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Akshat returned home in the evening, exhausted from the day, but the sight before him startled him. Amrit was sitting at the dining table, eating a bowl of Maggi. His eyes widened in alarm, and he rushed toward the kitchen, fearing the worst. Opening the kitchen door, he scanned the area. Thankfully, apart from a burned pan, the kitchen was intact. He let out a relieved sigh before walking back into the living room.

“You could’ve called me. I would’ve brought something,” he said gently, watching her finish her Maggi.

She didn’t respond, calmly drank her water, and stood up to place the plate in the sink. As she turned to walk away, Akshat reached out and held her hand, stopping her.

“Amrit, please talk to me,” he pleaded, his voice laced with guilt.

“Nahi karna,” she replied curtly, trying to wriggle her hand free.

He tightened his grip slightly and pulled her closer. She stumbled, her body colliding with his chest.

“Akshat, chhodiye yaar,” she muttered, wriggling in his grasp.

He brushed a strand of her hair off her face, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry.”

Amrit pushed him away lightly, her expression a mix of frustration and sadness.

“Kya sorry? Sorry se kya hoga?” she shot back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Akshat froze, guilt clawing at him as her emotions spilled out.

“Akshat, maine aaj tak kabhi kisi drama, kisi competition mein participate nahi kiya,” she began, her voice trembling. “Not even in a debate competition, even when I wanted to. Because I was always afraid—afraid that people would judge me. But this time…” She paused, her voice cracking.

“You said I should participate. You encouraged me. I participated because I thought you believed in me. Do you even know how hard it is for an introvert like me? I pushed aside my awkwardness, my nervousness, everything—because I trusted you.”

Her tears began to flow freely now, and Akshat’s heart ached seeing her like this.

“But mujhe kya pata tha…” she continued, her voice breaking, “that from everyone, you would be the one to criticize me. Agar bura lagta, toh pehle hi keh dete. I would’ve understood. But when I was so excited, when I felt for the first time like I could overcome my fears, you shattered my confidence completely.”

Akshat stood a few steps away, guilt written all over his face. He couldn’t take it anymore. Slowly, he approached her, each step heavy with regret.

Without saying a word, he placed one hand on the back of her head and the other on her back, pulling her into his embrace. His hold was firm, protective, as if he was shielding her from all the hurt he had caused.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, Amrit,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “I don’t know why I did that. It was stupid of me… so stupid.”

Amrit stayed still in his arms for a moment before her voice, thick with emotion, broke the silence. “Kyun kiya ye aapne?” she asked, her words almost a whisper but carrying the weight of her hurt.

Akshat took a deep breath, his fingers gently brushing her hair. “I don’t know… I couldn’t see you saying those lines and someone else being close to you. It didn’t make sense, but I just… I wasn’t supposed to feel that.”

She pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes. Her brows furrowed as realization dawned on her. “Were you jealous?”

Akshat avoided her gaze for a moment, then gave a small nod, his expression sheepish yet vulnerable.

Her lips curled into a soft, incredulous smile. “You were jealous?” she repeated, her voice carrying a playful lilt.

Akshat sighed, running a hand through his hair, clearly embarrassed. “I know, it’s my fault,” he admitted, shaking his head. “But don’t worry. I’ll fix my mistake. You’ll play that role, Amrit. I promise.”

Amrit’s smile softened, but her curiosity remained. “What about the new girl?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

“Abhi tak koi select nahi hua,” he replied, shrugging.

“And if they do?” she teased, raising an eyebrow. “Aapko jalan nahi hogi?”

Akshat chuckled, a faint smile appearing on his face. “It’s my problem… I’ll manage,” he said with a small shrug, trying to sound nonchalant.

Her laughter bubbled up, light and genuine, as she shook her head at his words. Unable to help herself, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. It wasn’t just forgiveness; it was her way of saying she understood him.

Akshat sighed, his hands resting on her back as he hugged her in return. “Your phone is ringing,” he mumbled softly, noticing the vibration coming from her pocket.

Amrit didn’t move, leaning more into his embrace. He blinked, confused. “Amrit, your phone…”

Before he could finish, she pulled back slightly, grinning mischievously. Her expression turned impish, and before Akshat could process what was happening, she wiped her nose on his shirt.

“Amrit!” he exclaimed, his face contorting in disbelief and mild disgust.

Her laughter erupted, a carefree, melodious sound that filled the room. Before he could grab her, she darted away, giggling uncontrollably.

****************************************

The soft glow of the TV illuminated the room as Kavya and Bulbul sat together on the couch, engrossed in a lighthearted movie. Bulbul, munching on some popcorn, giggled at the on-screen antics, while Kavya smiled absently. Her phone, resting on the side table, suddenly buzzed. The screen lit up, displaying a name that made her eyes widen.

“Krishiv Sir,” she muttered under her breath, her heart skipping a beat.

Bulbul glanced at her mother curiously. “Kya hua, Mumma?”

“Nothing,” Kavya said quickly, picking up the phone. Clearing her throat, she answered, “Yes, sir?”

Krishiv’s deep, calm voice came through the line. “Bulbul ki mummy, actually, I just wanted to thank you for yesterday. Mujhe thank you bolne ka chance hi nahi mila kal.”

Kavya felt her cheeks warm. She sat up straighter, her voice laced with politeness. “Arre, it’s alright, sir. Aapke liye toh kuch bhi.”

On the other end, Krishiv raised an eyebrow, amused by her casual remark. “Ji?” he asked, a hint of playful curiosity in his tone.

Kavya blinked, realizing how her words had sounded. “I—I mean,” she stammered, fumbling to clarify, “I mean, you’re my boss’s best friend and business partner. Aap Bulbul ke itne close hain… aapne uski itni baar madad ki hai. So… aapke liye kuch bhi karungi toh I’ll feel good, sir.”

Krishiv chuckled softly. “Ohh… samajh gaya,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement. “But seriously, you acted so well yesterday. I still remember Karishma’s face!”

At that, Kavya couldn’t help but laugh, the sound light and genuine. “Well, sir, I did what the situation needed,” she said, the memory of the encounter bringing a smile to her face.

“Hmm, aapka talent alag level ka hai,” he teased lightly.

“Thank you, sir,” she replied, shaking her head at his comment, her laughter fading into a soft smile.

“Well, I won’t keep you up any longer. Good night, Bulbul ki mummy. Bulbul ko bhi good night kehna.”

“Good night, sir,” Kavya said, disconnecting the call and setting the phone down and she remembered yesterday's incident.

FLASHBACK

As the trio stepped out of the mall, the cool evening breeze brushed against their faces. Karishma huffed impatiently, tapping her foot.

"Itna late kar diya," Karishma said with a pout, folding her arms.

The trio—Krishiv, Kavya, and Bulbul—exchanged a glance and unanimously decided to ignore her remark. Kavya, however, stopped near the car and turned to Krishiv.

“Suniye,” Kavya called out.

“Huh?” Krishiv responded, momentarily distracted.

“Diggi kholiye na,” she said, gesturing to the trunk. “I need to keep these bags.”

“Oh, right,” Krishiv said, snapping out of his thoughts. He unlocked the trunk, and Kavya neatly placed the shopping bags inside.

As she closed the trunk, Krishiv leaned closer and asked in a low voice, “Are you sure about this?”

Kavya smirked, her confidence shining through. “Just wait and watch,” she said, adding a playful wink.

Krishiv raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Accha?”

“Ji,” she replied with a knowing smile, walking ahead toward the car.

Karishma followed closely behind, clearly aiming for the front passenger seat. But before she could open the door, Kavya stopped her with a polite yet firm smile.

“Miss Karishma,” Kavya said sweetly, “this is my seat. Please don’t mind, haan?”

Karishma blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Huh? Oh… of course,” she said, hesitating. “But I thought I’d sit in the front to show him the way.”

Kavya tilted her head, her smile never faltering. “I think he already knows the route… hai na, ji?”

Krishiv, who had been silently observing the exchange with growing amusement, smiled and nodded. “Haan, ‘Day and Night Café,’ right? I know the place.”

Kavya opened the front passenger door and settled into the seat without another word, leaving Karishma no choice but to climb into the backseat with Bulbul.

Bulbul smirked as she scooted to make room.

The car hummed along the road as Karishma turned her attention toward Kavya, her curiosity piqued.

"So, Kavya, right?" Karishma asked, leaning forward slightly from the backseat.

