Prajakta's POV"

Rohan Sir came and announced, "Mr. Khurana is in the lobby and wants to address everyone."

I wondered, "He came!!why he is calling us now ?"and please prajakta don't embarrass yourself this time......

We all filed out of the cl and gathered in the lobby. Mr. Khurana beamed with pride as he began to speak. "Good news, everyone! Our company has landed a massive deal, and to celebrate, I'm throwing a party! And, as a special treat,you all have to present there without giving any excuses.we will let you know about the venue after sometime..and I've arranged for sweets to be distributed to everyone."

Ummmm, but I don't eat sweets....😔

Mr. Khurana continued, "And, as a bonus, we'll have campus biriyani for lunch today!"

"But Im craving for momos today...not biriyani "

Kavya, my friend, pulled me out of my reverie. "Are you planning to stand here all day?" she asked, chuckling.

I snapped back to reality, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Huh? Oh, no...I just zoned out for a second."

Kavya raised an eyebrow. "You were totally lost in thought! What were you thinking about?"

Umm nothing lets go...

I shook my head and followed Kavya to our desk, and did some work .At lunch break, we headed to the canteen with Shriti, devouring delicious biryani.

Taniya suddenly gushed, "You guys, have you seen the CEO? He's so hot, totally my type! I think he was looking at me in the lobby. I bet he's into me!"

Kavya raised an eyebrow. "Really? I didn't notice. If you're interested, you can ask him out, but I wouldn't recommend it."

Taniya pouted. "Why not?"

Kavya leaned in. "I've heard he has anger issues. Everyone here has warned us about it. I don't think it's a good idea to directly go and ask him out"

Taniya rolled her eyes. "You're just jealous, Kavya!"

I saw Kavya's anger rising, I knew she was about to lash out at taniya, I quickly reached out and grasped her hand, holding it firmly.

"Kavya, no," I whispered, my eyes pleading with her to stay silent.

She turned to me, her expression questioning.

I squeezed her hand, trying calm her down. "Not now, Kavya. Calm down"

Kavya's eyes narrowed, but she remained silent.

I held her hand tight, trying to convey a message without words. "Let's get out of here, Kavya. We'll talk later."

As we walked to the washroom together, Kavya turned to me with a pissed off expression. "Prajakta, why did you tell me to calm down?She told me I'm jealous of her. Oh please!!She asked me that's why I just gave her my suggestion. Bhalai ka toh jamana hi nhi rha... I'll not say anything from now on. Ok? Why did she ask at the first place?

I said what I feel like.

Jaye woh jo krna h kare, mare mujhe kya.""

I sighed, "Kavya, I just didn't want things to escalate. You know how she is."

She raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? You think I'm jealous of taniya or something?"

I sighed "Kavya, I know you are not. I just thought it was better to avoid that conversation.Ok sorry!! now smile. Why you are ruining your mood now... ??

"Yaa right!! Why I'm ruining my mood for her.. chee yarr!! " Chalo are you coming to the party today?? Why am I even asking? It's compulsory to come, so you will also come, right?

" I don't want to go to the party. You know I don't like parties and all. But i don't have any choice now "

What are you going to wear she asked

Idk let's see

___________________________________

I trudged home, still feeling annoyed about the party. As soon as I walked in the door, I was exhausted from a long day at work. I flopped down on the couch, grabbing a handful of snacks and settling in to watch some cartoons. My mom and dad were already sitting there, munching on their own snacks.my parents looked up from their seats in the living room. "Hey, beta, how was your day?" dad asked, smiling.

I hesitated, knowing that my parents weren't going to be thrilled about me going to a party on a weeknight. But I had to tell them. "Yeah, there's a party . I have to go."

My mom raised an eyebrow. "A party?

I sighed, knowing that this was going to be a long conversation. "I know, Mom. But it's a work party. I have to go. And I'll be fine, I promise. I'll come home as soon as I can."

My dad spoke up. "Where is the party?"

I told them the location, and my mom asked me what time I'd be back. I told her I didn't know, and she frowned. My dad asked me how I was getting there, and I told him that Kavya was coming to pick me up. He nodded, and my mom told me to be careful and have fun.

I breathed a sigh of relief. That hadn't been so bad.

