After the lively family banter, Raghav, Abhiman, and Navya retreated to Raghav's room, seeking a quieter space to relax. They sprawled out on beanbags and the floor, a comfortable silence settling between them for a few moments.

Suddenly, Abhiman broke the quiet. "Bhailog,tum logo ne kabhi pyaar ke bare mai socha?Like, seriously, will I ever actually fall for someone?" He looked at them, a thoughtful, almost vulnerable expression on his face.

Navya, propped on her elbow, shrugged. "Ha yaar,It's a big question, isn't it? Tera kya Raghav? Tere kya thoughts hai ispe?" She nudged him with her foot.

Raghav, who had been staring absently at the ceiling, scoffed lightly. "Pyaar? Nah. Not really my thing."

He pushed himself up to a sitting position. "Honestly, I don't believe in it. Ye sab sirf chochle baazi hai, totally waste of time and a distraction. Mujhe toh bas apne padhai aur career pe focus karna hai."

Abhiman raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, accha? 'Waste of time,' huh? Kyuki jaha tak mujhe yaad hai,abhi kuch der pehele tune apne aap ko Vanshika ka boyfriend declare Kara tha."

Raghav's composure faltered for a second, a slight flush creeping up his neck. "Woh....woh baat alag thi. Tu janta hai hai ki us time kya situation thi abhii, It was because of that particular situation."

Abhiman leaned forward, his voice softer, more serious. "Mujhe pata hai yaar,hum sabne dekha ki kya hua.But... are you absolutely sure that was all it was? Just the situation? Or was there... something else at play there, too?"

Raghav ran a hand through his hair, his gaze distant. "Honestly? Mujhe khud nahi pata abhii, Something just... happened, and I did it. It felt right in the moment, but I can't explain why." He seemed genuinely perplexed by his own actions.

Navya, sensing the shift in his mood, gently pressed. "Par tu pyaar mai beleive kyu nahi karta Raghav? Is there a reason, or is it just... a general life philosophy?"

He met her gaze, his expression firming. "Pyaar huh!! Mai pyaar vyaar mai nahi padhta . Ye toh sirf moh maya hai . Mai toh sirf apne career pe focus karunga . Aur agar koi aayegi bhi toh tab ka tab dekha jayega abhi mujhe fark nahi padhta .It's just inefficient. People get caught up in emotions, they lose focus. My goal is to ace my academics, build a solid future. Love just complicates things unnecessarily. It's not worth the distraction when there's so much to achieve."

Abhiman sighed, a small, comforting gesture. "Dekh bhai,mai samajhta hu. We all have our priorities. And it's cool if you feel that way. No pressure. Just... life has a funny way of surprising you, even when you have everything planned out." He clapped Raghav on the shoulder.

Then, Abhiman turned to Navya, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "Speaking of distractions, Navya, are you still planning to marry rich and live on a private island, or has your 'career focus' suddenly shifted to 'finding a tech billionaire'?"

Navya gasped, pretending to be offended. "Hey! That's a legitimate long-term financial strategy!"

Raghav, relieved by the change of subject, chuckled and joined in. "Yeah, Navya, are you sure you're not just looking for someone to fund your endless supply of designer clothes?"

"Oh, you two are ganging up on me now!" Navya laughed, throwing a cushion at Abhiman. "Fine! But at least I admit I might actually want love, unlike some cynical study-bots around here!"

The room filled with easy laughter, the earlier, more serious conversation dissolving into their usual comfortable banter. Raghav still held his convictions, but for a moment, in the warmth of his friends' company, even the staunch disbelief in love felt a little less absolute.

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The university was buzzing with energy, its vibrant atmosphere enhanced by the bright sunlight. Students were fully engaged in preparations for the Freshers' party. Concurrently, Vanshika, Ishana, and Navya were diligently rehearsing their solo dance performances in a quiet studio.

"Ugh, my arms are going to fall off," Ishana groaned, dramatically flopping onto the floor after a particularly intense sequence. "Whose idea was it to pick a song with so much… armography?"

Vanshika, still gracefully spinning to the fading music in her mind, giggled. "Yours, actually! You said it had 'emotional depth' and 'powerful extensions.'" She mimicked Ishana's earlier air quotes with an exaggerated flourish.

Navya, wiping sweat from her brow, chimed in, "Yeah, and now your extensions are looking less 'powerful' and more like you're flagging down a really slow bus." She dodged a playful kick from Ishana.

