Vidya’s POV
I’ve been with Aarav since high school. We’ve always had a solid connection, sharing laughs, secrets, and countless memories. So, when he invited me to a house party, I should’ve been excited, right? But something inside me wasn’t. The thought of being at Aarav’s place while his parents were away for days felt… wrong. All our friends would be there, sure, but there was something unsettling about the idea. I had read so many stories of girls being drugged, mistreated, or worse at house parties. My instincts screamed at me to say no, yet I felt the weight of Aarav’s expectations pressing down on me. So, I agreed, though my gut twisted with doubt.
As I reached home that evening, Kartik bhaiya was in the living room, comfortably planted in front of the TV, watching his favorite reality show, Bigg Boss. Our parents sat nearby, laughing at the drama on screen. Kartik was a formidable presence; tall, strong, and built like a protector, his face had a gentleness only reserved for us. To the world, he was intimidating, but to me, he was the safest place.
“Vidduuu!” he called out with that grin, pulling me in for a hug. “Come, sit with us! We missed you. How was your day?”
I forced a smile, nerves prickling under my skin. “K-Kartik bhaiya, theek thi. Actually… can I talk to you for a minute, privately?” I managed, glancing at our parents to signal I needed a moment alone with him.
He nodded, instantly serious as we headed to his room. Kartik could be overwhelming — tall and intense, with the stern face of a guardian. He looked every bit the fierce brother, like some mix of John Abraham’s strength and Vicky Kaushal’s charm. But at that moment, I felt more anxious than relieved.
“Bhaiya… you know I’m in a relationship with Aarav, right?” He raised an eyebrow but let me continue. “Well, he invited me to this… house party. His parents are out of town, and they won’t be back for three days. Tohh… I was thinking… could I—”
Kartik didn’t let me finish. “Bas kar, Vidu. You’re not going.” His tone was final, and I could see the storm brewing in his eyes. “As much as I approve of Aarav, kuch kaam nahi. You know what happened to my ex-girlfriend, Priya.” His voice cracked a little. “She ended her life after what those monsters did to her at a house party.”
I felt a pang of sadness — I had only heard whispers about Priya, but it was a scar Kartik carried, something that kept him distant from relationships and protective beyond measure. “If I wasn’t sick that day,” he said, voice filled with pain, “I would have been there for her. I’d have saved her. That guilt, Vidya… it eats me up every day.”
He looked at me, fierce and raw. “Kudha na khasta, if that was you, Vidya, I’d end Aarav’s life then and there. Your so-called best friends, Riya and Meera, wouldn’t be able to save you in that moment.” His face softened, but the weight of his words hung heavy. “If I’m not there, you’re not going. End of discussion.”
I stared at him, anger rising. Here was my gentle, golden-retriever brother transforming into a watchdog in front of me. I knew he meant well, but the way he asserted control made me feel cornered. “Fine,” I muttered, holding back the urge to protest. Kartik’s overprotectiveness was like a fortress around me, and as much as I resented it sometimes, I knew it came from a place of love.
The day of the party had arrived, and as I stood in front of the mirror, my nerves were in overdrive. My palms were sweating, and my heart raced as I imagined every possible scenario Kartik had warned me about. From across the hall, I could hear Kartik blasting his heartbreak anthem, Tum Hi Ho on repeat. Typical. I could picture him brooding, like some overprotective shadow lurking behind me.
Kameena insaan,” I muttered under my breath, half-amused, half-irritated. “He’ll probably want to move in with me and Aarav after we get married, stand by the door every time we try to have a moment together. I can’t even breathe.”
Right on cue, Aarav’s name lit up on my phone screen. I picked up, my voice barely hiding the frustration I’d bottled up since last night.
“Vidya mere jaan,” he crooned, excitement dripping from his words. “Are you ready for today? It’s going to be magical. A night you’ll never forget.”
I snapped, my voice rising before I could stop myself. “Shut the hell up, Aarav! Don’t you dare say that! I know you’re planning something.”
