As the evening approached, Naina stared into her closet, realizing with growing frustration that she had no formal attire suitable for a high-profile party. Her busy schedule and the whirlwind of tasks had left her no time to shop for something appropriate. With no other option, she decided to wear a black saree she had brought with her, hoping it would be acceptable for the event.
Standing outside her apartment, she waited for Rivaan, who had promised to pick her up. The cool evening air felt oddly soothing, and her saree, though not ideal for the occasion, gave her a sense of tradition and dignity.
When Rivaanâs sleek black car pulled up, Naina couldnât help but notice how sharply dressed he looked in his black suit. He exuded an effortless elegance, and for a moment, she was struck by how handsome he appeared. It wasnât until she glanced down at her own attire that she realized they were quite literally matchingâher black saree complementing his suit.
The coincidence struck her, and she couldnât help but think that, to an outside observer, they might look like a couple. As Rivaan approached her, his eyes lingered on her with a mix of surprise and admiration. His expression softened for a fleeting moment before he spoke.
âLetâs go,â he said, his tone brisk but not unkind. âWeâll be late if you just stand there like a statue.â
Naina nodded, feeling a bit self-conscious, and got into the car. Rivaan drove them to the event, and she tried to focus on the passing scenery to distract herself from the anxiety of the upcoming social ordeal.
When they arrived, the venue was an opulent hall filled with glitz and glamour. Naina felt out of place amid the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Rivaan, with his usual confidence, introduced her to everyone as his assistant. She managed polite smiles and nods, though she felt increasingly out of her element.
As the evening wore on, Naina found herself bored and detached from the conversations around her. The food, though beautifully presented, lacked the rich spices and flavors she missed from her home. Unable to help herself, she took a few plates and sampled the offerings, her expression betraying her disappointment.
âThis food doesnât have any taste,â she murmured to herself, making a cute, scrunched-up face as she chewed. She missed the spicy, vibrant dishes of her culture.
Unknown to her, Rivaan observed her from a distance. Though he remained composed, he couldnât help but be drawn to her genuine reactions and the way she expressed her discomfort so openly. There was something refreshingly authentic about her, even in the midst of this high-society event.
As Naina continued to navigate the party, she remained unaware of the subtle shift in Rivaanâs perception of her. For now, she focused on enduring the evening, doing her best to blend into the background while her thoughts wandered back to the familiar comforts she had left behind.