(“No Sahil… I have to go with the Aarini. I have to drop her home too. And she has to go to her dark room—”)

Riya abruptly stopped mid-sentence as Aarini quickly placed a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide in alarm.

“Bas… bas Riya,”

Aarini whispered. Her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and warning.

Sahil’s eyes narrowed. Reyansh tilted his head slightly, clearly intrigued.

“Kya?” Sahil asked, frowning. “Dark kya?”

("What?, Dark What?")

Riya blinked, pausing for a second before replying,

“Nothing. Usko market se kuch saman lena tha. Main ne usse uski Lucy lane se mana kiya.”

("Nothing. She had to buy some things from the market. I stopped him from bringing her Lucy.")

At the mention of Lucy, Reyansh stifled a chuckle.

Sahil looked puzzled.

“Lucy? Who’s Lucy?”

Under his breath, Reyansh muttered with amusement, “Scooty…”

Aarini threw him a glare that could slice steel.

Riya giggled and clarified,

“Aru ki scooty ka naam hai Lucy.”

("Her scooty name is Lucy.")

Sahil’s brows rose but he let it go.

“Okay… lekin tum mujhe chhodke kyun jaogi?”

(“Okay… but why would you leave me?”)

Riya crossed her arms dramatically.

“Tumhari wajah se sab bigad gaya. Ab humari performance achhi nahi hogi.”

("Everything got spoiled because of you. Now our performance will not be good.")

Aarini, watching her friend’s mild tantrum, stepped in quickly.

“Riya, don’t worry. Tum Sahil ke saath chali jao. Main cab le lungi. It’s okay.”

("Riya, don't worry. You go with Sahil. I will take a cab. It's okay.")

“Are you sure?” Riya asked with concern.

“Tera ghar yahan se dur hai…”

(“Your house is far from here…”)

“Main manage kar lungi. Market bhi baad mein ho jayega.”

("I will manage it. The market can be done later.")

Riya was about to argue further when Sahil suddenly said, “Arrey, don’t worry. Reyansh chhod dega Aarini ko.”

Aarini’s heart skipped.

“No no! I can manage myself,” she interjected quickly, her voice firmer this time.

Reyansh, who had been quietly observing with that signature smirk of his, didn’t miss the way she rushed to decline the offer. His arms were folded lazily across his chest, but his gaze was razor sharp, reading her far too well.

Sahil looked at him.

“Reyansh? Tum chhod doge Aarini ko?”

("Reyansh? Will you leave Aarini?")

Before Reyansh could even open his mouth, Aarini cut in again.

“Nahi! Main chali jaungi. Unko pareshaani hogi.”

("No! I will go away. He will be in trouble.")

Reyansh let out a soft laugh under his breath.

Kitni sweet ban rahi hai… par asli mein toh poori wild hai, he mused.

Riya stood up suddenly, clearly losing patience.

“Aarini, please! Tujhe meri kasam. Tu Reyansh ke saath hi jaayegi. Don’t throw your I’m-a-strong-woman tantrum now.”

(“Aarini, please! I swear to you. You will go with Reyansh only. Don’t throw your mother-is-a-strong-woman tantrum now.”)

Aarini’s face twitched, a hundred protests building inside her chest, but she couldn’t say no to Riya.

With a defeated nod, she mumbled, “Okay…”

“Good.” Riya grabbed her bag.

“Chalo Sahil.”

("Let's go sahil.")

With that, the soon-to-be-married couple exited the café, leaving behind a silence that wasn’t exactly awkward—just… heavy.

Now only Reyansh and Aarini remained. Still seated across from each other. Still surrounded by the faint aroma of coffee and the soft murmur of strangers’ laughter.

Reyansh finally spoke, his voice casual yet charged,

“Chalein?”

(Let's go?)

Aarini glanced at him, unsure, but arguing again would only stretch the awkwardness. She gave a small nod.

“Haan…”

("Yes...")

They both stepped out into the soft orange hue of early evening.