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Happy New year to everyone 🎀.

Chapter 29 has been updated on scrollstack.

Link is in our Instagram and Wattpad bio.

Next chapter will be updated here after the completion of Target of both chapters- 27 and 28.

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Next morning, Kavya, Nandini, Amrit, Preeti, and Krishiv were sitting on the stairs, enjoying a moment of peace after a hectic day. The evening breeze carried a sense of calm, but Krishiv's restlessness broke the silence.

"Ye Bulbul khel rahi thi, ab tak aayi kyun nahi?" Krishiv said, glancing towards the playground.

"Pata nahi, kahan reh gayi," Kavya added, looking concerned.

Just then, they all noticed Akshat approaching them. The sight was enough to raise eyebrows. Bulbul, was perched on Akshat's shoulder, holding chocolates in her small hands. Akshat, meanwhile, was loaded with toys , a kitchen set, a doctor set, and several teddy bears.

He gently made Bulbul stand on the ground and adjusted the bag of toys in his hand.

"Bulbul, ye sab kya hai?" Kavya asked, her tone equal parts surprised and curious.

"Mumma, AK uncle ne dilvaya!" Bulbul exclaimed, her eyes shining with delight.

Akshat, caught in the spotlight, gave a hesitant smile.

"Sir, aap? Bulbul, tumne hi uncle se zidd ki na?" Kavya asked, narrowing her eyes at her daughter.

"Nahi, maine nahi bola, Mumma... Right, AK uncle?" Bulbul said innocently, looking up at Akshat and raising her eyebrows with exaggerated innocence.

"H-h-haan, isne nahi bola," Akshat stammered, scratching the back of his neck. "Itni pyaari bachi hai, toh mera khud man kiya ki main iske liye kuch le loon."

"Iski kya zarurat thi, sir, wo bhi itne saare toys?" Kavya said, trying to mask her embarrassment.

"Haan wahi toh, Mumma," Bulbul chimed in, not missing a beat. "Maine toh uncle se kaha tha, 'Nahi uncle, mujhe nahi chahiye,' par inhone dila diya."

"H-h-haan, haan..." Akshat agreed again, his face slightly flushed and he gave an unamused look to Bulbul at which she sticks out her tongue.

Amrit and Akshat looked at each other remembering the last night.

FLASHBACK!!

Akshat and Amrit exchanged wide-eyed glances, caught off-guard by Bulbul's sudden arrival and her sharp observations. Amrit tried to compose herself, giving Bulbul a warm smile as she took a step forward.

"Bulbul baccha, it's not what you think..." Amrit began gently, her tone calm and soothing.

But Bulbul immediately stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest. "Ahaan! Don't tell lies now! I heard sab kuch. You both were behaving like those hero and heroines I've seen in movies when they like each other," she declared, her tone carrying the exaggerated seriousness of a child trying to sound like an adult.

Akshat let out a scoff, shaking his head. "Ye choti si hai aur baatein toh dekho. Kisne sikhaya ye sab, haan? Mumma ko bataun aapki?" he teased, raising an eyebrow and folding his arms.

"Haan bilkul bataiye, Ak uncle," Bulbul shot back with a smirk. "Par uske pehle mai bhi aapki mumma ko bahot kuch bata dungi."

Akshat's eyes widened at her retort, and he muttered under his breath, "This little bomb!"

Bulbul ignored him and turned her focus back to Amrit. Her innocent yet accusing tone returned. "Amrit didi, don't you already have a husband? Aur sab kehte hain ki jiske pati rehte hain, wo kisi aur ko hug nahi karte. Aur aap inhe paani kyun pilaye? Maine toh dekha upar ki shale pati apni patniyon ko paani pila rahe the. Aap toh inke pati bhi nahi."

Amrit pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperated. She muttered, "Itna dimaag kahan se aaya iske paas... Kavya didi ne kya kha ke paida kiya hai isse!"

Amrit crouched to Bulbul's level. "Bulbul beta," she said sweetly, "there is nothing like that, I promise. Come here, I'll tell you everything."

Bulbul narrowed her eyes at Amrit, suspicious but curious, and finally walked closer. She placed her tiny hands on her hips. "Accha, boliye. Par agar jhoot bola toh mai samajh jaungi," she warned.

Akshat stifled a laugh behind his hand while Amrit gave him a warning look before focusing on Bulbul again. She took Bulbul's hands in hers and smile and finally she told her everything, trying her best to make her understand .

Bulbul gave Amrit a sweet smile and nodded. "Haan haan, I won't tell anyone, okay," she said, her tone dripping with innocence.

Relieved, Amrit pulled her into a hug. "Thank you," she whispered softly.

However, as Amrit looked up, she caught Bulbul giving Akshat an evil smirk before skipping off happily.

Akshat narrowed his eyes. "I am sure she's plotting something."

Amrit rolled her eyes. "Kuch bhi! She's a little girl, Akshat. Kisi serial ki vamp nahi hai."

Akshat crossed his arms, still staring in the direction Bulbul had left. "Tum janti nahi ho usse. Serial ki vamp ko bhi peeche chhor sakti hai ye."

Amrit chuckled, shaking her head. "Accha, ab chaliye. Warna koi aur bhi aa jayega, aur mujhe aur safai deni padegi."

They both hurried into the apartment, closing the door behind them.

Once inside, Akshat settled onto the couch, letting out a sigh. Amrit grabbed a glass of water for herself and was about to sit down when Akshat suddenly began coughing.

"Kya ho gaya?" Amrit asked, alarmed. She rushed to his side and patted his back gently, her concern evident.

His coughing grew worse, and Amrit panicked. She bolted to the kitchen, returning moments later with a glass of water.

"Yeh lijiye," she said, handing him the glass.

Akshat took the water and drank in slow sips, finally catching his breath. He let out a sigh of relief and leaned back.

"Aap thik hain na?" Amrit asked, her eyes scanning his face anxiously.

"Arre bas... kuch khaya-piya nahi isliye shayad..." Akshat started to explain but abruptly stopped mid-sentence as realization hit him.

Amrit's concerned expression turned to one of sharp suspicion. She raised an eyebrow. "Kuch khaya-piya nahi? Matlab aapne subah se kuch khaya hi nahi?"

"Kya?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Kuch bhi toh nahi," Akshat replied hastily. "I was saying ki bas aise hi-"

She cut him off sharply. "Aapne subah se kuch khaya-piya nahi? Haan! Maine subah jab pani offer kiya tha toh you ignored me." Her eyes widened in sudden realization. "Don't tell me... aapne bhi Karwachauth ka fast rakha?"

