Nandini had spent two days in Goa and was finally familiar with its charm—the beaches, the cafes, the secret corners where the ocean whispered only to her. She no longer needed to wait for Ruhan to accompany her; she could wander on her own terms now. Staying at SHO Suhani's lavish two-storied apartment, which to Nandini felt more like a private mansion with its white marble elegance, she was beginning to feel a strange sense of freedom.
That evening, restless and craving something delicious, Nandini decided to dine out by herself. She declined the polite offer of Suhani's helper and assured him she'd eat outside. At 7:00 PM, dressed in a subtle sea-green dress that complimented her dusky glow, she headed to Sea Diamond—the most prestigious restaurant in Goa.
Sea Diamond wasn't just any place; it was where film stars dined when shooting in Goa, where the city's elite hosted their glamorous events. Tonight, the entrance was lined with gleaming luxury cars; the hum of expensive engines filled the air. When Nandini reached the lobby, the staff gently informed her that the place was fully booked due to a private party.
Just as she was about to leave, she heard a surprised voice call her name. "Nandini? Is that really you?" Turning, she found herself face to face with Siya Kulkarni—a ghost from her past. The last time Nandini saw Siya was fifteen years ago in Pune, where they'd shared classrooms and lunch breaks. But the awkward, bespectacled Siya with braces was gone; in her place stood a stunning, confident woman dressed like a high-fashion model.
"You've changed so much," Nandini confessed, blinking. "I almost didn't recognize you."
"I get that a lot," Siya laughed softly, her eyes glinting with pride. "Let me introduce you—this is Jessica, and this is Khushboo. We met here in Goa. Girls, this is Nandini Gupta—my old schoolmate from Pune. We were inseparable back then."
Jessica, tall and elegant, wore a silver necklace with a delicate cross. Khushboo, petite and sharp-eyed behind designer glasses, smiled politely.
"So, what brings you to Goa, Nandini? Shifted here or on vacation?" Siya asked casually.
"I'm here with a... friend," Nandini replied carefully.
"A male friend?" Siya teased, raising an eyebrow. "Boyfriend, perhaps?"
"No, just a friend," Nandini smiled.
"Where is this mysterious friend now? Left you alone, huh?" Khushboo chimed in with a smirk.
Nandini didn't like the hint of sarcasm in Khushboo's tone but let it pass. "He had some urgent work. I wanted to eat out anyway."
"Well then, perfect timing! Come join us. There's a party upstairs—we're all invited." Siya grinned.
"I couldn't possibly crash—"
"Oh, come on. You're with me. Nobody will mind." Siya insisted.
After some gentle persuasion, Nandini agreed, curiosity getting the better of her.
Upstairs, the top floor buzzed with opulence. Sea Diamond's eighth floor offered breathtaking views of the ocean glittering in the twilight. Waiters floated by with champagne flutes, and laughter mixed with soft jazz music.
"It's Julia D'Souza's birthday," Siya whispered as they stepped inside. "She's from one of Goa's richest families. Spoiled, petty... and extremely jealous. Especially when it comes to her boyfriend."
"Who's the unlucky guy?" Nandini chuckled softly.
"Neel Malhotra," Siya replied. "CEO of Malhotra Diamonds. His grandfather founded the company."
Just then, Nandini noticed Julia—a tall woman in a blood-red dress, eyes sharp and searching, holding Neel's arm possessively. Julia's gaze flicked to Nandini and lingered, her expression unreadable but clearly displeased by the stranger's presence.
"Ignore her," Siya whispered. "She thinks every woman is after Neel. Anyway—what are you doing these days, Nandini?"
"I'm a criminal lawyer now," Nandini said, sipping her drink. "Four years in Dehradun after my divorce. Left Pune and my family's law legacy behind."
Siya gasped. "Divorced? Oh my god. You? I had no idea... we lost touch completely after I moved to Goa. No phones, no socials back then."
"Yeah... life happened," Nandini smiled faintly. "What about you?"
"I run Hotel Raj Eagle now. Dad made me owner last year. Life's been good."
"Nice. Big responsibility," Nandini nodded, feeling a strange warmth at the rekindled friendship.
As the party continued, Jessica kept glancing between Julia and Neel. "Drama alert," she murmured.
"Julia's watching you," Khushboo whispered to Nandini with a mischievous grin. "Careful, she bites."
"Don't mind her," Siya laughed. "But stay away from Neel's direction if you value your peaceful evening."
Their laughter was cut short as Neel himself approached, smiling politely. "New face? I don't think we've met."
Before Nandini could reply, Julia was at his side, slipping her hand into his and tightening her grip. "She's with Siya," Julia said smoothly, eyes never leaving Nandini's.
"Welcome," Neel said politely, but Nandini felt the warning in Julia's gaze.
"Thank you," Nandini replied coolly, refusing to be rattled.
Siya smirked. "See? Instant drama."
"This is awkward," Nandini murmured. "I don't want to create trouble."
"Relax," Siya grinned. "Julia's always like that. Besides, she can't control the whole world. You're with me tonight."
As the evening wore on, Nandini found herself slipping back into old patterns—laughing with Siya, trading stories, wondering how fifteen years had passed so fast. But she couldn't shake Julia's gaze following her across the room, the tension simmering like a storm waiting to break.
And then it did.
Julia approached their table, her smile razor-sharp. "I didn't catch your name."
"Nandini Gupta."
"From Pune?"
"Yes."
"Lawyer, huh? Interesting choice. We don't get many serious types here."
"I like serious," Nandini replied evenly.
"Do you? You don't seem the type," Julia murmured, eyes cold. "Enjoy the party—but stay clear of what's not yours."
"Is that supposed to mean something?" Nandini asked calmly, heart hammering.
Julia smiled thinly and turned away, her red dress sweeping behind her like a warning flag.
"Wow," Siya muttered. "She's threatened. You made an impression."
"I didn't even do anything," Nandini said.
"Exactly," Jessica whispered. "That's why."
The night stretched long with food, whispered gossip, and glances that promised future confrontations. For the first time in years, Nandini felt the thrill of uncertainty—the taste of danger, of secrets hidden beneath the glitter of high society.
Something told her that this accidental reunion in Goa would change everything.
And as the sea breeze whispered outside, Nandini smiled to herself. This night was only the beginning.