"Jasmine Singhania”, my name echoed through the speakers. I snuck in my breath, mentally preparing myself to step on the stage.

Okay, it's happening

Stay calm Jasmine

I let out a deep breath and started moving forward. I gently rotate my shoulders to not look stiff. My hands clench into fists at my sides as I try not to grip off the graduation gown.

I looked ahead as the dean stood waiting at the centre of the stage hole, holding the diploma. Everything just blurs at the moment - the professors, the crowd, the cheers. My eyes just focus on that paper that I worked hard for

With a smile on my lips, I reach out to grip it between my fingers. Forcing my head to look at the camera, trying to act like my heart wasn't racing like Rajdhani expressed.

The camera flashes

A handshake. A nod. A congratulations

And it's done. Just like that.

I turn stepping down from the stage, my heartbeat still fresh and loud in my ear. As I finally reach the bottom, my eyes quickly scan over the crowd seated in rows of chairs.

Lucas, Loren and June had received their diploma before me so they might have gathered around.

A gentle pat on my shoulder makes me look back. June stares at me with a huge smile “Congratulations girl!” She exclaims and gently pushes a bouquet of lilies towards my hand “To our memories and your new beginning

I blink in surprise, wrapping my fingers around it “Wow, these are beautiful!” I mutter, my eyes softening in awe as I pull her into a hug “Thank you so much”

She smiles as her arms elope me in a comforting hug. “Gonna miss you so much”, she mutters against my shoulder. June is going back to Thailand today itself, she may be helping her father’s business too

I pull away, breaking the hug “I am sorry I couldn't do much-”

She shakes her head, interrupting my words, “It's all right; I just wanted to show my appreciation for everything you have done for me. Plus we will be in touch”

I nod in agreement “Have a safe flight and text me when you get free”

“I will, Enjoy the party!” She says, giving my hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. I stand there watching her disappear among the crowd with blurry eyes

Oh I am getting too emotional nowadays

I make my way through the crowd, the loud chatter and cheers making the place more vibrant.

“Jasmine!” Aunt Lia’s voice shoots through the voices making me spot her instantly. She waves her hand, beckoning me towards her. Everyone is gathered along with her

“Congratulations my dear!” Aunt Lia says, pulling me into a tight crush, which erupts a small laugh out of me. “Thank you!”

Behind her, Aunt Emily and Mia congratulate me. Stella points at her phone and mouths, “The picture came so aesthetic” Her hat tilts sideways, but before it can fall, Liam adjusts it. His hand securely wrapped behind her back.

Aunt Lia release me and steps aside so I could approach Stella, she welcomes me with a huge smile “ohh those goes with your fit!” Stella points out looking at my flowers.

They do. I haven't realised it yet, but the pink lilies match the colour of my pink fit. June might have gotten it with the thought as I mentioned about my clothing selection

Mia peaks in with curiosity. “Ohh, have a secret, somebody,” she teases, bumping my shoulders with her.

I scoff, shaking my head, a light, playful smile on my face “Maybe I could also have a secret, somebody like you,” I reply with the same tone, playing along. Mia's cheeks covers in pink hue at my Loren relate comment, she silently steps back without any counter comments.

I have never seen her act so shy before

Suddenly Lucas comes into thew, stepping forward from behind Liam. He stands tall, dressed in black trousers and a navy blue shirt, his graduation gown resting on his arm. His sleeve rolled up, showing an excellent view of his muscles.

I swallow hard and look up, to find him already staring at me. His gaze is fixed upon me then slowly lowers to the flowers i am holding

It's not the same way he looked during the team's party

It's more deeper and maybe slightly colder

"Who is it from?" He asks crossing his arms, his jaw clenched. I raise my eyebrow at the unexpected question, "why do you care?" I ask back.

He doesn't reply

I tilt my head in confusion at his lack of response

Mia steps back when Loren approaches our group along his parents. While Stella suggests us for more photos. I stand still, my hand clenches around the bouquet subconsciously feeling the weight of his gaze

He needs to stop looking at me like that

I avert my gaze from him only to collide with Liam's thoughtful expression, noticing me he smile “You did great. Congratulations” he says extending his fist in my direction.

Our usual way of interacting

“I know” I say with sheer confidence and give him a light fist bump.

“So he is your ‘new’ brother?”

My movements haults at the familiar voice, my eyes widens. No, am I halucating? This can't be happening right?