"Arre, aisa kuch nahi hai!" Akshat stammered, his awkward laugh betraying him. "Mai... mai kyun rakhunga?" His eyes darted everywhere but to her.

Amrit folded her arms, her voice taking on a stern edge. "Akshat!"

He sighed, defeated. "Okay, fine! Tum poora din bina khaye-piye thi. Toh tumhe kaise laga ki mujhse kuch khaya ya piya jayega?" His voice softened, and he looked directly at her, his eyes filled with sincerity. "And if this fast has the actual power, then I also want you to live long."

Amrit's breath hitched, her overwhelming emotions evident in her teary eyes. "But... but this fast is for wives... Aapne kyun?"

Akshat sat across from Amrit, his eyes holding hers as he tried to explain his actions. "Who has decided it? Kisi ne kisi bhi fast ka gender decide nahi kiya hai. And honestly... I don't even believe in all these rituals." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, his voice softening. "Par tum bhukhi-pyasi thi... I couldn't bring myself to eat or drink anything while you were like that."

Amrit's heart skipped a beat at his confession. She could see the honesty in his eyes, the depth of his care for her. Her gaze softened as she studied him, wondering how someone could be so selfless.

She leaned forward slightly, her hand trembling as she raised it to his cheek. Her fingers grazed his skin, and he froze at her touch, his eyes widening for a moment before they fluttered shut.

"I can't believe someone could leave a gem like you," she whispered, her voice tinged with both admiration and sadness.

Akshat's breath hitched as he felt the sincerity in her words. She leaned closer, her warm breath brushing against his face, and then, with all the gentleness in her heart, she pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.

"I like you so much," she murmured, her voice barely audible, but the words sent a shiver down his spine.

Akshat opened his eyes, his gaze meeting hers as their foreheads touched. The world seemed to fade away in that moment, leaving only the two of them and the unspoken emotions swirling between them.

He reached out and gently held her hand, bringing it to his lips. He pressed a tender kiss on her palm, his actions saying what words couldn't.

"Ab dinner karen?" he asked softly, his voice breaking the silence, yet holding the same warmth that had enveloped them moments before.

Amrit nodded, her cheeks flushing, but she didn't pull her hand away. Instead, she gave him a small, genuine smile that made his heart swell.

Krishiv sat comfortably in his room, the soft hum of the evening outside filtering through the window. He leaned back against the cushioned chair, glancing at his phone as it rang, its display showing "Bulbul" with Kavya's landline number below it.

"Haan Bulbul," he answered, his tone warm and playful.

"Why didn't you meet me today?" came the immediate question, her voice carrying that innocent curiosity.

Krishiv leaned forward slightly, amused by her directness. "Arre, your mumma didn't tell you? I went to do some important work," he explained.

"Ohhh... which work?" Bulbul asked, clearly intrigued.

Krishiv chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You won't understand, little one. Accha, tell your mumma that the children loved her cookies."

Bulbul's voice perked up with excitement. "Oooohhh, toh mumma puri raat jaag ke aapke liye cookies bana rahe the!"

Krishiv's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Puri raat? Really?"

"Haan!" Bulbul replied with the same enthusiasm, clearly proud of her mother's dedication.

"That's so sweet," Krishiv said, his voice filled with appreciation for Kavya's effort. It was these little things that made her so special.

"Cookies?" Bulbul prompted.

"Arrey, your mumma yaar,She's so sweet." Krishiv replied.

Bulbul's voice became playful. "My mumma is sweet?" she asked, as though testing the idea.

"Haaan, pata nahi tumhare jaisi nakchadi bacchi kaise mil gayi unhe," Krishiv replied with a chuckle, teasing her about her quirky personality.

"You nachadha," Bulbul retorted with a slight pout, though her tone was still light-hearted.

Krishiv laughed, his gaze softening as he thought about the little girl on the other end of the line. "Accha, bye now. I need to rest."

"Haan, take care... don't skip your food," Bulbul said seriously, almost like a grandmother reminding him of the most basic things.

"Ji Dadi maa! Good night," Krishiv responded with a chuckle, amused by her little "grandmother" routine. He could almost picture her wagging her finger at him in that stern yet endearing way.

Kavya walked into the living room, her footsteps light but purposeful, as she looked at Bulbul, who was standing near the couch, her phone still clutched in her hand. "Kisse baat kar rahi thi?" Kavya asked casually, her eyes narrowing in curiosity.

"Cheatel uncle," Bulbul replied with a nonchalant shrug, not picking up on the sudden excitement in her mother's tone.

"Sach mein??" Kavya's voice immediately lifted, an unmistakable thrill in her question. She couldn't help it-whenever it came to Krishiv, she always felt a flutter, no matter how much she tried to hide it. But Bulbul frowned at the sudden change in Kavya's demeanor, noticing the spark in her mother's eyes.

"I... I mean him? Why? What he was saying?" Kavya quickly tried to mask her excitement, speaking in a more neutral tone, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.

"He was talking about the cookies you made," Bulbul said, her words casual, but her mother's energy made her slightly confused. She could tell something was off.

"Kya?" Kavya blinked, her heart racing just a little at the mention of Krishiv, already imagining what he might've said.

"He said, 'so sweet,'" Bulbul answered, her tone now dripping with sarcasm as she observed her mother's almost childlike interest in the conversation.

"Sweet? But I tried to make it less sweet. Jyada ho cheeni ho gaya," Kavya muttered to herself.

"Offo Mumma! He said you are sweet," Bulbul replied, shaking her head in a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation at her mother's behaviour. She rolled her eyes before walking towards her room, leaving Kavya standing there, her hands instinctively reaching up to her cheeks, a grin spreading across her face.

"Kya?? Mai?" Kavya asked, her eyes wide in disbelief, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected compliment. The realization hit her, and she couldn't suppress the joy that bubbled inside her. "He called me sweet," she repeated, almost as if trying to process the words, her grin getting wider and her cheeks flushing.

As Kavya stood there, lost in the warmth of the moment, she felt a soft, giddy excitement she hadn't experienced in a while. Krishiv's words, simple yet meaningful, had made her feel like she was glowing from the inside. She couldn't help but laugh quietly to herself, her hands still resting on her cheeks as she imagined Krishiv's voice, the way he had called her sweet.

