It Started With You 3.

After some fun banter and light business talk, everyone slowly started heading to their seats. Laughter echoed, champagne flowed, but suddenly a different kind of silence crept over the grand hall.

The top businessman, influential politicians, and Bollywood finest. Were present there. But all eyes turned towards one corner.

Abhiraaj Agarwal-the man known for his serious demeanor and zero tolerance for nonsense, was laughing. And not just that, he was laughing with a girl.

someone???

Abhiraaaj..... and laughing? With Shreya Mehta?

someone 2 someone2

That to so freely..... like they've known each other for years.

Gasps and whispers followed

someone???

She's the CEO of gross tech solutions, right?

someone 2 someone2

Yeah.... one of the youngest and most influential woman in tech world

Someone3

But Abhiraaj never opens up like that with anyone.... not even during partnerships.

someone???

There's definitely something different about there vibe....

Just then, something even more unexpected happened.

Akash Mehra, the charming and powerful CEO of MEHRA INDUSTRIES, casually walked in and without missing a beat, hugged Shreya from behind.

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

(Smiling, casual) Hey Babes.... how are you? ( He wraps his arms around shreya from behind)

Shreya visibly annoyed , pulls herself away from his arms, gives him a sharp look, and walks away... without saying a word.

Abhiraaj, noticing the tension, gives Aakash a quick glance and continues towards the bar area.

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

(Grinning) Oops... bro, I think she's really mad this time.😂

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

(Rubbing his neck awkwardly) yeah... looks like it.

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

Okay spill it.... what did you do this time?

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

(sighs) We had planned a date last Sunday...

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

(Cuts him off in the middle) And you forget, right? Classic Aakash.

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

(Defensive) Nahi yaar, last minute meeting aa gayi thi. I had to cancel. (No bro, A last minute meeting came up, and I had to cancel)

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

Meeting mein shanaya jaa sakti thi na? (Shanaya could've attended the meeting, right)

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

*Smiles faded and tone drops* You know what happened to Shanaya, Ishaan... Since that night three years ago... she barely steps into the boardroom.

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

(Sighs softly) She's still living in that trauma....

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

*Guilt in his voice* If I could rewrite the past... I'd never let those scars touch her. I was so caught up in my world, i forget... my sister needed me.

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

She's not alone anymore, Ash. Ranveer is with her now. And that guy... he won't let anyone hurt her again.

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

(Quietly) I hope you're right...

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

(Firmly) You know I'm right. Ranveer knew everything... and still chose her. He didn't just love her... he embraced her broken pieces like they were whole.

Aakash stays quite, his eyes lost somewhere far beyond the gala lights.

Shreya sits at a corner table, Scrolling aimlessly through her phone. She's dressed beautifully, but the disappointment clings to her like perfume that won't ade. Across the room, Aaksh stands with a drink in his hand, and watching her.

Abhiraaj notices, He walks over her, and pulls a chair beside shreya.

Abhiraaj Agarwal(Male lead)

(nudging quietly) Ab toh phone bhi bore ho gaya hoga?

Shreya gives a half-smile , still avoiding eye contact.

Shreya mehta(ML BFF)

I'm just... tired. It's easier to scroll phone than look at people pretending everything's fine.

Abhiraaj Agarwal(Male lead)

Hmm... especially when one of them cancelled on you. Again

She looks up, eyes meeting his. No words, just a quiet pain.

Shreya mehta(ML BFF)

Second time this month. And each time, Just a 'sorry, urgent kaam aa gaya.' Like I've got nothing urgent in my life.

Abhiraaj Agarwal(Male lead)

(Softly) I know you're hurt. And you're right to be. But if it means anything... he looks like hell since you stopped talking.

Before she can reply, Akash walks up slowly. His eyes hold guilt, not excuses.

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

(Gently) Shreya... can I talk to you?

She doesn't say no. Doesn't say yes either, Just wait.

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

(Quietly) I'm sorry. Not just for the date. But for making you feel like you're not important enough to plan around.

Shreya lips tighten, the pain behind her calm.

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

This was the second time I cancelled. I know. And both times, I thought I'd make it up to you later. But I didn't realise you're not waiting for 'LATER'.... you wanted me there, then. And I wasn't.

Shreya mehta(ML BFF)

(Laugh bitterly) You think flowers or a fancy text fixes that? I was sitting dressed for two hours, staring at a clock. Do you know what that feels like?

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

I don't. But I don't want to ever make you feel it again.

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

(After a pause) I don't want to lose you over my inability to manage my own mess.

Abhiraaj quietly stands up, gives aakash a look, and step aside, Just then , Ishaan walks in with two mocktails in hand, pauses sensing the tension, and a few steps away.

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

(In low voice to Abhiraaj) Bhai kya chal rahaa hai yahaan? Award ceremony hai yaa breakup season?

Abhiraaj Agarwal(Male lead)

(quiet chuckle) Life. Real one. No music in the background.

Back at the table, Shreya exhales deeply.

Shreya mehta(ML BFF)

I'm not asking you to be perfect, Aakash. I just need to feel like a priority. Once in a while, not after I get mad.

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

You are. I've just been too stupid to show it the the right way.

There's silence. Then gently...

Shreya mehta(ML BFF)

I'm still mad

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

Okay. Stay mad. But let me still walk beside you.

Shreya finally smiles... just a little. The hurt's not gone, but the wall is cracked.

Ishaan Gupta(ML BFF)

(Walking over, placing the mocktail in front of her) For when you're ready to forgive. Or throw it at him. Both valid options.( while shuggering his shoulder)

She laughs.... for real this time.

Seeing her laughing a smile crept on Aaksh's face

When Shreya saw Aakaah smiling so she composed herself and said...

Shreya mehta(ML BFF)

We'll talk later

Aakash mehra(ML BFF)

I'll wait (With a small smile on his face)