Naina’s gaze met Vansh’s. His eyes danced with the laughter he was holding in.

Don’t you dare make me laugh. She widened her eyes as Vansh adjusted his nonexistent bow tie.

“It’s the new year,” Jiggy said. “And I cannot thank you enough for getting those charitable receipts in on time for taxes.” A smattering of polite laughter flitted through the crowd. “Dance the night away. And donate big because it’s a new year with new deductions.” More polite laughter. “Another wonderful thing about this new year is that we have a new governor!” This time the cheer that went through the crowd was loud and heartfelt.

Jiggy’s smile showed exactly how much he enjoyed an adoring crowd. “Take a moment to stop and congratulate our new governor’s family. They were gracious enough to attend today, even though Yash had to be in Sacramento working on the transition—which is exactly what we want him to be doing right now. No rest for the brave.”

The crowd went crazy, and Jiggy held up his golden mic as though he were the one they were cheering for.

“That was not a name drop at all,” Vansh said, and his mother and sisters slid him an amused glance even as they smiled for the cameras that surrounded them out of nowhere.

“Before I let you go, there was one more announcement I wanted to make,” Jiggy said, looking like he was never letting that mic go. “As you know, the Omnivore Foundation has pledged to give away most of my personal wealth to the most deserving of causes around the world, much like Bill Bhai.” He grinned. “That’s Bill Gates.”

He paused to let that settle into the crowd, then a new purpose entered his eyes. “As you also know, I am the perfect example of charitable causes creating opportunity for those with no opportunities. This year the Omnivore Foundation was fortunate enough to recruit a very strong young voice in activism and charitable giving into our fold.”

Dear Lord, was he going to embarrass her in front of all these people by calling on her? Naina felt her cheeks warm, her heartbeat sped up.

Vansh smiled at her, eyes dancing with excitement. Go, Naina, he mouthed.

Shut up, she mouthed back.

“This person has spent the past decade trying to understand complex problems around the world and is in the perfect position to help us put our dollars where the greatest need is.” His grin was smug, the crowd breathless with anticipation. “Please join me in welcoming Vansh Raje to the Omnivore Foundation.”

Vansh hooted and started clapping as applause broke around them, his eyes still on Naina.

For a moment Naina almost moved as Vansh raised his hands and clapped in her direction. Then they both grasped—at the exact same moment—what Jiggy had said.

Naina froze.

Vansh froze.