A Lone Outsider
Advaith's frustration finally boiled over as he watched Tiana laugh and smile at Rick. He couldn't take it anymore. He pushed his chair back and stood up, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Tiana," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Tiana looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Of course, Advaith, but not right now i'm busy." she said, her voice husky. " Is anything wrong?"
Advaith took her by the arm and pulled her away from the table, away from Rick's watchful eyes. They stood in a quiet corner of the room, the music and laughter of the party fading into the background.
"What's wrong with you?" Advaith demanded, his voice shaking with anger. "Why are you so into Rick? You're not even acting like yourself."
Tiana's smile faltered for a moment, and Advaith saw a flicker of confusion in her eyes. But then her face smoothed out, and she laughed again.