Kavya nodded, her hands resting in her lap. “Yes.”

"Housewife ho?" Karishma quipped, her tone almost mocking as she eyed Kavya.

Kavya raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "No."

Krishiv, sensing where this conversation was heading, quickly jumped in. “She is Vihaan’s PA,” he said, his voice casual, though his eyes flickered with a hint of amusement.

Karishma’s interest piqued. "Ohh… I work in the USA," Kavya added with a subtle flex, her voice exuding confidence.

“Well, then why come here? You could’ve stayed in the USA,” Bulbul asked innocently from the backseat, and Krishiv controlled a chuckle at her bluntness.

Before anyone could respond, the car came to a stop at a red light. The stillness of the moment was interrupted by a knock on the window, and everyone’s attention snapped to the young boy standing outside.

“God! These dirty people,” Karishma muttered under her breath, clearly disgusted.

But to her surprise, Kavya calmly rolled down the window. The boy, with a hopeful look in his eyes, held out a bundle of dupattas.

"Didi, see these dupattas... it’s so cheap... please buy one," the boy pleaded, his eyes wide with hope.

Kavya’s face softened, and she smiled at the boy. “Show me,” she said, leaning closer to inspect the dupattas.

As she began trying them on one by one, pouting in an exaggerated manner, Krishiv smirked, leaning back in his seat.

“Arre, show that multicoloured one,” Krishiv called out to the boy, pointing at a vibrant dupatta. The boy quickly displayed it, and Kavya, without missing a beat, slipped it on and struck a playful pose, making Krishiv chuckle.

“Perfect,” Krishiv said, impressed by how well it suited her. “How much?”

"200," the boy replied eagerly.

Kavya opened her mouth to speak, but Krishiv had already taken out a 200 rupee note and handed it to the boy. Before she could protest, he quickly started the car as the signal turned green, shifting gears smoothly.

Kavya shook her head, the corners of her lips twitching in amusement at his gesture. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said, a hint of a smile breaking through.

Krishiv, with a triumphant grin, looked at her.

As Krishiv parked the car on the opposite side of the road, Karishma couldn’t resist muttering under her breath. “He’s so predictable, always following orders,” she said with a smirk, though it was aimed more at Krishiv than Kavya.

Kavya, walking ahead with Bulbul, didn’t respond immediately, though a subtle flicker of amusement crossed her face. She had been used to Karishma’s attempts to get under her skin. She just didn’t care anymore. They entered the café and were seated at a cozy table near the window. The lighting was soft, and the atmosphere was warm, a stark contrast to the tension Karishma was about to create.

Karishma slid into her seat with an exaggerated sigh, looking at Kavya with a knowing look. “I have to say, I don’t understand why you’re still with him.”

Kavya raised an eyebrow but chose not to speak, knowing Karishma would dig herself into a hole.

Karishma continued, not noticing the cautious look on Kavya's face. “I mean, why did you marry him in the first place?” Her tone was pointed. “He’s a man of nothing, literally nothing. I see him running around, acting like he’s doing something important, but look at him. He’s just a man who can’t even handle his finances properly. His whole life is a mess. And let’s not forget his nature. He’s so naive, so easy to trust everyone. Don’t you find that stupid?”

Kavya leaned back in her seat, her posture regal and calm as she took a deep breath before responding. “You’re right about one thing,” she said, her voice steady. Karishma smirked, thinking she was about to win. But Kavya wasn’t finished. “Krishiv does have some flaws. But you know what? Those flaws makes him such a different and amazing human being. And that’s something I admire. His heart is pure, and he always believes in the good in people, even when they don’t deserve it.”

Karishma scoffed, clearly unconvinced. “So you married him because he’s naive? Because he’s some kind of charity project for you?”

“No,” Kavya replied firmly, her eyes meeting Karishma’s. “I married him because he’s real. He’s not afraid of showing his vulnerability, and despite all the mistakes he might make, he owns them. Not everyone can do that. And let me tell you something.” She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a quiet, yet powerful tone. “Krishiv has the kind of strength that doesn’t come from money or status. It comes from how much he loves and protects the people he cares about. I see that every day, and that’s why I’ll always choose him.”

Karishma scoffed again, this time leaning back in her chair. “Really? That’s your answer?” She paused for a moment, eyeing Kavya skeptically. “What about his inability to handle pressure? Or his habit of being easily manipulated? What about all the times I’ve seen him fail miserably?”

Kavya’s eyes softened, but her voice didn’t waver. “He might fail sometimes, but that’s what makes him human. And it’s not the failures that matter, it’s how he rises after them. He’s better than anyone I could’ve asked for. When I look at him, I don’t see failure. I see a man who fights for what he believes in, a man who tries his best, even when the world doesn’t see it.”

Kavya paused for a moment, letting her words sink in. “You know, I don’t care about his lack of money, his mistakes, or his trust in people. I care about the person he is. And that person is the best thing that ever happened to me. So, yes,” she continued, her voice now soft and unwavering, “I married him because My Krishiv is the best person I could have prayed for.”

There was a long silence as Karishma absorbed Kavya’s words. Her face, usually so filled with criticism, was momentarily still, as if the impact of Kavya's response was too much for her to counter.

Kavya, Bulbul, and Karishma were seated at a nearby table, where Karishma watched Bulbul's reactions with a smug satisfaction, almost as if showing her the expensive restaurant was some form of victory.

“Liked it, baby?” Karishma asked, her tone dripping with pride as she turned to Saumya.

Bulbul nodded enthusiastically, clearly impressed by the opulence around her. “Yes, aunty,” she responded, her voice still filled with awe.

“Toh papa se bola karo to bring you to these expensive restaurants if he can afford,” Karishma teased, making a pointed jab at Kavya, who was quietly watching the whole exchange with an amused smile.

But Bulbul’s lips curving into a sly smile, piped up before Kavya could say anything. “Don’t worry, aunty,” she said sweetly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “My mumma earns more than this whole restaurant’s worth, so she’s already taken me to places much more beautiful than this one. I was just looking at this because it’s less beautiful than the place we went to last week for dinner.”

Kavya controlled a smile that threatened to break free at Bulbul’s words, her daughter’s response as smooth as ever. Karishma’s mouth slightly opened in disbelief before she quickly shut it, but she didn’t say anything.

Just then, a tall man entered the scene, his presence commanding attention. He had a polished look, wearing a dark suit, a perfect match for the upscale ambiance of the restaurant. Karishma stood up as soon as she saw him, her face lighting up with excitement.

“Hey, Arpit baby!” she exclaimed, moving to embrace the man with a wide grin.

Arpit, returning the hug with a smile, stood a few inches taller than Karishma, exuding confidence as he looked at the group. “Hey, guys, meet Arpit,” Karishma said, gesturing toward him. “My fiancé. And Arpit,” she turned to him, “this is my ex-boyfriend’s wife, Kavya, and his daughter, Bulbul.”

Arpit smiled and extended his hand toward Kavya. “Nice to meet you, Kavya,” he said warmly, his handshake firm but not overbearing.

Kavya smiled back, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you, Arpit,” she replied, her tone polite but cordial.

“Princess,” Arpit continued, bending down toward Saumya, who was watching him with wide eyes. “What’s your name?” he asked, his voice soft and playful.

“Saumya,” she said shyly but clearly, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks as she met his gaze.

Arpit pinched her cheek affectionately, smiling down at her. “Such a sweet name,” he said before straightening up and facing Kavya and Bulbul again.

Karishma looked around the table, her gaze falling on the empty chair where Krishiv usually sat. “Where is Krishiv?” she asked, a teasing glint in her eye. “Kahin dar ke bhaag toh nahi gaya? I mean, he knows what he’s up against in front of you,” she joked, her voice carrying the slight edge of her usual sarcasm.

Arpit, sensing the tension in the air, smiled politely and tried to change the subject. “I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” he said, trying to ease the conversation. His lighthearted tone helped, but Karishma couldn’t resist her teasing.

“Of course,” she said, rolling her eyes playfully, “he’ll come when he’s ready to face the competition!” Karishma gave a dramatic sigh, leaning back into her seat. “Such a complicated man, my ex. But really, you’re all so charming,” she added, gesturing around the table as she made herself comfortable again.

As the door swung open, Krishiv walked in with his usual confident stride, his calm demeanor glowing in contrast to the chatter that had been building up moments before. His eyes scanned the room quickly, and upon spotting Karishma and the group at the table, a warm smile spread across his face.

