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2. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

(At Natasha house)

Natasha, adorned in the midst of her birthday preparations, couldn't shake off thoughts of Altaf Mansuri Khan, recounting the encounter at the boutique to Aradhya and Siya. "Guys, I really want to invite him to my birthday," she declared, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Aradhya exchanged a concerned glance with Siya before gently expressing, "Natasha, I get that he's a successful business tycoon, but inviting him might not be wise. We barely know him personally."

Siya nodded in agreement, "Exactly, Natasha. It's crucial to consider safety. What if he doesn't even come? It's better not to risk it."

Natasha, however, persisted, "But what if he does come? It could be amazing! Maybe he was just having a bad day at the boutique."

Aradhya cautioned, "Natasha, we can't ignore the fact that he ignored you. We don't know what his intentions are. It's better to be cautious. Falling for his charm might lead to trouble."

Natasha, determined and selfish, dismissed Aradhya and Siya's concerns. "I don't care what you think. If I want something, I get it. Altaf Mansuri Khan will be at my birthday, and that's final."

Aradhya, slightly taken aback, responded, "Natasha, we're just worried about your safety. We don't know him well, and inviting someone solely based on their status could be risky."

Natasha scoffed, "Aradhya, you always catch everyone's eyes with your simplicity. Maybe for once, someone should notice me first. And Altaf will, I'm sure of it."

Siya interjected, "Natasha, it's not about catching eyes. It's about being cautious. We're your friends, and we care about you. Ignoring our concerns isn't wise."

Natasha, with a dismissive wave, retorted, "I don't need your caution. I need you to support me. Besides, Aradhya always gets attention, maybe for once, I should be the center of it all."

Siya, feeling the need to defend Aradhya, spoke up, "Natasha, it's not about attention. Aradhya is just looking out for you. We care about you, and inviting someone we barely know is risky."

Aradhya, however, intervened, "Siya, it's Natasha's birthday. Let's not ruin it with arguments. Natasha, you are everyone's favorite, and your beauty is unique. Don't let these thoughts tarnish it. You are always the center of attraction."

Natasha, seething with jealousy, couldn't hold back, "Aradhya, it's easy for you to say. You always attract everyone effortlessly. Maybe it's my turn to shine."

Aradhya responded calmly, "Natasha, this isn't a competition. We're friends. Your uniqueness is what makes you attractive. Don't let envy cloud your celebration."

Siya, sensing the tension, added, "Natasha, Aradhya is right. Your birthday should be about joy, not jealousy. You are beautiful just the way you are."

Despite the attempts to diffuse the situation, Natasha's jealousy lingered, casting a shadow over the celebration. The friends, however, hoped the birthday festivities would eventually overshadow these discordant feelings.

(After some time)

Amidst the birthday celebration, Natasha's father, Ranbir Singhania, arrived from a business tour, surprising Natasha. She ran to him, hugging him tightly, and exclaimed, "Dad, I thought you wouldn't come! Mom said you were busy, and I got so upset."

Ranbir, with a chuckle, replied, "Easy, daughter. Take a breath. It was a surprise. I told your mother not to tell you. How could I miss my bachaa's birthday?"

Natasha beamed with joy, saying, "Thank you, Dad. This is the best surprise!"

Aradhya, witnessing the heartfelt reunion, couldn't help but smile. Siya noticed and asked, "Aradhya, what happened? Why are you emotional?"

Aradhya, wiping away a tear, replied, "It's just seeing the bond between Natasha and her dad. It reminded me of my own father."

Siya, understanding, patted Aradhya's shoulder, saying, "I know it's not easy, but everything will be fine. We're here for you."

Ranbir's eyes twinkled with excitement as he told Natasha about the surprise gift. Natasha, with an eager smile, asked, "What is it, Dad?"

Ranbir stepped outside momentarily and returned with Altaf Mansuri Khan. Natasha's face lit up, and she couldn't contain her happiness. "Altaf Mansuri Khan! Dad, you're incredible!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm echoing through the room.

Her father chuckled, "I knew you wanted to meet him. Here he is."

As Altaf stood before Natasha, she seized the opportunity to make an impression with her sultry voice. "Altaf, darling, I'm thrilled you're here. My birthday wouldn't be complete without you," she purred, attempting to charm him.

However, Altaf, with a short and curt reply, brushed off her attempt. "Thank you. Happy birthday," he said, maintaining an air of indifference.

Natasha, accustomed to receiving attention, was momentarily taken aback. Undeterred, she continued, "I was hoping we could have a more personal celebration later, just you and me."

Altaf, once again, responded with brevity, "I'm here for the birthday celebration."

Natasha, not used to being ignored, felt a mix of frustration and determination. She tried to engage Altaf in conversation, but his responses remained terse, emphasizing his disinterest.

The atmosphere in the room became charged as Natasha continued her attempts to capture Altaf's attention. Altaf, however, was growing increasingly irritated by her behavior. He knew he was here on business, thanks to a promise from Ranbir to assist with the construction of a new hotel. The location, currently occupied by poor people, was causing Altaf some personal discomfort, but he had chosen to prioritize his professional obligations. Altaf remained focused on his commitment to the project, grateful for Ranbir's promise to relocate the displaced people to a safer area.

