31 Diyas Birthday #3
Niyati stood rooted to the spot, completely numb, watching the empty doorway as the heavy silence swallowed the room once more. Her vision blurred completely as tears streamed down her face in unbroken rivers.
Her knees buckled beneath her weight, but before she could hit the floor, Ansh caught her effortlessly.
He pulled her firmly into his chest, wrapping his arms around her trembling frame as a broken, shuddering sob escaped her throat.
"Shh... Niyati, look at me," Ansh murmured softly, his hand cupping the back of her head, pressing her close while his thumb smoothed away the tears on her burning cheek. "Breathe, baby. It's okay. I'm right here."
"She hates me, Ansh..." Niyati wept into his shirt, her fingers clutching his waist for dear life. "She thinks she doesn't matter to me..."
"She's just hurt and shocked right now," Ansh reassured her gently, leaning down to kiss the crown of her head with unyielding warmth. "We knew this wouldn't be easy. But we're going to fix this together, okay? I'm not going anywhere, and we'll make her understand. Just take a deep breath for me."
Niyati rested her forehead against his heart, drawing strength from his steady pulse, trying to anchor herself for the confrontation that lay ahead.
Taking a long, shuddering breath, Niyati pressed the palms of her hands against her eyes, forcing the rising tide of tears to recede.
She stepped up to the bathroom mirror one last time, quickly patting away the faint smudges of mascara beneath her lower lashes and smoothing down the skirt of her gown.
Her hands were still trembling, but she forced her shoulders back, burying the intense wave of panic deep inside.
Ansh stood beside her, his hand resting gently against the small of her back.
"Go down first," he murmured softly, his dark eyes brimming with steady, quiet reassurance. "Give it a minute, then I'll follow. It'll look completely natural."
Niyati offered a small, hesitant nod. "Okay."
She stepped out of the bedroom and made her way down the grand staircase, her heart hammering against her ribs with every step.
The chaotic energy of the party was finally winding down, leaving small groups of lingering guests chatting near the entrance. Near the center of the hall, Mr. and Mrs. Sharma spotted her and waved her over.
"Niyati! There you are, beta," Mr. Sharma called out warmly as she approached. "We were just looking for you. It's getting late, we should start heading home."
Niyati forced a small, polite smile onto her face, praying her parents couldn't read the distress written across her features. "Okay, Papa."
A few moments later, Ansh walked down the stairs with effortless composure, his hands casually resting in his trousers pockets. Spotting his mother chatting with Niyati's parents, he strolled over with an easy, pleasant smile.
Mr. Sharma turned toward him, his expression brightening. "Ah, Ansh beta! Good that you're here. We were just about to head out."
"Okay, Uncle, Aunty," Ansh replied respectfully, dipping his head. "Thank you so much for coming tonight. It meant a lot to the family."
"Of course! We wouldn't miss Diya's birthday for the world," Mrs. Sharma said warmly, looking around the thinning crowd. "Speaking of the birthday girl, where is she?"
Mrs. Raizada glanced over toward the dessert table and spotted her daughter standing near a group of college friends. "Diya! Come here for a second, sweetheart!"
Diya immediately turned and walked over to the group. The instant her eyes swept over Niyati and Ansh, a cold, rigid shadow crossed her face, but she masked it seamlessly with a bright, practiced smile as she reached Niyati's parents.
"Uncle, Aunty! Are you leaving already?" Diya asked, her voice light and cheerful.
Mr. and Mrs. Sharma gave her warm hugs, wishing her a happy eighteenth birthday once more and presenting their final blessings before bidding their farewells.
As her parents stepped slightly ahead toward the main doors, Niyati took a small, hesitant step toward her best friend. The lump in her throat felt almost unbearable, but she forced herself to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "Diyuu... happy birthday once again."
Diya's bright expression instantly vanished, replaced by a sharp, brittle fake smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Thanks, Niyati," Diya replied, her tone dripping with a quiet, cutting sarcasm. "Thank you for the great gift tonight."
The mock emphasis on the word gift struck Niyati like a physical blow. Standing just a pace behind her, Ansh's jaw clenched tightly as he caught the bitter jab, his chest tightening for Niyati.
Before Niyati could utter a word of apology, one of Diya's friends called out her name from across the foyer.
"I have to go," Diya said flatly, not sparing either of them another glance as she turned on her heel and walked away.
Niyati stood rooted to the spot, a profound ache blooming in her chest as she watched her best friend retreat.
From across the short distance, Ansh's eyes remained fixed on Niyati, his heart breaking for the silent pain radiating from her, fully aware that the storm between the three of them had only just begun.