“Sorry, I’m a little late,” Krishiv said, his voice deep and pleasant as he approached the table. His gaze flickered toward Arpit, and with a casual but friendly tone, he added, “Hey.”

Arpit’s eyes widened in surprise, his jaw dropping slightly as he took in the sight of Krishiv.

"Arpit?" Karishma’s voice cut through the sudden tension, a mix of confusion and surprise in her tone as she looked back and forth between the two men. She hadn’t expected this reaction from Arpit, especially given his earlier teasing.

Arpit stood frozen for a moment, unable to contain his shock. “What a surprise, Karishma!! I’m so shocked,” he managed to say, his voice filled with awe and excitement, clearly starstruck by the very presence of Krishiv. His eyes were wide as he gazed at him, still processing the moment.

“Hello, Mr. Malhotra,” Arpit finally said, his words tumbling out quickly. He extended his hand to Krishiv, his voice filled with admiration. “I can’t believe you’re in front of me. You’re my inspiration. I’ve followed your work for years, and it’s just... incredible to meet you like this.”

Krishiv raised an eyebrow, a surprised yet pleased expression crossing his face as he shook Arpit’s hand firmly. “Thank you, Arpit. It’s nice to meet you,” Krishiv said, his voice warm and genuine. There was a slight amusement in his eyes as he processed the younger man’s clear admiration, but he remained humble.

Karishma, still seated, was visibly shocked by Arpit’s reaction. “You know him?” she asked, her voice filled with incredulity. She had known Krishiv for years, but seeing him receive such a reaction from Arpit—someone who had been so confident and at ease just moments ago—was a whole different thing.

Arpit’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he turned to Karishma. “What do you mean, do I know him? He is The Krishiv Malhotra!” Arpit said, his voice rising slightly in excitement. “The CEO of Malhotra Enterprises! I’ve been trying for over a year to sign a deal with him, to meet him. I can’t believe this is really happening!”

Karishma’s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Arpit. “What? Malhotra Enterprises?” she repeated, almost incredulously. She hadn’t even begun to fathom the importance of the situation, and Arpit’s words made her realize just how significant it was.

“Yes,” Arpit continued, his voice growing more animated as he spoke. “I’ve been trying for months to get in touch with Mr. Malhotra. Our company has a proposal we’d like to discuss with him, and if he could just give us a chance, it could be huge for all of us.”

Kavya, who had been silently observing the unfolding exchange, couldn’t help but glance at Krishiv with a knowing smile. She had always known that Krishiv had a presence, but seeing someone so clearly starstruck by him was a reminder of just how important he truly was.

“Please, sir, at least give our company a chance,” Arpit added, his tone earnest as he took a step forward, still clearly trying to absorb the fact that he was standing face-to-face with the man he had been hoping to meet for so long.

Krishiv smiled graciously. “Take my card,” he said smoothly, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a sleek business card. “We’ll talk about it later. We’ll see what we can do.”

He handed the card to Arpit with a confident smile, a sign that he was open to hearing him out.

Arpit, still visibly in awe, took the card with reverence. “Thank you, Mr. Malhotra. This means a lot to me,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Karishma, still stunned, looked at the exchange between Krishiv and Arpit with a new understanding, realizing that Krishiv’s influence stretched much further than she had initially realized.

After a few minutes, Karishma returned back from the washroom, glancing around for Krishiv. She was ready to continue her conversation, but when her eyes scanned the room, she noticed that Krishiv was nowhere to be found. The only familiar face she saw was Kavya.

"Where is Krishiv?" Karishma asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a bit of impatience.

Kavya, who had been deep in thought, looked up and replied casually, “Bulbul ke liye ice cream lene.”

Karishma raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by Krishiv's caring side. “Wow, being a stepfather, he still loves her a lot.” She chuckled lightly, amused by Krishiv’s genuine affection for Bulbul.

Kavya smiled, but her expression quickly shifted as Karishma’s words caught her off guard. “J… ji?” she stammered, unsure how to respond.

Karishma didn't hesitate. “What? I’m not a fool, Kavya. We ended our relationship two years ago, and Bulbul is almost five or six years old. By the way, why did he marry you? I mean, earlier I thought he was a middle-class person, but he’s such a famous personality now. So why marry a single mother? I also think you’re older than him.”

Kavya felt a bit of discomfort at Karishma’s words, her mind scrambling to form a response. “Ji, woh…”

Before she could finish, a familiar voice cut through the conversation.

“This is the point, Karishma…” Krishiv’s calm voice rang out as he entered the scene with Bulbul in tow, holding a cup of ice cream.

Karishma’s eyes widened in surprise as she saw Krishiv’s presence shift the entire atmosphere. He smiled, his eyes twinkling with a knowing confidence as he addressed Karishma. “Aaj bhi I make relationships from the heart, and you make them from your brain… So you won’t understand.” He paused, giving her a pointed look. “And rahi baat elder ki toh how does that matter when you have the best person in your life?”

Kavya’s heart fluttered a little at his words, the affection in his tone palpable. She looked up at him, her expression softening as he bent down to hand her the ice cream. His lips brushed near her ear as he whispered, “Ab aap acting kar hi rahe ho, toh I should show my acting skills too, na?”

Kavya chuckled softly, her lips curling into a smile.

The conversations flowed effortlessly, until the waiter approached their table, breaking the calm with his polite yet formal tone.

“Sir, bill,” the waiter said, holding a small notepad in hand.

Krishiv nodded, his usual calm demeanor not shifting. “Sure,” he replied, reaching into his wallet to prepare for the bill.

But just as he was about to hand over the money, the manager of the cafe hurried over to their table. His face was flushed, and he seemed quite flustered. Everyone looked up, confused by his sudden appearance.

The manager addressed the waiter sharply, his voice tinged with irritation. “What are you doing? You never ask someone like Mr. Malhotra for the bill! He’s our esteemed guest! How could you make such a mistake?” The manager’s tone was authoritative, and it was clear that he was scolding the waiter for his lack of recognition.

Karishma’s mouth hung open in surprise as she tried to process what was happening. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice incredulous.

The manager, now realizing the situation, turned to Krishiv with a sheepish expression. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Malhotra. The waiter is new, and he didn’t realize who you were. We sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding,” the manager said, his voice filled with sincerity as he bowed slightly to Krishiv.

Kavya, who had been holding back her laughter, exchanged a look with Bulbul. They both struggled to stifle their laughs, unable to keep the amusement from their faces. Krishiv’s composed expression remained unchanged, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes as he processed the situation.

Karishma, on the other hand, was still in shock, her mouth open in disbelief. “Wait—what? You’re the owner?” she asked, her voice tinged with awe. Her mind raced to comprehend the layers of Krishiv’s life that she had never fully understood.

The manager nodded respectfully. “Yes, Mr. Malhotra is the owner of this establishment, ma’am. We deeply appreciate your patronage and thank you for visiting us.”

Kavya and Bulbul couldn’t hold back any longer, and they both burst into quiet laughter, unable to contain their amusement. Karishma’s face flushed with embarrassment, and she stammered a few words, unsure how to react.

Flashback ends

****************************************

Vedant was moving briskly through the hospital corridors, checking on his patients, his mind focused on the work at hand. He’d just finished a round of checkups when his phone rang. It was his father, Vikram.

"Hello, haan papa," Vedant answered, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.

"Sun sun, hamne ek bahut badi deal crack ki hai! Tumhe pata hai, na? Sab employees request kar rahe hain, kuch break ke liye. Toh unhone cricket khelne ka plan kiya hai. Tum bhi aa jaana, Nandini bhi hai," Vikram said, his voice filled with excitement.

Vedant paused for a second, looking at his watch. “Papa, actually baad me hi aa paunga kyunki abhi ek do surgery hai,” Vedant replied, trying to juggle both his responsibilities.

Vikram sighed knowingly. “Mujhe pata tha tu ye wala plan kar ke bhi Nandini ke paas nahi reh paega, kyunki itna time hi nahi hoga. Khair, abhi match start hone mein time hai, toh try to reach soon."

"Vaise how did you get these ideas," Vedant teased, his voice lightening a bit.

Vikram chuckled, “Toh teri maa aise hi nahi shadi ke liye taiyar hui thi."

