“Mrs. Chauhan? We’re calling from *The Dance Affair*,” a voice said. “You started the registration process but didn't finish. Do you need assistance completing the form?”
“No... no, thank you.” I shot a nervous glance at Abhiraj and hung up quickly.
“Is everything alright?” he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
“Yeah. Fine.” I forced a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
“Are you participating in a dance competition?”
My eyes widened. “No...”
“I heard the words 'dance competition,' Kavya,” he said, his voice dropping. “And you don't look okay.”
“I have to go,” I said, turning for the door. I didn't get far. He grabbed my hand, firmly pulling me back toward him.
“My grandmother told me about your sister’s condition,” he said. “I’m ready to help you with the medical bills.”
“I can't, Abhiraj. It’s too much money... I can't just take that from you.”
“Then is there another way?”
“I’ll ask Saurav... I’ll...” I sighed, trying to twist my wrist from his grasp. “I’ll arrange it.”
“How?”
“That is none of your business.”
“I want it to be my business. I want to help.”
“You’ve helped enough already.”
“Let me pay,” he insisted. “You can treat it as a loan and repay me when you can.”
“No.” My breath hitched as I looked up at him. “There is... there is one other way.”
“Tell me.”
“The competition... *The Dance Affair*.” I watched his reaction closely. “The prize money would cover Kirti’s entire surgery. But there’s a requirement I can't meet.”
“What is it?”
“I need a partner. It’s not a solo category.”
Abhiraj studied me, the gears turning behind his dark eyes. Then, he spoke with absolute, unshakable certainty. “I’ll be your partner.”
I blinked, sure I had misheard him. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “That’s impossible.”
“Why?”
“Because...” I trailed off. Because Saurav would be furious. Because it felt like a betrayal. Because it was messy. “Because my husband wouldn’t approve,” I finally admitted.
His expression remained a mask of calm. “Is he here to participate?”
I frowned. “That’s not the point.”