The early morning light filtered into the parking lot as Nandini walked towards her car, her steps light and carefree. She wore a neutral expression, as if nothing had happened between her and Vedant just hours ago. Vedant, however, couldn't shake the weight of their last conversation. He leaned against his car, watching her approach with a hopeful, yet cautious look in his eyes.

"Good morning, Nandini," Vedant greeted her with a warm smile, stepping forward slightly.

She paused, glancing at him for a brief moment before returning to her car without any change in her demeanor. "Morning," she replied flatly, opening the door to get inside.

Vedant hesitated but stepped closer. He had expected her to act normal, but the distance she put between them felt more like an ocean, pulling him further away from the woman he wanted to be with. "Listen, about last night..." he began, his voice tentative.

But Nandini didn't even look at him, her hands already gripping the steering wheel as if she couldn't wait to drive off. "I'm in a bit of a rush," she said nonchalantly, her voice barely changing in pitch. "I'll catch you later, Vedant."

She started the engine before he could respond, leaving Vedant standing in the parking lot, his heart sinking with every second that passed. He couldn't understand why she was pretending like nothing had happened, like the most significant thing he'd ever done in his life-the proposal-meant nothing to her.

He sighed, watching her drive off. "I'll wait," he whispered to himself, as though speaking the words aloud would give him strength. But deep down, a part of him ached, the rejection stinging more than he ever thought it would.

Later that day, Vedant ran into Nandini again in the building's lobby. She was walking briskly toward the elevators, her expression as unreadable as ever. Vedant couldn't help but notice how composed she was, almost like she had wiped their conversation from her mind entirely.

"Hey, Nandini," he called out as he approached her, his voice filled with a hint of nervous anticipation.

She glanced at him with the same nonchalant look she had earlier, offering a small smile. "Oh, hey Vedant," she said, her tone friendly but distant. "How's work?"

"Good," Vedant replied, trying to mask the hurt in his voice. He pressed the button for the elevator and stepped closer. "About last night-"

Her eyes flickered momentarily before she quickly turned to the side, as though she hadn't heard him. "Did you hear about the new restaurant opening in the area?" she asked, shifting the topic with perfect ease. "I've been meaning to try it out."

Vedant's heart tightened at her deliberate change of subject. He knew she was avoiding the conversation, pushing him away. But he wasn't ready to give up, not yet. "Nandini, we need to talk about what happened," he insisted softly.

She shook her head, not meeting his gaze. "I'm not in the mood for that conversation right now. Kaam hai bahot."

Vedant didn't push any further. The elevator doors opened, and Nandini stepped inside, leaving him standing there, fighting the urge to just follow her and pour his heart out.

As Vedant stepped into the building's elevator, he found Nandini standing there, her back turned. For a brief moment, he considered staying silent, but he couldn't. He wanted her to know how he felt, even if she rejected it.

"I just wanted to say that..." Vedant began, his voice a bit shaky. "I know you don't believe in love right now. I understand that. But I'm here. And I'll keep showing you, every day, that I'm worth trusting. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."

Nandini turned slowly, her eyes meeting his for a fleeting moment before looking away again. "I don't need you to do that, Vedant," she said, her tone distant, like she was shutting him out completely. "I'm not going to change. I don't need your patience. I don't need your waiting."

The elevator dinged as they reached their floors, and Vedant stepped off, his heart heavy with every word she had said. Yet, despite it all, he didn't stop. He couldn't.

The morning sunlight streamed through the office windows, casting a soft glow over the bustling work environment. Kavya sat at her desk, engrossed in her work, her attention to detail impeccable. She was focused, typing away at her computer when a familiar voice broke the calm.

"Hi, Mr. Anuj. How's your son now?" Krishiv's deep, smooth voice echoed through the office as he greeted a colleague.

Anuj, a middle-aged employee, stood up from his desk, his face lighting up with gratitude. "He's fine, sir. Thank you so much for the money... otherwise, his operation wouldn't have been possible," Anuj said, his voice full of appreciation.

Krishiv waved his hand dismissively, a smile gracing his face. "Arre, the money came from your hard work, haan? Don't give the credits to anyone else. You earned it," he said with a chuckle. "Chaliye, continue your work. And tell little Chotu I'll meet him by evening."

Anuj's face brightened even more. "I will, sir. Thank you so much."

Krishiv gave him a reassuring nod, his warm smile never fading as he moved through the office, effortlessly engaging with everyone. He greeted the employees, cracking jokes and lightening the mood, spreading an infectious sense of energy. His presence brought an air of positivity, and the atmosphere in the office seemed to lift with every interaction.

As he passed by the office's small kitchenette, he turned his attention to the elderly maid who was handing out coffee to the staff. She looked up and chuckled at his words.

"Ohh wow, Mrs. Dutta! Kya dhamaka lag rahi ho aap toh! Pure office ko maarne ka plan hai kya?" Krishiv flirted with a grin, his playful tone light and teasing. The maid laughed heartily, her wrinkled eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Arre sir, kuch nahi! Bas aap hi ke jaisa lag raha hai!" she responded, her laughter filling the room.

Krishiv winked at her, enjoying the banter as he continued making his rounds. He chatted with the rest of the employees, leaving behind a trail of smiles and a noticeably lighter atmosphere. It was clear that he had a natural charm, easily making everyone feel at ease.

Meanwhile, Kavya couldn't help but notice him, her eyes following his movements as he engaged with the staff. There was something magnetic about Krishiv's presence-his confidence, his warmth, and the way he made people feel special. She couldn't help but admire him from her desk, her gaze lingering as she tried to focus on her work.

Finally, Krishiv's eyes landed on her, and he stopped in his tracks, his smile turning a bit softer, more directed at her.

"Aap kya, cabin mein aayengi please?" Krishiv asked, his voice warm yet slightly formal.

Kavya looked up, momentarily surprised but quickly composed herself. She gave him a subtle nod, her lips curving into a polite smile. "Of course, I'll be right there," she replied, her voice steady, though her heart raced a little.

The door to the cabin closed softly behind Kavya as she stepped inside. The atmosphere in the room was calm, yet there was an underlying tension in the air. Kavya stood a few steps away from Krishiv, her posture straight, but her heart was racing.

"Yes, sir?" Kavya asked, her voice steady as she met Krishiv's gaze.

Krishiv didn't immediately respond. He was holding a box in his hands, looking at her with a playful, yet serious expression. "Aapne wo cookies puri raat jaag ke banayi thi? Kyun?" he asked, his tone curious but warm.