Vedant’s eyebrows shot up. “Kya? Matlb aapne bhi aisi harkat ki thi? Tabhi mai sochun Mummy mujhe taane kyun suna rahi thi ki ‘gussa ho jayegi toh ek maheene tak baat nahi karegi, phir samajh aayega aisa vaisa," Vedant said, his voice a mix of disbelief and amusement.

“Haan, actually Preeti liked me since beginning but I was the one who realised it late aur issi beech maine usse bahot hurt kiya but then she broke all contacts and moved to another city but phir maine bhi teri mummy ko unke job se niklva diya tha, aur kisi tarah se apne sath wale office mein jo vacancy khali thi, usmein job dilwai thi. Par shaadi ke baad teri maa ko pata chal gaya tha, toh mujhse baat hi nahi ki thi shaadi ke ek maheene tak..but ye baat hai Vedant, you deceived her in a way, and I would not be shocked if she left the job and you after she finds out the truth, bhale hi usse yahan jyada acchi sallery mil rahi ho but still ye dhokha hua ek tarah se.” Vikram confessed, laughing at the memory.

Vedant was out of words. “I know papa, but I will try my best to win her trust and heart." he said, smiling to himself. "Chaliye papa, aata hoon main, kuch time se.”

“Thik hai, beta. Jaldi aa jaana, match shuru ho jayega,” Vikram said, before hanging up.

Nandini, on the other hand, was sitting in the staff lounge, sipping her coffee. The office environment was new to her, but she was adjusting quickly. Her new colleagues were friendly, and the work was rewarding. Just as she was about to take another sip of her coffee, her phone buzzed. It was Vaibhav.

“Hello, uncle,” Nandini said cheerfully as she answered the call.

“Hello beta... wahan koi problem toh nahi hai na?” Vaibhav asked, his voice concerned as always.

“Nahi uncle, bilkul nahi. Infact yahan mujhe PA ki position mili hai, aur ab toh maine interview bhi de diya. Mujhe aisa lag raha hai ki mujhe meri mehnat se mili hai, toh ab achha lag raha hai,” Nandini replied, her tone filled with pride.

Vaibhav chuckled warmly. “Haan aur PA ki salary bhi achi hoti hai."

“Ha, wahi toh! Ab toh mujhe lag raha hai ki main apna parlour kholne ka sapna jaldi hi poora karungi,” Nandini said, her voice brimming with excitement and hope.

“Bahot khush lag rahi ho,” Vaibhav remarked, pleased to hear her enthusiasm.

“Haan uncle, thanks to you... aur uss lady ko thank you kahiyega, jisne uss job ke liye apply kiya tha, because I actually needed money sooner.” Nandini said, thinking back to how everything had fallen into place.

Vaibhav laughed lightly. “Ok ok... chalo, bas tumhara haal puchna tha. Baad mein baat karte hain.”

“Byy uncle,” Nandini said, smiling as she ended the call. She leaned back in her chair, feeling content, a sense of accomplishment settling over her.

As Vedant entered the office ground he saw the excitement of the office cricket match—"Girls vs Boys." Everyone is buzzing with energy, enjoying the competition after a successful deal. The players are in their positions, and the atmosphere is filled with friendly banter and excitement. Vedant joined them without wasting a second.

As the game kicks off, the boys start bowling, and Vedant is first up. He steps forward with his usual confidence, preparing to bowl. His expression is calm, but there’s a playful glint in his eyes as he looks towards the girls.

Vedant starts his bowling with his usual fast pace, the ball flying across the pitch.

He bowls with precision, not giving any special treatment to the girls on the opposing team. His form is smooth, and his throws are powerful.

“Sir considering that we are girls ,thoda toh slow bowling kariye.” An employee said in irritation.

“Yaar itni simple bowling to kar raha hun usme bhi tum shot nahi maar rahi ho.” Vedant said, shrugging his shoulders.

He doesn't think twice before unleashing a full-on fast ball. The girls try to bat but have a hard time keeping up with his speed. Vedant’s concentration is focused entirely on the game, but his usual composure is mixed with a little mischief, knowing Nandini is among the girls and is likely watching him closely.The game was in full swing, and the stakes feel higher as Vedant's attention zeroes in on Nandini.

Nandini, determined to prove herself, takes her position at the crease. Her focus is sharp, and she’s ready to hit the ball. However, Vedant, always a step ahead in his playful teasing, can’t resist pushing her buttons.

As she takes her stance, Vedant, standing at the boundary, calls out, "Come on, Nandini, don’t make it easy for me. Try hitting one out of the park!" His tone was light, but there was a glint in his eye.

When the ball is pitched, Nandini swings, but Vedant, timing it perfectly, lets the ball pass through his defense. He doesn’t block it intentionally, knowing full well that Nandini might make contact. The ball rolls slowly toward her. Nandini rushes to grab it, bending down as it comes closer to her.

As she bends to pick up the ball, Vedant, who was already running towards her, reaches her at the same time. In a smooth, deliberate move, he bends down next to her, his hand coming close to hers as he reaches for the ball.

Their hands brush as they both attempt to pick it up, the closeness sparking an electric moment. For a second, their eyes locked. Nandini feels a flutter in her chest, but quickly shakes it off, pretending she isn’t affected. However, Vedant can see the brief hesitation in her gaze, the way she gets momentarily lost in his eyes.

The connection is brief, but it feels heavy with unspoken words. Vedant smirks, clearly aware of the impact he’s having on her. He doesn’t pull back immediately. Instead, he purposefully lets his hand rest on hers for just a heartbeat longer than necessary, the touch lingering in the air, before he stands up.

Without saying anything, Vedant gives her a teasing wink, his eyes full of mischief, and his smirk deepens. "You’ve got some good form, Nandini, but let’s see if you can keep up," he says, his voice playful.

As Nandini stands up, brushing the dirt from her hands, she quickly recovers her composure. His wink, the way he brushed up against her, everything is playing in her thoughts. But she refuses to let it show.

Vedant, in his usual confident manner, jogs back to his position. His eyes remain on her as he prepares for the next play.

As the game continues, Vedant gets several chances to out Nandini, but he intentionally lets them slip by. Each time, he lets the ball go by without trying to hit it, acting as if it’s just a mistake. But deep down, he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Nandini, unaware of Vedant’s deliberate mischief, continues to bat. She swings and misses, but each time, Vedant makes no real effort to get her out. When he’s in the field, he purposely positions himself in places where he knows Nandini won’t be able to see him. He lets the ball pass through his hands and lets her run, all while giving her space to shine, but never fully letting her succeed.

Finally, when the moment arrives and it’s time for Vedant to bowl to Nandini once again. As she takes her position at the crease, Vedant walks up to his mark, then pauses, glancing back at her with a grin.

"Hope you’re ready, Nandini. Dekhte hain iss ball ko handle kar paogi ya nahi," he calls out, his voice dripping with playful charm. He takes a deep breath, and as he prepares to bowl, he looks over at her and gives her one last cheeky wink, completely aware that it will throw her off.

Nandini, trying to maintain her composure, feels her pulse quicken. Her concentration wavers just slightly, and the moment she glances at Vedant, he bowls with full force, the ball sailing towards her. She flinches, but not enough to completely miss. The ball goes wide, an easy no-ball.

Vedant watches her reaction with amusement, noticing how the flirtation has worked. She’s distracted, and he was having fun with it. He could see her trying to hold it together, but it was clear that his presence was affecting her.

When it was Vedant’s turn to bat, his demeanor shifted slightly, and his playful side came out. He takes the bat confidently, adjusting his gloves and taking his position. The girls are bowling, and he can’t resist poking fun.

"Hey, come on! Atleast thoda to dum lagao aise bowling thodi hoti ha" Vedant calls out to one of the girls bowling, grinning widely.

With each ball, he effortlessly sends the ball flying over the boundary line. One hit after another. He doesn’t even break a sweat as he keeps sending the ball sailing into the stands.

"Too easy," he says, laughing to himself as the crowd cheers. He bats with style and grace, showing off for everyone, including Nandini. He winks at the girls as if to say, this is just too simple.

But then, when it’s Nandini’s turn to bowl, Vedant’s demeanor shifts noticeably. His usual cocky attitude takes a backseat, and his flirtation begins.

The ball came flying toward him, but Vedant barely moved the bat. The ball hit the edge of the bat, sending it off to the side with barely any force.

