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Chapter 11 - Delhi Dreams and Stolen Kisses

The next day, Alisha, Neha, and Khushi packed, their suitcases lining the apartment. Settling on the couch, they chatted, the air thick with anticipation. Khushi tilted her head. "Your Riya shoot's in a few days. How'd you agree to go with him?"Alisha grinned. "I was about to say no, but then I thought—why not meet Vivan and Varun? It's been forever."Khushi nodded. "Good call. Vivan's been saying he misses you. He's swamped, though—his brother's off handling another branch."Neha perked up. "Another branch? Who's his brother?"Khushi's voice dropped, as if revealing a secret. "The CEO of Kapoor Industries."Alisha and Neha stared, jaws dropping. Kapoor Industries?The following morning, Delhi beckoned. Samrat called Alisha. "Need a pickup from home?""No need," she replied, her tone brisk. "I'll meet you in Delhi with my friends. On time.""Fine," Samrat said. "Don't be late.""Won't," Alisha shot back, hanging up.Hours later, Alisha, Neha, and Khushi stood at Bangalore's airport, luggage in hand. Dressed to kill, they turned heads—three stunning women radiating confidence. Boys stole glances, some outright staring, fueling their pride. With chins high and strides bold, they marched forward, ready to conquer Delhi.

The hum of the airport buzzed around Alisha, Neha, and Khushi as they stood with their luggage, radiating confidence. Dressed in chic outfits, they drew every eye—heads turned, whispers followed, boys gawked. Who are these beauties? their stares seemed to ask. Alisha's lips curved into a proud smile, her stride bold as she led her friends forward, their presence commanding the terminal like queens claiming their court.They breezed through security, flashing tickets and boarding the plane with ease. Settling into their seats, Alisha turned to Neha, curiosity sparking. "So, tell me about your new movie."Neha's eyes lit up, her voice brimming with excitement. "Oh, you're gonna love this one!"It was easy to forget, amidst their banter, that Neha was no ordinary friend—she was a Bollywood supernova, an upcoming superstar who'd conquered the industry in record time. Seven films under her belt, six of them blockbusters, her talent was undeniable. Her beauty was matched only by her skill; even a weak script couldn't dim her shine. Neha's acting could breathe life into any story, turning flops into must-sees with her sheer presence.As Neha gushed about her latest project, Khushi leaned over, her voice cutting through. "Hey, Alisha, you didn't pick up, so Priya called me. Big news—the South India Award Show's happening soon, right here in Bangalore. They've set the date, and guess what? Your first film got you nominated for Best Debutant!"Alisha's heart leaped, a grin splitting her face. Neha clapped her hands, beaming. "Finally, your hard work's paying off! This is your moment, Ishu!"Laughing, Alisha waved her off. "Hold on, it's just a nomination. Who knows who'll win?"Khushi's eyes sparkled with conviction. "You will win. Your debut was phenomenal—your acting blew everyone away. I'm sure the award's yours. Believe in yourself. And honestly? Even being nominated means they see your worth. That's the real victory."Alisha nodded, warmth flooding her chest. The flight attendant handed them coffees, and they sipped in contented silence, the promise of the award lifting their spirits.Hours later, the plane touched down in Delhi. As they stepped out of the airport, Alisha's eyes widened, her breath catching. There, waiting with a grin, was Vivan. Joy surged through her, and she sprinted forward, throwing her arms around him. "Vivan!"He laughed, hugging her back tightly. "Missed you, Ishu."Neha joined in, enveloping him in a warm embrace. The trio—Alisha, Neha, and Khushi—piled into a car with Vivan, heading for their shared apartment in one of Delhi's most prestigious complexes. The flat, bought with their combined earnings, was their sanctuary, a slice of paradise they guarded fiercely. To them, it was more than a home—it was their haven, untouchable and sacred.As they settled in, Alisha's phone buzzed. Samrat Oberoi's name flashed on the screen, and she braced herself. "Where are you?" he asked, his tone clipped."My apartment," she replied, keeping it short.A pause. Samrat remembered—Delhi was her city, her roots. "Rest today," he said. "Tomorrow, you're with me at the office. Bodyguard duty. I'm staying home today, so don't get any ideas."Alisha bit back a retort, her curiosity piqued. She'd heard whispers of Samrat's Delhi mansion, a fortress of luxury she was dying to see. But she stopped herself—it wasn't her place, not yet. "Fine," she said, hanging up.She and Neha headed to freshen up, leaving Khushi and Vivan in the living room. The air between them crackled with tension. Khushi's eyes darted, searching for an escape, but Vivan's hand caught hers, his gaze locking her in place. "Not so fast," he said, his voice low, intense.Khushi sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Okay, fine. I know I messed up. You gave me a week's leave, and I stretched it to a month. But come on, I was looking after your precious Alisha!"Vivan's stare didn't waver. "She can handle herself. Don't dodge this. You stayed away because you wanted to be with them, didn't you?"Khushi's head bowed, guilt flickering across her face. Vivan stepped closer, his voice softening but firm. "Do you know how hard it was here without you?"Her eyes lifted, meeting his, and time seemed to freeze. The room faded, their breaths syncing as they drowned in each other's gaze. Vivan's hands cupped her cheeks, drawing her close, their faces inches apart. Khushi's heart pounded, her eyes fluttering shut, anticipation electrifying her skin.In an instant, their lips met, a passionate kiss igniting between them. It was fire and longing, a collision of pent-up emotions, sealing a bond neither could deny.

What secrets bind Alisha and Vivan, and how will their reunion in Delhi reshape her path? Will Samrat's Delhi office reveal more of his plans—or his heart? And as Khushi and Vivan's passion blazes, what truths lie beneath their stolen moment? With awards looming and mysteries deepening, Delhi holds the key to Alisha's future—and her past.

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