Kartik sat in his car, ready to head to work, but his thoughts refused to stay in the present. Avitri.

He couldn't stop thinking about her, though, truth be told, he didn't even remember what she looked like now. Her face was a blur. He barely recalled how she behaved back in school, but one thing had stuck with him all these years: she had defended him once.

He remembered some girls gossiping about him, saying something cruel. And her voice, calm but firm, had cut through their laughter. She hadn't known he'd overheard, but he did. That memory was the only impression he had of her.

It was a good one.

So good that it was currently hijacking his thoughts.

Before he knew it, he'd reached the company parking lot. He sighed, shaking his head to snap out of it. He didn't like being distracted at work. His mind had to be clear.

As he stepped out of the car, he spotted his secretary, Deepak, arms crossed, scowling like a disappointed parent.

"Why are you making a face first thing in the morning?" Kartik asked, slamming his door shut.

Deepak rolled his eyes. "Of course. The one day we have a meeting, you decide to show up late. Classic."

"Mind your wording," Kartik replied, mildly offended. "I'm not late, I'm just... later than usual. The meeting's at 9:30, and it's 9:20." He pointed to his watch for dramatic effect.

"Oh yes, my lord, forgive me," Deepak said with a deep, sarcastic bow. "Now hurry up, your kingdom awaits," he added, walking toward the elevator.

After the meeting

Deepak stood at Kartik's office door, watching him. Kartik was unusually still, staring at his phone like it held the answer to the universe.

"What are you doing?" Deepak finally asked, knowing Kartik would never volunteer the info on his own.

Kartik looked up but said nothing.

Deepak frowned. "Hey. I can help, you know."

After a long pause, Kartik sighed and muttered, "Can you recommend some good restaurants for dinner?"

Deepak raised an eyebrow. "Sure. But what's the dinner for?"

Kartik immediately looked like he regretted asking. He stared at the floor.

Deepak began poking his arm. "Hey~~ tell me na, please," he sang, playful and irritating.

Kartik finally gritted out, "It's for a date."

Deepak blinked. "Ohhh. A dinner date."

After a beat of stunned silence, Deepak simply nodded and pulled out his phone. "Don't fuck this up, bro." He scrolled rapidly, then sent a list of restaurant links to Kartik. "Choose one. They're all good. And good luck."

Kartik was honestly surprised. "Thanks... I'll try not to fuck it up."

Deepak burst out laughing. "You're funny when you're nervous," he said, wiping a tear as he walked back to his desk.

Kartik smiled, touched. He opened the list and scrolled through it slowly. After a few minutes of debating, he selected a cozy Italian place. Quiet, elegant, safe.

As he booked the reservation, a flutter of nerves hit his stomach.

What should I wear?

Meanwhile...

Avitri sat behind the desk in her family's school management office, fingers tapping an uneven rhythm on the table. Her mind was racing.

What will he be like?

What if he doesn't respect women?

What if he's one of those guys who calls himself progressive but low-key thinks feminism is annoying?

She shook her head. No. My parents wouldn't set me up with someone like that. I mean, I'd like to believe that.

Still... what if?

"Okay, stop overthinking," she muttered aloud.

Then immediately started overthinking again.

What should I wear?

Should I wear something traditional? Might seem too formal. But what if he's the kind who expects women to dress traditionally?

Her eyes narrowed.

In that case, I'm absolutely wearing a bodycon dress. Let him deal with it. And if he says a single thing about it, immediate rejection. I'm not wasting time with people like that.

She nodded to herself, proud of her hypothetical stand.

To be honest, I don't wear bodycon dresses that often. I usually go for comfortable stuff... but for a date, I guess I can put in some effort.

I only have two—one black and one red. Should I buy a new one? Or just work with what I have... hmm, I can't decide.

Her train of thought paused.

Wait—I didn't even tell Ishika about this. I need her help!

She quickly dialled her best friend.

"Hey, babes, what's up?" Ishika answered in her usual bright voice.

Avitri laughed. "Hii, Ishu. Guess what happened today?"

"No idea," Ishika replied playfully.

"Soooo... I have a date tonight," Avitri said casually.

There was a moment of silence before Ishika screamed through the phone. "WHATTTT???"

Avitri laughed again and narrated the entire story.

Ishika's response was immediate. "If you're not ready, then don't go, Avi."

This girl was always so concerned.

"I can't say I'm fully ready," Avitri admitted. "But... I want to move on. Leave the past behind. Try something new, even if it's scary. I have to do it someday."

"Good decision," Ishika said firmly. "Time to try something new in life. Hooray, babes! You got this. I'm with you, always."

"Yeah," Avitri whispered, touched. "I can always count on you."

"What? What did you say?" Ishika yelled, joking. "Did someone who always says I'm annoying just admit I'm dependable???"

"When did that happen?" Avitri replied mischievously.

"Miss Avitri, how would you know? Anyway, I heard it. That's what matters," Ishika said, laughing like a maniac.

"Okay, okay, leave that," Avitri said, smiling. "Come over today, you need to help me choose a dress."

"Alright, alright, I'll be there around 5:00 to 5:30."

"Perfect. I'll meet you at home then. I've got to go now—my class just started."

"Bye, Ishu."

"Bye, Avi!"

Avitri hung up and headed off to teach, nerves still fluttering in her chest—but now mixed with a sliver of excitement.