Page 60 of Reckless Dare

She shook her head. “He’s not pursuing me. It’s just a coincidence he is around. We… uh… hang out in similar circles.”

It was a silly explanation. Her tormentor was a Viper and she hung out mostly with the Eagles team.

Nitya didn’t believe that explanation, but luckily, she let it go.

“So what are you planning for the masquerade?” Nitya asked.

The masquerade ball was a Simha tradition and one of the biggest events of the year. Everyone was excited and there was a decided buzz around it. Ava was glad that it would keep everyone distracted from being curious about her.

“I haven’t really planned much,” Ava replied. “Neeraj asked me to accompany him and I agreed.”

There was surprise on Nitya’s face. “Neeraj Batra?” she asked.

Ava nodded. “Yes.”

Nitya laughed. “Wow! That’s exciting. Now you have two of the most popular guys fighting for your attention.”

Ava blushed. “Neeraj is just a friend and… Abhiram… he’s no one to me.”

Nitya grinned at the explanation, especially the part about her tormentor.

Ava tried to distract her friend. “What are your plans for the masquerade?”

Her roommate shook her head. “Obviously, I can’t accompany a guy for the dance. Suraj would personally fly down and crash the masquerade.”

Ava laughed.

“I volunteered to be in the social committee where I helped out a bit with the arrangements before joining some of my friends at the dance.”

“Oh, I can help you, too. Where do I need to sign up for volunteering?”

Nitya shook her head. “No way! This is your first Simha masquerade event. You should experience it properly.” There was a wicked smile on Nitya’s face. “Although since you are my roommate, I’ll let you have extra drinks before the pre-dance.”

Ava let out a giggle.

She had attended school proms and college dances before. But she knew the Simha masquerade ball would be definitely something to remember.

“Who are you wearing?” Nitya asked.

Ava was confused. “You mean what am I wearing?”

Nitya let out a laugh. “No. Who, as in which designer, are you wearing? All the girls must have brought their masquerade dress with them after the break. I know Pooja has a suitcase full of them.”

Ava bit her lip. “Uh… I’m not sure. Since it has to be matching attire, Neeraj offered to send a dress from his cousin’s boutique. I will be wearing it tonight.”

“Cool. But you are welcome to borrow from me or my friends in case you are unable to find something. We can help you with hair and makeup too.”

Ava nodded with a smile. “Thanks a lot for offering.”

“You are welcome. Pooja is an expert in hair and makeup, but I doubt she would help you. Not when you caught Abhi’s attention.”

Ava didn’t say anything.

It was getting weirder and weirder with Pooja. The other girl threw several hateful looks and gave the cold shoulder. Ava tried breaking the ice, but Pooja still treated her like the enemy. Luckily, Pooja spent the majority of the time outside the housing unit.

“I’ll try talking to Pooja again,” Ava said with a sigh.

“I doubt it would help. So, don’t bother.”

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