2016

The grand hall was alive with a vibrant, electric energy. The music blasted through the speakers, a mix of old-school Bollywood beats and the latest chart-topping hits. 

The dance floor was packed, with everyone from their class—couples, friends, and classmates who had never talked outside of school—moving to the rhythm. 

The lights dimmed low, casting neon hues across the space, and the strobe lights flashed in time with the bass.

Navya stood at the edge of the dance floor, her heart racing a little faster than usual. The dress she wore made her feel like she was someone else—a confident, self-assured woman instead of the girl who had once sneaked cookies with Shubman. 

It was a deep green velvet gown that hugged her curves in all the right places, its spaghetti straps and backless design giving her a bold, classy look. 

She had chosen a delicate gold necklace and matching earrings that shimmered under the lights, and her hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders. 

She had barely recognized herself when she looked in the mirror earlier, but tonight felt different. This was the night to embrace who she'd become.

Shubman, meanwhile, was across the room, surrounded by his friends, laughing and joking like the natural star he was. 

He had his own signature charm tonight. His white shirt, the buttons undone just enough to give a glimpse of his toned chest, was tucked into dark, perfectly tailored pants. 

The sleeves were rolled up, revealing the muscles in his arms, and he had on a sleek black jacket that made him look like he belonged on the cover of a magazine. 

His hair was styled back, more polished than usual, and he looked every bit the part of the charming, rising athlete and heartthrob that he was.

Navya caught his eye from across the room, and for a split second, it felt like the world went quiet. 

It wasn't the first time he'd looked at her like that—his gaze lingering just a little too long, a little too intense—but tonight, with everyone around them, it felt different.

He made his way toward her with that effortless swagger of his, and as he neared, a playful smirk spread across his face. 

"Well, well, well," he teased, taking in her outfit, "Look who finally decided to show up as a queen. Damn, Kanna, you're—" He paused, eyes widening. "—you're stunning."

Navya rolled her eyes, though her heart fluttered at the compliment. 

"Stop being a show-off, Shubu. You don't have to be so dramatic."

"Oh, please. You love it," he grinned, stepping closer. He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "You always did love it when I noticed you."

The heat between them was undeniable, but they had both learned over the years how to play it cool. 

Tonight, however, there was something unspoken in the air. Maybe it was the finality of graduation, or maybe it was the way Shubman's hand brushed against hers as he stood beside her.

"You know," Navya said, trying to keep her voice casual, "It's weird, right? We've known each other for, what, 12 years? And now, it's like everything is changing."

Shubman raised an eyebrow, the usual playful glint in his eye softening. "Yeah, it's crazy, huh?" He paused for a moment, looking down at her hand, where their fingers were barely touching. 

"I'm gonna miss you, Kanna. More than I thought I would."

Navya swallowed hard, feeling the lump in her throat. She had always known that their bond was something special, but now, in this moment, it felt like it was shifting. 

The tension between them wasn't just from the dance music or the crowded room—it was something deeper.

The music shifted to a slower song, and before Navya could protest, Shubman grabbed her hand and led her toward the centre of the dance floor.

"Come on, Kanna. One last dance, huh?" he said with a mischievous grin.

Navya hesitated for a moment, but then, unable to resist, she let him pull her into the beat. The crowd around them thinned out as everyone paired off into couples, and soon it was just the two of them, standing close. 

The soft, slow rhythm of the music swirled around them, and Navya could feel Shubman's heart beating in time with hers.

"Shubu, I'm not a good dancer," Navya muttered, her cheeks flushing a little.

Shubman chuckled, his hands sliding to her waist, pulling her closer. "Don't lie. You're perfect," he said softly, his voice low and warm, the usual cocky bravado gone.

Navya could feel the heat of his chest against hers, the gentle press of his hand at the small of her back. Her heart beat a little faster, her breath a little shallower. The world seemed to disappear around them. 

There was only the music, their steps in sync, and the feeling of his hands on her.

"You always say that," Navya said with a small, teasing smile, though she felt more vulnerable than she let on.

"Because it's true," he replied, his voice now quieter, more serious. His eyes held hers, not in the usual playful way, but with something that sent a shiver down her spine. 

"You know, I've always thought you were beautiful, right?"

Navya felt her breath catch in her throat. Her chest tightened, and she met his gaze, knowing that what was unsaid between them was suddenly a little too loud. 

"Stop it, Shubu. You're just being... you."

But Shubman didn't smile this time. Instead, his eyes darkened, and he stepped closer, his lips just barely brushing her ear. 

"No, Navya. I mean it," he said, his voice so low she could barely hear it. 

"I've always thought you were the most beautiful girl in the room. But tonight? Tonight, you're something else."

Her pulse raced as his words hung in the air between them. There was a moment, a single moment, where everything felt like it was teetering on the edge of something they couldn't take back. 

Something that had been building for years.

Navya couldn't speak. 

Her mouth was dry, and all she could do was look up at him, her heart in her throat.

But instead of closing the gap between them, Shubman just pulled back slightly, a quiet smile on his lips. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. 

"You know I'm terrible with words, Kanna. But I guess, what I'm trying to say is... I don't think I've ever needed anyone more than I need you."

Navya blinked, stunned by his honesty. Her heart fluttered in her chest. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

Shubman, always the one to keep things light, gave her a teasing grin. "Hey, no need to get all emotional on me, okay? I know we've got a long way to go, and I'm definitely not going anywhere. Just..." 

He trailed off, his eyes softening. "Just don't forget that I'm always gonna be here, Kanna."

With that, he gave her a gentle squeeze and pulled her back into the rhythm of the music, the tension dissipating—but the unspoken connection between them lingering.

soup rants!!!

the third chapter is here!
did we like it?
do comment your favorite part
what do you think will happen in the next chapter?
until then
yours lovingly,

soup <3