"Hey! At least I can remember the steps," Ishana retorted, scrambling back up. "Unlike someone who keeps doing the 'interpretive flail' during the chorus." She winked at Vanshika, clearly teasing the professional dancer about her intentional, fluid movements.

Vanshika feigned outrage. "It's called artistic liberty, darling! And besides," she paused, striking a dramatic, perfectly executed pose, "my flails are iconic. The crowd will love them – they're part of my signature style."

"They'll probably think you're having an allergic reaction to the stage lights if they don't know your brand," Navya deadpanned, before bursting into laughter. "Alright, alright, break's over. One more time from the top, and try not to dazzle us so much we forget our own choreography, Vanshika!"

"No promises!" Vanshika grinned, already bouncing to the starting position, clearly enjoying the banter, even as she prepared to unleash her professional prowess once more.

Just as they were about to restart, the studio door creaked open and in walked Raghav, Abhiman, and Vihaan.

"Kya chal raha hai yaha?" Abhiman asked, a hint of curiosity and mischief in his tone as he surveyed the energetic scene.

Navya raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Paseene ke pani mai pakode tal rahe hai,aaja kha le!"

"Ewww.....chiii kitni gandi hai re tu Navya aese paseene mai kon pakode tal ta hai pagal hai kya!??" Raghav said making disgusted face.

"Ha toh jab pata hai aur dikh raha hai ki kya kar rahe hai toh ye puch kyu raha hai!!"Said Navya getting irritated by Abhiman.

"Accha accha lado mat dono bas karo ab" said Vanshika handling the situation.

Ishana clapped her hands together, a sudden spark in her eyes. "Actually, perfect timing! Hum tab se humare solo performance pe dhyan de rahe hai,but what if we did something different?" She looked at the boys, then back at her friends. "What about a couple's dance?"

Vanshika's eyes went wide. "A couple's dance? iski kya zarurat hai? Solo performance kafi hai na? She looked genuinely surprised, perhaps even a little hesitant about the sudden change of plans.

Ishana immediately jumped in, "Come on yaar, Vanshii! Think about it, it'll add a whole new dynamic! Plus, it's more fun with partners!"

"Exactly!" Navya chimed in, "Aur Freshers party hai yaar,sabko pasand aayega aur everyone loves a good surprise. You know you'll nail it anyway, you're the pro!" They both gave her encouraging looks, a silent plea in their eyes.

Vanshika sighed, a small smile finally breaking through her initial apprehension. "Accha theek hai,theek hai, tum dono jeeti karte hai Couple dance!" She looked at the boys, who were still standing by the door, clearly amused by the girls' rapid-fire discussion.

"Excellent!" Navya announced, taking charge. "Alright, here are the pairs, no arguments! Raghav, you're with Vanshika. Abhiman, you're with Ishana. And that leaves Vihaan, you're stuck with me!" She winked at Vihaan, who just laughed, already anticipating the fun.

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After a quick debate, they settled on a vibrant pop track that offered both slow, romantic sections and energetic beats. Each pair dispersed to find their own corner of the studio.

Raghav and Vanshika moved to a less crowded space. As the music started, Vanshika began to demonstrate a few basic steps. "Okay, so for this part, it's a simple side-to-side, but with a bit of a sway," she instructed, her movements fluid and effortless.

Raghav nodded, trying to mirror her. "Got it. So... for the part where we're closer, where should my hands go?" he asked, a polite question that carried a hint of thoughtful consideration.

"Just here," Vanshika said, gently guiding his hand to her lower back, just above her waist. "And mine will be here," she added, lightly placing her hand on his shoulder. "But first," she paused, meeting his gaze, "is that comfortable for you?"

Raghav's eyes softened slightly. "Completely. And for you?" he countered, his voice low.

Vanshika gave a small, reassuring smile. "Perfectly. Let's try it."

As the music swelled, Raghav carefully placed his hand on her waist, his touch light and respectful, just as she'd guided. Vanshika's hand rested naturally on his shoulder. There was a moment of comfortable silence, a subtle understanding passing between them. They began to move, a natural rhythm unfolding between their steps. It wasn't just about the choreography; it was about the subtle shifts, the shared breath, the unspoken communication that dance demanded.

