Chapter 1

My name is Alex, and I am a 19-year-old guy. I have dark hair, shaved on the sides and long on top. I just graduated with a major in Business and Management. It has been six months since I moved back to live with my parents.

Two Months ago, something happened that completely changed my relationship with my aunt.

That weekend it was my aunt and uncle’s 15th wedding anniversary. They decided to have a big party. All our family members were invited. Many of their friends, neighbors, and workmates also came.

Their yard was not very big, so when everyone came, it felt a little crowded. Still, it was nice. Small lights were hanging from the fence and from the trees. The yellow glow made the whole place look warm. People were talking, laughing, and drinking. The sound of glasses touching, plates moving, and voices mixing together filled the air.

Groups of people stood in different corners. Some sat on chairs near the wall. Children ran around, chasing each other, laughing loudly. Older family members sat together on the patio, sipping their drinks and talking slowly. Friends and neighbors gathered in small circles, telling stories and making jokes.

On a long table there was food—snacks, sandwiches, samosas, chips, and fruit. My uncle’s friend was at the grill, cooking meat. The smell of roasted food spread everywhere. People kept going near him, asking for pieces, laughing, and saying the food smelled very good.

On the stairs, a sound of heels clicked against the wood. Everyone slowly turned to see.

There she was—a woman in a hot red gown, holding my uncle’s hand as they came down together. She was stunningly beautiful, so bright and graceful that the whole hall seemed to stop for her. The dress fit her perfectly, glowing under the lights, and her long dark hair moved gently as she walked.

For a few minutes, the attention of the party was completely on her. Voices faded, even the children stopped running. People could not help but watch. I, too, was lost. I was mesmerized by her beauty, unable to take my eyes away.

Step by step, they came down the stairs and entered the hall. My uncle still held her hand proudly. When they reached the center, he let go for a moment and moved to the drinks table. He picked up two glasses of wine. One he gave to my aunt, who was smiling brightly.

Then both of them stood together. They raised their glasses, looked into each other’s eyes, and shared a soft, happy smile.

“Lets celebrate our amazing 15 years, Thank you. Thank you  my lady for supporting and loving me, for us ,” my uncle said warmly. He raised the grass and took a ship.

The crowd answered with a loud cheer. Glasses lifted everywhere, voices shouted, “Happy anniversary!” The sound filled the hall, echoing through the night. Laughter followed, and the party grew even more alive than before.

After the loud cheers, the whole mood of the party changed. People started to drink more wildly. Laughter grew louder, and voices filled every corner of the yard and hall. Some raised their glasses again and again, clinking with whoever stood near.

I also joined. I didn’t even think too much about what I was drinking. Beer, wine, rum, whiskey—I don’t know. I just drank what was available. At first, it felt light, just the taste of alcohol burning slightly in my throat. But after five or six shots, I could feel it.

The alcohol started to kick in. My face felt a little warm, my body lighter. I was still able to walk normally and talk with people, but my thoughts were no longer steady. My mind began to run in strange ways, almost playful.

Before today, I had never really looked at any women in that way. I had always kept my eyes down, my thoughts simple. But tonight, with the drinks in my body, something was different. I found myself glancing at the women around me—not just looking, but feeling something new. A strange mix of curiosity and excitement. My eyes followed the shape of their dresses, the way they smiled, the way they moved their hair back.

I was sitting with my cousin and some friends. We had formed a small circle on the side, away from the loud music. Everyone had a glass in their hand. We were chatting and talking about life, about their colleges, and what plans they had for the future. Some were sharing funny stories from their hostel days, others were talking about exams and how hard it was to study.

I laughed with them, nodding and adding a few words here and there. The alcohol made me more open than usual. Normally, I would just listen quietly, but tonight I was speaking freely, teasing my cousin, joking with my friends. My words came out easier, like I had no filter.

But even as we talked, my eyes sometimes drifted away. I caught myself looking around the party, watching people dance, watching women smile and move gracefully. Each time I looked, I felt that same new romantic energy rising inside me, mixing with the warmth of the drinks.

Still, I tried to stay focused on the conversation. My cousin was explaining about his new college project, and another friend was complaining about his strict teacher. The group laughed together, clinking glasses again, and for a while, it felt like everything was light and easy.