“What are you doing, Vedant ?!” Vikram called out again, but Vedant’s gaze never left Nandini. She seemed to blink, surprised, before she looked back at him, narrowing her eyes slightly.

She took a few steps back, winding up for the next ball, but this time, Vedant didn’t even make a real attempt to hit it. He just stood there, his posture almost slouched, as the ball came closer to him. He could hear the sound of it thudding into the ground just short of his bat.

“What are you doing, Vedant?” Nandini’s voice was sharp as she looked at him.

He managed a small, sheepish smile. “Just… testing the waters.” He couldn’t help but tease her a little, though his heart was pounding.

The next few balls, Vedant continued to play weakly, intentionally missing or barely touching the ball. Each time, he glanced over at Nandini, watching her watch him. Her expression was unreadable at first. But then, after the third missed shot, something flickered in her eyes—a flicker of realization.

She paused for a moment, her brow furrowing as she stepped back and eyed him carefully. It was as though a switch had flipped. She realized what he was doing.

“Vedant, are you trying to lose?” Her voice was steady, though a hint of confusion and maybe even frustration seeped through.

He looked at her then, his eyes softening. “I… I guess I am.”

Nandini's frustration built as she watched the game unfold. The match had been lively, competitive, but Vedant’s half-hearted efforts weren’t going unnoticed. She had thought maybe he was just having an off day or perhaps he wasn’t feeling well, but after watching him deliberately miss the ball multiple times, something snapped within her.

She could feel the anger and confusion bubbling up, mixing with a sense of disappointment. Without a second thought, she tossed the bat to the side, the clatter of it hitting the ground echoing in the sudden silence that surrounded her.

The others paused, sensing the shift in the mood, but Vedant was quick to follow her. His feet moved in a hurry, his eyes softening with concern as he caught up to her.

“Nandini, wait, what happened?” he asked, his voice gentle, though his own heart raced, unsure of what had made her so angry.

She spun around to face him, her chest rising and falling with each sharp breath. “What’s going on with you, Vedant? You’re not even trying! You’re deliberately losing.”

Vedant stopped in front of her, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that sent a wave of heat rushing through her. For a moment, he simply stood there, silent, as if deciding how to respond. His expression softened, and he took a step closer to her, his voice calm yet sincere.

“The game is nothing.” He said the words quietly but with a depth that made her pause. “I’ve already lost my heart in front of you, Nandini. So what does a match matter? The only thing I want to win is you.”

His words hung in the air, a gentle yet powerful confession. Her breath caught in her throat as his sincerity filled the space between them. She wanted to be angry, to push him away, to remind him that she had already made her decision. But there was something in his eyes, something in the raw vulnerability that made her chest tighten.

Nandini swallowed, trying to find her words, but the truth of his feelings was hard to ignore. She had rejected him. She had distanced herself, thinking it would be easier, thinking it would protect her from whatever this was between them. But Vedant wasn’t backing down.

“Vedant...” Her voice faltered, her heart pounding against her chest.

He stepped even closer, reaching for her hand, his touch tentative but warm. “I’m not playing for a trophy or a victory. I’m playing because I want you to see me. And maybe, just maybe, you'll let me win. I want to win your heart, Nandini, more than anything else.”

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, she looked away, the weight of his words pressing on her heart. She had built walls around herself, convinced that rejecting him was the right thing to do. But hearing him—seeing him so vulnerable, so open—made her question everything she had thought.

“Vedant, I…” She didn’t know how to finish her sentence. She wanted to say something, but the words felt trapped in her throat.

He smiled softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “I know you’ve rejected me before, Nandini, and I respect that. But I can’t stop, I won’t stop. Because I’ve already given you my heart, and it’s yours to do with as you wish.”

****************************************

It was a quiet evening when Akshat returned home after a long day, his mind racing with thoughts and worries. He walked through the door, expecting to find Amrit in their shared space, but the room was empty. His gaze flickered around the room, and a subtle frown tugged at the corner of his lips.

“Amrit??” he called out, his voice echoing through the otherwise silent house. His heart skipped a beat when there was no response. He quickly turned on his heel, searching the living room and other spaces, but still, no sign of her. His unease grew as the seconds ticked by.

“Amrit??” he called again, a hint of urgency creeping into his voice. His eyes darted across the house, scanning every corner, but there was still no trace of her.

His mind started to spiral. Where could she be? He felt the weight of anxiety building in his chest, his thoughts racing with worry. Had something happened to her?

Then, as he retraced his steps back to the kitchen, he froze. His gaze fell on the fridge, where a small note was placed in front of him. He quickly picked it up, unfolding it with trembling fingers, his eyes scanning the words written there.

"Nandini didi ke sath bahar jaa rahi hun. Your phone was switched off."

Akshat let out a long, relieved breath. His shoulders relaxed, and a small smile tugged at his lips. She’s just with Nandini, he thought, feeling the tension slowly melt away. He chuckled softly to himself, realizing how worked up he had gotten over nothing.

The house was quiet, the kind of stillness that should have felt comforting but only amplified the weight of the storm brewing outside. Akshat moved around the kitchen, stirring the pot on the stove and humming absentmindedly. Dinner was almost ready; he had even set the table, envisioning Amrit’s soft smile when she returned home.

The first crack of thunder reverberated through the walls, sharp and sudden, making his hand falter. He froze, his breath catching. The knife he had been using slipped from his grasp and clattered onto the countertop.

His head snapped toward the window. Outside, the sky had darkened dramatically, angry clouds gathering as the rain began to pour in harsh sheets. The sound of raindrops hitting the windowpane grew louder, faster, merging with the howling wind. A second thunderclap followed, louder and more violent, shaking the house.

Akshat’s chest tightened. He took an unsteady step back, his breathing shallow, the sound of the storm becoming deafening. His eyes darted around the room as if searching for an escape, but there was none. The rain pounded against the windows, the lightning illuminating the kitchen in sharp flashes.

Not again. No, no, no. His mind screamed, but his body refused to listen. He stumbled, grabbing the counter for support, his fingers trembling as the panic began to swell.

The rain intensified, the sound drilling into his mind. Another thunderclap roared, and he gasped, his knees nearly buckling. The pot of food slipped from his hands, crashing to the floor with a loud clang, spilling everywhere.

He stumbled out of the kitchen, his legs unsteady, his breaths coming in short, frantic gasps. His heart pounded against his ribs, his chest so tight it felt as though he couldn’t draw in air.

He reached the bedroom door, fumbling with the handle as his vision blurred. Close the door. Lock everything. Keep it out. His thoughts were erratic, disjointed. But just as he turned to close the window, the rain splashed onto his face, cold and biting, dragging him deeper into the memory he had tried so hard to bury.

The lightning struck again, illuminating the droplets on his skin. He froze, his breath hitching, and the memory came rushing back, vivid and painful.

"It’s okay, baby. You will enjoy it.. it's normal."

The voice echoed in his mind, clear as day. His body stiffened, and he clutched the edge of the window for support.

"You don’t have to fight. Just let it happen. It’s not wrong."

“No...” he whispered, his voice breaking. “No, stop...”

His knees gave out, and he sank to the floor, his back pressed against the wall. His hands covered his ears, desperate to block out the sound of the thunder, the rain, and that voice—their voice.

"You can’t run, Akshat. Just listen to me. You’ll like it."

“No! Stop it!” He tried to scream, but his voice came out hoarse, barely a whisper. His throat felt raw, as if the words were clawing their way out, only to die before they could reach the air.

He tried to push himself up, but his body wouldn’t obey. He was trembling violently, his breaths coming in harsh gasps that barely filled his lungs. His chest felt like it was caving in. The storm outside seemed to grow louder, the thunder crashing in his ears, the lightning flashing so brightly it burned his eyes.

The rain was louder now, a deafening roar that drowned out everything else. The cold droplets on his skin brought him back to that night, that horrifying night when he had been so helpless.

Akshat clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he tried to fight the memory. But it was relentless, dragging him under, suffocating him.

“Please,” he whispered, his voice cracking. Tears blurred his vision, streaming down his face as he rocked back and forth. “Someone... anyone... help me.”

His head fell back against the wall, his entire body shaking uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around himself, as if trying to hold himself together. The room spun, and he could barely see through the haze of tears and panic.

"It’s okay. Just a little more."

The voice was so clear, so cruel, so suffocating. He pressed his hands to his ears again, shaking his head violently. “No! Stop it! Please!”

