Chapter 4: The Announcement

Aadhya had never worn a dress that cost more than her monthly rent.

Yet somehow, she was standing in front of a full-length mirror wearing one that probably cost more than her entire wardrobe combined.

The deep emerald gown fit perfectly.

Too perfectly.

"Yeh log kapde silte hain ya jaadu karte hain?" she muttered.

Naina laughed.

"Trust me, you look beautiful."

Aadhya stared at her reflection.

For a moment, she barely recognized herself.

The girl looking back seemed confident.

Elegant.

Like she belonged in Zayan's world.

The thought made her snort.

"Bilkul nahi."

Unfortunately, she didn't have time to argue.

Because a few minutes later, she was standing outside the gala venue.

And it was enormous.

Luxury cars lined the entrance.

Bright lights flashed everywhere.

Reporters crowded behind barricades.

Aadhya immediately wanted to go home.

"Main bhaag sakti hoon?"

The voice beside her was far too amused.

"Nahi."

She looked up.

And promptly forgot what she was about to say.

Zayan was dressed in a black suit.

Simple.

Classic.

Dangerously attractive.

"Aapko pata hai na ki aap annoying ho?"

"Roz yaad dilane ki zaroorat nahi hai."

Before she could reply, the car door opened.

The noise outside instantly exploded.

Cameras.

Voices.

Flashing lights.

Aadhya froze.

Zayan noticed immediately.

Without saying a word, he extended his hand.

She stared at it.

Then at him.

"Kya?"

"Haath pakdo."

"Main chal sakti hoon."

"Mujhe pata hai."

"Toh phir?"

His expression didn't change.

"Tum ghabra rahi ho."

The simple observation caught her off guard.

Because it was true.

Very true.

Slowly, she placed her hand in his.

His grip was firm.

Steady.

Reassuring.

And somehow that only made her more nervous.

Together, they stepped out.

The crowd erupted.

"Mr. Khanna!"

"Sir, idhar dekhiye!"

"Sir, is she your girlfriend?"

Questions came from every direction.

Aadhya's heart nearly stopped.

"Yeh log chup kyun nahi hote?" she whispered.

"Kyunki unka kaam hi sawaal poochna hai."

"Aur mera kaam?"

"Muskurana."

"Main ghar ja rahi hoon."

"Bilkul nahi."

The smile tugging at his lips was infuriating.

Yet somehow she found herself smiling too.

For the first time all evening.

Inside, the ballroom was breathtaking.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

Elegant music drifted through the air.

Everywhere she looked, powerful people filled the room.

Business leaders.

Celebrities.

Politicians.

And suddenly, Aadhya felt completely out of place.

"Main yahan fit nahi hoti."

The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Zayan glanced at her.

"Kisne kaha?"

"Sab kuch."

For a moment, he studied her.

Then quietly said,

"Maine nahi."

Something about those words made her chest tighten.

Before she could respond, a glamorous woman approached them.

Tall.

Beautiful.

Confident.

The kind of woman who looked like she belonged on magazine covers.

She stopped directly in front of Zayan.

And smiled.

"Hello, Zayan."

Something about the smile felt wrong.

Aadhya noticed it immediately.

Zayan's expression hardened.

"Rhea."

The woman turned her attention to Aadhya.

Her eyes swept from head to toe.

Judging.

Evaluating.

Dismissing.

"Toh yeh hai tumhari nayi girlfriend?"

Aadhya instantly disliked her.

The feeling appeared mutual.

"Aur tum ho?" Aadhya asked sweetly.

Rhea's smile tightened.

"Main Zayan ki ex hoon."

Oh.

That explained everything.

The silence that followed was painfully awkward.

"Ex?" Aadhya repeated.

"Haan."

Rhea's gaze shifted back to Zayan.

"Mujhe laga tha tumhare standards thode higher honge."

The insult was subtle.

But not subtle enough.

Aadhya felt her jaw tighten.

Before she could respond, Zayan spoke.

His voice was calm.

Cold.

Dangerously cold.

"Careful, Rhea."

The warning was immediate.

And unmistakable.

For the first time, Rhea looked uncomfortable.

"Main sirf mazaak kar rahi thi."

"Tum kabhi mazaak nahi karti."

The room suddenly felt much quieter.

Rhea forced a smile.

"Enjoy your evening."

Then she walked away.

Aadhya watched her leave.

"Mujhe woh bilkul pasand nahi aayi."

To her surprise, Zayan looked amused.

"Mujhe bhi nahi."

Aadhya blinked.

Then laughed.

A real laugh.

The first genuine one since all of this had begun.

For a second, Zayan simply stared at her.

The amusement faded.

Something else replaced it.

Something she couldn't quite understand.

And before either of them could say another word—

The lights in the ballroom dimmed.

A microphone crackled.

The host stepped onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please."

The crowd slowly fell silent.

Aadhya frowned.

"Kya ho raha hai?"

Zayan's gaze remained fixed on the stage.

"Announcement."

A strange feeling settled in her stomach.

The host smiled.

"Tonight, Mr. Zayan Khanna has something very special to share."

Aadhya's eyes widened.

Slowly.

Very slowly.

She turned toward him.

"Zayan..."

But he wasn't looking at her.

He was looking at the crowd.

And for the first time that evening—

He looked nervous.

And for the first time since meeting him, Aadhya realized something shocking.

Zayan Khanna was hiding far more than a simple contract.

And whatever announcement he was about to make...

Was about to change everything.

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