Kavya blinked, a small smile tugging at her lips as she shrugged, feeling a bit of a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Bas man kiya," she replied, her tone light as she tried to play it off.

Krishiv nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. He reached over to the desk and grabbed the box she had given him earlier, setting it in front of her. She took it, her fingers brushing lightly over the smooth surface, but something was different. There was an unusual weight to it now, something more than just the cookies.

"Ye kya hai?" Kavya asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she opened the box, expecting cookies but finding something else entirely.

"Aapke liye kuch banaya... khali box lautate nahi na," Krishiv said, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

"Aapke liye kuch banaya... khali box lautate nahi na," Krishiv said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. His eyes sparkled with a quiet mischief, but there was something sincere about his gesture.

Kavya's eyes widened in surprise. "Aapne khud banaya? Kyun?" she asked, clearly caught off guard. She hadn't expected him to make anything for her-especially not after such a short time together.

"Bas man kiya," Krishiv repeated, mirroring her earlier response with a shrug of his own.

Kavya stood frozen for a moment, looking at the unexpected gift in her hands. But then, as the reality of the moment set in, her emotions overwhelmed her. Her eyes filled with tears, and before she could even blink, they began to fall, tracing down her cheeks. She hadn't anticipated this-this simple but incredibly meaningful gesture was too much to process.

"Bulbul ki mummy? Why are you crying? Aap toh bina dekhe rone lagi... itna bura bhi nahi banata yaar," Krishiv said, his voice filled with genuine concern as he immediately stepped forward. He reached out, his hand hovering awkwardly in the air before gently wiping away her tears from her cheek. His touch was tentative, unsure, but kind.

Kavya blinked rapidly, trying to regain her composure. She looked at him, her voice shaky as she explained, "Wo baat nahi hai sir..." She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "For the first time, someone cooked something for me," she whispered, her eyes downcast as she tried to hide the vulnerability in her words.

Krishiv stood still for a moment, his eyes softening with understanding. His heart gave a little tug, a reaction he hadn't expected. He slowly took his hand back, his face flushing slightly, awkwardness settling in. He smiled, though it was a little uncertain.

"Wo... I can't give you my handkerchief na," he said, the words coming out a little too fast, but they seemed to break the tension. He chuckled lightly at his own awkwardness.

Kavya looked up at him in surprise, her tears momentarily forgotten as a small chuckle escaped her lips. She smiled, feeling the warmth of his concern, the way he was trying to make her feel better in the simplest way possible. "Kyun?" she asked, her voice light, her eyebrows raised as she tried to play along.

"Arre, hankey dene se ladai ho jati hai," Krishiv replied with a teasing grin.

Krishiv leaned forward, his hands resting on the desk, his eyes focused on her. "Accha, jaldi kha lijiye, varna thanda ho jayega toh it will taste bad," he said, a hint of concern in his voice. He was clearly anxious about her reaction to the cookies. "And please tell me how it was... agar bura hoga toh please tell me, I..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Kavya interrupted him, her voice firm but gentle. "Bahot accha hai," she said, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity that caught him off guard.

Krishiv blinked, surprised by her response. "Huh?" he asked, momentarily taken aback by the certainty in her tone.

"Bahot accha hai," she repeated, her voice more relaxed this time, though there was a hint of emotion beneath the words. She smiled slightly, a soft expression that held more than just gratitude.

Krishiv frowned, still uncertain. "You haven't tasted yet... you don't even know what's in it," he said, his tone light but with a subtle concern lingering in his voice. He couldn't understand how she could be so sure, especially when she hadn't even taken a bite yet.

Kavya, however, wasn't fazed by his doubts. She placed the box down, her fingers still brushing the edge of the lid, and looked at him with an almost wistful expression. "What is in it doesn't matter, who did it matters," she said quietly, her words carrying weight far beyond the surface.

Krishiv was silent for a moment, taken aback by the depth of her statement. His thoughts were momentarily lost as he absorbed her words. There was a vulnerability in her tone, something raw and unspoken, but it didn't take long for him to realize how important this moment was for her. He hadn't expected her to respond like this, and it made him pause.

The silence between them grew for a few seconds, an unspoken understanding hanging in the air. Then, Kavya stood up, her smile still lingering, though now it was softer, less guarded.

"Accha, I should go now," she said, her voice now a bit more formal, as if she was trying to pull herself back from the tender moment they had shared.

All he could do was nod, his eyes following her as she walked toward the door.

A professor entered the classroom, his presence immediately drawing the students' attention. He placed his notes on the desk and addressed the class with a warm smile.

"Good morning, everyone," he began. "I believe you've already heard about the upcoming Annual Function, correct?"

"Yes, sir," the students responded in unison, their excitement evident.

The professor continued, "Well, the auditions for the event have officially begun. If any of you are interested in participating, please head to the auditorium at 12 PM. Akshat Sir will be conducting the auditions, so make sure to bring your enthusiasm and give it your best shot."

The students exchanged glances, some already whispering about their plans to audition, while others appeared curious to see what the event would entail.

The atmosphere in the auditorium was buzzing with excitement as students filtered in, eager to participate in the auditions. Amrit sat nervously next to Vidya, her fingers fiddling with her dupatta as she tried to make herself as invisible as possible.

"Yaar Akshat sir karva rahe play tu pakka Elizabeth ke role ke liye audition de," Vidya said, her tone filled with excitement.

Amrit gave her a sheepish look. "Haan man to hai par yaar sharam aati hai," she mumbled, feeling the pressure of being the center of attention.

"Tu please har jagah introvert mat bana kar aur wo husband hai tere, unse kya sharmana," Vidya replied, rolling her eyes. "Jyada soch mat, chup chap auditions dena."

Amrit sighed, glancing towards the stage, still unsure. "Dekhti hun," she said hesitantly.

It was now 12 PM, and students who were interested in the play gathered in the auditorium. The stage was set, and the air was filled with nervous energy. As Amrit and Vidya walked in, they were greeted by the sharp eyes of Professor Priyanka.

"Amrit, tum bhi participate kar rahi ho? Can't believe introvert person like you is participating in a play..beta behosh mat ho jaana" Priyanka said as she noticed Amrit.

Akshat pressed his lips together to control his laugh.

Amrit froze for a moment, caught off guard. She nervously played with her dupatta and stammered, "N... no ma'am wo... bas dekhne aaye the ham dono."

Vidya, who was standing beside her, glared at her.

