know Your Place
The music...Slowly... softly...It began to fade.
Silence.
For a brief moment, the grand hall held its breath.Then, like nothing had happened
conversations slowly returned.
Soft laughter echoed.Glasses clinked gently.Voices overlapped.
But in the middle of it all..
Meera and Aarav didn't move.
Not immediately.They stood there...still too close.A moment longer than they should have.
Aarav's gaze didn't leave her face.
"Meera...you're okay?...you're shaking."he said quietly, his voice low, almost careful.
Meera blinked, as if waking up.
"I'm not," she replied quickly, but her voice betrayed .Aarav's hand tightened slightly around hers.
"You are. And what's the reason?" he murmured.
Her breath hitched.For a second... she looked at him.
And that was the mistake.Because everything came rushing back.
The past.The pain.The questions.
"I..." she started, but the words got stuck.
"Say it . Just say it,Meera." Aarav said gently. He took a small step closer.
That was it.Reality snapped back.
Meera pulled her hand away quickly.
"No. ... I can't. Why do I need to answer you everything ." she whispered, shaking her head.
Her fingers slipped from his shoulder. Her eyes dropped to the floor, avoiding him completely.
Aarav's hand lingered in the air where hers had been...Then he slowly lowered it.His jaw tightened.
"You always do this . You come close... and then you run." he said quietly, a hint of frustration slipping through.
Meera's eyes flickered with something hurt, maybe guilt.
"I'm not running . I just... don't want to make things worse." she replied, barely above a whisper.
Aarav let out a soft, almost bitter laugh.
"Worse? You think this isn't already complicated enough?" he said.
She didn't answer.Because she knew he was right.
And just then..
"Meera!"
The voice cut through everything. Meera turned instantly.Relief flooded her face so quickly it was almost visible.
"Ruchi... Veer..."
Ruchika rushed toward her, her heels clicking against the floor, worry written all over her face.
"Hey..hey. What happened?Why do you look like that?" she said, grabbing Meera's hand immediately.
Meera tried to smile. Failed. Then tried again.
"I'm okay . It's not like that." she said.
Ruchika narrowed her eyes.
"No, you're not. Don't lie to me.Your eyes are red... and your hands are cold. What happened?" She leaned closer, lowering her voice.
Veer stepped in beside them, his gaze sharp as it briefly shifted to Aarav measuring, observant before returning to Meera.
"Did something happen here?Because from where we were standing... it didn't look like a normal dance." Veer asked, his tone calm but firm.
Meera hesitated.Her fingers tightened slightly around Ruchika's hand.
"It was just... a dance," she said softly.
"Just a dance?" he muttered under his breath.
Veer caught that.His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Doesn't sound like 'just a dance' to me," he said, glancing between the two.
Her expression shifted to Aarav and she smiled.
"Oh...Ohhh... okay. I see." she murmured slowly.
Meera immediately shook her head.
"No, you aren't there's nothing to see."
Ruchika raised an eyebrow.
"Meera, I've known you for years. This?" she gestured between Meera and Aarav.
"Ruchika... please."Meera's voice dropped, almost pleading.
"Okay . Alright. I won't push." she said gently, squeezing her hand.
Veer exhaled quietly, still watching Aarav.
"Well . Whatever it is... looks unfinished." he said putting his hand on her shoulder.
Aarav's eyes flickered back to Meera at that.
Unfinished.The word hung in the air. She swallowed hard and looked away from Aarav.
"I think... I need some air," she said suddenly.
"Yeah. Come on, I'll go with you."Ruchika nodded immediately.
As they turned to leave, Meera paused for just a second. Meera's gaze brushed past him.
before Ruchika or Veer could press Meera again . A deep, authoritative voice cut through the air.
"Everyone . let's move to dinner. It's almost time." the voice echoed, calm yet commanding,
The room subtly shifted.Heads turned. Conversations paused.
It was Vikram Thakur .Beside him stood Vishwanath... Aarav's father.
A warm, experienced smile rested on his face as he glanced around the hall.
"Yes, yes . I completely agree. Let's eat first. Business talks always go better with a full stomach." Vishwanath added a light chuckle, adjusting his cufflinks,
Vikram laughed, a low, approving sound.
"Exactly. Hungry minds don't make good decisions."
