Aadhya's POV

The sun had just begun to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of New York. The charity gala was supposed to be one of the highlights of the social calendar, but to me, it was just another night filled with people pretending to care about causes they barely understood. I dressed in a full-length gown that clung to my curves, my long, dark hair cascading down my back in loose waves. It was all for show, a facade I wore to keep up appearances.

As I entered the ballroom of the Oberoi Hotel, I scanned the room, my gaze landing on familiar faces, all masks hiding true intentions. I was here for the same reason as everyone else: to network, to see and be seen, and to play my part in the intricate dance of power and influence.

I spotted my parents almost immediately, engrossed in conversation with a group of high-profile guests. My father, Sushant Kapoor, was the epitome of charisma and authority, his presence commanding respect. My mother, Tanu, stood by his side, elegant and poised. They were a power couple, and I was their dutiful daughter, expected to follow in their footsteps.

As I made my way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries with people I barely knew, my mind wandered. I couldn’t shake the feeling from earlier, the dream that had left me both unsettled and intrigued. The faceless boy, his touch so real, his presence so intoxicating. It was as if he had left a mark on me, one that I couldn’t quite understand.

I excused myself from a dull conversation and headed towards the terrace, needing a moment of solitude. The night air was cool against my skin, a welcome relief from the stuffy ballroom. I leaned against the railing, looking out over the city, my thoughts drifting back to the dream.

"Beautiful night, isn’t it?" a deep voice broke the silence, pulling me from my reverie.

I turned to find a man standing a few feet away, his presence commanding and unsettling. He was tall and handsome, with an aura of danger that both intrigued and warned me. He stepped closer, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you," he said, his voice smooth. "I’m Vansh Rai Singhania."

I introduced myself, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rapid beating of my heart. We talked for a few minutes, his questions probing but polite. There was something about him, something that drew me in despite my better judgment. I knew my parents would disapprove, especially my father, but I couldn’t help but feel a pull towards Vansh.

When my mother interrupted our conversation, I felt a pang of disappointment. She warned me about Vansh, her tone filled with concern. But I was already too intrigued to heed her warnings completely. As we walked back inside, I glanced over my shoulder, finding Vansh’s eyes still on me, a promise of more to come.

Vansh's POV

The grand ballroom of the Oberoi Hotel was a familiar setting, a place where deals were made, alliances formed, and power exchanged hands. I moved through the crowd with practiced ease, my presence commanding attention. Tonight, I was here for more than just the usual networking; I had my eyes set on a few key players, people who could help further my ambitions.

As a politician with deep ties to the mafia, I was well aware of the delicate balance I needed to maintain. My public persona was one of charm and charisma, but beneath the surface, there was a darkness that few knew. Tonight, I was wearing my politician's mask, but I never let my guard down.

I spotted Sushant Kapoor almost immediately, surrounded by a group of admirers. His daughter, Aadhya, was with him, looking stunning in a full-length gown. She moved through the crowd with a grace that belied her inexperience in this world. She was new to the business scene, but I had heard enough about her to know she was someone to watch.

As I made my way to the bar, my eyes met hers. For a moment, the bustling ballroom faded, and it was just the two of us. There was something in her gaze, a mix of curiosity and innocence that intrigued me. I could see the uncertainty in her eyes, the way she tried to navigate this world of power and influence.

I watched as she excused herself and headed towards the terrace. After a few moments, I followed, drawn by an inexplicable pull. I found her leaning against the railing, lost in thought.

"Beautiful night, isn’t it?" I said, breaking the silence.

She turned, her eyes widening slightly as she took me in. Up close, she was even more captivating, her beauty enhanced by an air of vulnerability. We introduced ourselves, and I found myself genuinely interested in her. There was something refreshing about her honesty, her lack of pretense.

We talked for a few minutes, and I could sense her hesitation, her curiosity. When her mother interrupted us, I saw the disappointment in her eyes. It was a small victory, a sign that I had made an impression.

As she walked back inside, I watched her, a plan forming in my mind. Aadhya Kapoor was more than just a beautiful distraction; she was a potential ally, a way to further my own ambitions. But there was also something personal about this, a desire to see how far I could push her, how deep I could draw her into my world.

The game had begun, and I was determined to win.

Thank you.........This is my first book that I have written, so please support. Please pardon me if I make any mistakes.