I turn around so quickly that my cap almost falls off. A small gasp escapes my mouth as I see veer standing in front of me. Dressed in a black suit that he would usually wear for his business meetings. His face calm but eyes crinkling in the corner as he tries to hold back his smile

“You said you couldn't make it” I utter out in total suprise, it's been more than a year since I last saw him. To protect my own mental health I stopped visiting my family but I didn't realise how much I missed him until he is finally here

He shrugs nonchalantly, taking his hand sout of his pocket “yeah, well-”

I didn't let him complete. Just rushed off towards him, we have never been the hugging kind of siblings but it's been so long now. A light smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he opens his arms but I did something unexpected

“Jhootha!” I slap his arm with the bouquet. The atmosphere shifts from something emotional to comic. Veer stars at me in disbelief, his eyebrows shot up, he speaks holding his arm “ouch?”

[Translation - Liar]

A brust of laugher echoes around. I take a deep breath trying to balance my anger and excitement seeing him. But even I could hold my laugher when veer pulls me into a hug. Iet the bouquet down for a moment, squeezing his arm with my other hand.

“itna bhi bura Bhai nahi hoon mai. Kya laga? Yeh miss karde ta?” He says pulling back, gently fixing my cap “Cholo roo maat ab” he teases, noticing my moist eyes. He pulls my cheek like always, his action makes me let out a fake wince

[Translation - I am not that bad of a brother. What did you think? I would miss this?]

[Translation - Okay, don't cry now]

I huff quickly regaining my composer “shut up” I scoff holding the flowers closer to me. The ache in my chest lightens up at his presence along with everyone.

"Mummy aur papa?" I ask looking at him hopefully. His expressions slightly falls but he quickly composes himself, squeezing my shoulders gently "Mai kafi nahi hoon kya?"

[Translation - am I not enough?]

My heart drops a bit at his attempt to not make me sad. My parents couldn't come but I am grateful that veer came here, cutting off time from his business trip and watching me graduate.

The ceremony ended, The caps had been thrown. The speeches now faded into memory. The countless blur of hugs and greetings, the endless photographers that I stored securely in my heart.

I can finally say that I am proud of myself.

“Hey, feeling good.” Stella asks standing beside me, I nod with a small smile as we watch our families mingle. Liam is talking with Stella's mother and brothers - she might not know but he might be mentioning about the proposal

My brother is talking with aunt Lia and aunt Emily. Mia is engaging with loren's family but I can't find Lucas.

He was here just now

“Ready for your big moment?” I ask facing her. Stella face scrunches into a mixture of nervousness and excitement “I hope everything goes well. We are going to dinner and after that…” she trails off, letting out a sigh

I squeeze her hand for encouragement “don't worry, We both have checked with everything. It will be the most unforgettable moment” I have also checked with the staff to make sure their proposals are not disturbed.

Stella smiles “I hope so too. Thank you for helping me. I just can't wait!"

Even I can't wait for it. I have seen Stella and Liam grow stronger with their relationship. They have given each other a sense of comfort and security.

Now that they are at a big step, I just Pray to the Gods to bless them.

“What is this?” I ask, looking at the two envelopes placed in front of me. Before reaching out for them, I look at Mom and aunt Lia standing across from me.

“A little help lucas, you have graduated and from what we know - you are interested in two things” Mom says gesturing me to open them

This isn't looking good

Taking a moment, I reach out for the first envelope and open it. My eyes narrow as I read through the contract. My head snaps at them in shock “This is the contract to take over aunt Lia's company” I state, my voice strained a bit.

I knew aunt Lia wanted me to handle her modelling agency in future but I didn't think it would be so quickly. While mom has built her own fashion designing company, Aunt Lia has taken this from my grandfather.

A few years ago, she modified it and pushed Luxe to a higher vision. I don't think I could even carry one percent of that.

I keep the contract aside and pick the second envelope. After seeing the previous one, my hands tremble slightly as I pull out another form like paper.

A tight lump forms in my throat when I understand what's written in this second sheet. It's an admission form - of a famous art gallery to submit your artwork.

An annual art exhibition held in Paris where the new painters get the opportunity to present their works to the world. Only selected candidates could participate. I got the opportunity too once but never went ahead with it

“This” I stop my words, setting the papers down. My hands clenched into fists on my lap. Noticing my expressions mom gives me an assuring smile “You don't need to decide right now, Lucas. We are just try to help you” she says

Aunt Lia nods “we ain't pressing you to choose. You can do whatever you feel like. Pursue your painting passion or join the family business. Or if you have something else in your mind then feel free to go with it”

“I need time to think” I mutter standing up, before they could say something more I walk out of the study. My mind racing with all the thoughts, I have decided long ago to help Aunt Lia and take after her.

