Noor sighs apologetically. “Don’t think about the past, Aru. It’s not gonna help.”
“You’re right.”
“Take it one step at a time,” suggests Misha, the wisest and most reserved of our group. “Be proud of the fact that you came out tonight.”
Emotions clog my throat as I stare at each of them. “Thank you for being there for me all this time, guys. Especially those late-night calls.”
“That’s what best friends are for.”
“Excuse me, ladies,” a waitress interrupts, setting a tray of drinks for us. “Compliments from those gentlemen over there.”
We all look in the direction she’s pointing.
It’s those same four guys, grinning at us.
Anaya paints a sweet smile, waving at them, while muttering, “Gentlemen? My ass. Bet all of them live with their mothers.”
“These are mocktails,” Noor gags after sipping on one of the drinks.
“Well, duh.” Anaya sniggers. “They can’t afford alcohol with their pocket money.”
Misha snorts. “Stop it!”
“What? Like I’m wrong.”
As they argue back and forth, I survey the dance floor. A pang hits my chest when I see a couple standing in the middle of the floor, their arms looped around each other, their foreheads touching, as they slowly sway while being lost in each other.
A flashback of Aryan and me dancing just like this floats to the forefront.
Suddenly, I can’t breathe.
I abruptly stand from the stool.
“Aru?”
“I’m getting some fresh air,” I reply.
“Okay, I’ll come with you.”
“No.” I glance at Noor, forcing a smile. “It’s fine. You guys stay here.”
She reluctantly nods. “Come back soon.”
Pushing out of the sweaty crowd, I search for a quiet corner as far away from the dance floor as possible. The halter dress I’m wearing suddenly feels like a choker around my neck.
A spiral staircase snags the corner of my eye. I follow its steps, noticing it leads to an isolated roof. I hastily walk toward it and climb to the top.
Tall, cylindrical bars create a maze on the roof. The wind blows the skirt of my dress, making shivers break out on my skin.
Glad for the privacy, I inch toward the balustrade.
“It’s nice up here, huh?”
Jumping at the new voice, I whirl around. It’s one of the guys from the group who sent us drinks. He smiles too brightly and takes a step toward me, tittering slightly.
My senses sharpen instantly.
A bad feeling rises in the pit of my stomach that he followed me up here alone. Especially when he inches closer.
