The party was over, but my mind refused to move on from it. Or rather, from her.

Shanaya.

She didn't even know that I already knew her name, but that didn't change the fact that she had managed to carve a space in my thoughts. There was something about the way she spoke, the way her eyes flickered between curiosity and hesitation, the way she smirked when I teased her—like she enjoyed it but wouldn't admit it. She intrigued me in a way no one had in a long time.

As I sat in my office the next morning, trying to focus on my work, I found myself replaying our conversation over and over again. The way she had looked at me, like she was trying to figure me out. The way she had laughed, almost despite herself. And the way she had walked away, leaving behind an air of mystery I couldn't shake off.

I wanted to talk to her again. I needed to.

But how? It wasn't like I had any reason to call her. And then, the answer hit me.

Kartik.

I smirked to myself, picking up my phone and dialing his number. It didn't take long for him to pick up.

"Boss, what's up?" he greeted casually.

"I need a favor."

Kartik sighed dramatically. "What now? Need me to cover another meeting? Handle another investor?"

"Give me your sister's number." I said it plainly, watching the silence stretch between us.

"My—wait, what?" Kartik sounded confused, then defensive. "Why the hell do you need Shanaya's number?"

I leaned back in my chair, smirking. "Relax, Kartik. I just... want to talk to her."

"Talk to her?" His voice held suspicion now. "Since when do you talk to girls outside of business?"

I chuckled. "Since your sister decided to be interesting."

"Hell no." Kartik scoffed. "You don't even like people, and suddenly you want to talk to my sister?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Look, Kartik. She's different. We had a conversation last night, and... I don't know. I just want to know her better."

Kartik was silent for a long moment. "If you hurt her—"

I cut him off. "I'm not going to hurt her."

More silence. Then, finally, he sighed. "Fine. But if she complains even once, I swear, Kabir, I'll make your life hell."

I smirked, already saving the number he sent me. "Noted."

As soon as I had the number, I stared at it for a moment.

Shanaya.

I was getting to know her, one way or another.

And something told me this was only the beginning.

________

As I stared at my phone, my fingers tapped against the screen, debating how to start. A simple "Hey" felt too dry, but anything else felt like I was trying too hard.

I smirked to myself. Since when did I care this much about texting someone?

Finally, I typed:

"So, are we just going to pretend we don't know each other, Miss Mystery?"

I hit send and leaned back, watching my screen like a damn teenager. A few minutes passed before my phone vibrated.

"Know each other? You didn't even tell me your name."

I chuckled. Clever.

"Fair point. But let's be honest, you're dying to know, aren't you?"

"I don't lose sleep over strangers."

I smirked. She had no idea how fun this was for me.

"Ouch. That hurts. And here I thought we had a moment."

"A moment? You mean when you were being insufferably smug?"

I laughed. She was quick.

"You wound me, Miss Mystery. But fine, since you're so curious, I suppose I could tell you my name..."

A pause. No response.

I waited, smirking.

Then finally—

"Oh? I don't remember asking."

Damn. She was good.

"Playing hard to get, I see. Fine, I'll just keep my name to myself then."

"Oh no, however will I survive not knowing?"

I shook my head, grinning at my phone. This was fun—more fun than I'd had in a while.

"Alright, alright. I'll be generous. Kabir. That's my name. Now, don't go falling for me just yet."

She took a moment before replying.

"I'll try my best to resist."

I chuckled, already looking forward to the next message.

I stared at the screen, waiting for her response, tapping my fingers against my desk. This was new—anticipation over a text conversation. I couldn't remember the last time I actually enjoyed this sort of back-and-forth.

Finally, my phone lit up.

"So, Kabir... are you always this cocky, or is it just a special talent reserved for me?"

I smirked, shaking my head.

"Only for you, Miss Mystery. Consider yourself lucky."

"Lucky? Oh, absolutely. What an honor to be on the receiving end of your overconfidence."

I leaned back in my chair, grinning. She had no idea just how much she had caught my attention. There was something refreshing about her—sharp, witty, completely unafraid to match my teasing.

"See? You get me. I knew I liked you for a reason."

"Liked? Bold of you to assume I feel the same way."

"Oh, you will. Give it time."

A pause.

Then—

"Delusional. But entertaining, I'll give you that."

I laughed, shaking my head. She's fun.

But before I could type a reply, she sent another text.

"So, how exactly did you get my number, Mr. Kabir?"

I raised an eyebrow. Smart girl. She was catching on.

"A magician never reveals his secrets."

"Hmm. Or maybe, a certain someone named Kartik has a big mouth?"

I chuckled. Of course, she figured it out.

"Damn, and here I thought I was being smooth."

"You? Smooth? That's a stretch."

I shook my head, smirking. Oh, she was good.

"Fine, you caught me. Kartik may have slipped up. But let's be honest, you're not mad about it, are you?"

A few seconds passed. Then—

"Jury's still out on that one."

I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hand.

"Well then, I guess I'll just have to make sure I stay in your good graces."

"And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

I smirked. Game on.

______________________________________

Short? But cute🥺🥺

Hope you all enjoyed Kabir and Kartik's fun little banter just for a number! Adorable, right? 🤭💙

I love the anticipation Mr singhania's already having for his lady love!??

See you all in the next chapter xxxx