Ranbir, aware of Natasha's persistent pursuit of Altaf, decided to intervene subtly. "Natasha, let's not overwhelm Altaf with personal matters. He's here for a reason, and we should respect that," he suggested, trying to steer the conversation away from the awkward dynamic.

As Altaf sought a respite from Natasha's persistent advances, his gaze inadvertently shifted to his surroundings. There, across the room, he caught Aradhya's eyes. A momentary eye contact sparked an indescribable connection, stirring something within both of them.

Aradhya, feeling his gaze upon her, couldn't help but be affected. Altaf cast a glance her way, and once again, that inexplicable pull seemed to tighten its grip. As their eyes locked, a silent exchange unfolded, laden with unspoken tension and a magnetic force neither could deny.

Mesmerized by Aradhya's presence, Altaf's attention was captivated by her long white dress, its sleeveless design showcasing her milky skin. Conflicting emotions surged within him. He felt a sudden anger, a possessiveness that bewildered him. The crowd's attention on Aradhya intensified this strange reaction.

Attempting to regain control, Altaf forced himself to shift his focus elsewhere, to distract from the powerful allure Aradhya emanated. Yet, the feeling of ownership lingered, stubborn and persistent.

On the other side, Aradhya stood in awe of Altaf's handsomeness. Dressed in a black suit with a white shirt, his rolled-up sleeves revealed tattooed, veiny hands. His presence exuded charisma, and Aradhya found herself captivated by his striking appearance.

The air between them crackled with an unspoken tension, a magnetic pull that defied rational explanation. Altaf, struggling to ignore the inexplicable connection, and Aradhya, entranced by his presence, found themselves caught in a silent dance of emotions amid the bustling birthday celebration.

The subtle exchange between Altaf and Aradhya didn't go unnoticed, and Siya, ever the observant friend, couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Aradhya about it.

Siya, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, approached Aradhya and asked, "What's happening over there?" She gestured toward Altaf and Aradhya, emphasizing their shared gaze. "You guys were eye-f*****g each other," she added, breaking into a sly grin.

Aradhya, caught off guard, lightly slapped Siya's shoulder, trying to dismiss the teasing remark. "Stop this, Siya. There's nothing like that," she replied, attempting to downplay the intensity of the eye contact.

However, Siya wasn't easily deterred. "Oh, come on, Aradhya. I saw it! The way you two were looking at each other was practically written in the stars," she insisted, her teasing tone persisting.

Aradhya rolled her eyes, "Siya, you always exaggerate things. It's just a momentary eye contact, nothing more."

Siya, undeterred, leaned in with a knowing smile, "Well, if it's 'nothing,' then why is he still staring at you?"

Aradhya, against her better judgment, glanced discreetly toward Altaf and found him indeed still staring at her. A shiver ran down her spine as her heart stirred, and her body reacted with unexpected goosebumps.

Trying to conceal her own reaction, Aradhya mumbled, "Maybe he's just lost in thought or something."

Siya, not buying into Aradhya's attempt at nonchalance, grinned knowingly, "Sure, Aradhya. 'Lost in thought.' We'll go with that."

Natasha, observing the eye exchange between Aradhya and Altaf, felt a surge of jealousy coursing through her veins. Determined to ensure that Altaf remained exclusively hers, she concocted a plan to create distance between Aradhya and him.

Seizing a moment when the celebration's tempo was high, Natasha approached Aradhya with a faux smile. "Aradhya, darling, there's something I need your help with," she began, her tone deceptively sweet.

Aradhya, sensing Natasha's underlying motives, cautiously replied, "Sure, Natasha. What do you need help with?"

Natasha, with a scheming glint in her eyes, gestured toward the opposite end of the room, away from Altaf. "I think we should organize a little game, you know, to add more fun to the party. How about musical chairs?" she suggested, masking her true intentions.

Aradhya, picking up on Natasha's ulterior motive, hesitated for a moment but decided to play along. "Okay, musical chairs it is. But why are we playing this now?" she asked, trying to understand the sudden suggestion.

Natasha, feigning innocence, responded, "Just for fun! Come on, let's go set it up." With that, she guided Aradhya away from Altaf, strategically placing her on the opposite side of the room.

Meanwhile, Altaf noticed Natasha's subtle maneuvering but chose to remain observant rather than confrontational. He continued mingling with other guests, his attention occasionally drifting back to where Aradhya was now situated.

As the game unfolded, Natasha took every opportunity to keep Aradhya occupied, ensuring that Altaf remained at a distance. She strategically manipulated the situation, using the guise of a harmless game to assert her perceived claim over Altaf.

Aradhya, caught in the middle of Natasha's schemes, played along with a polite smile, sensing the tension but not fully understanding the depth of Natasha's jealousy.

The night continued with an undercurrent of intrigue and tension, the unspoken dynamics between Natasha, Aradhya, and Altaf creating a complex narrative amid the seemingly joyful celebration. Natasha's possessive streak became increasingly apparent, setting the stage for a dynamic that would shape the course of the evening.

As the night unfolded, the

unspoken ,connection between Altaf and Aradhya continued to weave its subtle thread through the birthday celebration. setting the stage for an unfolding story of emotions amid the festive atmosphere.