There was silence on his end for a moment before he sighed, frustration tinged with hurt. “Kartik bhaiya put these ideas in your head, didn’t he? Vidya, why is he so obsessed with this? I’ve never given you a reason to doubt me. What happened to Priya, that was tragic, yes, but I would never do that. You know I wouldn’t. Your best friend Riya is my sister, Vidya. I’d kill anyone who’d dare hurt her.”
I felt a flicker of doubt. Aarav had always been respectful. But Kartik’s warning echoed in my mind.
Aarav continued, “If Kartik bhaiya insists on coming, let him. I’m not hiding anything. I’ll just ask Ranveer to add him to the guest list. He and Meera are best friends anyway.”
I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that everything would be fine, that the worst was just in my head. But as I hung up, a strange feeling settled in my stomach, and I knew the night ahead wasn’t going to be easy.
He was speaking sincerely, and I knew that. Riya, Aarav’s sister and one of my closest friends, was like family to me. Aarav would do anything for her, just like Kartik would for me. And yet, Kartik’s warnings haunted me.
“Fine, Aarav,” I relented, though my voice was tinged with hesitation. “But if Kartik bhaiya comes along, don’t make a scene. Just… let him be. He’s only looking out for me.”
Aarav agreed, his tone softer now. “I get it. Kartik bhaiya’s being protective, and I respect that. Besides, Riya would probably do the same if the roles were reversed.”
I hung up, feeling a bit of relief mixed with lingering anxiety. Kartik had a way of planting seeds of doubt that took root deep in my mind.
I knew every girl at the party would wear loud makeup and tight, revealing clothing for the guys to notice, especially Meera, who wanted Ranveer to notice her assets. Eww. But that wasn’t me. I pulled a white kurti out of the closet and paired it with my black skinny high-rise jeans, adding my small tika and khussas. My friends named me behna meri because of the way I dressed. I valued my dignity and respect more than showing off my assets like Meera.
Kartik was ready: white singlet, hair slicked back, black jeans, converse, and a leather jacket. He actually looked handsome. I knew Riya had a crush on Kartik bhaiya, but I also knew Kartik bhaiya wouldn’t go for her.
“Areh wah behna, desi look, huh?” he chuckled.
“Shut up! You know I am not the modern girl. I am desi and proud. Why are you looking like someone from a 70s movie? Handsome ho, Riya will faint,” I joked.
“Moti Riya? Hahaha, shut up aur chalo!” Kartik gestured for me to follow him to the door. I tried to jump up and mess his hair, but he playfully carried me to the car like I was a baby.
Once our seatbelts were buckled, we sped off.
As we approached the venue, Meera stood at the door, spotting us. “Awww, look, it’s meri behna aur uski bodyguard. Kaise ho, bhaiya, aur… behna!” She cackled, that witchy grin plastered on her face. Bitch, I thought.
“Badiya,” Kartik gave his tough-boy look. “Looks like you’re ready to get into Ranveer’s pants. We know how badly you want it.”
Meera opened her mouth, but no words came out. Just then, Riya entered the scene—wearing a saree? Huh? Riya? In a saree? Black sequins, wavy hair. Is she good? She always gave tomboy vibes, but this was a different Riya. Beside her stood my love, Aarav, with his big biceps and tattoo sleeve. At that moment, I wanted to jump his bones. He was so hot, and I wanted him to myself, regardless of who was watching.
Kartik nudged me and smirked. “I wonder if protection is involved,” he said.
“Bhaiyyyyyaaa, chup karo!” I muttered under my breath.
Kartik began humming “Tumhare Hai Hum,” our song from the wedding, and I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me.
“Nice saree, Riya. You look like Shraddha Kapoor. You are so stunning!” I complimented her, and Riya blushed at my words. Kartik noticed and grinned with his head down, a look of admiration in his eyes.
As I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t believe I was actually wearing a saree for the party. What was I thinking? I usually preferred my tomboyish look, but tonight, I wanted to surprise everyone, especially Aarav. I wanted him to see me differently, to notice me.
I could feel my heart racing as I heard the car pull up outside. When I saw Kartik and Vidya approaching, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Kartik looked so handsome in that leather jacket. I could see how comfortable he was around Vidya, and it made me a little jealous. I wanted that kind of connection too.
