Chapter 3: The Great Escape - Avoiding Abeer Rathore Like a Pro

The Staring Contest of Doom

Diya could feel the heat of his gaze as Abeer studied her with an intensity that made her skin prickle.

"You're different," he had said.

A normal girl would have blushed or swooned (like the original Sia in the book).

Diya?

She grinned like an idiot. "Me? Different? No, no! Same old Sia! The one who definitely doesn't annoy you or obsess over you anymore!"

Abeer's eyes narrowed.

Shit. That sounded too suspicious.

Say something normal, Diya!

She cleared her throat. "By the way, have you ever tried golgappas?"

Abeer blinked. "What?"

She internally facepalmed. GOLGAPPAS? REALLY?!

Abeer Rathore, the most feared mafia don in India, the man who could kill people with a single look, was asking her what the hell she was talking about.

Abort! Abort! Change topic!

She forced a polite smile, slipping her wrist free. "Oh wow! Look at the time! I should—uh—go say hello to... my chacha's wife's sister's cousin's dog's babysitter!"

And before Abeer could react—

She sprinted.

Mission: Avoid Abeer Rathore at All Costs

Diya had one goal.

Stay out of his sight.

And thus began the most ridiculous game of hide-and-seek in mafia history.

Hiding Spot #1: Behind a Tall Uncle

She strategically placed herself behind a massive businessman uncle who was busy boasting about his imported whiskey collection.

Uncle: "Aur yeh whiskey toh London ke ek royal se mili thi—"

Diya: "Haan haan, bilkul! Wah, kya baat hai! Aur batao, uncle?"

Uncle: Looks at her weirdly.

Diya: Keeps nodding aggressively to blend in.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Abeer scanning the crowd.

Nope. Not today, Mafia Rathore.

She ducked behind the buffet table.

Hiding Spot #2: The Food Table Disaster

She quickly grabbed a silver plate, piling food onto it to look busy.

But in her panic—she overloaded the plate.

One bite of pani puri, and her mouth caught fire.

"HOLY SHIT—SPICY—WATER—HELP!" she coughed, waving at a waiter who gave her a weird look.

A deep chuckle sounded behind her.

Her soul left her body.

NO. NO. NO.

She whipped around—and there he was.

Abeer Rathore, watching her struggle, arms crossed, amused as hell.

Oh. Great.

Diya quickly grabbed a glass of water and chugged it—except it wasn't water.

It was vodka.

She nearly died.

Abeer tilted his head. "Do you... always create disasters wherever you go?"

Diya choked, coughing violently.

"I—I don't know what you're talking about, Rathore. I'm just—uh—trying new experiences! Very important for personal growth, you know?"

Abeer just raised an eyebrow.

And then—he stepped closer.

Diya froze.

"You're avoiding me, Sia," he said. Calm. Amused. Deadly.

"N-nonsense!" Diya laughed nervously. "Why would I do that? Avoid you? ME? Pfft. No way! We're besties! Totally friendly! Haha... ha..."

Abeer just stared.

Diya swallowed. Abort mission.

She turned and RAN.

Hiding Spot #3: The Ladies' Washroom – A Temporary Safe Haven

She sprinted into the restroom, locking herself in a stall.

Leaning against the door, she exhaled in relief.

Safe. For now.

She grabbed her phone (still no signal, thanks for nothing, universe) and started planning her next move.

Step 1: Leave the party as soon as possible.

Step 2: Never make eye contact with Abeer ever again.

Step 3: If he approaches, pretend to faint.

Simple. Foolproof.

She gave herself a mental pep talk. "Diya, you got this. You're smart. Strong. You can outwit a mafia don. You—"

The lights flickered.

A cold dread crept up her spine.

And then—

A deep, amused voice echoed from outside the stall.

"Sia."

Her blood turned to ice.

No. No. NO.

WHAT THE HELL WAS HE DOING IN THE LADIES' WASHROOM?!

Her breath hitched.

Trapped. Like a mouse cornered by a lion.

"C-choti break le rahi thi!" she called out nervously. "A little freshening up, you know! Girls need that! Hahaha—"

Abeer knocked once on the door. Slow. Deliberate.

"Come out, Sia," he said, voice dangerously soft.

Diya's stomach twisted.

Plan C. FAINT.

She dramatically collapsed onto the floor.

"Oops, I fainted," she announced loudly. "Guess you'll have to go!"

Silence.

Then—

A long, deep chuckle.

Oh, he was enjoying this too much.

"Fine," Abeer finally said. "I'll wait outside."

And then—his footsteps faded.

Diya let out the breath she was holding.

Holy. Shit.

She had successfully avoided him for the night.

Barely.

But she knew one thing for sure.

Abeer was onto her.

And this game of cat and mouse?

It was only just beginning.

Next Chapter Preview:Diya tries to stay invisible, but Abeer keeps testing her.She accidentally impresses him without realizing it.Abeer's curiosity turns into something far more dangerous.