Vanshika, usually so focused on her solo perfection, found herself enjoying the unexpected ease of moving with a partner. Raghav, despite his initial hesitation, quickly picked up on the nuances, his gaze steady and focused on her. There was a quiet harmony in their movements, a budding synchronicity that felt almost poetic. They were friends, yes, but in that moment, under the soft studio lights, the language of dance wove a delicate thread between them, transforming simple steps into something subtly captivating.

"You're a natural, Raghav," Vanshika murmured, genuinely impressed as they glided through a turn. "You pick up the rhythm so quickly."

Raghav chuckled softly, "Well, it helps when your partner is a professional. You make it easy to follow. Just try not to make me look too clumsy next to you."

Vanshika laughed, a bright, clear sound. "Impossible. You're doing great. Just keep that rhythm, and we'll be amazing."

Meanwhile, across the studio, Ishana and Abhiman's practice began with a flurry of enthusiastic, if slightly uncoordinated, attempts.

"Okay, so step, two, three, turn… wait, your left or my left?" Ishana laughed, as Abhiman nearly bumped into her.

"Mine! Always mine!" Abhiman declared, attempting a spin that ended with his foot landing squarely on Ishana's.

"Ow! My foot! Abhiman, you just introduced my big toe to your entire shoe collection!" Ishana exclaimed, hopping on one foot dramatically. "I swear, your feet have a mind of their own!"

Abhiman winced, genuinely apologetic. "Oh, god, I'm so sorry! I told you I have two left feet, and they seem determined to prove it."

"No, no, that's just an excuse for a lack of rhythm!" she teased, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Alright, let's break it down slowly. One, two… now don't follow my foot, go around it."

They tried again, and again. There were more clumsy stumbles, a few near-collisions, and a lot of laughter echoing through their corner of the room. Abhiman was determined, though, and Ishana, despite the comical mishaps, was patient, her encouraging words laced with good-natured jabs.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, something shifted. Abhiman's steps became surer. He started anticipating Ishana's movements, a flicker of understanding dawning in his eyes. When he finally managed a full sequence without a single misstep, a triumphant grin spread across his face, mirrored by Ishana's pleased smile.

As they moved through a particularly flowing section, their hands met, his clasp firm but gentle. Ishana found herself leaning into a turn, feeling his steady support. There was a moment—a fleeting, suspended second—when their eyes met, and the easy laughter faded. A strange current seemed to pass between them, a warmth that had nothing to do with the exertion of the dance. It was an unexpected connection, a quiet hum beneath the music, a feeling that whispered of something new and undefined.

It was just a dance, they told themselves. Just practice. But as Abhiman spun her and caught her, their hands lingering for a fraction longer than necessary, they both felt it—that peculiar, novel sensation, a soft melody in the chaos of the practice. They were just friends, of course, but in the rhythm of that dance, a different kind of beat had begun to thrum.

In another corner, Navya and Vihaan's practice was less about romantic grace and more about spirited, competitive fun.

"Alright, Vihaan, my turn to lead this time!" Navya announced, extending her hand with a flourish.

Vihaan raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eye. "Oh, are we switching? Because last I checked, I was the one preventing you from doing an accidental backflip during that last pivot."

"That was artistic interpretation!" Navya scoffed, but a grin played on her lips. "Besides, you nearly threw me into the wall. My life flashed before my eyes, and it mostly consisted of me telling you 'I told you so!"

They launched into the next sequence, their movements often mirroring a playful sparring match. Vihaan would try to subtly take the lead, only for Navya to unexpectedly twirl away or add an extra flourish that forced him to adapt on the fly. Their practice was punctuated by sharp, witty exchanges and bursts of laughter.

"You're making this harder than it needs to be, you know that?" Vihaan puffed, after Navya dragged him into an impromptu, energetic spin.

"And you're not trying hard enough to keep up!" she shot back, a triumphant smirk on her face. "Come on, Vihaan, less talking, more dancing! I need to know you can catch me if I decide to defy gravity."

Despite the constant banter, or perhaps because of it, they started to find a surprisingly sharp synchronicity. Their competitive energy pushed them both, making their movements dynamic and exciting. There was an undeniable spark between them, an almost electric charge that fueled their every step. It wasn't the tender, blossoming connection Raghav and Vanshika shared, nor the clumsy-turned-sweet bond of Ishana and Abhiman. With Navya and Vihaan, it was a dance of equals, a vibrant interplay of strong personalities.