“Look at them, all dressed up,” I thought, trying to calm myself. As they walked toward us, Meera made her usual snarky remarks, and I felt a little uncomfortable. But when Vidya complimented my saree, I couldn’t help but blush. She always knew how to make me feel better.
“Riya, you look amazing in that saree! You’re going to turn heads tonight,” he said, grinning proudly.
I felt my cheeks heat up, and I quickly brushed off his compliment. “Aarav! Seriously? Just stick to being my annoying brother!” I teased, rolling my eyes.
Aarav’s POV
I had been looking forward to this party all week. I wanted to make a good impression, especially on Vidya. I cared about her, and tonight felt like a chance to show her how much she meant to me.
When I saw Riya in that saree, I was shocked. She looked stunning!
As I spotted Vidya and Kartik walking in, I felt a wave of protectiveness wash over me. I had always been there for Vidya, but tonight was different. With all the rumors swirling around about Kartik and the past with Priya, I knew I had to keep a close eye on her.
“Riya, you look amazing in that saree! You’re going to turn heads tonight,” I said, trying to be supportive. But as soon as I said it, I noticed her cheeks flush, and she shot me a playful glare.
“Aarav! Seriously? Just stick to being my annoying brother!” she replied, her teasing tone lightening the moment. I couldn’t help but chuckle; I loved how our banter kept things fun and easy.
“Stay close to me tonight,” I whispered to Riya as we entered the party. I wanted her to feel safe and confident, just like I wanted for Vidya. I hoped we could all have fun and make some great memories tonight.
Ranveer’s POV
As I arrived at the party, I could feel the buzz of excitement in the air. Everyone was dressed to impress, and I was curious to see how my best friend Meera would handle the night. She had been trying so hard to catch my attention lately, but I couldn’t help but notice how much I liked Riya.
When I saw Meera standing at the door with that typical smug look on her face, I rolled my eyes. She could be so dramatic sometimes. I had my eye on Riya, though. She always had a way of standing out in a crowd without trying too hard. I admired that about her.
As I scanned the room, I noticed Aarav and Riya. Riya looked beautiful in her saree. Wow, I didn’t expect that. I hoped this night would be good for all of us. I wanted everyone to let loose and enjoy themselves, especially Vidya.
When Meera made her snarky comments about Vidya and Kartik, I felt a twinge of annoyance. I didn’t want her ruining anyone’s night. I decided to step in and distract her with conversation. Let’s see if I can take her focus off of Vidya and onto something less irritating.
Meera’s POV
I was ready to steal the spotlight at this party. I wore my most eye-catching outfit, confident that Ranveer would notice me tonight. I wanted him to see me as someone desirable and fun.
When I saw Kartik and Vidya walking in, I couldn’t resist throwing some shade. “Awww, look, it’s meri behna aur uski bodyguard. Kaise ho bhaiya, aur… behna!” I cackled, that witchy grin plastered on my face.
“Looks like you’re ready to get into Ranveer’s pants. We know how badly you want it,” Kartik teased, directing the comment at me with a smirk.
I felt my face flush. It was embarrassing, but I couldn’t let them see how much it bothered me. I was determined to get Ranveer’s attention tonight, especially since he seemed to have his eyes on Riya. I needed to
Kartik’s POV
As we walked toward the gathering, I couldn’t shake the protective instincts rising within me. Vidya looked anxious, and I knew it was because of the party and all those horror stories I had shared with her. She had every right to be scared. I remembered what happened to my ex-girlfriend, Priya. I lived with that guilt every day. If anything went wrong tonight, I’d never forgive myself.
Meera was going to test me, and I was prepared to handle whatever she threw at us. The way she taunted Vidya rubbed me the wrong way, but I kept my cool. “Watch it, Meera. You have no idea what my sister has been through. She’s got more self-respect than you’ll ever understand.”
She rolled her eyes, and I felt a wave of anger wash over me, but I pushed it down. I could feel Vidya’s hand grip mine tighter. I wanted to make sure she knew she wasn’t alone in this.
