Vikram was about to leave his room when he noticed something—again a yellow rose placed near the mirror .
Meanwhile, Tara was caught in her own puzzle:
"Why does he behave so sweetly sometimes… and then turn into that monster again the very next minute?"
---
Afternoon – Tara's Room
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
Staff: "Ma'am, Dadi ji is calling you to the living hall."
Tara made her way downstairs where Dadi ji stood beside an array of elegant dresses laid out like a boutique display.
Dadi ji: "Look, Vikram sent all these for you! Come, help me choose."
Tara (eyeing the collection): "They're all black. I'll wear whichever."
Dadi ji (laughing): "Just look closely. They may all be black, but each has a different design. I think it's a themed party—everyone's wearing black."
Tara: "Who even wears black on New Year's Eve?"
Dadi ji only smiled, handing her one dress after another to try. Each time Tara stepped out, the staff clapped and cheered. She walked like a model, owning each outfit.
Eventually, she walked out in a long, slim black gown—elegant, bold, and effortlessly stunning.
Dadi ji: "Tara, you look absolutely beautiful in this one."
The staff echoed in agreement.
Tara (looking at herself in the mirror later): "Tara, you actually look like a model."
She took a quick selfie, then changed back into her regular clothes.
---
Evening – 7:00 PM
Dadi ji called Tara again for hair and makeup. The stylist gave her soft curls, and she opted for light makeup to balance the heaviness of her dress.
---
9:pm Vikram's Room
Vikram noticed Tara wasn't in her room. He dialed her.
Tara: "Hello?"
Vikram: "Where are you? Don't tell me you forgot about the party."
Tara: "I didn't. I'm ready. You're the one who's late. I'm in Dadi's room."
Vikram: "Alright. I'll be downstairs."
---
Front Driveway – Party Departure
As Tara stepped outside with Dadi ji, Vikram was on a call. He didn't notice her until he heard her voice. The moment he turned, he stopped breathing for a second. His phone kept repeating:
"Sir… sir? Are you there?"
He was staring.
Completely still.
Dadi ji noticed and smiled quietly before walking away.
Tara (annoyed): "Vikram sir? Why are you staring at me like that?"
Vikram (clearing his throat): "Get in the car. We're getting late."
He walked ahead to open the car door for her, but Tara circled around to the other side. They both sat in silence… for two seconds.
Which is exactly how long Tara can stay silent.
Tara: "Why would you send such a tight dress? I can't breathe."
Vikram: "I sent you plenty of options. You picked that one."
Tara: "It was fitting when I tried it. Why is it tight now?"
Vikram (teasing): "You might want to stop snacking and binging on Kdrama shows."
Tara: "Excuse me?! Are you calling me fat?!"
Vikram: "No. Just… balanced food helps. And less time with fictional kdrama heartbreak."
Tara (furious): "You never want to see me happy! Whatever makes me happy, you want to take it away!"
Vikram (calmly): "Tara. Stop. My mistake—I spoke."
Tara was about to reply when the driver chuckled. He had clearly been enjoying the show.
Vikram: "Driver, eyes on the road."
Vikram( in his mind): "I should've taped her mouth shut before we left."
---
Party Venue
As the car stopped, Tara went to open the door.
Vikram (holding her wrist): "Wait. The driver will open it. I'll step out first—then you come out holding my hand. Smile. We need to look like the perfect couple."
Tara: "Why should I hold your hand?"
Vikram: "Because there's media. And this is part of the contract."
The moment Tara stepped out, flashes went off. Reporters swarmed.
Tara smiled nervously and took Vikram's hand.
Reporter: "Mr. Suryavanshi, your wife is absolutely stunning!"
Without a word, Vikram pulled Tara closer, his arm around her waist—a little too tight. The reporter stepped back, slightly shaken. Tara was surprised.
---
Inside the Venue
Tara (pulling away): "Take your hand off my waist."
Vikram: "What?"
Tara: "Don't pretend you didn't hear."
Vikram (removing his hand): "Trust me, I don't enjoy it either. Just doing what's necessary."
Tara (mocking): "Of course. Because touching me must be torture."
Vikram (gritting his teeth): "Save the drama for home. For now, smile and play your role."
He gently held her hand.
Tara (fake-smiling): "This okay?"
Vikram couldn't help but chuckle at her exaggerated smile but held it in.
---
Tara (looking around): "This place looks like a vampire coven. Everyone in black? Creepy."
Vikram: "Excuse me?"
Tara: "They look like they're about to drink each other's blood."
Vikram (holding back laughter): "Behave."
A couple approached them.
Mr. Kapoor: "Mr. Suryavanshi, your wife is absolutely gorgeous."
He extended his hand toward Tara, but Vikram intercepted with a handshake of his own.
Vikram: "Enjoy the party, Mr. & Mrs. Kapoor. Come, sweetheart."
Tara (in her head): Sweetheart? Who's he trying to fool now?
Tara: "Why is everyone staring at me?"
Vikram: "Because you're staring at them. Smile. Nod. Enjoy the party."
Tara: "I don't even know them. And I'm not your real wife. This contract ends soon anyway."
Vikram stiffened. His eyes darkened.
Vikram (low, firm voice): "Until then, act like it."
He handed her a glass of juice.
Vikram: "Drink. And keep your mouth shut."
Tara: "You're so—"
Vikram: "Just 30 more minutes. Then we'll leave."
---
Vikram's Side –
He moved to greet another businessman—Mr. Raichand. But his mind wasn't in it.
"Ten minutes left… I have to be with her for the New Year countdown. I have to be the first to wish her."
---
Tara's Side –
Her phone rang.
Prithvi: "Bored, aren't you?"
Tara: "A little. How'd you know?"
Prithvi: "I'm at the same party. Take the stairs to the rooftop. The fireworks view is amazing from there."
Tara: "Coming."
As Tara ascended the stairs, Vikram spotted her from afar.
"Where is she going…? The countdown's about to start."
---
Countdown
9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
Vikram reaches the rooftop—
Just in time to see Prithvi hugging Tara.
Prithvi: "Happy New Year, Tara."
Fireworks exploded in the sky.
But Vikram's heart?
It didn't sparkle.
It cracked.