They both settled on a pair of chairs in the audience, trying to blend in with the other students. Vidya shot Amrit a disapproving look. "Pagal hai kya tu?" she whispered, pinching her friend lightly.

"Ouuu.... nahi yaar, ajeeb lagta hai. Mai nahi kar rahi," Amrit admitted, her voice tinged with doubt. "Koi bulayega toh jaungi... khud se ajeeb lag raha."

Vidya rolled her eyes dramatically. "Haan, tu bahut badi actress hai na, Aishwarya, Katrina, Kangana, Rani, Madhuri, Madhubala, Hema Malini sab fail hai tere aage! Tereko bulayenge ki 'Amrit ji, aap itni badi kalaakar hain, please hamare play mein audition dekar hame tript kar dijiye,'" she taunted in a mock-serious tone.

Amrit pouted, shaking her head. "Mujhe nahi pata, ab audition dekhna hai," she said, trying to change the subject as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

Akshat, standing in front of the smart board, decided to make the atmosphere a little lighter. "Isse dekho, observe karo," he said, pointing to the play being projected on the screen.

Everyone fell silent as they watched the scene on the smart board. Akshat's voice filled the room as the characters in the drama performed a scene.

The dialogue echoed in the auditorium, "From the very beginning, almost from the first moment I met you, your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry!" Priyanka dramatically recited the lines, her voice filled with emotion.

Once the scene was over, Priyanka addressed the group. "Jo Jo Elizabeth ke role ke liye aaye hain, yahan aaiye," she announced. One by one, students hesitantly walked up to the front of the room.

As the line started, some students took the opportunity to throw in their own dramatic flair. One of them, clearly inspired by Bollywood, dramatically paused before delivering the lines.

"From the very beginning, almost from the first moment I met you..." She began, before adding in a loud, filmy voice, "I fell for you Abhishek!" Her arms flung out in a grand gesture, and he ended with a flourish.

"Kon Abhishek Dercy Abhishek kab se ban gaya." Akshat said with wide eyes.

"Jao behan." Priyanka said, shaking her head.

Another student decided to go even further.

"From the very beginning, almost from the first moment I met you!" She declared, giving a deep, theatrical sigh, as she was shouting at someone.

"Beta daant kisko rahi ho." Priyanka said with a bewildered expression.

"Next." Akshat clearly declared.

Vidya and Amrit exchanged amused glances, trying hard to suppress their laughter. "Pagal hain sab,"

Vidya whispered under her breath, as one student in particular delivered an intense version of the line,

"From the very beginning, almost from the first moment I met you." She said as she was showing an attitude to someone.

"Miss my life, my rules, my attitude thoda side ho jaiye." Akshat said, making everyone laugh so hard.

Amrit couldn't help but chuckle at the over-the-top performances. "Yeh log toh bilkul film stars lag rahe hain!" she whispered to Vidya.

Another girl came, cleared her throat, glanced at the script, and began, "From the very beginning bro almost from the first moment bhai I met you bro.."

Her voice faltered slightly, and she added, "Arrogance bro, conceit bro, selfish disdain bhai for the feelings of others bhaisahab made me realize that you bro you were the last man bhai in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry bro!

"Rakhi bhi bandh dena." Akshat said, shaking his head in disbelief. The class burst into laughter .

Priyanka and Akshat both shook their heads, clearly unimpressed by the auditions that had just taken place.

"Yahan koi acha actor hai..." Akshat muttered, shaking his head in disbelief as the last student's overly dramatic performance echoed in his mind.

Priyanka sighed, equally disheartened by the lack of quality. "Umm... Vidya, tum aao," she said, calling on the next volunteer.

Vidya's eyes widened in surprise. "K..kya kya, mai?" she stuttered, clearly caught off guard by the sudden call.

"H..haan haan, tum," Priyanka said, mimicking her.

The entire room burst into laughter, including Amrit.

Vidya stood up slowly, her steps unsure as she made her way to the stage. She took a deep breath and glanced nervously at the audience before adjusting the mic slightly. "From... the very beginning..almost the first moment I met you..." she started, but then she stumbled over the complicated words. "Arrogance, conceit falana dhimkana... ma'am sir, ye itna bada bada words mai nahi bol paungi, usko thoda simplify kar dijiye na?"

The room erupted in laughter as Vidya's candidness caught everyone off guard.

Priyanka shook her head, trying to suppress her laughter. "Vidya, these are not class notes. Jisse simplifies kiya jaaye," she said, chuckling as she waved her hand. "You can go."

Vidya shot her a sheepish smile, waving to the group as she walked back to her seat. "Sorry, sorry"

The laughter died down, and Priyanka turned her attention to Amrit. "Amrit, tum bhi try karo," she said, her tone more encouraging this time.

Amrit froze, her face lighting up with nervousness. "But ma'am, I don't know anything about acting," she admitted hesitantly, her voice faltering slightly.

Akshat, shakes his head "Amrit, at least try once," he encouraged her with her warm smile.

"But Akshat... sir, mai nahi kar paungi," Amrit replied, shaking her head. She could already feel the nerves building up inside her, making her doubt her abilities even more.

Akshat's patience began to wear thin, and he blurted out in frustration, "Amrit, maine uss din ghar pe samjhaya tha na ki don't say you can't do it." The words escaped his lips before he could stop himself, and as soon as he said them, he instantly realized his mistake. He quickly bit his tongue, but the damage had been done.

Amrit's eyes widened in shock, and her face flushed a deep red. "Haan aur bata dijiye ki raat ko Amrit ke ghar sota hun aur sone se pehle chumiyan bhi deti hai mujhe." she thought, mentally slapping herself for not paying attention to the words he had just spoken.

Priyanka, who had been listening closely, looked confused "Aap ghar?"

"A... actually, wo ye meri maasi ke flat ke samne rehti hai to ek baar iss se mila tha, ussi time pe wo isse ek doubt tha, ussi pe bola tha maine," Akshat quickly lied, trying to cover up the awkward situation.

Amrit sighed, her expression a mixture of embarrassment and relief that Akshat had tried to cover for him. "Ohh, acha..." Priyanka said, nodding slowly. "Haan, Amrit, aao na, ek baar try karo. Yahan koi actor nahi hai jo judge karega," she added with a soft smile, trying to put Amrit at ease.

Amrit hesitated for a moment longer, but with a small sigh, she nodded. "Okay, fine," she said, trying to steady her nerves as she slowly stood up from her seat. Her heart was racing, but she knew she couldn't back down now.