But no one could hear him. The storm outside continued to rage, the rain hammering against the windows like it was trying to break in. The thunder roared, and Akshat curled into himself, his body trembling like a leaf in the wind.

He gasped for air, each breath more labored than the last. His chest burned, his throat raw, and his vision dimmed. The memory consumed him, dragging him further into the darkness.

"Please, I can’t... I can’t..."

The words tumbled from his lips, broken and fragmented, as the rain continued to pound against the window, the thunder cracking with merciless intensity. It felt like he was drowning, each breath a struggle, each thought a fight against the crushing weight of the panic that gripped him.

The storm outside raged on, but it was the storm within him that he feared most.

The house was eerily silent except for the faint echo of the storm outside. Amrit stepped in, juggling her umbrella and purse as she shut the door behind her. She frowned, noticing the mess in the kitchen—the cooker on the floor, vegetables scattered everywhere. A feeling of unease crept up her spine.

"Akshat?" she called, expecting him to appear from the kitchen or the living room. When no response came, her heart raced. She hurried toward their bedroom, the unease blooming into full-blown panic.

As she opened the door, her breath caught in her throat. Akshat was on the floor, curled into himself, trembling violently. His hands were clamped tightly over his ears, his chest heaving as if he was gasping for air. His face was pale, his eyes squeezed shut, and tears streamed down his cheeks.

“Akshat!” she cried, her voice trembling with fear. Dropping her purse and phone onto the bed, she rushed to him, dropping to her knees. “Akshat! Kya hua?!”

She reached out to hold his hands, but he flinched and jerked away, his body convulsing with uncontrollable shivers.

“R... r... rain...” he stuttered between gasps, his voice barely audible. “D-dar... save... me... W-w-window...”

Amrit’s eyes darted toward the open window, the curtains fluttering in the wind, the rain cascading down with an intensity that matched his panic. She pieced it together quickly—it’s the rain. He’s terrified of it.

Without hesitation, she bolted to the window, slamming it shut with trembling hands. She yanked the curtains closed, muffling the sound of the storm outside. The rain still poured, but the room was quieter now, less invasive.

She turned back to Akshat, who was still trembling, his head buried in his knees. Tears stung her eyes as she rushed back to him, dropping to the floor again. This time, she didn’t hesitate. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, pulling him close.

"Shhh... Akshat, mai yahan hun," she whispered, her voice soothing despite the tears threatening to spill. "Kuch nahi hoga, I’m here... shhh."

He flinched at first, but her firm embrace grounded him slightly. His breathing was still erratic, his body trembling, but she held on tighter. His fingers gripped her arms weakly, as if he was trying to anchor himself to her.

“S-save... me...” he choked out, his voice cracking. “Don’t... don’t let them...”

Her heart shattered at his words, but she pushed her emotions aside, focusing entirely on him. She rubbed his back gently, whispering soft reassurances.

“I’m here, Akshat. Mai yahan hun,” she repeated, her voice steady despite her tears. “Kuch nahi hoga,.. shhh.”

Minutes passed, though it felt like hours. The storm outside began to calm, the thunder growing distant, the rain softening into a gentle pattern. Slowly, Akshat’s breathing evened out, though his body still trembled slightly.

Amrit loosened her hold slightly and looked at him. His eyes were closed, his face streaked with tears, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths.

“Akshat?” she called softly, her hand brushing his damp hair away from his forehead.

Instead of responding, he clung to her tighter, his arms wrapping around her waist.

She smiled faintly through her tears, stroking his hair gently. “Chaliye... bed pe chal kar so jaiye. You need to rest.”

He didn’t move at first, his body heavy with exhaustion. But she coaxed him gently, her arms around him as she helped him to his feet. His knees buckled, and he leaned heavily on her, but she didn’t falter, holding him steady as they made their way to the bed.

She eased him onto the mattress, removing his slippers and tucking him in. His grip on her wrist tightened as she moved to leave, so she sat beside him, her hand resting on his.

Amrit sat beside Akshat, her fingers gently brushing his forehead as she tried to soothe him. His breathing was still uneven, and the faint traces of sweat glistened on his pale skin. She looked at him with worry etched across her face, whispering softly, "I should bring water for you. You need to hydrate."

As she moved to get up, she felt his fingers wrap around her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. His grip was weak, trembling, but the desperation in it was undeniable.

"Mat jao... please," he whispered, his voice fragile, almost breaking.

Her heart clenched as she saw the vulnerability in his eyes. She immediately sat back down, holding his hand tightly in hers. "Ok, mai nahi jaa rahi. Yahin hun," she said, her voice soft yet firm. "Please... so jaiye, Akshat."

He closed his eyes briefly, trying to obey, but the storm inside him refused to settle. Within seconds, his eyes snapped open again, his chest rising and falling erratically. Beads of sweat trickled down his temples.

"I... I can't sleep. I... I feel like... I can’t..." His voice was shaky, laced with fear and exhaustion, his words tumbling out in a chaotic rush.

Amrit immediately leaned closer, her hand instinctively moving to caress his hair. Her touch was gentle, her fingers threading through his damp locks as she tried to calm him. "Shhh... Akshat, it's okay. You're safe," she murmured.

He shook his head slightly, the panic still gripping him. "No... I... I can't stop thinking... It's too loud. I can't..."

Her heart ached at his words. She cupped his face gently, tilting it so he could look at her. "What helps you calm down, Akshat? Kya cheez aapko relax karti hai?"

He hesitated, his lips trembling as he struggled to answer. After a moment, he whispered, "Songs... they help."

Amrit nodded, relief flooding her features. She could work with that. "Should I sing for you?" she asked softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she tried to lighten the moment.

He blinked at her, his eyes still heavy with fear but also a hint of surprise. "Aata hai?" he asked, his voice barely audible, his words almost lost in his disoriented state.

“I can try. Close your eyes now,” she whispered, her voice as soft as a lullaby. Gently, she brought her hand to his face, her palm brushing over his eyelids, coaxing them shut. She adjusted her position, sitting more comfortably and guiding his head onto her lap. Her hands rested tenderly on his hair, stroking it with care.

Taking a deep breath, Amrit began to hum softly before her voice carried the gentle tune of a familiar, soothing song:

“Aa chal ke tujhe, mai leke chalun,

Ek aise gagan ke tale,

Jahan gham bhi na ho, aansu bhi na ho,

Bas pyar hi pyar pale.”

Her voice wavered slightly at first, but she pressed on, pouring every ounce of comfort she could into the melody. Slowly, she noticed his tense features softening, his breathing becoming a little steadier.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he murmured, “I… I used to sing this song for Vihaan when he was a baby…”

Amrit’s heart swelled with tenderness at his words. She leaned down, pressing a light kiss to his forehead. “It’s a beautiful song,” she whispered, brushing her fingers gently through his hair.

She continued singing, her voice steady and calm now:

“Sooraj ki pehli kiran se,

Asha ka savera jaage,

Chanda ki kiran se ghulkar,

Ghanghor andhera bhage.

Kabhi dhoop khile, kabhi chaon mile,

Lambi si dagar na khale.

Jahan gham bhi na ho, aansu bhi na ho,

Bas pyar hi pyar pale.”

Akshat’s trembling subsided further, and his hands, which had been clutching the fabric of her kurta moments ago, now lay still by his side.

“Sapno ke aise jahan me,

Jahan pyar hi pyar khila ho,

Ham jaa ke wahan kho jaayein,

Shikwa na koi gila ho.”

Her voice was gentle, full of warmth and love, wrapping around him like a cocoon. She glanced down and noticed his breathing had evened out, the tension in his features replaced by a rare serenity. His lips parted slightly, and his expression was peaceful, his mind no longer consumed by fear.

She finished the song softly, her fingers never ceasing their gentle strokes through his hair:

“Aa chal ke tujhe, mai leke chalun,

Ek aise gagan ke tale,

Jahan gham bhi na ho, aansu bhi na ho,

Bas pyar hi pyar pale.”

Amrit pressed a tender kiss on his cheek and another on his forehead, her heart swelling with relief. She continued to stroke his hair gently, her touch steady and reassuring, unwilling to move even as she heard the steady rhythm of his breathing signaling that he had drifted off to sleep.

The morning sunlight crept through the curtains, gently waking Akshat from his restless sleep. He groaned softly, stretching his arms above his head, only to freeze the moment his eyes opened fully. His surroundings were different from the usual haze of sleep. He was lying in his bed, but there was no sign of Amrit. His heart skipped a beat as his mind raced through the events of last night.