I wanted to keep my cool and enjoy the night, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that trouble was lurking. I had to keep my sister safe, even if it meant ruining someone’s night.
As we entered the party, the energy was electric. People were dancing, laughing, and letting loose. I hoped Vidya would find comfort in the atmosphere, but deep down, I knew the risks that came with parties like these.
“Hey, let’s stick together, okay?” I leaned closer to Vidya, whispering to reassure her. She nodded, but her eyes flickered with uncertainty.
I glanced around, making sure I knew where everyone was. I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease as I noticed some guys eyeing Vidya too closely. They didn’t know what she meant to me, and I wasn’t about to let anyone disrespect her.
“Let’s get some drinks,” I suggested to her, trying to keep her occupied and away from the lurking predators. “We can find a corner and talk about whatever you want. I just want to make sure you feel safe.”
Vidya smiled faintly, and I felt a flicker of hope. I was determined to protect her, and I wouldn’t let anything ruin her night. Whatever it took, I’d be her bodyguard, keeping her safe from any threats that dared to come our way.
Meera’s POV
As the party buzzed with excitement, I decided it was time to make my presence known. I raised my glass high and announced, “Let’s have a five-minute silence for Priya. Who could have been Mrs. Kartik!” I slurred my words just enough to grab everyone’s attention. Laughter erupted, but I didn’t stop there.
“The only one at fault here is Kartik,” I continued, pointing at him dramatically. “He orchestrated it all! Got his buddies to do… you know what. I wonder how she tasted. Rasmalai? Kartik, you know the answer.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at my own joke, but I could see Kartik’s expression darkening with anger.
In a split second, I felt a surge of adrenaline as Kartik pushed past the crowd, anger radiating off him. He grabbed me by the neck, his grip firm but not enough to hurt. “Shut your mouth, Meera!” he yelled in my face, his voice filled with rage. I had never seen him like this before. The room went silent as everyone turned to witness the confrontation.
“Stop it! Just stop it!” I spat back, trying to maintain some composure. I didn’t want to look weak, especially not in front of Ranveer and Riya. But the fear in my gut told me I had crossed a line.
Just then, Vidya sprang into action. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and slapped me hard across the face. “You think this is funny, Meera? You’re being a total jerk! Priya was a real person with real feelings, and you’re just making a mockery of it all!” Her voice trembled with anger, and the fire in her eyes made it clear she wasn’t going to back down.
I stumbled back from the impact of her slap, my face burning and my mind racing. “Vidya, I—”
“Don’t even try to defend yourself,” she interrupted, her tone icy. “You’ve gone too far this time. You’re not funny; you’re just pathetic!”
I could see Riya looking from me to Aarav, concern written all over her face. I knew I had to regain control of the situation. “I was just trying to lighten the mood,” I said, my voice shaky. “Can’t you take a joke?”
Kartik, still seething, released his grip on me, but his glare was piercing. “This isn’t a joke, Meera. You need to learn when to stop. Priya was my girlfriend , and you have no idea how much pain this has caused.”
As the tension in the room thickened, I could feel the weight of my words crashing down on me. Had I really gone too far? But I couldn’t let myself be seen as weak. I tried to laugh it off, but it felt hollow.
Riya stepped closer to Kartik, her voice steady. “Kartik, let’s not make this worse. Meera, you need to apologize. This isn’t the time or place for this.”
“Apologize?” I scoffed, trying to save face. “For what? For being honest?”
“For being a jerk!” Vidya shot back, her voice rising again. “You think this is the kind of friend we want to be around? You’re only making things harder for everyone.”
I glanced at Ranveer, hoping for some support, but he just shook his head in disappointment. “Meera, you’ve really messed up this time. You need to own it.”
Feeling cornered and humiliated, I crossed my arms defensively. “Fine. I’m sorry… if you all can’t take a joke,” I muttered, my heart racing.
The atmosphere was tense as I realized I had alienated myself from my friends. I stood there, feeling utterly alone, wishing I could take back what I had said.