As they hit a final pose, Vihaan holding Navya in a mock-dramatic dip, they both broke into wide grins, a shared sense of accomplishment and exhilaration. "See?" Navya panted, "We don't need romance to be amazing. Just pure, unadulterated talent... mostly mine."

Vihaan chuckled, steadying her. "Sure, Navya. Whatever helps you sleep at night. But I have to admit, you're not entirely terrible when you're actually trying."

Navya playfully shoved his shoulder. "High praise from the king of two left feet! We're going to be spectacular!"

Their playful camaraderie filled their space, a testament to a friendship that thrived on teasing and mutual respect, promising a performance that would be as entertaining as their practice.

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The Freshers party shopping was in full swing, a cheerful chaos of fabric and laughter. Raghav, Abhiman, and Vihaan were diligently helping Ishana and Navya find the perfect party attire, even as Vanshika had wandered off.

Ishana, ever the lover of nature's hues, had just pulled out a vibrant emerald green saree, its fabric shimmering. "Kya lagta hai?" she asked, holding it up. "Kesa lagega ye mujh par?"

Navya nodded, "Kafi accha hai yaar Ishuu!."

Raghav chimed in, "Ha accha lag raha hai"

Abhiman, however, was quiet. His eyes were fixed on a different part of the rack. After a moment, he walked over and pulled out a sleek black saree, adorned with delicate silver work.

"Wo wapas rakh do, Ishana," Abhiman said, his voice low and confident, as he held out the black saree. "Ye tumpe kafi accha lagega."

Ishana's brows furrowed. "Red? But I was thinking something more… lively. The green feels more 'freshers party'."

"Lively isn't always about color," Abhiman countered, stepping a little closer. The subtle scent of his cologne reached her. "It's about presence. This Red, it's elegant, it's bold. It will make you stand out in a way the green can't." He held her gaze, a hint of challenge and admiration in his eyes. "Trust me on this."

She hesitated, looking from the bright green in her hand to the sophisticated black he offered. There was something in his conviction, in the way he looked at her, that made her curious. Slowly, she took the black saree from him, their fingers brushing for a fleeting second. She draped it over her arm, the dark fabric a stark contrast to her bright personality, yet it possessed an undeniable allure.

"Hmm," Ishana mused, walking towards a mirror. As she held it against herself, a different kind of confidence seemed to emerge. The black wasn't just a color; it was an attitude. "You know, you might actually be onto something, Abhiman."

A small, knowing smile played on his lips. "Ab kya hi Karu mai hu hi itna smart."

The unexpected compliment, delivered so casually yet with such directness, made Ishana's heart skip a beat. She looked at him, a new appreciation in her eyes. "Alright, then. Red it is."

"Good choice," Abhiman said, his gaze lingering on her. "You're going to own that party."

Meanwhile, Navya was still Browse, looking for something that felt distinctly 'her'. She held up a few options – a vibrant pink, then a softer lavender.

"Too bubbly," commented Vihaan from beside her, though with a friendly grin. He'd been patiently following her, offering quiet observations. "And that one's a bit… sleepy."

Navya playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, easy for you to say, Mr. Fashion Critic! What do you suggest then?" She gestured around the crowded racks.

Vihaan's eyes scanned the vibrant array. He paused, then reached for a deep maroon saree, rich with subtle gold motifs woven into the fabric. It wasn't flashy, but it had an undeniable warmth and elegance.

"This," he said, handing it to her, his expression serious for a moment. "This has a quiet strength, like you."

Navya took the saree, surprised by his choice and his words. She held it up, feeling its luxurious texture. The maroon wasn't a color she'd typically gravitate towards, but as she looked at it, she could see what he meant. It was sophisticated, yet inviting.

"Quiet strength, huh?" she repeated, a small smile playing on her lips. "I like that. You actually put some thought into it, didn't you?"

Vihaan shrugged, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "Maybe a little. Just trying to be helpful." He met her gaze, a friendly warmth in his eyes that made her feel seen.

"Well, you succeeded," Navya said, a genuine smile now blooming. "This is it. The maroon it is!"

Meanwhile, Vanshika had wandered off to a different section, lost in her own hunt for the perfect outfit. Her eyes landed on a stunning black saree with delicate silver embroidery – simple, elegant, and perfectly her style. She was just about to reach for it when a voice, smooth and unexpected, cut through the store's hum.

"Ye tumpe accha nahi lagega."