"Shit!" he muttered under his breath, his hand flying to his face as if to erase the memory. The panic attack, the overwhelming fear... and Amrit. She had seen everything, heard his desperate, broken words. What would she think? What would she say? His stomach churned at the thought of her questions, his mind unable to settle on the right answers. He wasn't ready to tell her, not yet, but he also couldn't lie to her. He just wasn’t prepared to share everything—especially the truth behind his fears.

As if the universe had read his mind, the door creaked open, and Amrit stepped inside, her arms full of a tray with two steaming cups of tea. She smiled warmly at him, her eyes bright despite the early hour.

"Aapki coffee machine ki jaan bacha li maine, chai bana  ke," she teased lightly, placing the tray on the bedside table. "Accha, jaiye, pehle brush kar ke aaiye, phir chai piyenge."

Akshat stared at her, expecting some sort of probing question, but she acted like nothing had happened—like everything was just normal. She seemed to have effortlessly brushed off the previous night, not pushing him for answers or showing any hint of concern. He almost wished she would ask, just so he could avoid the inner turmoil of pretending everything was fine. But Amrit wasn’t one for prying, and her presence itself was a comfort.

"Jaiye," she added, her voice gentle, and he nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and apprehension. She had no idea, or maybe she was just respecting his space. Either way, it felt like she understood, even without words.

After brushing his teeth, he returned to the room and found Amrit still smiling at him. She gestured toward the tray with a soft chuckle. "Here you go, Mr. ‘I need my morning tea’," she said playfully.

He picked up his cup, his fingers still slightly unsteady from the lingering effects of last night’s panic, but he didn’t let it show. Taking a sip, he felt the warmth of the tea seep through him, offering a brief moment of peace.

Amrit watched him for a moment, her eyes thoughtful. "Aaj college nahi jana mujhe… aap bhi ruk jayenge kya?" she asked casually, her tone light but with an undercurrent of something else, something that felt like concern.

Akshat raised an eyebrow, the question catching him off guard. "Kyun?" he asked, his voice steady, though a part of him felt the weight of her quiet offer.

"Man nahi," she shrugged, as though it was no big deal, but her eyes didn’t meet his. She was trying to act casual, but he saw through it. Amrit never skipped college unless something was really bothering her.

He understood instantly—she wanted him to rest, to take a break, to ease the tension he was holding so tightly within himself.

Akshat sat on the edge of the bed, his mind racing as he struggled to find the words. The weight of the previous night’s panic attack still felt like a heavy cloud over him. He wanted to say something, but the words were tangled in his throat, trapped by the fear of exposing his vulnerabilities.

“Wo… kal raat… actually…” he started, his voice shaky as he tried to form the sentences, but the words slipped away before he could say anything coherent. His heart pounded in his chest, fear clawing at him, and the pressure to be honest weighed him down.

But before he could continue, Amrit gently placed her hand over his, her touch warm and steady. She spoke softly, her voice like a balm to his anxieties.

“Shh,” she whispered, her thumb brushing against the back of his hand. “Please don’t tell me anything if you’re uncomfortable. I know you will tell me. We have our whole life, na? I will wait for you. When you’re ready, when you’re comfortable enough to share this with me, you will tell me. I trust you. But just know… I will always be with you, no matter what.”

Akshat’s breath caught in his throat. Her words were like a lifeline, cutting through the knot of fear and shame he had been carrying. He looked at her, his eyes wide with surprise, and his heart swelled with admiration. How could she be so understanding, so patient, so full of trust?

Her eyes met his with such depth, and in that moment, Akshat knew he didn’t have to explain everything to her—not yet. Amrit wasn’t asking for answers, and she wasn’t pushing him to open up before he was ready. She was giving him the space to heal, to find his own way, all while offering him her unwavering support.

Overwhelmed by the rush of emotions, Akshat’s hand instinctively reached for her. He cupped her right cheek gently, his thumb grazing the soft skin of her face. She looked at him, eyes filled with warmth, her lips curving into a tender smile. Without thinking, he leaned forward and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her left cheek.

“I like you, Amrit,” he whispered against her skin, the words almost too soft to hear, but they held all the sincerity he could muster in that moment.

Amrit froze. Her eyes widened in surprise, and the color in her cheeks deepened to a rich shade of pink. Her heart raced in her chest, but she couldn’t find the words. She had not expected this, not in the way he had said it, not after everything that had happened.

Akshat saw the flush rise on her face, and before he could say anything more, she threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. Her face buried into his chest as she held him close, not saying a word, just holding onto him like he was the only thing that mattered in the world.

“Chai gir jayegi,” Akshat murmured with a soft laugh, his arms still wrapped around her.

Amrit pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes still wide with surprise, but before he could say anything more, she quickly snatched the cup of tea from his hand and placed it back on the tray beside the bed. She then returned to him, hugging him even more fiercely than before, her arms winding around him as if she never wanted to let go.

Akshat chuckled, the sound light and full of affection. He returned the hug, his own arms tightening around her as he felt the warmth of her presence fill him with a sense of peace he had long been missing.

"Thank you," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible against the softness of her hair. He didn't need to say anything else. Her simple act of understanding, her presence in that moment, was all he needed.

Nandini reluctantly arrived at Preeti's home after much insistence. She had been trying to avoid Vedant, but Preeti’s persistence left her with no choice. Meanwhile, Akshat made his way to Preeti’s building. Vedant had invited him over, and all their friends had gathered there.

In the living room, the group was already chatting animatedly. Vishakha turned to Preeti and teased, “Har sunday Tum log ki saari panchayat yahi lagti hai. Har din koi na koi plan bana leti ho.”

“Haan, yahin bulati hai sabko,” Krishiv added, shaking his head. “Even Vidya tak ko nahi chhoda. Bechari itne door se hostel se aa gayi.”

“Arre jab sab log aa gaye to wo kyun na aaye,” Preeti replied cheerfully.

Vidya smiled. “Mujhe koi problem nahi hai. Waise bhi hostel mein akeli hi rehti hoon. Achha lagta hai tum sabke saath.”

Vedant looked around. “Akshat kaha reh gaya?”

Vishakha chimed in, “Woh yahin ki ek friend se milne chala gaya tha. Aata hi hoga.”

Preeti’s curiosity sparked. “Aur Rakshit jijaji?”

“Wo Vikram jijaji ke office ki taraf gaye hain. Unke saath hi aayenge,” Vishakha answered.

Meanwhile, Akshat had reached the building’s ground floor. He paused when he saw Bulbul playing cricket with a few neighborhood kids. She swung her bat with full force, and the loud crash of shattering glass echoed through the air. Akshat groaned, shaking his head. “Yeh ladki kab sudharegi?” he muttered, deciding to ignore the chaos and head upstairs.

Bulbul, realizing the trouble she was in, darted towards Preeti’s flat. Inside, Krishiv was comfortably seated on the sofa. Without warning, Bulbul dashed in and plopped herself onto his lap, her face the picture of innocence.

“Ab yeh kya naya drama hai?” Krishiv asked, raising an eyebrow.

Before Bulbul could answer, the doorbell rang. Preeti opened the door to find Mrs. Khurana, a stern-faced neighbor, standing outside.

“Arre, Mrs. Khurana! Aap?” Preeti greeted, startled.

Mrs. Khurana didn’t waste time. “Kavya yahan hai kya?” she demanded, her eyes scanning the room.

Kavya stepped forward, already sensing trouble. “Haan, aunty, kya baat hai?”

Mrs. Khurana pointed an accusing finger. “Tumhari beti Bulbul cricket khelte waqt hamare ghar ki khidki ka glass tod di.”

The room fell silent. Kavya’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. She turned to Bulbul, who was desperately trying to look innocent.

“Bulbul!” Kavya shouted. “Thappad khana hai tumko? Kitni baar kaha hai zor se shot mat maaro! Har waqt koi na koi naya kand karti ho.”

Bulbul’s eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape. Her gaze landed on Akshat, who had just entered and was observing the scene with mild amusement. A mischievous smile spread across her face.

“Alle aunty, maine nahi toda!” Bulbul piped up, pointing at Akshat. “Wo to AK uncle ne toda!”

The room erupted in gasps and murmurs. Akshat’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Kya? Maine kab kiya?” he exclaimed.