Vishwanath nodded knowingly.
"And tired ones make terrible deals."
Both men shared a brief laugh comfortable like friends who had known each other for years.
"Come , we have a long evening ahead." Vikram gestured toward the dining hall.
Vishwanath added playfully.They both go to Aarav and Omkar.
" Aarav and Omkar. Let's go have dinner with us. " Vishwanath said to Aarav
Aarav wasn't listening anymore.
His gaze had already shifted.From the elders...
To Omkar.He took a step forward.
"Let's go join them for dinner," Aarav said, his tone calm but firm enough to carry meaning.
Omkar glanced at him .
"I will but later . I need to finish something first." he replied smoothly,
A brief pause.
"Finish what?" Aarav asked, his voice quieter now. He brows pulled together slightly.
Omkar shrugged lightly, almost dismissive.
"Just something important.Then I'll join ."
Aarav didn't look convinced.Omkar looked at him again this time properly.
"You don't have to . Go. Eat with them Don't wait on me.i have something to manage." he said, raising an eyebrow.
" it's okay . I will wait then I'll eat with you."Aarav shook his head immediately.
There was no doubt in his tone. No room for argument.
Omkar studied him for a second longer this time... A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
" you are still Stubborn , brother." he muttered.Aarav didn't react.
"Or loyal?" Aarav replied calmly, holding his gaze.
"Depends on who you ask."Omkar let out a soft huff .
Before anyone could say anything moreVikram's voice came again, closer this time.
"It's alright, Omkar .Both of ou can come and join us when you're done." he said, turning back slightly, having overheard just enough.
"Alright, Dad."Omkar nodded respectfully.
Vishwanath glanced between the two young men, a knowing smile spreading across his face.
"Yes, Vikram, let them be,They're young. They have their own... priorities ." he said lightly.
"They don't want to sit with old men like us."His eyes briefly lingered on Aarav almost teasing.
"You're right about that."Vikram chuckled.
"No uncle It's not like that," he said, a hint of awkwardness .
"Oh?Then what is it like?" Vishwanath raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained.
Aarav opened his mouth to answer but Vishwanath cut him off.
"Leave him. He's thinking too much."
Vishwanath added, nudging Vikram slightly.
"And look where that got me. Don't worry we also cross your age ." Vikram shot back dryly.
Both men laughed again.
"Comebefore the food gets cold." Vikram said, gesturing ahead.
Vishwanath node .
And with that they turned, walking side by side toward the dining hall...
"...the Mumbai deal did you review the final draft?" Vikram asked.
"I did . But I think we need to renegotiate one clause " Vishwanath replied.
Their voices faded into the distance already slipping back into business talk.
Aarav and Omkar.And the silence between them... felt very different now.
Aarav glanced at him once more.
"Sowhat exactly are you finishing?" he said quietly.
Omkar's smirk returned but before he answered.
On the other side of the hall...
Meera gently pulled Veer and Ruchika toward a quieter corner.Ruchika expression already done with everything.
"We should leave . Right now. I'm serious. I'm done with this place." she said flatly.
Veer nodded without hesitation.
"Same here. This whole night feels... off.Let's just go before something else happens." He glanced around once.
Meera hesitated.
"But... we should tell Omkar first,Otherwise... who knows what he'll do ." she said softly.
Ruchika let out a dramatic sigh, throwing her head back slightly.
"Oh yes, of course. The great Omkar sir. The king of this mansion." she said sarcastically. Veer snorted.
"The one who made us clean his entire house like unpaid workers"
Ruchika continued, clearly not done.
Veer smile and for teased her.
" let's be honest... you enjoyed it."he said .
"Excuse me?!"Ruchika's eyes widened.
"You did . You were yelling like you were running a military camp." Veer insisted, grinning.
"I WAS NOT!"she shouted at him
Veer bent slightly, laughing harder.
"Oh my god... you scolded a chandelier like it personally offended you.."
"Shut up, Veer!"Ruchika smacked his arm.
"You even said..How dare you shine like this when you're dirty!'" he tried to continue between laughs.
"I DID NOT SAY THAT!" She said.
Meera couldn't hold it in anymore.
A soft laugh slipped out.
And suddenly-She was actually laughing.A real one.
