Chapter 1
The rich aroma of coffee filled my kitchen as I poured the steaming liquid into my favorite mug—the one with the slightly faded quote, “But first, coffee.” I leaned against the counter, staring at the fridge, debating whether I wanted a bagel to go with it. A quiet morning breakfast – more like brunch and my thoughts felt like the perfect way to start the day.
My hand was halfway to the bagel when my phone buzzed interrupting my peaceful morning.I half expected it to be a call from work turning my peaceful saturday into a hectic-work day. But when I picked up - “She said yes!!” The voice on the other end was unmistakable, brimming with joy and energy. A smile instantly spread across my face as I leaned against the counter, phone pressed to my ear.
“Of course she did,” I replied, my grin widening. Eight years of their bickering and swooning flashed through my mind. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening after eight years of seeing you both madly in love.”
“So, we’ll see you tonight, right?”
“Of course! What kind of friend would I be if I missed your engagement party?” I laughed softly, already feeling the day shift from peaceful to exhilarating. The engagement party was hours away, but the buzz of celebration was already in the air.
I put my phone down with a huge smile, gulped my remaining coffee when it occurred to me that I needed to get them an engagement gift. “Maybe I should bake them some cupcakes as a gift” With that I put on my playlist and got to work.
“Tickkkk,” went the oven timer. I wiped flour from my face and took the freshly baked cupcakes out. The whole kitchen filled with the smell of freshly baked goods. I quickly finished the icing, placed tiny red heart sprinkles and packed the cupcakes.
I lay flat on my couch with flour and icing covering my clothes, scrolling on my phone when my eye caught a look at the time. “Oh Jeez, it’s 5 already” I exclaimed as I stretched my hands above my head in an attempt to get up.
“You don’t wanna be late as always, do you ?” I questioned myself and I dragged myself to my room.
I flung open the almirah door, and sighed at the overwhelming number of choices—or lack thereof. It didn’t matter how many dresses I owned; none of them ever felt right. Not for nights like these.
I pulled out a sleek black dress and held it up against myself. Too much. People will think I’m trying too hard.
Next, a flowy blue summer dress. Too casual. They’ll wonder why I didn’t put in more effort.
One by one I rejected them all, my reflection picking apart every tiny detail. This clings too much. That one makes me look shapeless. This colour washes me out.
With each discarded option, a familiar frustration settled in my chest. It wasn’t just about the dress–it was about the silent scrutiny that came with it. No one at the party would probably–probably say anything, but I knew how people’s eyes lingered, how they size you up in a split second.
Finally, I reached for my rusty-coloured, mid length halter dress. Not because it was perfect, but because it was safe. It hugged me in the right places, wasn’t too flashy, and most importantly, it made me feel like me.
I take a final look at myself in the mirror before grabbing my things and heading out to the party, “Hmm I think this works, i don’t look all bad” I think as i quickly fix my hair a little.
I take the cupcakes out of the fridge and place them in their box with a huge proud smile across my face, “ these might be the prettiest batch of cupcakes i have ever made”.
I placed the neatly packed cupcakes on the passenger seat and adjusted the tray to make sure it wouldn’t slide. As I reached for the door to get in, a sudden thought stopped me cold.
“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.
“These are beautiful,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “You didn’t have to, Anamika. But you always do.”
Kabir leaned over, dramatically sniffing the air. “Okay, I am not waiting any longer, c’mon hand me one.”
Rhea chuckled and handed one to him while placing the rest of the box on the table in the centre of the room, which was beautifully covered with flowers and candles.
Rhea turned to the guest, “Alright, everyone! Anamika brought cupcakes, and feel free to grab one, trust me, you don’t want to miss these.”
As the room’s attention shifted, a knot of nerves tightened in my chest. I fidgeted with my hands, unsure of where to look. Rhea gently nudged me. “Relax. They’re going to love them—just like we always do.”
One by one, people began reaching for the cupcakes, their faces lighting up after the first bite. The room filled with murmurs of delight and appreciative hums.
Kabir took a bite of his and gave me a thumbs-up, his mouth too full to say anything. His exaggerated approval made me laugh, easing my tension. Rhea leaned in, her smile full of warmth.
A wave of relief washed over me. As laughter and chatter resumed, I caught Rhea’s gaze once more, and she mouthed a heartfelt “Thank you.”
As I watched Rhea share my cupcakes with her friends, I felt something warm unfurl in my chest. This was why I loved baking—not just for the flavors, but for moments like this. Moments that brought people together. Moments that felt like home.
Kabir tapped me on the shoulder, jolting me out of my thoughts. “Anamika! I’ve been calling your name for a while,” he said, grinning.
I blinked, shaking off my reverie. “Oh, sorry. Guess I zoned out.”
Beside him stood a tall guy, probably around six feet, wearing a navy-blue shirt that fit too perfectly to be accidental. In one hand, he held a half-eaten cupcake.
Kabir gestured toward him. “Anamika, meet my childhood best friend Arjun. He just moved here from back home.”
Arjun shifted his weight slightly, meeting my gaze with an easy smile that somehow made me more self-conscious than I’d like to admit. I extended a hand, trying to push down the sudden awareness creeping up my spine. “Hey! Nice to meet you.”
While shaking my hand, he glanced down at the cupcake, then back at me with a thoughtful tilt of his head. “Wait– are you the one who made these ?”
I hesitated, then nodded gently “Guilty”. My cheeks likely matching the shade of the heart-shaped sprinkles on the icing.
A small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “ Well I have to say, they’re really good”
Kabir laughed, nudging Arjun. “He’s been going on about them since his first bite”
Arjun shot him a look before shaking his head. “Not true” He paused, then added. “Okay, maybe a little”
I let out a small laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Glad you liked them”
Arjun studied the cupcake for a second, then carefully peeled off the linear and took another bite. “So, do you always bake or was this a one–stroke of genius ?”
