Riya stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her saree for the third time, hoping that it didn't look like she was trying too hard. Dinner with Vikram. Vikram Rao—the man she had secretly admired from a distance for years. And now he was inviting her out for dinner? It felt surreal.

"Okay, Riya. You've got this," she muttered to her reflection. She smoothed her blouse, ran a hand through her hair, and decided she looked perfectly fine. Maybe a little too ready for a date, but she told herself it was all about professionalism. She couldn't let her nerves get the better of her.