Ayush set his guitar aside, content at the round of applause from Naveen Bansal and his team. Smoothing the crinkles on his maroon blazer, he straightened the edges of his black bowtie with a smile ruffling his lips.

"That was a splendid performance, Ayush," Naveen said, tucking a clipboard under his arm.

"Thanks, Mr Bansal."

"That's what people call my Dad. Just call me Naveen."

"Alright, Naveen."

"So here's where you'll stand. Face the audience with a confident smile, maintain a 10-inch distance from the mic," Naveen said.

He nodded with a stern expression, surveying the stage with his furrowed brows and taking mental notes.

"I'll check on the others," Naveen said, repeatedly punching the back of his click pen and walking away.

Ayush flicked his wrist and glanced at the time. "Oh no! Sakshi must be here."

Dashing to his seat in the front row, he pulled out his phone. Five big missed calls from Sakshi. Springing into action, he promptly called her back.

"Hello, yaara?"

"Hey." Her dull voice sapped his spirit.

"Extremely sorry, I was busy with practice and didn't know how time slipped away."

After a long pause, she replied, "The guard didn't let us in."

"Are you still here?"

"I was about to leave, but I had a doubt some miscommunication might have happened. Vini and I are waiting in the corridor."

"Wait right there!" Heaving a sigh of relief, he raced down the spiral staircase, bumping and tripping between hoards of elite socialites.

Reaching the bottom, his eyes stopped on the love of his life crammed in a corner, hugging her body tight, and Vinnati leaning beside her with a frown. To his pleasant surprise, she wore a maroon gown in a shade similar to his. Her tired, sweaty features dazzled in the golden shadows. Her love and determination made him realise he had fallen for a slaying queen.

Nearing her, his footsteps slowed in pace and firmness. Upon seeing him, Vinnati didn't hesitate to cast a burning stare. He expected the same from Sakshi. Astonishment glided across his features seeing her captivating smile. Not a trace of fury. Just disappointment.

"I'm sorry! Actually what happened, I . . ."

She caught hold of his hand, her silky fingertips grazing over his skin. Subtle yet firm. "I understand."

The two words from her lips washed all his worries without a trace.

"I don't. Care to explain?" Vinnati said.

"It's his first performance and in front of such a large audience, Vini. That's why he forgot," Sakshi said.

"No, I owe an explanation. Sorry, Vinnati. I got carried away in my practice. The phone was also in silent mode," he said.

Vinnati smiled. "It's alright, but try not to do that next time. Especially when special people are waiting for you," she said, nudging Sakshi.

"I promise I won't," Ayush said. "Come, let me be your guide, dear ladies."

The guard didn't question or halt them. He tipped his hat and unobstructed the way to the elevator. With mirror walls and dim lights, the cabin appeared to be straight from a fairytale. Ayush pressed the button labelled 'twenty'. He leaned and jammed his hands into his front pockets. An urge to see her flushed through his heart. Moving only his eyes, he peered at her reflection in the mirror only to find her staring back. This time, he didn't turn and flick his gaze away. He peered deeper and longer, matching her smile. The door slid open to the hall on the twentieth floor.

Dense red carpets lined the marbled floor. Delicate, flowing chandeliers glittered like golden stars. A wide path in the middle of the hall ran to the tall stage, cushioned chairs on either side. Air conditioners chilled the hall. Sakshi's wide brown eyes scanned the interior with great interest, whereas his eyes remained focused on her.

"You look different in a gown," he whispered.

"Different?"

"I mean beautiful."

Light crimson stained her cheeks. Brushing her hair aside, looked up at his amused face. "The blazer looks amazing, you certainly look the part."

His lips parted and trembled for a moment. "T-thanks."

Vinnati diffused the awkward silence with her chirpy voice. "Where will we be seated?"

"Let me show you," he said. Adjusting his blazer, he strode to the front row. With an outstretched arm, he pointed to three seats in the right corner.

"These are ours," he said.

