Invisible Strings

Chapter 1

"Wait. Did I lock the front door?"

My heart skipped a beat as I tried to replay the last few minutes in my head. I could see myself grabbing the keys, stepping outside... but had I turned the lock?
"C'mon, Anamika, think!" I muttered, biting my lip. But my brain, as usual in moments like these, refused to cooperate.

The idea of leaving the house unlocked while I was out gnawed at me, and before I knew it, I was heading back to the front door, double-checking every lock and latch. Sure enough, the door was locked.

I sighed in relief, shaking my head at my own paranoia. "Okay, now for real this time," I told myself, jogging back to the car.

Settling into the driver's seat, I adjusted the rearview mirror and caught my reflection. "You've got this," I whispered, practicing a smile that felt genuine enough.

Grabbing the box of cupcakes from the passenger seat, I stepped into the crisp evening air. The distant hum of laughter and music grew louder as I approached the door. Warm light spilled through the windows, casting soft glows onto the porch. Through the glass, silhouettes moved beneath fairy lights strung across the ceiling, their laughter blending into the melody of an upbeat song.

I shifted the box in my hands, tapping my foot impatiently as I rang the bell. It felt like an eternity before the door finally swung open.

"You made it!" Kabir's voice boomed as he pulled me into a bear hug, practically lifting me off the ground.
"Congratulations!" I managed to say, my voice muffled against his shoulder. "I can see you're excited."
"Excited might be a small word," Kabir said, releasing me with a laugh. His grin stretched ear to ear, his energy almost tangible.

The room felt alive with music and conversation, clusters of people swaying to the music with drinks in hand while others laughed and chatted in groups. The scent of something delicious filled the air - probably Rhea's favourite cigar rolls. It felt comforting and somehow chaotic just like Kabir and Rhea.

I spotted Rhea near the balcony, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of fairy lights. Maneuvering through the crowd, I tapped her on the shoulder.
She turned, her eyes shimmering as tears threatened to spill. The next thing I knew, we were in a tight embrace, neither of us saying a word at first.

"I'm so happy for you, Rhea," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

When we pulled apart, she wiped her eyes with a laugh and extended her hand. The princess-cut diamond ring on her finger caught the light, sparkling almost as brightly as her smile.

Rhea's smile widened as she gently wiped away a tear and extended her hand toward me, showing off the dazzling diamond ring. "What do you think?" she asked, her voice full of hope and excitement.
"It's perfect," I said softly, still caught in the glow of her happiness. "It's everything you deserve, Rhea."

Before we could say more, Kabir appeared, his excitement radiating as he joined us. "Alright, what's all this emotional bonding about? No one tells me anything!" he teased, draping an arm around Rhea's shoulder. "You're not crying over the ring again, are you?"

Rhea laughed and swatted his arm. "No, I'm not crying over the ring. Anamika just has this way of making moments feel even more special." She gestured toward the box in my hands. "Speaking of which, Anamika brought us something, and I've been dying to see it."

Kabir raised an eyebrow. "Is that what I think it is? Please tell me you brought cupcakes!" His grin was wide and genuine, making my nerves flutter just a little less.

"Just a little something," I murmured, handing the box to Rhea. She opened it slowly, revealing the cupcakes nestled inside, each one topped with a swirl of icing and small edible hearts. Her expression softened, her eyes shimmering with gratitude.