Liam has chosen a great path to follow mom and mia following dad's steps. I should be responsible too, I should have made my focus clear instead of being distracted.

Despite that, they still choose to try once again if I would go with painting. I thought I would stop.

I tried my best to stop until her

I couldn't go back now.

I let out a deep breath,my hand clenches around the railing realising that I have reached the bottom of the stairs. I make my way through the kitchen.

Get yourself together

I reach out for a bottle of water from the refrigerator and take a seat on the stool, gulping down the cold liquid instantly.

I don't wanna disappoint anyone.

This is a crucial time, as soon as veer's wedding is finished and I return to Sydney - I have to take my decision. I have time, I have to make the best of it and do what is right.

There's no place for mistakes

I check the time, there are a few hours left until the after party. Jasmine has gone out with her brother as he is only here for a few hours. I can't see her now.

I need to distract myself. And she would have done it effortlessly without even trying.

I thought distraction weren't good for me. They just bring trouble and mess my schedule. But right now, all I could think is for her presence around me to keep me distracted from this inner turmoil

I sigh resting my head on the counter feeling bored. I have plenty of time to get ready, the after party is being held at a yacht on Sydney harbour.

I have already informed her about the timings and we need to leave together. She doesn't know about the party, it's a private one organised together by all of my teammates

I close my eyes for a moment, letting myself relax for a while. There's still a few hours left for me start getting ready. What can I do until then?

I straighten up on my seat, looking around for something. Suddenly, my eyes falls on the vase filled with those eye soreing flowers. My eyes narrows as I examine how neatly they have been placed into it

I push myself up and walk towards the vase sat on the counter. The lilies blooming against the sunlight falling through the window

Who is that secret admirer of her?

Who gave her these flowers?

A sudden sting flicks against my chest making my jaw clench. I cross my arms leaning closer to those intruders.

My jaw as I remember how Jasmine looked at those, her lips curving into a soft, private smile. How her hand brushes against those petals appreciatively.

She cared about those

Why? Those are just flowers. Nothing special right? I shouldn't care much but I do. They sting whenever I turn my gaze at them.

Did he compliment her while giving these? Dose he even know that pink isn't her favourite colour or he randomly brought it thinking girls like pink

The thought of someone else, some other man looking at her the way I did, thinking of her, sending her something that should have been from him.It made something sharp coil in my chest.

I gently pluck out a petal from the flower, rotating it with my fingers trying to figure out what's so special about this?

Thank God these aren't white or I would have presented them for his funeral

I wish I could just burn them-

Oh

✄-------

“Yes, perfect”  Aunt Lia approves fixing my tie and takes a step back, her eyes ranking over me up and down to make sure everything is perfect.

I sigh softly, my shoulders lumping down “are you satisfied now?” I ask, she has been fussing over me to make sure I look perfect for tonight. Just a few hours ago she did the same with Liam as he is going to propose to Stella.

No one can control their excitement as all the happy movements are coming back.

“Yes, all set” she says brushing her hand on my shoulder. “So handsome” she chuckles, squeezing my cheeks together with her palm. Mia looks at me from afar and bursts out laughing looking at my face. She pulls out her phone and snaps a few pictures before I could pull away from aunt Lia

“Aunt Lia” I sigh while stepping back. She shrugs nonchalantly, it's not a new thing to her. She has been doing this since we all were young.

“By the way, what's the weird smell in the kitchen? Like something burnt?” Mia asks stepping towards aunt Lia who frowns in confusion “burnt? I checked dinner, it was alright. Did the chef burn something?” She questions in amusement

“Maybe our neighbours are putting on a barbeque?” I say, the lie rolling off my tongue smoothly.

Burning those flowers had helped me utilize my time and kept me from getting bored until Jasmine returned. The cherry on top was the satisfaction I got from it

“Maybe” Mia says, exchanging a glance with aunt Lia. They seem oblivious to what happened and I hope it remains that way

“Where is mom?” I ask, changing the topic while moving towards the dining table to grab a glass of water. Honestly, I know she is helping Jasmine get dressed up so I must know

“Helping Jasmine, she looks fabulous!” Mia comments stepping beside aunt Lia.

Let's see how fabulous she looks

I grab a glass and pour some water into it, and should drink it before we leave. I take a sip while checking the time, we need to be punctual or the yacht will sail off.

“Mia, please help me with this.” Jasmine's voice grabs my attention, making me turn around. I lift my head to see her stepping down the stairs. I freeze in my position, my hands clenched around the glass and I forgot to gulp the water

And my brain short circuited

Jasmine stands at the bottom of the stairs, dressed in a deep red dress. The soft fabric clings onto her body like skin. The way it hugs her curves should be considered illegal.