As she walked toward the stage, Akshat called out to her, his voice filled with encouragement. "Be confident, Amrit," he said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Amrit returned the smile, though it was shaky. "Thanks, Akshat," she said softly before stepping onto the stage.

The room fell silent as Amrit took her position, glancing nervously at the audience and the script in her hand. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in her head. I can do this. Just say the lines... and be confident.

As she began, her voice was softer than usual, but she slowly found her rhythm. "From the very beginning, almost the first moment I met you," she began, her voice a little wobbly. But as she continued, she gained a bit more confidence. "Your arrogance, your conceit... and your selfish disregard for others " she paused, then smiled nervously as she finished the line with a bit of a laugh.

The room was filled with claps. Akshat gave her a thumbs-up, and Amrit's face lit up with a small sense of accomplishment.

Priyanka, clearly impressed by Amrit's willingness to try, clapped her hands. "Well done, Amrit! See? That wasn't so bad."

Amrit smiled shyly, relieved that the worst was over. "Thank you, ma'am," she said, feeling a bit proud of herself despite the nerves.

"Amrit, there is one more dialogue. It's quite romantic, and we want to see if you can portray romance or not."

Amrit took a deep breath, her nerves momentarily settling. She gave a slight nod, her expression softening as she prepared herself for the lines. She had seen the scene in the play before and knew that this particular moment was one of the most intimate and vulnerable. The words would carry a lot of weight, and the emotions needed to be felt deeply. But as the lines came to her, she found herself not just performing, but feeling them on a whole new level.

Priyanka gave her a warm smile. "Take your time, Amrit. Whenever you're ready."

Amrit swallowed, nodding again. She glanced down at the script in her hand, but instead of reading it, her gaze drifted over to the audience. Her eyes locked with Akshat's, who was sitting in the front row. He looked at her, his expression serious, but there was something more, something softer, as he watched her with a kind of quiet intensity. He was just another observer to everyone else in the room, but Amrit knew the truth. He was the person she had always turned to, even when no one else had known the depth of their connection.

As she began, she didn't just speak the lines, she lived them, feeling each word. "You have given me more than I ever expected..." She let the words hang in the air for a moment, her voice trembling slightly as she continued, staring straight into Akshat's eyes. She could feel her heart pounding, a mixture of emotions stirring within her.

"Your respect, your care, your honesty..." She was speaking to Akshat, but she knew that no one in the room understood the depth of her feelings. "I never imagined that someone like you could love someone like me, but now I see that I was wrong." Her voice dropped a little, the vulnerability in her words genuine.

"And I am grateful for it every day." Her lips curled into a soft smile, though it was full of emotion, a little wistful, as she remembered how much Akshat had been there for her, supporting her.

The room was completely still, and Amrit's next words came from the heart, her voice stronger this time, filled with an undeniable tenderness. "I never thought I would be the one to say it, but I love you, Mr. Darcy." She said the words with a quiet certainty, her eyes locked on Akshat. She wasn't acting anymore, she was speaking her truth. "I love you, not because of what you have, but because of what you are,honorable, kind, and unshakable in your devotion."

The silence in the room grew deeper, and even the other students in the back seemed to sense the gravity of what was unfolding. Amrit stood there, her heart open and her eyes shining with unshed emotion. For a moment, it felt like the world was holding its breath.

As the last word left her lips, there was a brief, almost imperceptible pause, and then, the room broke into soft applause. But Amrit barely heard it. All she could focus on was the way Akshat was looking at her, his expression a mixture of admiration and something deeper, something only they could understand. He was completely entranced, his gaze never leaving hers.

Priyanka, clearly impressed, stood up, clapping enthusiastically. "Well done, Amrit!" she said, her voice filled with approval. "That was an amazing performance. You really captured the essence of the character."

Akshat, still lost in the moment, joined in the applause, but it was clear that his reaction was more personal. He wasn't just clapping for her acting; he was silently acknowledging the feelings she had conveyed so effortlessly. His heart swelled with pride, admiration, and a quiet longing, as though he had just witnessed a side of her that he cherished deeply.

Amrit, feeling the weight of his gaze, smiled softly, a hint of pink rising to her cheeks. She knew it wasn't just a performance anymore. It was her truth, spoken in front of everyone, though only Akshat would understand it fully.

Priyanka stepped forward, still smiling. "That was truly remarkable, Amrit. You've proven you can do romance just as well as you can do drama. This was incredible."

Akshat gave her a nod, his eyes still locked on hers. "Yeah, you were amazing ... .so listen everyone hamari Elizabeth hame mil gayi hai abse adhe ghante baad Dercy ke role ke audition start honge so boys be ready.," he added, his voice almost hoarse, like the emotions were still settling in.

Amrit quickly looked down, flustered, as the room continued to applaud. She was overwhelmed by the mix of praise and the fact that she had just said so much more than anyone realized.

As she walked off the stage, Vidya gave her a playful shove. "Ye sab real tha na vaise" she teased, but Amrit could only smile shyly.

Amrit noticed Akshat walking away from the group, his shoulders tense, his expression unreadable. Without thinking much, she called out to him.

"Tu baith mai aayi," Amrit said, her voice light yet filled with curiosity. She began following him, wondering where he was headed in such a hurry.

As she caught up with him, she noticed that there was no one else around. The hall was empty, the soft hum of the lights filling the silence. Amrit stood at a distance for a moment, unsure of what she was going to say. Then, she called his name.

"Akshat... sir," Amrit said tentatively, almost in a whisper.

Akshat turned around, his face softening when he saw her. His eyes held a mix of concern and a small smile. "Kya hua, Amrit? Pareshan kyun ho? Don't worry, bahot jada achi performance thi. Ham tumhe replace nahi karenge," he said, trying to reassure her, though his voice carried an amused undertone.

Amrit shook her head. "Wo baat nahi hai," she replied, her voice hesitating, unsure how to explain her feelings.

Akshat's brows furrowed slightly in concern. "To kya hua?" he asked, stepping closer to her, his gaze searching her face for answers.

Amrit took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Wo actually mai ye soch rahi thi ki yeh ek romantic play hai... to aapko agar koi bhi problem hai to mai ye role nahi karungi," she said, her voice trailing off at the end, unsure if she'd overstepped by even mentioning it.

Akshat let out a small chuckle, and he placed both his hands on her shoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Amrit, maine kitni baar kaha hai, mujhe aise typical husband mat samjho. Mai bilkul jealous nahi hone wala hu. Please, tum ye character play karo," he said with a playful grin, his tone light and teasing.