I raised an eyebrow. “I bake sometimes”
He nodded, considering this. “Good to know, I’ll have to find an excuse to be around next time you do”
The way he said it—so casual yet deliberate—made something warm unfurl in my chest. I almost laughed at myself. It was just a cupcake. Just a casual conversation. But the way he looked at me, like he’d already decided something about me, made the party noise blur for just a second longer than it should have.
Then Kabir clapped a hand on Arjun’s shoulder, snapping me out of it. “Alright, enough about the cupcakes. Let’s get you a drink before you eat the whole tray.”
Arjun chuckled, lifting the cupcake in a mock toast. “Deal.”
I watched them walk away, exhaling a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.
The room buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the occasional burst of music, but I found myself gravitating toward the edges, quietly observing rather than diving in. Rhea and Kabir were in their element, effortlessly hosting, and while I felt happy for them, I couldn’t shake the faint tug of solitude.
The party felt incomplete without the rest of the group here. Normally Monica, Dimple and Simran would be here as well, it felt strange, being at something this big without all of us together. We’d be making sly jokes or having our senseless conversation. Tonight, though, it was just me, and the realization left a small, hollow space in the corners of my mind.
I shook it off and smiled as someone passed with a tray of appetizers. It wasn’t that I didn’t know anyone here—I did—but making small talk didn’t feel quite as appealing as it usually might. Maybe I just needed a moment to myself.
With that thought, I slipped into the kitchen, grabbing a beer from the counter. The cold pressed against my palm as I scan through the counter for an opener. Nothing. I checked near the other bottles, next to the coffee machine, on the fridge - still no luck.
With a small sigh, I pulled open a drawer, my fingers trailing through a few scattered utensils, but nothing useful.
“Need some help with that ?”
The unexpected voice behind me made me pause. I turned around to find Arjun standing a few feet away, with an amused expression.
“Oh – uh, yeah. Can’t seem to find the opener.” I admitted, feeling a little ridiculous.
Arjun stepped further into the kitchen, glancing around. “Let’s see…” He began opening the drawers nearby, shifting things around. “You’d think they’d keep it somewhere obvious” he chuckled.
I leaned against the counter, watching as he moved from one drawer to the other, this time however with a little more certainty. A second later, he lifted the opener with a small smirk. “Found it”
Great. He gets to be effortlessly charming while I look like a clueless idiot searching through drawers like a lost diamond ring.
Before I could even respond to it, he took the bottle from my hand, popped the cap off with ease and handed it back to me. I hesitated for half a second before accepting it, my fingers brushing his in the exchange.
“Thanks” I said, lifting the bottle slightly.
Before I could think twice, I reached for another bottle for him.
“Ohh–do you want one too ? I asked, glancing up mid–motion. He lifted a brow, amused “ I wouldn’t say no.”
I handed it to him, watching as his fingers brushed over the label before twisting it open with ease.
Arjun took a sip of his beer, his gaze flickering between me and the party beyond. “Didn’t expect to see you in here, needed a break as well ? ”
I huffed a quiet laugh. “It’s less about needing a break and more about not knowing half the people here.”
His brow lifted slightly, with a curious look on his face. “Really? I thought this would be your crowd.”
I shook my head. “More like my best friend’s crowd. I know people here, just don’t know–know them, you get what I mean?” I laugh slightly.
A smirk tugged at his lips. “Guess that makes two of us.”
I nod slightly, taking a sip of beer hiding my nervous smile beneath it.
A brief moment of silence washes over us as we watch the party from afar while sipping on our cold beers.
I let the warmth of the scene settle in—watching Rhea dance under the soft glow of the fairy lights with Kabir, utterly in love. It’s the kind of joy that fills your heart completely, yet leaves a little trace of wishfulness behind—a quiet reminder of how much things have changed and yet, somehow, stayed the same.
My thoughts are interrupted when I realize his gaze is no longer on the party but on me instead. My cheeks turn a bright shade of red as I meet his eyes.
He smirks, caught in the act, and breaks the silence. “So… um, any plans on going back out there?”
I scrunch my nose, pretending to think as I glance between him and the crowd. “Maybe… in a while.”
His face lights up. “Yeah, I don’t feel like going back just yet either.”
I nod, letting the warmth of the kitchen and the quiet hum of the party in the background settle between us. Something about this moment lingers. It’s easy. Maybe too easy.
After a beat, he speaks again. “You know, when Kabir first introduced me to you, I assumed you’d be out there in the middle of everything—laughing, dancing, making sure everyone’s having a good time.”
I blink, caught off guard by how quickly he’s picked up on that part of me. A nervous laugh escapes. “You got all that from one interaction?”
He tilts his head as if considering. “Well, that, and the way you’ve been running around making sure your friends can actually enjoy their night.”
I huff out a laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. “Fair point.”
My heart does a little flip, and I have to remind myself to breathe. I roll my eyes, trying to mask the warmth creeping up my neck. “That’s a lot of observations.”
He grins. “Maybe. Or I just notice the little things.”
His words settle between us, heavier than before, and for a second, I don’t know what to say. I should brush it off, laugh, make some lighthearted joke—but instead, I let the moment linger, hanging in the space between what was said and what wasn’t.
I tell myself it’s nothing. Just a passing moment. Nothing more.
And yet, as I turn my gaze back to the party, I realize I’m still thinking about it. About him. And for some reason, I can’t quite shake it off.
Thanks for reading chapter 1 of Invisible Strings! I’d love to hear what you think — feel free to leave a comment or reaction. Your feedback would really help, this is my first story.
