Four hearts one story

The ball dance

The ballroom looked almost unreal.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm golden glow across the polished floor. Tall windows revealed the dark Arabian Sea beyond, its surface reflecting the scattered lights of the cruise ship. Soft instrumental music filled the room as elegantly dressed guests gathered around the ballroom.

Tonight wasn't an ordinary cruise party.

It was a formal ball.

And the four friends had decided to make an entrance.

Shreya stood in front of the mirror in her cabin, adjusting her golden earrings. She wore an elegant black outfit with a sleeveless, backless blouse, the fabric falling beautifully around her figure. Her long hair was styled in soft waves, and her makeup was subtle, with a touch of gloss.

She picked up her small handbag and checked her reflection one last time.

A notification appeared on her phone.

Ankesh.

She looked at the screen.

Ankesh: So, you've completely forgotten me?

Another message followed.

Ankesh: At least have the courage to reply.

Shreya stared at it for a moment.

Her expression didn't change.

She locked her phone, placed it inside her handbag and walked out.

Tonight wasn't about him.

Tonight was hers.

8:45 PM — Outside the Grand Ballroom

Kai was waiting near the entrance with Somesh.

Both were dressed in black suits. Kai's shirt was neatly buttoned, his hair styled back, and his usual relaxed expression had been replaced by something a little more polished.

Somesh, meanwhile, kept adjusting his suit jacket.

"Does this look okay?" he asked.

Kai glanced at him.

"You've asked me seven times."

"Because you haven't given me a proper answer."

"You look fine."

"Fine? That's it? I look like a gentleman."

"You look hungry."

Somesh sighed.

"One day, you'll understand the importance of dressing well."

Kai checked his watch.

"One day, you'll understand the importance of being on time."

Before Somesh could respond, Dimple appeared.

She wore a beautiful black gown that fitted elegantly around her waist and flowed down to the floor. Her hair was styled neatly, and her makeup gave her an effortlessly glamorous look.

Somesh looked at her for a second.

"Okay. You look different."

Dimple raised an eyebrow.

"Different good or different bad?"

"Different expensive."

Kai laughed.

"That's probably the best compliment you'll get from him."

"Thank you, Somesh," Dimple said, pretending to be impressed.

"You're welcome."

Then Shreya arrived.

And for a brief moment, neither boy said anything.

Kai looked at her and smiled.

"Finally."

Shreya stopped in front of them.

"That's your reaction?"

"What else?"

"At least say I look nice."

"You look nice."

"Very enthusiastic, Kai."

Somesh shook his head.

"Honestly, you both look good. Now can we go inside? I've been standing here long enough to develop a personal relationship with this carpet."

Dimple laughed.

The four entered together.

The ballroom was already crowded.

Couples were dancing, groups were chatting, and waiters moved between the tables carrying trays of drinks and small appetisers.

Somesh immediately slowed down.

His eyes were scanning the room.

Not for the dance floor.

Not for the decorations.

For someone.

And then he spotted her.

A girl standing near one of the tables, wearing a deep-blue evening dress. She had her hair tied in a loose bun and was laughing with a friend.

Somesh stopped walking.

Kai noticed.

"What?"

Somesh didn't answer.

Kai followed his gaze.

"Oh."

Shreya turned around.

"What happened?"

Dimple looked at Somesh and then in the direction he was staring.

Her lips curved.

"Interesting."

Somesh immediately looked away.

"I was just looking around."

"Of course," Shreya said.

"There's a lot to see."

"Especially in that particular direction," Kai added.

Somesh straightened his jacket.

"Can we please behave like mature people?"

Dimple burst out laughing.

"You're asking us that?"

Before Somesh could defend himself, Dimple noticed someone else.

A tall man in a perfectly fitted navy suit stood near the ballroom entrance. He had neatly styled hair, a charming smile and was talking to another guest.

Dimple looked at him.

Then looked again.

Shreya caught the expression immediately.

"Oh?"

"Nothing," Dimple replied.

Shreya followed her gaze.

"Nothing?"

"Absolutely nothing."

Somesh looked between them.

"Wait. What is happening now?"

Kai smiled.

"Looks like everyone has found something interesting tonight."

"Not everyone," Shreya replied.

Kai glanced at her.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Very much."

The lights dimmed slightly.

The music changed to a soft ballroom melody.

A voice came through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may we have your attention, please? The ballroom dance is about to begin. We invite everyone to find a partner and join us on the dance floor."

Couples began moving toward the centre.

Dimple turned toward Shreya.

"Are we dancing?"

"Obviously."

"With whom?"

Shreya smiled.

"Let's find out."

Somesh immediately stepped backward.

"No."

Dimple looked at him.

"Nobody asked you."

"Good. I was just making my position clear."

Kai chuckled.

A moment later, a gentleman approached Shreya.

"Would you like to dance?"