Kapoor Villa,

9 p.m.

Sunaina's POV

I came straight from the shoot. No gaps, no break, not even between the car ride and reaching Kapoor Villa for the party. So I had no choice but to change into the dress of my choice right there on the runway set, in a hurry.

Yes, a dress of my choice. I refuse to wear that sorry excuse of a gown my dad's wife sent for me. I suddenly remember how much I had to argue with my manager just to wear a dress of my choice." Do whatever you want. Mr Kapoor will beat you again for defying him. Not that I care.I already warned you. But it looks like your brain doesn't work straight without your daily dose of beating."That's what he said.

That pathetic excuse of a man. Of course my father would choose someone like him to manage me, someone who will keep an eye on me not protect me. I have no autonomy in my career either. I scoffed remembering it.

When I was 20, my Dad gave me two choices-Either become a model or actress. Pick one.

I picked modelling because at that time I thought I would get atleast a tiny bit of freedom and will not have to meet to work with people who knows my father.Dad being a producer would've trapped me even more.

Normally I don't argue with my manager. Because I know whatever he's telling me to do is what Dad is expecting me to do.But this time I had no choice but to defy my dad's order, because it was less about wearing clothes of my choice but more about protecting my dignity. My dad's wife wanted me to parade my body in front of everyone. I won't let that happen. I'd rather take a beating from my father than lose my dignity.

Thank God she's not attending this party. Otherwise she would've forced me to change into that skimpy gown. She's great at manipulating Dad and even better when it comes to embarrassing me in front of others. Soon my thoughts come to an end, as the car reaches Kapoor Villa. This villa is used for meetings and hosting parties.

The driver steps out and opens the door for me. And the moment I step out of the car, I see my father waiting and the his eyes land on me instantly. I soon grow afraid of his reaction. My father has a very bad temper and it gets even worse when it comes to me.

A sudden thought hits me sharp enough to steal my breathe "What if he slaps me here? Infront of everyone?"

"No. He wouldn't do that. Right? How could he. He cares too much about his reputation to do that here in public."But the thoughts keep circling in my mind, making me even more afraid than before. I tried to reassure myself when his voice boomed "What the hell," he says "are you wearing?"

His jaw ticks.

"This is not what your mother picked."

"Dad someone on the set accidently spilled something on it. So that dress got stains."

His hand clamps around my wrist, that may look deceptively gentle to bystanders, painfully tight to me.

"What the hell did you just say?You dare lie to me?"

His fingers tighten.

He moves closer, until his breath hits my cheek terrifying me even more.

"Take. It. Off. Go and change right now. I'll have someone prepare a dress for you to wear. "

"D-Dad actually-"

I could'nt even finish my sentence when I see his hand rising fast to slap me right there. I flinch waiting for the impact but it never comes. So I slowly look up and see my father's hand frozen in the air, inches away from my face. His breathing is heavy, rough and I can see he's trying hard to control his anger. He did'nt stop because he felt anything for me.He never does.

And soon I see the reason why he actually stopped.A group of directors and producers walks out of the doorway behind him chatting among themselves yet to notice us. My father drops his hands slowly and whispers "You're lucky that they're watching."

His fingers pinch my jaw softly, cruelly and says "If you embarrass me inside, I will deal with you when we get home."

He releases me with a perfect smile for the guests.I fight the urge to caress my jaw where he gripped me so hard.If I do, they'll get suspicious. So that left me no choice but to smile through the pain as I walk beside him to  go the party hall.

After some time,

The second I enter, heads turn. Not all in admiration. It makes me instantly self conscious  . Even now, I'm still not used to this kind of attention at parties.

Attention on the runway is different. There, people criticise you for your walk, your posture, your timing. It's skill based. You know what you're being judged for.

But here?

In parties like this, you'll be judged for everything. How you look,how you stand, how you talk, who you talk to,what you're wearing, what your jewellery is, your expression, even the way you breathe.

Everything, Everything becomes a reason for whispers.And I fear it all the moment I walk in.

Admiration. Envy. Curiosity. Malice. Hunger. Calculation.

It all hits at once.

A stylist whispers loudly enough to be heard-

"That's Maulik Kapoor's daughter? I didn't think she'd be this gorgeous up close."

A producer's wife narrows her eyes.

"She's prettier than in her magazine photos."

A group of younger socialites whom I don't know whisper behind their manicured hands,

"She really thinks she's something."