Vanshika turned, startled, and found Raghav right behind her, their faces mere inches apart. The proximity sent a jolt through her. He held her gaze for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face, before his eyes scanned the racks. He then reached for a sapphire blue saree, its silk shimmering under the store lights.

"Here," he said, handing it to her, his fingers brushing hers. "Ye accha lagega"

Vanshika took the saree, a little flustered, and draped it over her shoulder to get a better look. The deep blue fabric, with its subtle golden border, seemed to melt against her skin, highlighting her complexion beautifully. It truly did look magnificent.

"Wow," she breathed, genuinely surprised. "You think so?"

Raghav's lips curled into a slight smile. "I know so. Black is… too common. This blue, it has a certain depth. It's unique, just like you."

A blush crept up Vanshika's cheeks. "That's… a really nice compliment, Raghav."

"Just stating facts," he said, his gaze lingering on her. "You have a knack for picking things, but sometimes, an outside opinion helps."

She grinned, feeling a strange warmth spread through her. "Well, your 'outside opinion' is pretty spot on today. I'm getting this one."

As she turned to head to the billing counter, Raghav gently touched her arm, stopping her. "Hey, Vanshika?"

She looked back, her heart doing a little flutter. "Yeah?"

"Did I make u uhh..feel uhh..uncomfortable??"

Vanshika's smiled. "No u didn't."

Raghav gave her a smile and went towards the group.

With the girls' sarees selected, the group moved en masse to the men's suit section. The boys began Browse, while the girls, now more relaxed, mostly chatted amongst themselves, occasionally glancing at the racks.

Raghav picked out a dark grey suit and held it up, examining it. He walked over to a mirror, checking the fit. As he adjusted the lapels, a hand appeared, holding a different suit.

"Ye tumpe kafi accha lagega," Vanshika said, holding out a classic black suit. Its fabric had a subtle sheen, promising sharp lines.

Raghav took it, surprised. "Aesa?"

"Ha," she replied, stepping closer to inspect his current choice. "That grey is fine, but black… it just has more impact. Especially with the blue saree you picked for me." A playful smirk touched her lips.

He considered her words, then exchanged the suits. He tried on the black suit. It fit him perfectly, making him look undeniably dapper.

"You know what? You're right again," he admitted, a genuine smile forming. "This is way better." He decided on the spot.

A few racks over, Abhiman was contemplating a charcoal pinstripe. Ishana, having finished admiring her own saree purchase, strolled up.

"Looking for something to match your mysterious vibe?" she teased.

Abhiman chuckled. "Something like that. This one feels pretty sharp."

Ishana leaned in, examining the fabric. "It's good, but..." Her eyes darted around, then landed on a hanger displaying a sleek white suit, simple yet impeccably cut. She pulled it off the hanger.

"Try this one," she urged, handing it to him. "It'll make an even bigger statement than the pinstripe. It's... powerful."

Abhiman took the white suit from her, a familiar look of intrigue crossing his face. He changed into it. When he emerged, the suit transformed him. It was a perfect match for the black saree she'd chosen.

"Wow," he murmured, genuinely impressed. "You really do have an eye for this, Ishana."

"I told you, trust me," she said, a triumphant smile on her face. "That's the one."

Meanwhile, Vihaan was trying on a light blue suit. Navya, who had wandered over, shook her head.

"Hmm, nice, but it's not quite hitting the mark," she said, her head tilted. "It's a bit too… safe for a Freshers party, don't you think?"

Vihaan sighed good-naturedly. "Alright, Miss Expert. What's your grand suggestion?"

Navya scanned the hangers. "You need something that's classic but still stands out without being loud." Her eyes brightened as she spotted it. She pulled out a sharp beige suit, its subtle warmth radiating elegance. "This! Try this beige suit."

Vihaan raised an eyebrow, a little surprised, but took the suit from her. He tried it on, and the soft, sophisticated hue suited him perfectly, giving him a refined yet approachable look.

"Okay, I'll admit," he said, looking at himself in the mirror. "This is surprisingly good. It actually feels… right."

"I told you," Navya beamed, proud of her selection. "It just brings out something different in you."

With all their outfits chosen, each pair having influenced the other, the group was now fully prepared for the Freshers party. The anticipation was palpable, not just for the party itself, but for seeing how these newly forged, unspoken connections would play out.

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SO guys here is the chapter. I hope you will like it. Please do vote and comment. And also follow me on Instagram for updates.

Insta ID:- author_VelvetVerse