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Chapter 11 - The Night Begins

The venue for the Freshers' Party was one of the most extravagant halls in the city, booked specially for the night. With shimmering lights, loud music, and a crowd of energetic students filling up the space, the party was in full swing. The floor was buzzing with freshers enjoying their first grand university event, some dancing freely under the flashing neon lights while others gathered in groups, chatting and laughing over drinks. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and the anticipation of a memorable night.

As the DJ played a popular track, heads turned toward the entrance when a certain group made their entrance. The aura they carried was effortlessly cool, and their presence didn't go unnoticed.

Shumaila walked in confidently, exuding a commanding presence in her tailored all-black designer suit with an open blazer, fitted waistcoat, and matching high heels. Her sharp, sleek look set her apart from the rest, making it clear she had no intention of blending in with the typical party crowd. Next to her, Sneha wore a deep wine-colored dress, elegant yet classy, while Komal stunned in a navy-blue off-shoulder gown. Akansha, looking ethereal in her pastel pink slit dress, walked beside them, her hair tied up in a loose bun.

Following them, the boys were just as striking. Siddarth, in his charcoal grey three-piece suit, smirked as he caught a few girls staring. Aarav, in a deep green blazer over a black turtleneck, walked with an easygoing charm. Rudra, in a dark blue ensemble, leaned toward Sneha and whispered something that made her roll her eyes playfully. Then came Hamza, looking sharp in an all-black outfit with his sleeves rolled up casually. His usual cold demeanor was in full display as he took in the party with an unimpressed glance.

They settled at a VIP table, engaging in conversations and laughter. Not long after, the music shifted to a slow yet groovy tune, signaling the start of the dance segment.

"Alright, time to hit the dance floor," Siddarth grinned, extending a hand toward Komal. "Shall we?"

Komal rolled her eyes but took his hand. "Try not to step on my feet, Mr. Showoff."

"No promises," he smirked.

Aarav turned to Akansha. "You up for it?"

Akansha hesitated for a second before nodding, giving a small smile. "Just don't twirl me too much."

"Noted," Aarav chuckled as they walked towards the dance floor.

Rudra nudged Sneha. "What do you say, partner? Let's show them how it's done."

Sneha laughed. "Let's go before you make a scene."

With that, the four couples made their way to the dance floor, leaving Shumaila and Hamza alone at the table.

Hamza let out a low chuckle, taking a sip from his drink. "Look at them… all paired up, playing the typical freshers' party romance scene."

Shumaila leaned back, crossing her legs. "Yeah, must be nice to have a dance partner. Oh wait, you wouldn't know."

Hamza smirked. "And you would? Seems like you're also sitting here with no partner."

"Unlike you, I chose to sit here," Shumaila shot back. "Not desperate enough to grab a random person and sway awkwardly."

"Neither am I," Hamza said, resting his arm on the back of the chair. "But if I wanted to, I could get a dance partner in a second."

Shumaila snorted. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Before Hamza could counter, another presence approached their table. Karan Malhotra.

Dressed in a designer suit, his usual cocky smirk was in place as he walked over, having noticed the back-and-forth between Hamza and Shumaila. His sharp eyes flickered between them before settling on Shumaila with intrigue.

"I was wondering why the party seemed incomplete," Karan said smoothly. "And now I know. Shumaila, you haven't graced the dance floor yet. Care to change that?"

Hamza's expression darkened instantly. His grip on his drink tightened as he watched Karan extend a hand toward Shumaila.

Shumaila raised an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. She could tell Karan had ulterior motives; he wasn't the type to ask someone for a dance without reason. A quick glance at Hamza confirmed her suspicion—Karan was doing this just to get under his skin.

Shumaila smirked, deciding to play along. "Why not?" she said, placing her hand in Karan's.

Hamza clenched his jaw as he watched her get up, an irritated scowl creeping onto his face as Karan led her towards the dance floor.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Taniya and her group sat comfortably, enjoying their drinks as they observed the night unfold. A wicked smirk played on Taniya's lips as she leaned toward Riya.

"Everything set?"

Riya nodded. "They have no idea what's coming."

Taniya glanced toward the dance floor, where Shumaila was now dancing with Karan, and Hamza looked beyond pissed. "Let's see how much fun they have once we step in."

With that, the real trouble for the night was just beginning.

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