The warm evening air buzzed with excitement as light music filled the grand garden of Bal Kishan Society. Children and teenagers danced gleefully on the stage while elders enjoyed the ambient charm, sipping their welcome drinks. The evening was just warming up.
"Come on, let's meet everyone," said Secretary Suraj Singh Rawat, straightening his blazer. His military past reflected in his upright posture and disciplined tone.
"Sure, let's go," Ruhan Singh Chauhan replied calmly, adjusting the silver cuff of his immaculate black suit, his expression unreadable yet magnetic.
The two men stepped down from the stage as waiters in white uniforms passed, serving fresh juice and appetizers. The aroma of grilled delicacies teased the air while fairy lights sparkled like stars above.
"Meet Mr. Shyam Lal Verma," Suraj introduced the man with a respectful nod. "Chairman of the society. Retired from the Income Tax Department. Sixty years young but looks forty-five, doesn't he?"
Ruhan gave a polite smile. "No problems during shifting, I hope?" the chairman asked kindly.
"None at all, Sir. Everything was smooth," Ruhan replied.
"Good. Welcome to our family," Mr. Verma smiled and moved on.
Next came Pankaj Yadav—the tough-looking security head with military experience and a passion for Taekwondo and boxing. His handshake was firm, his stare sharper than glass.
"Mrs. Usha Mehta, Welfare Member," Suraj gestured to a plump, sweet-smiling lady who welcomed Ruhan with folded hands.
"Mrs. Sujitha Panwar—Vice Chairman. And Roshan Singh Sodhi—Maintenance Head," the introductions continued.
"And this is Mr. Pankaj Mehta—our honest Treasurer," Suraj said.
"Culture Member, Mrs. Meera Sharma," Suraj pointed, as she chatted busily with other senior ladies.
"Finally, General Committee Members," Suraj chuckled.
Ruhan nodded patiently as he met seven or eight more committee members until Suraj finally whispered, "This is Mr. Harshit Patel—General Committee and known for his charity. Runs a juice factory in Dehradun—donates fresh juices to orphanages every month."
"Oh, come on, Suraj—you exaggerate this every time!" Patel blushed, scratching his head.
Ruhan folded his arms playfully, his gaze intense. "I've heard about you."
"Where?" Patel chuckled nervously.
"When I moved here, I tried your juice. Local vendors said the factory was yours."
"Yes, yes—strict quality checks. No chemicals, only fresh fruits. Anyone caught cheating is fired immediately," Patel rushed.
"Really? Why is it only 85% juice then, not 100%?" Ruhan arched an eyebrow.
Suraj coughed, Patel laughed nervously. "Fruit juice at home spoils in hours unless refrigerated. We distribute across cities; a little preservative is unavoidable."
"I see," Ruhan smiled thinly. "And if juice goes bad before delivery?"
"We discard it immediately," Patel assured.
Ruhan stared, teasing, "You don't slip it into the charity batch, do you?"
Patel gulped. The tension broke when Ruhan chuckled. "Relax. Your reputation is spotless. I was just pulling your leg."
Everyone laughed. Patel sighed in relief. The mood lightened.
Dinner was announced. Long tables stood set for the elders first. Plates gleamed, and waiters hovered like hawks ready to serve.
Away from the crowd, near the juice counter, Nandini and Isha giggled like teenagers.
"So, what do you think of Mr. Mysterious Ruhan?" Isha whispered, eyes sparkling.
"He's...okay," Nandini shrugged nonchalantly, stealing another glance at the handsome new neighbor.
"Oh, please! He's not 'okay.' He's husband material, and my luck is cursed. I got married to an over-talking dullard," Isha groaned dramatically.
They burst into laughter.
Just then, Lilly D'Casta arrived at the juice bar. All eyes secretly followed her. Stunning in a sleek blue dress, the single mother of two toddlers—one five, one two—was the society's cardiologist by profession... and infamous for her love of handsome men.
"Looks like Lilly's radar just picked up Mr. New Arrival," Isha smirked.
Lilly sipped her pineapple juice, glancing towards Ruhan with keen interest.
"She's planning something, I bet," Nandini whispered.
"Of course. She never lets a hot guy pass without testing the waters. Friend, boyfriend, one-night stand—her hobbies!" Isha chuckled.
Lilly casually strolled towards Ruhan, swaying slightly, pretending to admire the garden lights.
"Mr. Ruhan Singh, right? I'm Dr. Lilly D'Casta—cardiologist," she introduced, her smile too perfect.
"Pleasure," Ruhan replied politely, giving no hint of interest.
"New to the city? If you need anything—a doctor or friend—don't hesitate," Lilly offered with a wink.
Ruhan smiled slightly. "Noted, Doctor. I hope I won't need a cardiologist soon."
"Oh, trust me. With stress and charm like yours, you might," she purred.
Isha and Nandini tried not to laugh as they watched from a distance.
"Lilly is unstoppable," Isha whispered.
"Let's see how long she chases this one," Nandini grinned.
Meanwhile, Suraj Singh Rawat chuckled softly, sipping juice as he watched the social drama unfold. "This society never lacks entertainment," he thought.
Back at the table, Patel tried to save face. "You see, the problem with 100% juice is shelf life," he muttered to Roshan Singh Sodhi.
"Don't explain, Patel. Everyone knows," Sodhi teased.
As dinner started, the garden buzzed with talk of Ruhan's mysterious charm, Lilly's boldness, and Patel's juice controversy.
Ruhan, meanwhile, calmly scanned the crowd, sensing every whisper, every glance.
"A perfect blend of drama and welcome," he thought.
The night deepened, and the society's secrets slowly began to unravel—one charming stranger at a time.