House-warming Party

!!

As the music from the house-warming party spilled into the corridor, Aashna stood at the threshold, her heart racing. The vibrant laughter and chatter felt like a distant echo, a world apart from the heavy silence of her dorm room. She could hear Shalini's voice calling her from inside, urging her to join. Aashna hesitated, glancing back at her cluttered desk where her books lay scattered, remnants of her attempt to escape her reality. But today, the weight of her father’s illness pressed down on her like a thick fog, stifling her spirit.

Shalini emerged from the crowd, a radiant smile lighting her face. "Aashna! Come on! You need this!" she said, pulling her gently by the wrist. The warmth of her friend's hand felt reassuring, yet Aashna remained planted, her feet stubbornly anchored to the ground.

"I don’t know, Shalini," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the music. "What if I can't... what if I just feel worse?"

Shalini’s expression softened. "You won’t know until you try. Besides, I’ll be right there with you. We can at least pretend for a few hours, right?"

With a reluctant sigh, Aashna finally surrendered. She allowed Shalini to lead her into the bustling apartment, the atmosphere swirling with energy and life. The vibrant colors of the decorations and the aroma of food filling the air served as a stark contrast to the bleak thoughts clouding her mind.

As they entered, Aashna’s eyes wandered over the gathering. Students from different backgrounds mingled, exchanging stories and laughter. She caught sight of a group huddled around a game, their competitive banter resonating through the room. For a moment, she felt an urge to join, to be part of the laughter. But the nagging worry about her father pulled her back.

"Let’s grab some food first," Shalini suggested, leading Aashna to the kitchen where a spread of snacks awaited. While they filled their plates, Shalini chatted animatedly about her classes, her excitement infectious, yet Aashna remained distant, her mind drifting to her father, the chemotherapy sessions, and the uncertainty that loomed over their family.

Suddenly, a voice broke through her reverie. "Hey, are you Aashna?" Aashna turned to see a short, dark-haired guy with a friendly smile. "I’m Eddie, Shalini’s friend. She talks about you often."

Aashna felt a flush of warmth at his words but quickly masked it with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

"Come play with us!" Eddie invited, gesturing towards the group. "We’re just starting a game of charades."

Aashna glanced at Shalini, who nodded encouragingly. With a deep breath, she stepped forward, the distraction of a game sounding like a welcome reprieve from her thoughts. As they joined the group, laughter erupted, and for a brief moment, Aashna felt a flicker of joy, a reminder of the life she was trying to reclaim.

As the game progressed, Aashna found herself loosening up, her laughter mingling with the others. Yet, amidst the fun, her phone buzzed in her pocket, jolting her back to reality. It was a message from her mother, a simple update on her father's condition that sent her heart plummeting.

Aashna excused herself, stepping out onto the balcony for a moment of solitude. The cool night air brushed against her skin, grounding her. She stared at the twinkling lights of the city, feeling both lost and found.

Just then, Shalini joined her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, I know it’s tough," she said softly. "But you’re not alone, Aashna. You have me. We can face this together."

Aashna turned to her friend, gratitude swelling in her chest. "Thank you, Shalini. I... I don’t think I would have made it this far without you."

"Just remember, it’s okay to lean on me. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself," Shalini replied.

As she stood alone, Aashna felt a surge of hope. Perhaps she could navigate this new chapter of her life not just as a burdened daughter but as an emerging woman, ready to confront her fears and embrace the love of friendship.

As Aashna turned back toward the laughter and music, she felt Shalu tug her lightly by the wrist.

“Aashnaaa!” Shalini beamed, cheeks pink with excitement. “Come, come, come! I want you to meet someone.”

Before Aashna could ask who, she was already being dragged through the crowd. Shalini stopped in front of a tall man in a neat black blazer, leaning casually by the bar.

“Aashna, meet Aarav Chatterjee—my best friend in London, cardiologist, flirt, part-time philosopher, and full-time headache”

Aarav turned and raised an eyebrow. “I love how you always introduce me like I’m a warning label.”