The mood had shifted dramatically in the party, and I could see how the night was slipping away from me. I had wanted attention, but not like this. I watched as Riya comforted Aarav and Vidya glared at me, their faces reflecting disappointment.
What had I done?
Vidya’s POV:
I stood there, heart pounding with anger as I confronted Meera. I couldn’t believe she would joke about Priya like that, especially after everything that had happened. Priya’s departure had left Kartik devastated, and to make light of it was cruel. Women need to support each other, not tear each other down. I felt a mix of frustration and disappointment. I wanted to shake some sense into her. Why can’t she see that words have power? This was a lesson for all of us about being mindful of our words and their impact on those around us. Empathy should be at the core of our friendships.
Aarav’s POV:
Watching my sister, Riya, stand there looking worried made my protective instincts kick in. I hated seeing her involved in this mess. Meera needed to understand how her words affected others, especially since Priya was more than a dear friend to Kartik. Riya had been there for Kartik through his healing process, helping him mend his wounds after Priya’s departure. I wanted to tell Riya she looked beautiful in her saree, but with all this chaos, I couldn’t. Women should uplift one another, not compete or tear each other down. This was a moment to reflect on how we, as men, should also advocate for women and call out toxic behavior when we see it.
Riya’s POV:
My heart sank as I watched Meera’s antics unfold. I felt torn between wanting to support my brother and defending my best friend. Meera’s behavior was unacceptable, and I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about how she treated Priya’s memory. I admired how Vidya stood up for what was right. As women, we need to recognize our strength in unity. Let’s not allow jealousy or rivalry to cloud our judgment. It’s essential to have each other’s backs instead of fueling unnecessary drama. Helping Kartik heal had shown me how important it is to create safe spaces for one another, reinforcing the theme of empowerment.
Ranveer’s POV:
I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. Meera, my friend, had crossed a line that should never be crossed. I felt the weight of the moment, especially when I saw how Kartik reacted. Riya had played a crucial role in helping him find strength again, showing how support can transform someone’s pain into resilience. It was clear to me that women, and even men, need to understand that words have consequences. We should all strive to create an environment of respect and support, especially for those who are vulnerable. This incident showed me how crucial it is to speak up against disrespect, regardless of who it comes from.
Meera’s POV:
As I stood there, embarrassed and frustrated, I realized I had messed up big time. My attempt at humor had backfired, and now I was isolated from my friends. I thought I could joke about anything, but seeing the pain on Kartik’s face made me feel small. This was a wake-up call. Women should learn to be more considerate and not indulge in petty rivalries. We can lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. I needed to own my mistakes and grow from this experience.
Kartik’s POV:
When I heard Meera’s slurs about Priya, my blood boiled. I felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness not only for Priya but for all the women in my life. The way she trivialized someone else’s pain was appalling. I marched toward her, fueled by anger, wanting her to understand the gravity of her words. It was more than just a joke; it was a reflection of how society often dismisses women’s feelings.
When Vidya slapped Meera, I felt a surge of pride. Here was a woman standing up for her friend, taking power back in a situation that could have spiraled out of control. This is what it means to be a Boss Beti—finding strength in vulnerability and using it to uplift others. Riya had been my anchor during my darkest moments, showing me how healing can come from connection and compassion.
Lessons Learned:
This incident taught all of us invaluable lessons about friendship, respect, and the power of words. As women, we need to embrace each other, celebrate our differences, and uplift one another instead of fostering jealousy or competition. It’s crucial to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others, especially in sensitive situations. Support, empathy, and understanding should be the foundations of our friendships.
The events of that night reminded us of the strength we possess when we stand together. As Boss Betis, we learn to transform fear into power, asserting ourselves in unsafe situations. By speaking out against disrespect and supporting one another, we create a stronger, more compassionate community where we help each other thrive rather than fall apart.
Ultimately, this moment served as a powerful reminder that we’re all on a journey of growth, and sometimes, it takes a hard lesson to realize the importance of kindness, respect, and solidarity in overcoming challenges. We can learn from each other’s experiences, ensuring that we uplift and empower one another in every circumstance.
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