But then again, maybe it was all just coincidence. 
Maybe I was reading too much into a random encounter. 
I had a lot going on—my company, my frequent trips to Mumbai to visit Adya, and all the responsibilities that came with both. 
Romance wasn't exactly on my priority list right now. 
Yet, here I was, standing by the window, thinking about someone I'd just met. 
I shook my head, deciding to focus on the day ahead. There was work to be done.
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ 𓈈
Later that afternoon, I walked into the café where Ivaan and I were supposed to meet. 
I spotted him in the corner, already seated with a coffee in front of him, scrolling through his phone. 
"Late as usual" he remarked without looking up.
I smirked, sliding into the chair opposite him. "I had a meeting that ran long."
He glanced up, finally putting his phone down. "Sure you did. How was the party last night? Shanaya's birthday, right?"
I nodded, leaning back in my chair. "Yeah, it was good. Met some interesting people."
"Interesting?" Ivaan raised an eyebrow. "That's code for someone caught your attention."
I chuckled. "You know me too well."
"So, spill. Who was it?"
I paused for a moment, debating whether or not to bring it up. 
But then again, this was Ivaan—he wouldn't let it go until I told him.
"Her name's Lavika," I said casually. "She's Shanaya's best friend."
Ivaan leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued. "And?"
"And nothing," I replied, keeping my tone nonchalant. "We just talked."
He gave me a look that said he wasn't buying it. "Right. Just talked. You're thinking about her, aren't you?"
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Maybe a little."
Ivaan smirked. "Well, if you're already thinking about her the next day, she's probably more than just some random girl at a party."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's not like that. She's... different. I don't know how to explain it."
"Different how?"
I thought about it for a moment, trying to find the right words. "She's grounded. Genuine. There's something about her—like she's not easily impressed by the usual stuff. And she called me 'Ishu.'"
Ivaan raised an eyebrow. "Ishu? That's a nickname reserved for the inner circle. Interesting."
I nodded, staring down at my coffee. "Yeah, it caught me off guard. But it felt... right."
Ivaan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Sounds like you've got yourself a situation Ishaan, What are you going to do about it?"
I sighed. "Nothing, for now. She's a medical student, busy with her studies, and I've got enough on my plate with work and traveling to Mumbai."
"Ah yes, the infamous Mumbai trips. How's Adya doing?" Ivaan asked, changing the subject.
"She's doing well," I replied, grateful for the shift in conversation. "She's handling things with her soon-to-be-family and managing her business. I'll be heading there next week to see her"