Shalini rolled her eyes. “Just being responsible.”

Aarav shifted his gaze toward Aashna—warm, curious, unexpectedly gentle.

“Hi,” he said, offering his hand.
“Hi,” she replied, placing hers hesitantly in his.

And then it happened.

That pause.

That second too long.
That strange, unexplainable pull—like something inside both of them leaned forward without permission.

For a moment, neither blinked. Neither smiled nor looked away. They just saw each other—in a room full of people who weren't really watching.

It felt unfamiliar.
Unsettling.
Intriguing.

Aashna pulled back first, clearing her throat. She refused to acknowledge anything. Because no—she was not doing this again. Absolutely not.

Shalini smacked Aarav’s arm lightly. “Stop staring like a Bollywood hero. She’s not your next research project.”

Aarav blinked and laughed awkwardly. “Shut up, Shalu.”

Turning to Aashna again, he softened his voice.
“So… first time in London?”

“Yeah,” she nodded. “Still getting used to everything.”

“Well,” Aarav said in deep voice, leaning casually against the counter.

Aashna felt a tiny flutter and immediately shut it down. There was a soft nervousness in her tone, one she didn’t like being caught with. She preferred control. Distance. Safety.

But his eyes… they were annoyingly gentle.

“And don't worry,” he continued, teasing lightly. “Shalini only introduces her favourite people to me.”

Aashna arched a brow. “Or the ones she wants to annoy you with.”

He laughed. “I wouldn't mind being annoyed if it's you.”

She looked away quickly, pretending to examine the fairy lights on the wall.

Shalini clapped, delighted. “Okay you two, slow down. We just got here.”

Aarav’s gaze shifted—slightly, just slightly—to the guy standing near Aashna’s earlier table, talking to someone else and occasionally glancing her way.

His jaw tightened for one invisible second.

Aashna didn’t notice. But Shalini did. And she grinned like she had front-row tickets to a drama.

“So,” Aarav cleared his throat, “been enjoying London so far?”

“Trying to,” she said. “Everything still feels new. And big.”

He nodded. “London can be overwhelming. But… it feels lighter with the right company.”

She blinked.
That line… too smooth. Yet not rehearsed.

“Do you always talk like that?” she asked, cheeks warming just a little.

“Only when I don’t know what else to say,” he admitted, smiling shyly.

There it was. His charm wasn’t loud—it was quiet, awkward, almost innocent. And that made it ten times more dangerous.

Someone called his name from across the floor.

He hesitated. “I… should go for a minute.”

He started to walk, then paused and turned back with the softest curiosity in his voice:

“We’ll talk again. Right?”

Aashna wanted to say no. She wanted to protect whatever fragile peace she had left.
Instead, she nodded—barely noticeable.

“Maybe.”

That "maybe" made something spark in his eyes. Shy, hopeful, a little surprised—like he hadn’t expected to care this quickly.

When he disappeared into the crowd, Aashna let out a tiny breath she didn’t know she was holding.

Shalini slid beside her with fries again.

“So… cute doctor approved?” she whispered.

“Shalu,” Aashna warned.

“Oh come on, I saw that blush.”

“No blush happened,” she muttered.

“Right,” Shalini smirked, popping a fry. “And I’m the Queen of England.”

Aashna touched her own cheeks without thinking. Warm. Great.

“Shalu, it’s nothing. He’s just your friend.”

“Uh-huh. A friend who looked like he'd diagnose the other guy across the hall with… mild jealousy and probable heartbreak.”

Aashna froze. “He wasn’t jealous.”

Shalini grinned wider. “Sure he wasn't.”

The crowd laughed around them, lights twinkled, and somewhere in the other corner of the room, Aarav glanced over his shoulder again—soft eyes searching, hesitant but hopeful.

And just like that, without either of them planning, pretending, or protecting—

something tiny, gentle, uncertain…
had begun.

Tomorrow would tug them closer.
And neither of them was ready to admit they wanted it.

Yet.