"Not bad, you've reserved it in the first row itself," Vinnati said, Sakshi nodded in agreement.

"There's time for the programme to begin. Like to see around?"

Though Vinnati wanted to tour the place, she decided to go later and let the lovebirds proceed first. "Guys, I want to sit for a while. You two go ahead."

Sakshi clutched her shoulder, realising what her friend was doing. "Vini, you don't have to . . . "

"Sssh! I mean it." Vinnati's playful eyes turned stern.

"Alright," she said.

"Have fun!" Vinnati said.

Ayush extended his hand, and Sakshi gripped his upper arm as they strolled through the corridor. The smell of fresh paint still lingered when they went close to the walls. Wine glasses, savouries and refreshments, vegetables carved and shaped into flowers and animals, and a three-tier vanilla cake occupied the white linen masked table.

Sneaking to a corner, Ayush pushed the curtains aside and opened a door.

She paused at the threshold. Is this a secret path or something?"

"See for yourself," he said, leading her inside.

They stood at the terrace with a grand view of their beloved town. Fog clouded the majestic Aakhya hills. The Lehak River streaming in the distant horizon. Rooftops- a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Some like newborns, others painted with moss and rainwater. Verdant trees dotted the landscape.

Sakshi took baby steps and peeked from a distance, planting one hand on the railing and holding him with the other. "Scary but breathtaking!"

He smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, steadying her. The golden skies shed their warmth and light on the terrace. They stood in silence, absorbing the view and the peace it brought.

"Hey, your lipstick is smudged," he said.

"Where?" She patted a finger on the corner of her lips.

"Here-to the right- a little below."

"Can you help?" She said, startling him.

"S-sure."

He pulled out his pristine handkerchief, lifted it to her face. A slight shiver ran through his body as he gently dabbed it below her lips. She half-closed her eyes, filling her breath with his ocean breeze cologne.

"Done," he said. Her colours stained both the handkerchief and his heart.

"Thank you," she said breathily.

His lips curved into a smile more intimate than a kiss. He leaned closer. So did she.

The doorknob twisting brought their sweet moment to an abrupt crash. A member from the technical team barged in. "Sir, the program is starting now."

Sakshi stifled a blush and stepped back realising how close she was to Ayush.

"Coming right away, bro," he said, trying to sound normal.

The man nodded and left.

She stretched out her hand. "All the best, Ayush. May all your dreams come true."

His hands enclosed hers into a close handshake. "Thanks, yaara."

"I recalled a tip Babaji said about being the centre of large gatherings. You must on two or three faces and address only them. That way you won't feel nervous."

"Great tip! I'll try that."

Returning inside, Sakshi gasped at the dark hall. Despite the morning outside, blackout curtains had been drawn over the windows. The only source of brightness was a spotlight in the middle of the stage. Ayush gulped and rubbed his palms. Dashing to the front, he grabbed his guitar, waiting for the announcement.

Sakshi passed him a bottle. "Here, drink some water."

With a nervous smile, he gulped down the cold water and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"You will rock it," she said as he trudged to the backstage behind the curtains. His heart stirred. Looking back, he smiled at his loving, encouraging friend. His yaara.

Naveen Bansal emerged on the stage and commenced his announcement. "A very warm welcome to The Amore Grande inaugural ceremony, ladies and gentlemen. It's our pleasure to have you with us this morning. Special thanks to our sponsors and guests for making this event happen. But which celebration is complete without music? Shall we kick off this morning with on musical note?"

A round of applause followed.

"Let us welcome the sensational rising music star, Ayush Singh!"

With tripping feet, Ayush walked up the stage and perched himself on the barstool with the limelight focused on him. Recalling Sakshi's tip, he picked three people from the audience- Sakshi, Vinnati, and a rotund man with a beak-like nose. Clearing his throat, he began strumming his guitar. His eyes mostly fell on her. Amidst his anxiousness and stage fear, he found comfort in her ethereal smile. The light from the stage that poured on him slipped and found its way to the front row, casting a dim velvet glow on her features.