For the first time that entire night.
"Stop guys ..Both of you..." she said between laughs, trying to calm them down.
But they weren't stopping.
"You're impossible." Ruchika muttered, glaring at Veer.
"And you're dramatic." Veer shot back instantly.
"Excuse me?!"Ruchika said.
"You heard me."Veer said.
"ENOUGH."Meera's voice cut through them this time.
Both of them froze immediately.
Meera looked at them serious now.
"We're not at home or college .We're at a party. A very important one. People are watching." she said quietly but firmly.
Ruchika looked away, biting her lip slightly.
"...Fine."she said.
Then, of course..she pointed straight at Veer.
"This is still his fault." she said.
Veer raised his hands in mock surrender, a smirk still playing on his lips.
"Yeah, sure. Blame me. As always." he said.
"You two are exhausting."Meera exhaled, rubbing her temple lightly.
Ruchika softened a little at that, glancing at her.
Meera paused.Veer studied her face carefully.
"That doesn't sound convincing.It's enough for now."Meera forced a small smile.
A brief silence settled between them.
Then Meera straightened slightly.
"Let's just talk to Omkar and leave . The sooner we go, the better." she said.
"I'm coming with you."Ruchika immediately stepped forward.
"No. You can't . "Meera stopped her instantly.
"...Why not?"Ruchika blinked.
"Because you'll argue with him . And we don't have time for that tonight." Meera replied calmly.
"I won't..." Ruchika started.
Meera gave her a look.A very knowing look.Ruchika stopped mid sentence.
"...Okay, fine," she muttered reluctantly. Ruchika shot Veer a glare.
"Not helping." Veer chuckled under his breath.
"Exactly. So just stay here."Meera shook her head slightly.
"Ugh. Fine. Go. Handle your royal highness."Ruchika sighed dramatically again.
But as Meera turned..
Ruchika suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist.
Just enough to stop her.Meera looked back.Ruchika's expression had changed.
"Hey...Be careful with him . And don't let him... mess with your head again." she said softly.
"If anything feels wrong, call us. We're right here."Veer added quietly, his voice more serious now.
Meera looked at both of them.
Her chest tightened slightly.
"I know."Then she nodded.
She gently slipped her wrist free.
Took a breath.
And turned.
she walked forward.Toward..
Omkar.And Aarav besides him.They were standing together...
Talking with low voices. Controlled expressions.
Meera's steps slowed.Just for a second.
Why does it feel like she was walking into something... again?
Then she forced herself forward.
"Omkar..."
Both men turnedAarav's eyes found her instantly.
Her heartbeat stumbled.Then quickened.
"I think...me and my friend should leave . It's already late." Meera began, trying to keep her voice steady.
Omkar tilted his head, studying her face carefully.
"Leave and now?It's dinner time . You guys are not eating?" he asked her
"We're not hungry." Meera's answer came too quickly.
Her eyes flickered..just for a second
Toward Aarav.Then away.
"...We need to leave."she said.
"And suddenly this urgent reason..?" he asked, tone light but probing.
"...Because we have work tomorrow. And also have our college."Meera swallowed.
Aarav let out a quiet breath.
"Work?Or running away from here ?" he murmured under his breath.
"...it's not like that. Their parents will worry about them and it's already late . So i think we should go . And .."Meera said
"And what Meera ?" Omkar asked her.
Meera felt embarrassed saying that in front of Aarav but still she has to .
"Please clear our payment." she finally said that closing her eyes.
Omkar blinked.Then suddenly snapped his fingers like he had just remembered something.
"Oh right. Payment . I almost forgot." he said casually.
He pulled out his phone, typing quickly.
"Honestly, you should've reminded me earlier . I'm not that heartless." he added, glancing at her.
Within seconds..Transaction completed.He held up his phone slightly.
"It's fifty thousand each . Hope that's enough." he said.
Meera checked her phone.Her eyes widened just a little.
"For us...it's more than enough ." she said softly.
"WHAT?! It's too much. "Ruchika, from a distance, mouthed silently.
Veer's eyes widened too.
Omkar smiled faintly.
"Good . Then stay here for dinner. Then Eat. And go." he said.
"No.We can't.Please... we really need to leave. "Meera didn't even let him finish.
