Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Lights, Dance, and Shadows

The Seattle park was alive with Diwali's glow—strings of fairy lights draped over tents, clay diyas flickering on tables, and the air thick with the scent of samosas and incense. Emily Harper stood at the edge of the festival, her sketchbook tucked under her arm, feeling like she'd stepped into one of Arjun's Bollywood movies. Families in vibrant sarees and kurtas laughed, kids chased each other with sparklers, and a stage blared a catchy song about love and monsoons. She was out of her depth, and it was thrilling.Arjun appeared, looking unfairly good in a cream kurta, his smile brighter than the diyas. "Welcome to Diwali, Emily. Ready to light up the night?"She grinned, brushing her damp bangs from her face. Seattle's drizzle hadn't let up, but the festival's energy was contagious. "If by 'light up' you mean not trip over my own feet, sure. What's with all the lamps?""Diyas," he corrected gently, handing her a small clay lamp. "They're for Diwali, the festival of lights. Victory of good over evil, new beginnings. You light one, make a wish." His eyes held hers, and her stomach did a little Bollywood-style twirl.She lit the diya, her fingers brushing his as he steadied the flame. "Okay, wished. But if it's for a million bucks, I'm blaming you when it doesn't happen."He laughed, leading her to a food stall. "Try a ladoo first. It's a sweet, like a happiness bomb.""Ladle?" she said, squinting at the golden balls."Ladoo," he corrected, chuckling. "Not a kitchen tool. Here." He popped one in her mouth, and her eyes widened at the sugary burst of cardamom and ghee."Holy cow, that's good," she mumbled, earning a mock gasp from Arjun."Cows are sacred, Emily. You're already causing a scandal." His teasing grin made her heart skip, but she played it cool, sketching a quick ladoo in her book.The stage erupted with a Bollywood dance performance—women in glittering lehengas twirling to "Tujhe Dekha To" from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Arjun's face lit up. "This song's a classic. It's about love that fights all odds. Want to try the dance?"Emily snorted. "Me? Dance like that? I'd look like a drunk flamingo.""Come on," he coaxed, pulling her toward an open area where others were joining in. "Just follow me." He showed her a simple step—arms swaying, hips shifting—and she tried, stumbling into him. His hands caught her waist, steadying her, and for a moment, the festival faded. Just them, the music, and a spark that felt dangerously like destiny."You're a terrible teacher," she teased, but didn't pull away."And you're a terrible student," he shot back, his voice low. "But I like a challenge."Her cheeks burned, but before she could reply, a familiar figure caught her eye near a diya stall. A man, mid-50s, with graying hair and a leather jacket, watching her. Her breath hitched. He looked like the photo her mom kept hidden—her father. But it couldn't be. Could it? Her phone buzzed in her pocket, another text from the unknown number: I saw you at the festival. Please, Emily, just one coffee.She froze, her heart pounding. Arjun noticed, his brow furrowing. "Emily? You okay?""Yeah, just… got distracted," she lied, shoving her phone away. She couldn't deal with this now—not with Arjun's warm hands still lingering near hers. "Tell me more about this movie. Why's it such a big deal?"He hesitated, sensing her dodge, but went along. "DDLJ is about two people from different worlds, fighting for love. The guy, Raj, convinces everyone, even her strict dad. It's… hopeful." His voice softened, like he was talking about them.She swallowed, wanting to open up. "Arjun, my family's… complicated. My dad left when I was a kid. I don't talk about the past much."He nodded, his eyes gentle. "I get it. My brother… he passed five years ago. Family's never simple, is it?"Their shared vulnerability hung between them, fragile but real. She almost told him about the texts, but a voice interrupted."Arjun, bro!" A man in a flashy jacket approached—Vik, Arjun's friend from Mumbai, all charm and sharp edges. "Didn't expect you here with your app match." His smile didn't reach his eyes as he sized up Emily."Vik, this is Emily," Arjun said, his tone cautious. "What's up?"Vik leaned in, voice low. "Just looking out for you. Did a little digging on her. Everyone's got secrets, right?" He glanced at Emily, who stiffened.Arjun frowned. "Vik, not now."Emily's pulse raced. Did Vik know about her father? Or was he just stirring trouble? The festival's lights suddenly felt too bright, the crowd too close. She forced a smile. "I should grab another ladoo. Be right back."As she slipped away, she scanned the crowd for the man in the leather jacket. He was gone, but her phone buzzed again: I'm not giving up, Emily. Her heart thudded. Was her past about to crash into her future?Across the festival, Vik whispered to Arjun, "Trust me, man. She's hiding something big."