"That gown is doing half the work."

"If my father was that connected, I'd be walking runways too."

"She's so perfect. It's annoying."

Two junior models glare openly at me.

"Why does she always get the spotlight?"

"She's not even the best walk tonight."

"Being a Kapoor helps."

Sunaina hears everything.

She reacts to nothing.

And she walks like a woman built to be stared at.

More voices trail behind her like perfume:

"She looks expensive tonight."

"Is she the closer from the show?"

"My god, she's stunning."

"She walks like she owns her silence."

Compliments sting me as much as the envy.

Because everything positive or negative feeds Dad's ego.

After some time,

I stand there talking to a girl my age, the daughter of some big businessman whose name I forgot as I was too tired. I keep a smile on my face even though my jaw is burning from holding it too long. She came to take a picture, and of course I could not refuse. No one ever lets me refuse. She keeps talking, excited and cheerful while every part of me feels heavy. My feet hurt from the shoot, my head aches from the stress and my arms still tight from my father's grip. But I stay there, nodding, smiling, pretending I'm fine.

Because that's what I'm supposed to do, right?

Be polite.

Be pretty.

Be available.

Make everyone feel welcome even when I can barely stand.

They see a face, a dress, a name. They never see the exhaustion underneath. They never notice that I'm breaking a little more every time I force another sile.

I keep talking to her, even as my eyes move around the hall. And then I see him- my father walking straight towards me.

"Now what does he want from me?I'm already attending guest even though my whole body is exhausted."

Soon he reached near me. "Mishka dear" he says with that fake sweetness he uses in public, " I hope you're enjoying the party. But I'm afraid I have to steal Sunaina for a moment. I hope you don't mind." His hand closes around my arm before he even finishes the sentence. The grip is tight, urgent, too urgent and his eyes flicker to her just long enough to keep the act going.

"Please refuse. Please refuse. Please refuse" I keep chanting in my mind looking at her with high hopes. But of course I was not lucky enough.

"Of course Uncle" she says quickly smiling." I'm enjoying the part very much."

She has no idea how badly my stomach drops the moment he touches me.

Soon my father drags me towards the center of the room where power gathers the thickest. Arvind Singhania steel magnate, stands with businessmen, ministers, and men who don't hear the word no. Arvind turns when we approach.

"Maulik," he greets with smooth authority, "you finally brought her."

My father's grip tightened signalling me to greet him. I step forward."Good evening, Uncle.I hope you are enjoying the party?"

Arvind uncle studies me openly but not with lusty eyes.

Strategically.

"Beautiful girl. Holds herself well."

Father beams "She represents our family well."

Arvind continues his inspection, finding no flaws.

"Successful walk tonight?" He asks looking at me.

"It went well," I reply keeping my smile intact.

"A consistent woman is an asset," Arvind uncle says.

I absolutely hate how that word asset slides off his tongue so easily.

As if I am a number.

Then Arvind uncle gestures to his son."Sunaina, meet my son Raghav."

Raghav who was standing nearby, hears his name and turns towards us. He lifts his chin, and his eyes lock onto me with a sharp, hungry focus."I know exactly who she is."He says.He steps closer slow, intentional like he's already claiming space that isn't  his.

"You look breathtaking tonight." His gaze move openly over my body without shame.

"Thank you" I say with a fake smile, forcing down the disgust rising in my throat.

Arvind uncle watches this with satisfaction."A woman like her beside a rising empire would be ideal."

Both father and son are the same. One talks about me like a business deal. The other looks at me like I'm property he wants to own.

I look at my father. He swallows his greed like alcohol.

"Yes," he says quickly "Yes she's certainly the right match."

Of course he would say that. He's been preparing me for this, to sell me off to a rich family for years. The thought hits me hard.

Arvind finishes the discussion with a pointed reminder,"We will continue this conversation later, Maulik."

Dad nods eagerly.

A deal is forming.

"Walk with me," Raghav says.

"I was speaking with" I tried to say.

Dad snaps.

"Go."

Raghav places his hand on my lower back - firm.

We move to a quieter corner.

He sits beside me close enough that our shoulders touch.

"You know," he says, eyes steady on my lips, "I've seen beautiful women, but you- you're different. There's something untouchable and different about you."

"What do you want to talk about?"I ask tired of his ways.

His laugh is low.

"Straight to the point. I like that."