The dim lights above the stairs make her skin glow into a soothing tone. Her long hair flowing down her waist, she smiles when Mia compliments her but I couldn't take my eyes off her

I thought that was it until

“Could you help me? My hair got stuck” she turns around, bringing her hair forward to reveal her back. My eyes widens as I see her back

Or rather the complete lack of it

There's nothing. Her back is covered in nothing but just a thin gold chain that's attached to the strap of her dress and dip to her lower back.

Mia steps forward trying to remove her tangled hair strands from the chain. The movements makes the light fall on her skin, catching the delicate line of her spine

I choke

Not a small cough. A full-blown, lung-collapsing, soul-leaving-my-body choke.

The water goes the wrong way, dripping down my neck and onto my suit.

Forget my suit, I think I just lost my dignity from the amount of staring I just did. And yet, I still couldn't take my eyes off her.

Aunt Lia looks at me with a mixture of confusion and surprise. She steps closer “are you okay lucas?” She asks with concern but luckily Mia and Jasmine doesn't notice me

I nod and quickly turn around, slamming the glass against the table, taking a few deep breaths. Water dripping from the corner of my mouth. I am okay

I am definitely not okay

Aunt Lia steps towards me passing me a few napkins. I grab them with trembling hands and rub them against the dampness of my clothes.

“Did she take your breath away?” Aunt Lia asks in a teasing whisper. My eyes widens at her words, I quickly brush the invisible dust off my suit acting nonchalant “w-what? I was just” I stammer trying to bring out a reason but fail miserably

She smirks, her eyes twinkles with mischief as she makes me turn around. I hesitate but couldn't do anything.I look at her again, watch her fix her hair and thanking Mia. Her smile never leaving her lip.

Those crimson covered lips

I gulp the lump in my throat, my eyes taking in every detail of her tonight - every bit of perfection from my presective.

Does she know what kind of affect she is having over me

“You gotta grab your chance soon, she is one in a billion” Aunt Lia says, her tone holds playfulness but I could see the seriousness in her eyes.

“When the time is right” I reply, my gaze flicker to her and back at Jasmine. Suddenly, her eyes meets mine sending a spark through my body that makes my heart race

I clear my throat, looking away from her “let's go, we are getting late” I announce, walking towards the door without looking back. I could sense Jasmine saying something to my mom, aunt Lia and mia but all I could hear is my heartbeating

As soon as I am out of the house, I let out a deep breath that had been stuck inside me. I look up at the night sky - clear and filled with stars.

The door opens and closes, followed by the clicking of her heels against the wooden step. I shove my hands inside my pocket, fisting them to maintain my composer as I turn around to face her

“You need to explain” my voice come sout rougher than intended. Jasmine's brows furrow at my words, she takes another step forward brining her into the moonlight. “Explain what?”

I pull my hand out of my topic, hoping she doesn't noticey struggle “this, what is this?” I ask gesturing to her dress. Her frown deepens as she looks at herself and back at me “it's a dress?”

I take a deep breath, letting my hand fall to my side “I can see that but why is it missing half of the frabic?”

The corner of her lips twitches, amusement flickers across her face “you don't like it?” She asks stepping closer making me inhale her scent. My hand clenches and unclenches as I struggle to pull her closer.

She spins infront of me playfully, the silky material sways around her legs. Her hair flowing with the air giving me extra view of her back “It's backless, fashion you know” she says, her lips curving into a smirk

I drag my hand down my face, inhaling through my nose “Fashion?” I repeat in disbelief.

“Don't you like it, lucas?” She asks again, her voice dropping lower when she takes my name. A shiver runs down my spine at her tone.

She is so close.

Too close for me to stay sane

Like it? I am fighting the urge to pull her against me and understand every inch of her defination of fashion

I nod, taking another deep breath “where's your jacket?” I ask. She looks gorgeous to the extent that I couldn't describe, as much as I want her to enjoy herself - I don't think i would be able to survive everyone seeing her.

I have never felt this jealous before

“Stella did make me one but I don't wanna wear it. It's in my closet, where it's staying” she states, loud and clear. But I could see the gleam in her eyes, how she is trying to suppress her smile

Oh she is enjoying this. She is loving it

“Let's go” she says walking towards the car, her hips swaying intensionally to increase the havoc she just created in my heart

I follow her silently

if she is going to wear that, I am at least going to make damn sure she survived the night without causing a city-wide incident because of me.