I trudged into my room, I decided to take a few extra minutes to freshen up, hoping it would boost my mood.

I splashed some water on my face, feeling the coolness revive my skin. Then, I slipped into the black bodycon dress with the white shirt overlay. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the fit of my black bodycon dress with the white shirt overlay,, It looked nice, I had to admit.and most importantly it was

Not that reavling.i don't wear too much reviling clothes. I'm don't feel comfortable wearing them ....

Next, I tackled my hair, taming the tangled mess .then i applied moisturizer and sunscreen a pinch of blush. quick coat of lip gloss clicked some pictures and then headed out the door,



(Prajakta's outfit but there isn't any slit)

I entered the living room, my parents looked up from their seats, and smiled.

"How am I looking ?"I asked

"you look stunning!" my mom exclaimed,

My dad nodded in agreement, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, beta, Have a great time at the party, "

I smiled, "Thanks, " I said, giving them a quick hug before heading out the door.

"Be safe, !" my mom replied

"And remember, beta, if you need anything at all, just give us a call!" my dad added, his voice echoing my mom's concerns.

I smiled and nodded, "I will, Dad. Don't worry, I'll be fine!"

"Oh, and Kavya is waiting for me outside, I'll go with her," I added, already starting to move away from the door.

My parents nodded, their faces still etched with a hint of concern, but also trust. "Okay, beta, have fun!" my mom said, waving goodbye once more.

I smiled and nodded,

I slid into the cab beside Kavya and we headed to the party together.

We walked into the grand ballroom of the five-star hotel, I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. The room was buzzing with well-dressed men and women, sipping champagne and engaging in conversations.

Kavya, on the other hand,she is a social butterfly, flitting from one group to another, engaging in conversation with ease. I, on the other hand, was feeling nervous and anxious. I was never good at parties, especially those that were this extravagant. I clutched my water glass, trying to calm my nerves.

I took a deep breath and scanned the room for familiar faces. I spotted a few colleagues from work . I plastered a smile on my face and tried to blend in. I listened to their conversations, nodded at appropriate moments, and even managed to contribute a few words here and there. But I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in my stomach.

As I was standing there, Kavya came up to me, . 'Hey, Prajakta, why are you standing here all by yourself? Come on, let's mingle.' she said, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards a group of people.

I tried to resist, but Kavya was insistent. 'Come on, she said,

I took a deep breath and followed Kavya. I tried to push my nerves aside and focus on the conversation. I listened to the people around me talking.I could feel my anxiety build up inside of me, threatening to spill over.

I let out a sigh , 'I don't know I just feel like I don't belong here.,''

I went towards the washroom..

As I was making my way back , I heard someone calling out my name. "Prajakta! Prajakta, !" I turned around to see Aunti, Mr. Khurana's mother, calling me.

I walked towards them, .his father and sister sarah were standing next to her, smiling at me warmly. I touched their feet, while aunty hugged me saying" i told you not to touch feet."and sarah exclaimed, "Diii!" as she enveloped me in a tight hug. Someone called uncle he went there.

"it's so great to see you all !"

"Prajakta, beta, it's been ages!" Aunty replied,  "How are you, dear? You look absolutely stunning tonight!"

"Thanks, Aunti," I replied, blushing at the compliment. "I'm doing great, thanks for asking. How about you all?"

Mrs Khurana smiled at me. "We're all doing well, Prajakta.!"

Aunty asked, "It's so good to see you, Prajakta, but you here?"

I smiled, "I'm actually doing  internship here"

Aunty's eyes widened in surprise, "Oh my god, is it? This Abhiman didn't tell me! That's great news, beta!"

Sarah exclaimed, "That's so cool, dii! We should catch up more often!"

Aunty asked, concern etched on her face, "Prajakta, beta, I know how Abhimaan can be. Is he behaving rudely to you? You can complain to me if he scares you, I'll take care of him."

I smiled reassuringly, "No, Aunty,  He's a great mentor and I'm learning a lot from him."

Aunty's face lit up with relief, "Oh, that's wonderful to hear! I was worried he might be giving you a hard time. But if you ever need anythin

g, you know you can come to me, right?"

I nodded

Sarah chimed in, "Yeah, dii, don't hesitate to tell us we will teach him a good lesson."

I just laugh