Matching the tune of his guitar, he began singing a song he'd written for.

"My love for you

has gone beyond the limit.

All day, every day,

Your thoughts consume me.

Every minute,

I dream of meeting you.

Take my hand,

Let me drown in you,

In your maddening eyes."

Sakshi lost her mind. His melting voice drove her hormones insane. If no one else was present, she would have stormed up the stage, leaned on his chest, and let the vibration of his body fill her heart with light. The more he sang, the more she desired him greater than anything under the sky.

Vinnati shook her shoulders, rudely breaking her trance. "What are we gonna do?!"

With a disappointed frown, she glared at her friend. "What's the matter, Vini?"

"Your father!"

"What about him?"

"He's right there?"

Sakshi swivelled her neck gingerly. Udayveer Rana and his men sat in the far end of her very row. Clamping her mouth, she frowned in horror. Her chest tightened, rendering her mute.

Panting hard, she came up with an idea. "We'll leave now. No one will notice us in the dim lights."

Vinnati pointed to the last few rows leading up to the hallway. "Your father's party members are filled in the corridor."

"We're screwed up!" She couldn't conjure what her father would do if he spotted her loitering around.

"Wowow! That was simply superb! Thank you, Ayush!"

Thunderous claps and cheers echoed as Ayush finished his performance. Sakshi joined them, albeit reluctantly. The golden lights turned on, illuminating the hall, much to her dismay. Ayush's feet danced down the stage. He rushed to her and plopped on the chair beside her.

Leaning close, he asked, How did I do?"

"Truly amazing, Ayush," she said, sounding like a distraught bird.

"What happened, yaara?"

"Babaji is sitting in the other end. The person in the white dhoti-kurta. I'm dead Ayush!"

Though terrified, he clasped her hand. "Don't ever say like that, we'll find a way."

"There is no way out," she said."

"Wait, I have an idea!"

Pulling her close, he whispered the plan in her ears. Her lips parted in surprise, paving way for a mischievous grin. Turning around, she narrated the plan to Vinnati.

"Oho, genius!" Vinnati lunged forward and winked at Ayush.

Following their idea, Ayush took off the maroon blazer his coat and put it over Sakshi. For a moment, he lost sight of the plan and admired her frame engulfed in the huge blazer. Burying her face into her palms, she let out whimpering noises and got up. Ayush wrapped his arms around her and stroked her shoulder.

"Don't worry, baby." He said, escorting her through the crowd. Vinnati pursued them from a distance. Their plan was nearing fruitfulness when a person clad in a white kurta and dhoti bumped into them.

"Hello, my boy. Your singing was too good! What a distinct voice you have." His words made them shudder.

Suppressing the urge to bury his head into the ground like an ostrich, Ayush gave a polite nod. "Thank you very much, Sir."

Udayveer raised an eyebrow at the young lady covering her face and sobbing. "What happened?"

Sakshi discerned a huge blunder- she was wearing the lion ring gifted by Udayveer. Spinning around, she rested her head on Ayush's shoulder, hiding behind the veneer of her loose hair. She removed the ring and dropped it into the blazer pocket.

"My wife got a call that her grandfather passed away," Ayush said.

"That's terrible. Take care, my dear."

"Take care, beta," Udayveer said.

"Thank you, Sir," Ayush said with a curt smile, whisking Sakshi away from prying stares.

Vinnati shielded her face and attempted to slip aside. She failed miserably, meeting Udayveer face to face.

"Vinnati Anand? What are you doing here?"

Sakshi froze at the staircase, still leaning into Ayush. "Poor Vini! What do we do?"

"Wait, she's handling it," Ayush whispered.

"Namaste, Uncle-sir! My father is friends with the owner, so I came."

Udayveer sneered "Your father?"

"He's been supplying spices to the owner's restaurant for a long time, Uncle-sir."

"Who's with you?"

"I came by myself."

"Wah bhai! It's very unsafe for a girl to roam alone without a man's protection."