Amrit's expression softened as she looked up at him, her lips curling into a small smile. "Are you sure?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in playful doubt.

Akshat's grin widened, his voice steady and confident. "Haan baba, 100 percent sure. Mujhe kya problem hogi? Main jealous hone wala hoon?" he said with a teasing tone, his smile still lingering. He then took both of her hands in his, giving them a gentle squeeze.

"Okk," Amrit said, smiling back at him.

The auditorium was quiet except for the sound of footsteps as the students settled into their positions. The play rehearsal was in full swing, and Amrit and Nishant were about to begin their scene as Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Akshat and Priyanka sat at the side, observing the students.

"Let's start the practice with Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy." Akshat nodded toward the stage.

"Chalo Amrit and Nishant, take your places. As you know, the scene is set with Elizabeth sitting in the library, reading a book, and Darcy enters, observing her silently before speaking." Priyanka calls out to Amrit and Nishant.

Amrit and Nishant moved to their positions, ready to perform. Akshat and Priyanka sat back, but Akshat's eyes stayed fixed on Amrit.

Nishant delivering his line with a romantic expression.

"Mrs. Darcy, must you always look so enchanting, even when ignoring your husband?"

Amrit playfully, with a smirk.

"If my enchanting presence distracts you, Mr. Darcy, perhaps you should take it as a lesson to improve your own focus."

Nishant stepped closer to Amrit, his voice soft yet intense.

"It is not my focus that is in question, but my heart. It seems to have a mind of its own, always drawn to you."

Akshat's heart clenched as he watched Nishant move closer to Amrit. His mind knew it was just a rehearsal, a play, but his feelings, his jealousy, began to take over. He gritted his teeth, unable to control the unease rising within him.

Suddenly, his voice broke through the tension, his gaze flickering between Amrit and Nishant.

"No, no! Nishant, thoda piche ho. Itna bhi paas aa kar nahi bolna hai." Akshat standing up abruptly, trying to sound authoritative.

"But sir, itna bhi paas nahi hai wo." Priyanka said, raising an eyebrow, a little confused but trying to keep things on track.

"But ma'am, hamare students ke parents bhi ayenge. Unke samne itna aas paas ke scenes nahi karva sakte. Nishant, thoda sa door ho." Akshat insisted, his tone more serious than necessary.

Nishant moved back slightly.

Nishant started his lines again, this time holding Amrit's hand.

"Mrs. Darcy, I have loved you from..."

Akshat clenched his fists, trying to focus on the scene. He was frustrated, and it was clear that he didn't like what was happening.

"Arre, leave her hand!" Akshat interrupted loudly, his voice sharp.

Everyone froze. Priyanka shot him an incredulous look, but Akshat stood firm. He had crossed a line, but he didn't care.

"But sir, starting mein aapne hi kaha tha ki ek-ek cheez same honi chahiye. To drama mein to aise hi tha." Nishant said, confused, looking at Akshat.

"A...arre! Hath pakadna and all is not so important. Abhi bas rehearsal hai. Bina hath pakde hi karo." Akshat said dismissively, trying to control the situation.

"Ok, sir." Nishant nodding hesitantly, clearly unsure but complying.

Nishant started his lines again, but Akshat's frustration only grew. He couldn't shake the image of the feeling of the words, "I love you," from someone else to Amrit. He knew it was just a play, but the jealousy, the possessiveness, it was almost unbearable.

Nishant continuing, his voice soft yet full of affection.

"I have loved you..."

"Ruko! Ye line kitni baar bologe? Itna time nahi hai. Aage se bolo!" Akshat gritted his teeth, his voice stern and impatient.

The cast looked at him, unsure of how to react. Amrit looked slightly taken aback by Akshat's outburst, but she held her ground, focusing on her role.

Amrit, finally taking her turn, spoke her line with her usual grace, her voice a little softer now.

Amrit with a teasing smile.

"You surprised me, Mr. Darcy. Behind all that pride and reserve, there lies a poet. Who would have thought?"

As Amrit finished her line, Nishant leaned in, but Akshat wasn't having it. His jealousy flared up again. He didn't want anyone, even if it was just for the play, getting too close to his wife.

Nishant leaned in a little closer, his voice filled with emotion.

"I reserve my poetry for you alone..."

Akshat pretended to answer a phone call, but stepping between them, his jealousy palpable as he blocked Nishant's path.

"Hellooo!" He pushed Nishant away slightly, crossing his path with exaggerated motions.

"Chalo, start again." Priyanka said.

Nishant and Amrit looked at each other, a little bewildered, as Akshat walked away, still pretending to talk on the phone.

Nishant sighing, shaking his head slightly, but starting again.

"I reserve my poetry for..."

Akshat stepped back into the scene, still pretending to be on his phone, his voice loud and distracting.

"Haan, ok, chalo. I'm busy!"

He walked right between Amrit and Nishant once more, gently pushing Nishant further away from her.

The entire group stared in confusion, unsure whether Akshat was seriously upset or just messing around. Priyanka, trying to regain control of the situation, called out again.

"Chalo, start again, but please, let's focus." Priyanka sighing, exasperated.

Akshat stood off to the side, trying to mask the jealousy he couldn't suppress. What he didn't know was that everyone else had started noticing the subtle discomfort, and they could see it wasn't just about the play anymore.

The rehearsal continued, but Akshat's focus was drifting more and more. Every time Amrit spoke her lines with Nishant, his gaze lingered on her, jealousy simmering beneath the surface. His chest tightened, and he found himself fidgeting in his seat, trying to look away but unable to.

Amrit, still in character, said her next line with poise and grace.

Amrit smiling, delivering her dialogue with warmth.

"You surprise me, Mr. Darcy. Behind all that pride and reserve, there lies a poet. Who would have thought?"

Nishant, without missing a beat, leaned in again, but this time Akshat could feel his jealousy reach a boiling point. He stood up abruptly, his voice cutting through the air, making everyone stop in their tracks.

"Amrit, you're not performing well. You're not perfect for this role. I don't think you're the right fit anymore." Akshat said his voice tight with frustration.

The entire room fell silent. Everyone turned toward Akshat in shock. Amrit froze, her eyes widening as she processed his words. Nishant, too, looked taken aback.

"Akshat sir, why are you saying that? She's doing perfectly fine. What's going on?" Priyanka said looking confused and concerned.

"I don't want to ruin the drama. If the lead role is not being done right, it affects everything. I need a perfect actor for the role." Akshat sharply, not looking at Amrit directly.

