"Welcome, everyone. May I have your attention, please."
The mayor lightly tapped his glass with a spoon to draw everyone's attention. Gradually, the chatter in the hall faded as the guests turned toward him.
Smiling warmly, the mayor began,
"In two days, a very special person in my life—who also happens to be tonight's most honored guest—will be opening a multi-specialty clinic in the Green Area. And this party… has been organized in his honor."
The moment he said that, whispers spread across the hall. People began murmuring among themselves, curious about the person who was important enough for the mayor to host such a grand celebration.
The mayor raised his hand slightly and continued.
"Yes, yes, I know what you're all wondering. Since when does a mayor throw a party just for the opening of a clinic?"
A few guests chuckled softly.
"But this party isn't really for the clinic," he said. "It's for the man behind it."
His voice grew more serious.
"A few days ago, this young man saved my life like a true hero. Something my highly trained bodyguards couldn't manage to do… he did it without hesitation. And it wasn't just my life he saved—he saved my son's life as well."
The room grew completely silent.
"So it's very simple," the mayor continued. "If he hadn't been there that day… I wouldn't be standing here in front of you tonight."
He glanced toward the Kathwani family and smiled.
"That is why he holds a very special place in my life—and not only in mine, but also in the hearts of the Kathwani family."
The guests listened intently.
"And when you see his medical talent, you'll be just as amazed as I was. If you ever need the best doctor for a difficult illness, I strongly recommend visiting his clinic. I can personally guarantee—you won't leave disappointed."
The mayor paused dramatically.
"And now, without making you all wait any longer…"
His voice rose with excitement.
"My dear friends—please welcome Mr. Om Ahuja!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the large doors at the entrance slowly opened.
Standing there was a young man in a perfectly tailored black suit—no older than twenty or twenty-two.
In that moment, every eye in the hall turned toward him.
People had already been curious because of the mayor's speech. But when they actually saw him, their curiosity turned into fascination.
Om walked forward calmly.
The entire hall watched him.
He looked striking in the black suit—confident, elegant, and effortlessly charming. For a moment it almost felt as if the most handsome man in the world had just walked into the room.
Of course, that wasn't entirely true. Om wasn't the most handsome man in the world—but at that moment, he certainly didn't seem any less.
His presence instantly caught the attention of almost every woman in the hall.
Young girls, elegant ladies—nearly everyone found their gaze drawn toward him.
Smiling politely, Om walked straight toward the mayor and his family.
Seema, Supriya, and Ankshika had completely forgotten everything else. They stood there staring at him, almost spellbound.
Om's aunt beamed proudly.
"Oh my son, may no evil eye fall on you. You look so handsome today."
Soumya laughed teasingly.
"Mom, the evil eye has already fallen on him. Just look—every single person here is staring at Bhaiya."
Om simply smiled at the comment.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Ankshika, Seema, and Supriya still couldn't take their eyes off him.
Supriya whispered excitedly,
"Wow… ladies, are you seeing this? Mr. Om looks incredible tonight. Did you notice the way he walked in? He has such an amazing personality, doesn't he?"
But Ankshika and Seema were too stunned to respond.
Because for them, the shock was something else entirely.
Om was already upset with Ankshika from before. And if he mentioned anything about what had happened yesterday in front of her uncle tonight…
Ankshika would be in serious trouble.
Trying to stay out of sight, she quietly shifted behind a few guests.
Seema leaned closer and whispered nervously,
"Anshu… my dear, you're in big trouble today. Your uncle's special guest… is none other than Champu."
Ankshika groaned softly.
"I just realized that! If I had known earlier, I would've made some excuse and skipped this party. I'm totally trapped now. Seemu… I'm getting really nervous."
Seema nodded.
"Alright. Then let's stay as far away from them as possible. If Bade Papa finds out anything… we're both finished."
But just then Ankshika's eyes drifted toward Om again.
Despite everything, she couldn't stop herself from looking at him.
For a moment she simply stared at him, almost mesmerized.
"You know… we never noticed this in school," she murmured. "Was Champu always this handsome… or did he become like this after school?"
Seema chuckled softly.
"You're right, darling. Om has completely changed."
Across the hall, Om was chatting with people, smiling politely as he spoke.
Watching him from a distance, Ankshika found herself lost in that smile.
"Did you see that smile, Seema?" she whispered. "It's so… charming. Any girl could fall for that smile."
Seema immediately grabbed her arm.
"Anshu, please let's get out of here before we lose our smiles permanently."
Just then they noticed something.
Supriya had suddenly disappeared from beside them.
They turned their heads and saw her standing next to Om.
Seema groaned quietly.
"Oh great… that's exactly what we didn't need."
She sighed.
"Now we're definitely doomed."
Meanwhile, Supriya had already walked up to Om. She didn't want to miss the chance to impress him.
"Hello, Mr. Om. How are you?"
She smiled brightly.
"By the way… you're the life of this party tonight. I mean—you look absolutely amazing."
Om smiled politely.
"Hello, Miss Supriya. I'm doing well, thank you. And you look very beautiful tonight too."
From across the hall, Ankshika watched them talking—and felt a strange wave of irritation rising inside her.
She muttered to Seema,
"Did you see that? Supriya hasn't changed at all. The moment she sees a handsome guy, she starts showing off her charm. And look at Om now—he's become such a big shot that he's giving attention to everyone… except us."
Seema tried to calm her.
"Why are you worrying about it? This is actually good for us. If she keeps him busy, we'll stay safe."
Ankshika shrugged stubbornly.
"Whatever. Why would I care anyway? Plenty of guys give me attention—I'm the one who ignores them."
She looked away dramatically.
Just then Ayush suddenly appeared beside them.
He smiled warmly at his sister.
"I've been looking for you, my dear sister," he said.
Ankshika and Seema instantly tensed.
Ayush continued happily,
"Come on—I'll introduce you to Om."
Ankshika forced a smile.
She knew she was trapped now.
There was no way she could refuse Ayush.
Trying to hide her nervousness, she slowly began walking beside him toward Om.