"You're very difficult, you know that?"Omkar sighed dramatically, rolling his shoulders.
"I've been told," Meera replied quietly.
Omkar smirked.
"Alright then . Let's ask your friends. If they agree, you guys go." he said.
Before she could react...He turned
"Come.Aarav let's go."
And started walking.Aarav followed without a word.Meera frowned, taking a step after them.
"Why is he coming?" she asked sharply.
"Because I said so."Omkar didn't even look back.
Meera's jaw tightened.
Aarav slowed down slightly... until he was walking beside her.Closer than necessary.
"Do you have a problem with me... Ms. Meera?" he asked quietly.
Her breath caught.
She immediately took a small step away.
"I...think...No i don't."she said.
"...Fine. Do whatever you want. Mr Oberoi.." Then she forced her tone to turn cold.
His expression hardened slightly.
Meera turned her face away and walked ahead.
Faster.Back to her friends.Omkar and Aarav followed.
"So, What about Dinner guys ?" Omkar asked casually.
Ruchika didn't even hesitate.
"No thanks, Mr. Omkar. We're fine. And i need to go home. My mother is waiting." she said quickly.
"Same. I need to go. My mom isn't well. I need to go to the hospital with her ."Veer nodded immediately.
"Alright. My driver will drop you."Omkar looked between them.
"No need. We live in the same building. We'll manage."Veer shook his head.
"And you?"Omkar's gaze shifted slowly.To Meera.
"I can manage and I'll go myself." Meera said quickly.
"I'm not okay with that," Omkar replied instantly.
"I said I'm fine. You don't need to do anything ."Her tone sharpened.
The air tightened.Veer stepped forward slightly.
"I can drop you , Meera ." he offered.
"No. It'll be too far for you."Meera immediately shook her head.
"I don't mind..."Veer cut off by Meera.
"I can manage. " She said.
And then.Aarav spoke.
"I'll drop you . And we are also going the same way . So , i don't think you don't have any problem with it ." Aarav said.
"No."Meera's eyes snapped at him.
"Why not?It's already too late. It's not safe if you go alone this late ." Aarav asked, his gaze steady.
"I don't need anyone. Especially you." she said.
Veer and ruchkia laughed silently hearing her words without anyone noticed. But Aarav noticed it .
Meera shot him a sharp look.
She knew.He was doing this on purpose.
"This doesn't make sense . Why would he do that? I'm just a housemaid in his home ." she said, frustration slipping through.
"Won't it affect his image?"Her voice didn't shake this time.
Before anyone else could respond
Aarav stepped forward.Closing the distance between them.His eyes locked onto hers.
"You don't need to worry about my image, Ms. Sharma.I know exactly what I'm doing." His voice dropped.
Meera clenched her jaw.
Her hands tightened slightly.
"No," she said.
"Yes . I need.." he cut off by meera.
"Enough.I said I don't need anyone."Her voice cut through everything.
No one spoke.Not even Omkar.
Not even Aarav.
The silence stretched.
Then..
"I'll take a taxi. Then you guys don't have to worry about my safety. " she added, her tone is colder now.
"Let's go. And don't dare to argue with me now . "She grabbed Ruchika's hand.Ruchika didn't argue this time.
She just followed.
But Meera paused for a second.
Turned back.Looked at Omkar.
"Thank you for the party. And Good night."Her eyes didn't look at Aarav.
Not even once.
Fast.
Like staying even one more second would break something inside her.
Ruchika followed closely behind.
Veer lingered for a moment.His eyes moved between Aarav and Omkar.
"Good night," he said and nodded slightly.
And left.She was gone.
Aarav stood there.His jaw clenched tightly.His hands curled slightly into fists.
"Meera you don't right....i think you forgot your place . "The word echoed in his mind.
Something dark flickered in his eyes.
Something hurt.Something angry.
Omkar noticed.A slow, knowing smirk spread across his face.
"...That hurt, didn't it?" he said quietly.
No response.
Aarav didn't even look at him.
His gaze remained fixed .On the exit.
Where she had disappeared.
Omkar stepped beside him.
"Let's go, brother,We should join our dads for dinner" he added casually.
Aarav exhaled slowly.But there was fire underneath it.
"...Yeah.Let's go."His voice was low.