Vinnati's jaw clenched. "I'm sorry."

"It's not only your fault. How can your father be so irresponsible? I make sure Sakshi doesn't step out unless absolutely necessary."

Vinnati glanced at Sakshi standing just a few steps behind him. Pursing her lips, she nodded.

"Go home soon. Shall I send one of my men along?" he said.

"No thanks, Uncle-sir."

Flooded with relief, Sakshi paced down with Ayush. He hired a taxi and helped her in. She removed the blazer and returned it to him. Vinnati followed them, brushing the perspiration on her face as she got in.

"Phew! That was a narrow escape," Sakshi said.

"Why were you waiting for me?! You should have gone down," Vinnati said.

"I was worried about you," she said

Vinnati got into the taxi from the other end. "If your father spotted you, that would've been the death of me. Good thing Ayush was there."

"Calm down girls," he said, peeping into the taxi window. "Thanks for coming, I felt very motivated."

Sakshi exhaled with a smile. "I would've stayed longer if Babaji hadn't come."

"I know. I wanted you to stay for lunch and high tea, but I'm happy you made it."

"How is your father?"

"He is okay, thanks for asking."

"See you at the café."

"Yeah, looking forward to it. Keep revising for the exams," he said, turning to Vinnati. "Thanks for helping us, Vini.

"Anytime for y'all. Especially for my bae Sakshi," she said.

Ayush chuckled and waved out to them. "Take care!"

The taxi took off and his reflection grew tinier in the mirror as they moved reached the main road.

"I had a mini heart attack seeing Babaji!"

"Man! It was like the proverbial frying pan to fire."

"The ordeal is over now."

"Did you forget your brother is waiting near the college?"

Sakshi touched her temple and sighed. "All this hide and seek is tiring me out. How long should I continue like this?"

"I get it, but don't let that ruin this beautiful morning. Think about the moments you spent with Ayush, the way he sang an original song for you."

The blood in her veins warmed from the memories of the day. The closeness they shared in the balcony, his hands grazing her lips, his strong arms encircling her as they walked downstairs. When he introduced her as his wife, thought a lie, she wondered if could become true in the future.

Reaching the college, they alighted inside the parking lot. Scrambling to the washroom, they changed into daily wear clothes and washed their faces. Ranveer sat in the juice shop, scratching his jaw without the slightest idea of what transpired. Her heart twisted with guilt for breaking their trust. Pressing down her emotions, she took steady steps outside the gate with Vinnati.

Ranveer rose up seeing them. "All done?"

Sakshi nodded.

"We'll drop your friend and then go home," he said.

"Both of you carry on, I need to pick up some groceries."

"Alright, message me once you reach," Sakshi said, patting her back.

Ranveer and Sakshi boarded an autorickshaw and journeyed home. On the way, he stared at her hand with a scowl.

"Where's your special ring?"

Sakshi grimaced, pursing her lips. Her prized possession was left behind in Ayush's pocket. "I took it off since it will attract unwanted attention."

"Then wear it now," he said.

"It's . . . with Vini."

"Are you out of your mind?"

"She herself doesn't know. I slipped it into her pocket."

"Pocket?!"

"B-bag pocket. I'll inform right now.'

Her jittery fingers punched Ayush's number. "

"Hello, Vini?"

"Hello, yaara, this is Ayush."

"I know, Vini."

"I get it. Somebody is with you."

"Exactly. I left my ring in the pocket of your maroon bag."

"You mean my blazer?"

"Yes."

"Ah, I can feel it! It is an emerald stone ring."

"That's the one."

"I'll keep it safe and return it to you. Don't lose your sleep over it."

"Thank you so much, Vini."

"You're welcome, bae!" He mimicked Vinnati's bubbly voice. A soft smile touched her lips as she hung up the call.

Back home, she lounged in her room, alone with her thoughts, books and Barfoo. She ran her fingers over her lips, memorising his fleeting touch and etching it in her heart forever.

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