His hand glides onto my forearm.

I shift away clearly feeling uncomfortable.

"Your father says you're ambitious."

"I manage fine alone."

"No one rises alone, Sunaina."

His fingers trail upon my arm in a slow, claiming stroke.

"If you ever need guidance or support I'd be more than happy to help."

I reply, stone cold.

"I prefer to stand on my own."

Raghav's jaw tightens.

He isn't used to women who say no.

He leans closer.

"I like women with a little edge. Makes things very interesting."

His knee presses against mine-

But the moment snaps when someone near them lets out a gasp.

Phones rise.

Whispers sharpen.

"Oh my goodness - look!"

"It's him - Shivansh Jadeja."

"The fourth-row photo-he was watching her."

"He didn't look at anyone else."

"Is there something going on?"

"Jadeja's don't stare without intention."

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Sunaina feels the air around her thicken like smoke.

Raghav stiffens.

His fingers curl around her arm tighter.

Possessive jealousy.

Across the room, Maulik storms toward her.

Before Maulik drags her away, Arvind and Raghav step in to bid farewell.

Arvind smiles at Sunaina with a businessman's approval.

"You have presence."

Then to Maulik-

"As we discussed keep things moving. Don't make me wait."

Meaning-

Don't lose control of your daughter.

Don't jeopardize the alliance.

Don't embarrass me.

Maulik nods too quickly.

"Yes. Absolutely. Soon."

Raghav leans in toward Sunaina.

"Goodnight. We'll finish our conversation later."

She doesn't respond because Maulik's fingers dig into her arm.

The moment they turn away, Maulik's mask drops.

"You stupid girl," he hisses.

"What have you done?"

She stays silent.

"Singhania's won't want scandal! Jadeja's are way out of our league! You ruined a year of work in one night."

He yanks her through the crowd like an object.

Guests glance over and whisper.

"Is something wrong?"

"Poor girl, she looks terrified."

"Her father looks furious."

"She should've kept a lower profile."

Voices swirl, stinging her from all sides.

The jealous girls whisper again:

"Serves her right."

"She thinks she's better than everyone."

"Let her fall. I'll take her place."

Sunaina doesn't break.

Her face is carved from silence.

Inside, she's imploding.

When Maulik becomes busy with politicians, Sunaina sneaks out.

Outside, she finally breathes.

Her driver takes her home.

Her apartment is quiet, dim, safe-

Ring.

Ring.

RING-RING-RING.

Her phone vibrates like it's alive.

Her reflection in the elevator catches her hollow expression.

She doesn't want to look.

She looks.

And sees:

TRENDING : #Jadeja-Kapoor

Photos of Shivansh staring at her

Fan edits already forming

Speculation threads

"Who is the model Jadeja noticed tonight?"

Business pages posting about Jadeja's rare appearance

Fashion bloggers connecting dots

A blurry backstage clip: "He didn't look away."

She feels the floor vanish under her.

One headline destroys her breath:

"New Danger for Singhania - Kapoor Alliance?"

The phone rings.

Maulik.

She answers, throat dry.

"Where the hell are you? ."

"My apartment."

"You left without telling me?"

"The party ended."

"You EMBARRASSED me," he explodes, "and now THIS? Jadeja rumors? Are you insane?"

His rage twists into something uglier.

"Singhania's won't want my daughter if she's a scandal! Jadeja's are out of our league! Do you know how stupid you look?"

She closes her eyes.

"I didn't do anything."

"You breathed," he snaps.

"And ruined my deal."

Then the voice drops to lethal calm-

"Come home. RIGHT NOW!"

"I'm tired-"

"Come home, or I will drag you there myself."

Her chest tightens.

"Okay."

AFTER SOME TIME,

KAPOOR HOUSE

The mansion is dark when she arrives.

The door opens.

Her stepmother stands there adorned, furious.

Behind her - Maulik.

Eyes red.

Wrath simmering.

"Inside NOW. " he says.

She steps in.

The door clicks shut.

"You humiliated this family," her stepmother spits.

"You think you can make men far above us look at you?" Maulik snarls.

"Do you think I won't punish you for tonight?"

Sunaina backs up  terrified.

Her stepmother joins him, voice venomous:

"Break her attitude. She needs reminding of her place."

Maulik raises his hand.

No hesitation this time.

No guests.

No cameras.

No escape.

The hand swings-

BLACK!