The gala was still buzzing with conversations.
Music played softly in the background while businessmen and socialites moved around the hall.
But Aarav's attention was no longer on the event.
It was on Kiara.
Because ever since they entered the ballroom, people had been staring at them.
The "perfect couple" image was working too well.
Kiara leaned slightly toward him.
"Relax," she whispered. "You look like you're attending a funeral."
Aarav smirked faintly.
"I might be. My reputation is dying tonight."
Kiara chuckled softly.
But before she could reply—
A voice spoke from behind them.
"Well… if it isn't Kiara Kapoor."
Kiara froze.
Aarav immediately noticed.
Slowly, Kiara turned around.
Standing a few steps away was a tall man in a navy suit.
Confident.
Familiar.
His eyes were fixed only on Kiara.
"Long time," he said with a small smile.
For the first time that evening—
Kiara looked genuinely surprised.
"Arjun?"
Aarav's gaze sharpened instantly.
Arjun stepped closer.
"I was wondering if you'd recognize me."
Kiara exhaled slowly.
"What are you doing here?"
Arjun chuckled.
"Business gala. Same as everyone else."
His eyes moved briefly toward Aarav.
Then back to Kiara.
"You disappeared for years," he said softly.
"And now suddenly you're married."
The air between them felt strangely personal.
Aarav didn't like it.
"Kiara," he said calmly, "you're going to introduce us?"
Kiara seemed to remember he was standing there.
"Oh."
She glanced between them.
"Aarav… this is Arjun Mehta."
Then she added quietly—
"We grew up together."
Aarav extended his hand.
Arjun shook it.
But the tension between them was immediate.
"So you're the famous Aarav Malhotra," Arjun said.
"I've heard a lot about you."
Aarav raised a brow.
"Hopefully good things."
Arjun smiled slightly.
"That depends who you ask."
Kiara sighed.
"This isn't necessary."
But Arjun wasn't finished.
He looked at her carefully.
"You didn't even tell me you were getting married."
Kiara's voice turned colder.
"Because it wasn't your business."
Aarav watched the interaction carefully.
Something about this felt deeper than simple friendship.
Arjun's gaze softened slightly.
"You used to tell me everything."
Kiara didn't respond.
And that silence said more than words.
Aarav's jaw tightened.
Without thinking, he placed his arm around Kiara's waist.
The movement was subtle.
But deliberate.
Kiara looked at him briefly.
Aarav's voice was calm.
"My wife and I should probably greet the other guests."
Arjun noticed the possessive gesture.
His smile faded slightly.
"Of course."
But before walking away, he looked directly at Kiara.
"We'll talk later."
Then he left.
Silence followed.
Kiara slowly removed Aarav's hand from her waist.
"You didn't have to do that."
Aarav crossed his arms.
"You seemed uncomfortable."
"I wasn't."
Aarav's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Who is he really?"
Kiara looked toward the crowd where Arjun had disappeared.
Her voice was quiet.
"Someone from my past."
Aarav studied her expression.
Because for the first time since he met her—
Kiara looked unsettled.
And suddenly…
Aarav Malhotra had a new problem.
Jealousy.