After my unexpected encounter with Ranbir, he seemed to vanish from my life for an entire month. During this time, I immersed myself in my work, taking pride in my ability to efficiently manage the company without relying on anyone else.

My friend Rahul played a crucial role during this period, providing invaluable support and guidance. He introduced me to various business strategies and connected me with influential individuals at networking events.

At home, my relationship with my father remained somewhat distant. While he attempted to mend our bond, I couldn't shake off occasional concerns about his past and present behavior. Despite this, I remained resilient and focused on my goals.

Gradually, I unraveled the reason behind my father's summons. With his approaching retirement, he intended to pass on the reins of the company to me, recognizing my position as the eldest daughter and rightful heir. Understanding this responsibility, I made adjustments to my plans, including applying for business permits and visas to establish a presence in Chicago. With my qualifications and experience, I felt prepared to embark on this new chapter of entrepreneurship.

"Your mother must be proud of you, Mahira," Rahul remarked, his tone reflecting a mix of admiration and curiosity as he passed me a wine glass amidst the bustling ambiance of the business party.

Seated comfortably at the counter, having engaged in conversations with various clients, I replied with a hopeful smile, "I truly hope so. Securing this project would mean a lot to me, especially as I prepare for my potential move to Chicago."

Rahul's next question caught me off guard, his words slightly slurred from the effects of alcohol. "Why the hurry to leave?" he queried, his gaze earnest but clouded by inebriation.

Looking up from my glass, I observed his intoxicated state, feeling a pang of concern mixed with frustration. It was clear he wouldn't have posed such a question in his sober state. After all, he was well aware of my reasons. This city held too many painful memories for me, each moment spent here feeling increasingly stifling as it dredged up past heartaches and disappointments.

After a brief pause, I took a sip of my wine, collecting my thoughts before responding to Rahul's inquiry. "You know, Rahul, it's not just about leaving. It's about starting fresh, carving out a new path for myself without the weight of the past dragging me down."

Rahul nodded, his expression somber as he seemed to grasp the gravity of my words. "I understand," he murmured, his voice softer now, the alcohol-induced haze momentarily fading.

As the evening progressed, Rahul gradually sobered up, engaging in more coherent conversations with other attendees. Meanwhile, I found myself reflecting on the journey that had brought me to this point. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I persevered, determined to build a future that resonated with my aspirations and values.

The party, it turned out, was a celebration of a couple's 20 years of marriage. Soon, the atmosphere shifted as upbeat music filled the air, signaling the start of the dance floor.

"May I?" A familiar voice interrupted our reverie, causing both Rahul and I to look up in surprise. My initial shock turned into disbelief as I recognized the unexpected intruder standing before us.

"What are you doing here, Ranbir?" I blurted out, my voice betraying a mixture of astonishment and irritation. My gaze involuntarily flickered to the scrolled invitation card he held in his hand.

"Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor are family friends," he explained, sensing my evident displeasure.

As Ranbir stood before me, his presence seemed to cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere. Despite my efforts to mask my discomfort, I couldn't shake off the unease that settled in the pit of my stomach.

Rahul, ever perceptive, glanced between us, sensing the tension in the air. With a subtle nod, he excused himself, giving us a semblance of privacy amidst the bustling crowd.

"Surprised to see me?" Ranbir's voice broke through the awkward silence, his tone tinged with a mixture of amusement and something else I couldn't quite decipher.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself before responding, "You could say that. I wasn't expecting to run into you here, of all places."

He flashed a wry smile, his eyes betraying a hint of nostalgia. "Funny how life works sometimes, isn't it?" he mused, his words laden with unspoken implications.

"Now may I?" he asked while extending his hand. At the moment I was cursing Rahul in my mind for leaving me behind like this.

As we stepped onto the dance floor, the soft glow of the twinkling lights above cast a gentle ambiance around us. Despite the crowded room, it felt as though we were in our little world, isolated from the chaos around us.

Ranbir's hand rested lightly on my waist as we moved in sync with the music, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. I tried to focus on the rhythm of our steps, but his proximity made it impossible to ignore the tumult of emotions swirling within me.

"You're a good dancer," he remarked, his voice low and intimate against the backdrop of the music.

I couldn't help but smile, the tension between us momentarily easing. "Years of practice," I replied, trying to keep my tone light despite the weight of the unspoken words hanging between us.

As the song changed, the tempo slowed, and I found myself caught in Ranbir's gaze. There was a vulnerability there, a rawness that mirrored my inner turmoil.

"I never stopped thinking about you, Mahira," he confessed, his voice barely audible above the soft melody of the music.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, a rush of conflicting emotions flooding my senses. "Ranbir..." I began, but the words caught in my throat, choked by the memories of our past.

He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the curve of my cheek, his touch igniting a firestorm of longing within me. "I know I hurt you," he whispered, his voice filled with remorse. "But I never stopped loving you."

The intensity of his gaze was almost too much to bear, the weight of his words threatening to engulf me. "Ranbir, please..." I pleaded, the desperation evident in my voice as I struggled to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions raging within me.

But before I could say anything more, the song came to an end, and the spell was broken. With a heavy heart, I stepped back, breaking free from his grasp as I fled the dance floor, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unresolved feelings in my wake.