"But sir, you yourself selected Amrit during the auditions. She was amazing." Vidya said, still in disbelief, a little defensive of Amrit.

Akshat's jaw tightened as he shot a quick glance at Amrit before responding. "She was good in the audition, yes. But ek line se toh pata nahi chalta na ki kaisi acting hai. It's more than just one good impression. I need consistency."

The words stung Amrit. She had put everything into this role, but hearing Akshat's criticism, especially after everything, felt like a punch to the gut. She couldn't understand why he was being so harsh, why he was focusing on her like this. He never acted like this. What has changed?

"Sir, just one more chance. I can do better. I'll work on it, I promise." Amrit said frustrated, her voice calm but sharp.

Akshat, however, shook his head, his face cold and unyielding. His heart was racing, but his pride and frustration controlled his actions.

"I don't have time for 'one more chance.' If you're not performing now, then I'm moving forward without you. There's no room for mistakes, not at this stage." Akshat said dismissively, without looking at her.

Amrit stood still for a moment, her face hardening as her frustration bubbled over into anger. She had expected criticism, even some tough love, but not this. Not from him.

Without a word, she turned and walked toward the exit, her footsteps echoing in the silent auditorium. The others watched, stunned, as she left without looking back.

"Akshat sir, why did you do that? She's been doing fine. What's happening with you?" Priyanka said softly, to Akshat.

Akshat stood frozen, staring at the door Amrit had just walked through. He didn't know what had come over him. He had never reacted this way before. It was just a play. Just a role. Why was he so upset?

"It's just... I can't afford to make mistakes. This play has to be perfect. It's not about Amrit. It's about making sure everything goes well." Akshat muttered to himself, more to convince himself than anyone else.

But deep down, Akshat knew that wasn't the whole truth. The way his heart had clenched when he saw Nishant and Amrit so close, the irrational jealousy he'd felt, he couldn't deny it anymore. It was more than just a play. It was the overwhelming feeling that he didn't want to share her with anyone. He wasn't ready to confront it, not yet, but it was there, lingering beneath his words and actions.

Akshat didn't answer, his mind lost in confusion. The entire room was quiet, the tension thick in the air. Priyanka looked from Akshat to the door Amrit had walked out of, sensing the shift in the atmosphere but unsure how to handle it.

"I just... I don't want to mess up the play. That's all." Akshat after a long silence, almost to himself.

His voice trailed off, but the weight of his words, and the uncertainty of his own feelings, hung heavily in the room.

As the silence stretched on, Akshat couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed, something inside him, something he couldn't control. And as much as he wanted to deny it, he knew it had everything to do with Amrit.

Akshat was pacing back and forth in the auditorium, frustration growing with every passing moment. The words he had said to Amrit earlier echoed in his mind, but before he could dwell on it too long, he pulled out his phone and typed out a quick message.

Akshat typing, his thumb hovering over the screen.

"Amrit, kahan ho? Mujhe college ke piche milo."

He waited anxiously, but only seconds later, his phone buzzed with a reply. His heart skipped a beat as he read the message, confused by the simplicity of the response.

Amrit texting, sending just an emoji.

"Ghar aa gayi hu 👍🏻."

Akshat frowned at the message, feeling a knot tighten in his chest. She was ignoring him, wasn't she? He typed back quickly, trying to hide his irritation.

Akshat typing, a little impatient.

"Par hum sath jaane wale the na?"

Amrit sent another emoji, nonchalantly.

"👍🏻."

Akshat stared at the message, blinking in disbelief. He couldn't understand her behavior at all. He quickly typed another message, his tone more confused than ever.

Akshat typing, a little more perplexed.

"Kya 👍🏻 ye kya hai?"

Seconds later, another message popped up from Amrit. It was just another thumbs-up emoji. But this time, the emoji had a different tone.

Amrit's message again popped up on his screen. "👍🏼."

Akshat's frustration turned to confusion as he stared at his phone. Why were there two different thumbs-up emojis? He typed out yet another message, his fingers tapping quickly on the screen.

Akshat typing, now genuinely puzzled.

"Ye alag alag colour ke thumbs kyun bhej rahi?"

Amrit's response was almost instant, and this time, she added an explanation.

Amrit typing, an ignorant tone in her message.

"Galti se gora wala chala gaya, to ye wala apne skin tone ke hisaab se bheji 👍🏼."

Akshat blinked at the message, his face contorting with disbelief as he read it again. He quickly composed himself and typed back.

Akshat typing, trying to regain control of the situation.

"Hein? Acha thik hai, mai ek ghante me aa raha hun."

Amrit sent the emoji again, without any further explanation. "👍🏼."

Akshat shook his head in frustration. Not knowing what to say, he thought about asking something more concrete.

Akshat typing, trying to offer a solution.

"Kuch khane ko laun?"

Again, he was met with the same thumbs-up emoji.

Amrit texting, with a simple emoji.

"👍🏼."

Akshat stared at the phone, absolutely exasperated. What was going on? Couldn't she just tell him what she wanted? He typed back quickly, his patience wearing thin.

Akshat typing, his frustration evident.

"Batao, kya khaoge?"

Amrit sent the thumbs-up again "👍🏼."

Akshat let out a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment to calm himself before typing again, his tone now a mix of sarcasm and exasperation.

Akshat typing, now clearly frustrated.

"Arre, batao clearly, haan ya naa?"

And yet again, Amrit responded in the same manner.

Amrit sending yet another thumbs-up emoji.

"👍🏼."

Akshat's patience had finally reached its limit. He threw his hands up in the air, rolling his eyes as he read the message. This time, he couldn't hide his amusement.

Akshat texted in irritation.

"Ye baar baar angootha kyun dikha rahi? Muje Dronacharya aur khud ko Eklavya samjha hai kya?"

But as always, Amrit's response was quick, almost playful, in its simplicity.

Amrit sending yet another thumbs-up emoji.

"👍🏼."

Akshat, shaking his head in disbelief, let out a long sigh.

But in the back of his mind, a thought lingered. Why was he feeling this way? Why was he so angry and possessive over something as trivial as a simple conversation?

But there was no easy answer. Not yet. He could only wonder as he typed one final, resigned message.And with that, he put his phone away, heading out, knowing full well that his heart wasn't quite ready to let go of what was brewing inside him.

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Chapter 29 has been updated on scrollstack!!

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Next chapter will be updated here only after target of both chapters 27 and 28 will be completed.