Nitya had been avoiding Manav for months. Despite his numerous attempts to approach her, she consistently found ways to evade him. The months slipped by, and now it was the final month of Manav's internship. The college had organized a grand farewell party, with all juniors expected to take part. Nitya and her friends were no exception. The dress code was formal: suits for men and sarees for women.

On the night of the party, Nitya adorned herself in a breathtaking red saree adorned with black shimmer sequins along its border. Her sleeveless blouse complemented the saree, which elegantly draped around her, highlighting her graceful figure and flawless complexion. As she practiced dance steps with her friends, her beauty drew many admiring glances.

Manav, dressed in a sleek black suit paired with a fitted black shirt and pants, found himself unable to look away from Nitya. His slightly messy hair fell over his forehead, accentuating his chiseled features and sharp jawline, making him appear even more striking. He didn't realize he was staring until their eyes met.

Nitya, in the midst of her dance rehearsal, felt the weight of someone's gaze upon her. She scanned the room and locked eyes with Manav. Her heart skipped a beat. Despite her best efforts to avoid him, the sight of him stirred emotions she had tried hard to suppress. Manav’s intense brown eyes, the same ones that had saved her from a fall months ago, were fixed on her with an unwavering focus. He looked effortlessly handsome, exuding a magnetic charm in his impeccably tailored suit.

As they held each other's gaze, the world around them seemed to blur and fade away. Nitya's mind raced with memories and emotions she had fought to bury. The undeniable chemistry between them was palpable, drawing them into an unspoken connection that neither could deny. Manav's expression softened, a mix of admiration and longing evident in his eyes, while Nitya struggled to maintain her composure, feeling her resolve waver under his gaze.

For a moment, time stood still, and all that existed was the unspoken bond between them, shimmering with possibility and tinged with the fear of vulnerability. The grand farewell party, with its vibrant lights and bustling activity, became a mere backdrop to the silent exchange that spoke volumes about their feelings.

Their staring session was abruptly broken by the arrival of Vaibhav, Nitya's friend. "Hey, Nitya," he called out, his voice cutting through the charged silence between her and Manav.

Nitya blinked, snapping back to the present. She turned to Vaibhav, forcing a smile. "Hey, Vaibhav. What's up?"

Vaibhav, oblivious to the tension he had interrupted, grinned. "Just checking in on your practice. You all set for the performance?"

Nitya nodded, trying to steady her racing heart. "Yeah, just going over a few steps."

Vaibhav chuckled, glancing between Nitya and Manav. "By the way, you are looking gorgeous tonight."

Nitya thanked him and nodded, letting Vaibhav lead her back to the dance floor. As they moved through the steps, she noticed Manav’s gaze fixed on her, his expression a mix of jealousy and frustration. 

Despite her best efforts to focus on the performance, the evening felt like a blur. Each time she glanced around the room, she found herself searching for him, drawn by an invisible thread she couldn't sever.

Later, as the party reached its peak, Nitya excused herself from her friends and stepped outside for some fresh air. The cool night breeze did little to calm her restless mind. She leaned against a pillar, staring up at the stars, lost in her thoughts. 

Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her. Manav approached her, his steps deliberate, trapping her between the pillars. This time, she had no way to run. They were unintentionally close, their breaths mingling in the night air. Both stared at each other, the tension palpable. Finally, Manav broke the silence, his voice heavy with emotion. 

"Nitya, do you like Vaibhav?"

Nitya, confused by his question, responded, "WHAT?" in a slightly louder tone. 

Manav didn’t repeat himself, his gaze fixed on her, unwavering. Nitya closed her eyes, trying to compose herself. When she opened them again, she spoke calmly. 

"I don't know what made you think so, but we are just friends. He was dancing with me because we are performing together for the farewell."

Manav took a step closer, his expression softening. "It's just... seeing you with him, it made me realize how much I care about you. How much it hurts to see you with someone else."

Manav took a step closer, his expression softening. "It's just... seeing you with him made me realize how much I care about you. How much it hurts to see you with someone else."

Nitya, unable to meet his gaze, looked away. Manav was hurt and disappointed, his frustration evident as he ran his fingers through his hair, pushing it back from his forehead. His voice was a mix of anger and pain as he spoke again, breaking the silence.

"Nitya, for GOD'S SAKE, I don't know what's haunting you, but why do you want to take all the pain alone? I fucking like you, and I know for a fact you like me too. Then why are you running away from me?"

Nitya's heart ached at the raw emotion in his voice, but she didn’t answered him, 

Nitya walked away, her heart heavy with regret and sadness. She knew she had hurt him, but she also knew she had to protect herself. As she stepped back into the party, she glanced back one last time, seeing Manav still standing there, watching her go. She whispered softly to herself, "I'm sorry," and disappeared into the crowd.

Manav stood under the starlit sky, alone, his heart aching with the realization that sometimes, love wasn't enough to conquer fear.

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