Shad came out from the bathroom dressed for the evening- White shirt, navy blue waist coat and navy blue trousers.

'Thanks Rhea' he said buttoning his sleeve.

'Hello!'

Shad's head shot up hearing Eifad's voice. He smiled awkwardly at her, this is the second time he has mistaken Eifad to be Rhea. Eifad walked towards Shad and looked at him from top to bottom.

'Rhea's choice is really good' she said patting dirt off his shoulder. Shad didn't react; he didn't know how to. If he nodded Eifad will not like him complementing another girl and if he shook his head sideways then also Eifad will be upset as she doesn't like anyone disagreeing with her. Instead, he looked at her 'You are looking beautiful' he complimented honestly. Eifad smiled

'Really? Or you are just saying?' she asked with her eyebrows raised. Shad nodded his head and threw his arm around her shoulder.

'Let's go' he gestured towards the door. Eifad smiled and moved his hand; she entangled her arm with his

'Better' she said. Shad smiled nodding his head.

*********

Rhea is sitting at a small table sipping an orange juice; she kept glancing at the entrance. She didn't like the look on Eifad's face when she had found her in Shad's room. Rhea hoped that the two friends don't have an argument because of her. Imran came and sat opposite her; he held a glass of cocktail. He looked at her worried face and frowned

'What happened?' he asked looking where Rhea's gaze was. Rhea looked away to at her glass

'Nothing' she shook her head. Imran shrugged and looked away.

Eifad and Shad entered the venue together hand in hand. Shad is amazed at the decorations. The rooftop café doesn't look like it used to. There are many dim red and white lights; there are many people sitting at the table and few sitting at the bar counter sipping beer and wine. Few waiters are carrying starters and serving the guests. There is a small orchestra playing a soft tune. Few guests are also sitting by the pool. It is looking less of an official party and more of a casual party. Shad felt little relaxed with the ambience.

'Come I will introduce you to the doctors' Eifad said and Shad nodded his head happily. As Eifad took him to meet one of the doctors, his gaze fell on Rhea sitting at a table looking disturbed. He frowned.

'Shad! This is Dr. Mathew. He is renowned Cardiologist from Australia. And Dr. Mathew, this is Dr. Shad is an excellent Cardiologist at my hospital' Eifad introduced Shad proudly to one of the doctors. Shad moved his gaze from Rhea and looked at the Doctor. He smiled and shook hands with Dr. Mathew.

After a while, the party is in full swing. Everyone socializing; some talking and some are dancing.

*************

'Want to dance?' Imran said forwarding his hand to Rhea. She is hesitant at first but then nodded her head taking his hand.

Shad sat with Eifad and few other than Doctors, at first, he was intently listening to the discussion and also giving them his opinions. But when his gaze fell on Rhea and Imran dancing together, he felt uncomfortable. Shad's gaze fell on Imran's hand that is on Rhea's waist, and he felt uncomfortable. Eifad looked at Shad and turned her gaze to the direction where Shad is looking. She smirked looking at Rhea dancing with Imran. She excused herself and climbed down her seat.

'Shad, let us dance.'

Eifad extended her hand and took Shad's hand in hers. She led him towards the area where few couples are dancing.

Eifad took Shad's hand in hers and rested his other hand on her waist. She trembled little.

'Are you okay?' Shad asked concerned. Eifad forced a smile. Even though she felt uncomfortable she pushed behind the feeling, right now her priority is Shad. Rhea turned her head and found Shad dancing few distance from her. She felt a tinge of jealousy watching him dance closely with Eifad. The way she is looking at Shad, Rhea felt like Eifad feels something more than friendship.

Shad looked at Eifad and smiled; she has her gaze glued to him and is looking at him lovingly. Shad felt little uncomfortable with her gaze, so he looked away. His gaze landed on Rhea; she doesn't look away. Their gaze getting locked both looked at each other with longing, longing to be with each other.

Eifad placed her palm on his cheek and made him look away from Rhea and at her instead.

'Is something wrong, Shad?' Eifad said eyeing his lips and then his eyes. Shad shook his head sideways

'Nothing' he muttered. Eifad smiled. She moved her hand and placed it on his nape looking closely at him.

************

A few minutes later, Dr. Mathew approached Shad and Eifad; he tapped Shad's shoulder. They stop dancing and looked at Dr. Mathew.

'May I dance with the lady?' He asked Shad. Eifad looked little uncomfortable, but Shad nodded his head. He didn't realize Eifad's discomfort. Dr. Mathew forwarded his hand and asked for a dance. Eifad wanted to refuse, but she can't afford to offend a senior reputed doctor like Mr. Mathew. She forced a smile taking his hand.

'Imran, may I dance with Rhea?' Shad asked Imran. As soon as Shad left Eifad with Dr. Mathew he hurried to Rhea; he didn't want to miss this chance to be with her.

Imran nodded his head.

'May I?' Shad asked flashing his dimpled smile at Rhea. She blushed and took his hand, with Shad there is no hesitance from her side.

Rhea smiled as Shad held her hand, she felt goosebumps when he placed his hand on her waist. She blushed lowering her gaze. Shad admired her lovingly. She looked thousand times more beautiful when she blushed. Shad had a strong urge to kiss her forehead or cheek but stopped himself.

Eifad trembled feeling Dr. Mathew's finger brush her bare back.

'You are beautiful, Miss. Hooda' Dr. Mathew whispered looking at Eifad; she forced a smile not looking at him. She could feel sweat beads form on her forehead.

"Bhaiya...what are you doing.... please Bhaiya.... don't touch there....

 You are hurting me Bhaiya...please...please..."

Eifad felt dizzy. She excused herself and walked away from Dr. Mathew and towards the bar.

************

Eifad watched Rhea and Shad dancing close to each other, their gaze locked and smile on their face. She angrily sipped her wine, a storm brewing inside her.

She turned towards the bartender 'one Tequila shot' she said. The bartender nodded his head and got her the drink. She gulped down the drink and ordered another one, her gaze fixed on Rhea and Shad. She is burning from inside.

'You are looking beautiful' Shad whispered, and Rhea blushed. He wanted to add that she looked even more beautiful with a slight crimson red cheek. Instead, he pulled her closer. Rhea's eyes widened, but then she looked away smiling shyly.

'And...you...are looking handsome...' Rhea said shyly. Shad smiled 'After all you chose the dress' Rhea smiled too. She is finding it difficult to look up into his eyes, she is feeling too shy to meet his gaze.

Shad felt like everything disappeared around him, and it is only him and Rhea dancing amidst soft tune.

Suddenly Shad felt someone patting his shoulder, he looked at Imran annoyed

'Dr. Shad. Something has happened to Maam' he said worriedly

'What?' Shad's smile faded. Rhea too looked concerned. Immediately, Shad lets go of Rhea and rushed towards the bar counter.

There is a small crowd gathered where Eifad lay unconscious.