Bulbul nodded vigorously, her voice full of feigned sincerity. “Haan! AK uncle ne bola ki wo batting karenge. Fir unhone zor ka six maara aur aunty ka window toot gaya!”

Akshat stepped forward, trying to protest. “Bulbul, tum na—”

But Bulbul wasn’t done. She shot him a cunning look and added, “Aur AK uncle, aap kal Amrit didi ke saath chhat pe kya kar rahe the?”

A shocked silence fell over the room. Akshat and Amrit exchanged horrified glances, their secret hanging precariously in the air.

Sensing danger, Akshat quickly intervened. “Sorry, Mrs. Khurana. Actually… glass mujhse hi toota. Main pay kar dunga.”

Mrs. Khurana gave him a skeptical look but nodded. “Theek hai, lekin agli baar dhyan rakhna,” she said before leaving.

As soon as the door closed, Vishakha turned to Akshat. “Tum itne bade ho gaye ho, par abhi bhi bachon wali harkatein karte ho! Chote bachon ke saath cricketer banne ki kya zarurat thi?”

Bulbul chimed in, grinning. “Wahi toh, dadi! Maine AK uncle ko mana kiya tha, lekin inhone bat zabardasti cheen liya!”

Akshat clenched his jaw, glaring at Bulbul. “Chota packet kahin ki,” he thought.

Preeti, intrigued, turned to Bulbul. “Bulbul beta, tumne Akshat aur Amrit ko chhat pe kab dekha tha?”

Bulbul realized she needed to backtrack. “Haan, kal! Aur unke haath mein ek book bhi thi. Shayad wo padhai kar rahe the.”

Hearing this, Akshat and Amrit both exhaled in relief. But Akshat shot Bulbul a warning look, silently vowing to deal with her antics later.

The doorbell rang again just as everyone was settling back after the commotion caused by Bulbul. Preeti walked over and opened it to find Rajat standing there, holding a photo frame in his hand.

“Hello, Rajat!” Preeti greeted him warmly.

“Hello, beautiful lady!” Rajat replied with a charming smile. “Actually, Nandini forgot this photo of her mom in my cabin this morning when she was showing it to me. I thought I’d return it to her. But I see her apartment is locked. Aap de dena jab wo aaye,” he said, extending the photo.

Preeti smiled mischievously. “Arre, she’s inside only. Come on in, Rajat.”

Rajat hesitated. “Nahi, Aunty, actually…”

Before he could finish, he heard a familiar voice coming from inside, Vidya’s voice. His curiosity piqued, he leaned slightly to peek into the room. His heart skipped a beat as he spotted Vidya sitting there, chatting with Amrit.

Rajat’s demeanor immediately shifted. “Arre, Nandini! Tum apni mom ki photo bhul gayi thi… kya ho raha hai yahan? Badi panchayat lagi hai.” He glanced at Preeti with a dramatic sigh. “Aapne itne pyar se bulaya hai toh main bhi baith hi jaata hoon.”

Nandini, watching his excitement, pressed her lips to suppress a smile. She knew Rajat had a crush on Vidya and couldn’t resist teasing him a little.

“Aao, Rajat. Yahan space hai,” Nandini said, pointing to the spot directly opposite Vidya.

Rajat quickly moved to sit down, ensuring he had a clear view of Vidya. But Vedant, sitting nearby, narrowed his eyes, sensing the sudden energy in Rajat’s tone. He didn’t like the way Rajat seemed overly enthusiastic around Nandini.

Rajat settled into his seat, leaning forward slightly. “Hello, Vidya,” he greeted her, his voice filled with extra charm.

The room fell silent for a second as everyone turned to look at him with raised eyebrows. Rajat immediately realized his mistake and quickly backtracked. “Hello, Amrit ji! Hello, Akshat sir! Hello, Dr. Vedant! Hello, Preeti aunty! Hello, Bulbul! Hello, Krishiv! Hello, Kavya ji! Hello, Nandini!”

“Hello,” they greeted him in unison,

Vedant folded his arms, eyeing Rajat suspiciously.

Bulbul whispered to Krishiv, “Inko kya hua achanak?”

Rajat, oblivious to the teasing glances, turned back to Vidya. “Toh, Vidya ji… kaise chal rahi hai padhai? ?” he asked with a wide grin, clearly trying to impress her.

Nandini leaned closer to him and whispered, “Jyada daant mat dikhao. Sab tumko hi dekh rahe hain weird tareeke se.”

Rajat quickly straightened up and shut his mouth, but the damage was already done. “Amrit ji aap bhi bataiye.” He tried to cover up. Amrit smirked, while Vidya simply smiled politely.

“Achhi chal rahi hai,” Vidya replied, her tone calm and composed

Vedant, still keeping an eye on Rajat, muttered under his breath, “Nandini ke paas hi baithna hai isse yahan itni space thi.”

Rajat, sensing Vedant’s glare, decided to divert attention. “Waise, Dr. Vedant, kaisa chal raha hai sab.”

Vedant raised an eyebrow, “Good.”

“Waah, waah! Yeh hoti hai commitment,” Rajat replied, trying to win some favor but only earning a tighter glare from Vedant.

As everyone chatted away, the doorbell rang again. Preeti walked to the door and opened it to find Vikram and Rakshit standing there.

“Kya ho raha hai bhai? Sab kaafi jamghat laga hai yahan,” Vikram asked, stepping inside with curiosity.

“Wahi jo har Sunday hota hai,” Vishakha replied, sipping her tea and grinning.

Preeti chimed in, “Aap dono fresh ho jaiye. Rakshit jijaji, aap baithiye, main chai lekar aati hoon sabke liye.”

Vikram and Rakshit nodded. Rakshit settled on the sofa, while Vikram went to freshen up. After a few minutes, Preeti returned with a tray of steaming tea cups and snacks, and everyone began talking about work and their busy schedules. The room was filled with lively chatter when Shekhar suddenly turned his attention to Amrit.

“Amrit beta, tumhare pati bahut busy rehte hain kya? Itne maheene ho gaye, ek din bhi nahi dikhe,”

Rakshit remarked, casually sipping his tea.

Amrit froze for a second, her eyes widening. She quickly glanced at Akshat, who was already looking at her with raised eyebrows.

“Arre haan! Waise wo hain kaun? Matlab, humne toh unki photo bhi nahi dekhi,” Anika added, her curiosity piqued.

“Haan, ye toh humne kabhi pucha hi nahi. Amrit, Nikhil dikhta kaisa hai?” Preeti asked with genuine interest.

Amrit stammered, “W…aunty, actually… thik hi dikhte hain.”

Preeti raised her eyebrows. “Beta, uska look nahi pooch rahi main. Bas waise, shakal kaisi hai? Aisa lag raha hai ki koi fictional insaan hai—bina photo dekhe toh bilkul hi andaza nahi.”

Vishakha leaned forward, intrigued. “Uski photo toh hogi na… dikhao!”

Akshat leaned back on the sofa, sighing internally. “Mere gharwale Amrit ke peeche CID ban ke kyun pad jaate hain? Yeh sab toh Amrit ko bhi sochne pe majboor kar rahe honge ki kaisa sasural mila hai—pura CID headquarters!”

“Haan… haan, hai photo,” Amrit said hesitantly, her palms sweating as she quickly opened her Instagram app.

She typed “Nikhil Kumar” in the search bar and scrolled through several profiles, her eyes darting nervously. She finally found one profile with a normal-looking photo and took a quick screenshot.

“Ye… ye rahe,” she said, handing her phone to Preeti with a forced smile.

Preeti inspected the photo and handed it to Vishakha, who exclaimed, “Acha, acha! Yahi hain! Chalo, aaj finally dikh gaye.”

Amrit relaxed slightly as the phone made its rounds. Nandini smiled quietly, placing her phone back on the table while Akshat raised an eyebrow at Amrit, his expression teasing. Amrit quickly gestured back with her eyelashes, silently telling him to keep quiet.

Preeti, however, wasn’t done. “Agar usse private job hi karni hai, toh yahin aa ke kar leta. Ek toh itni chhoti umar mein shaadi kar li, aur phir woh aata bhi nahi,” she said, shaking her head in disapproval.

“Haan wahi toh! Hum hi koi achhi company mein job lagva dete,” Vikram chimed in, returning from the other room.

Amrit took a deep breath and decided to speak up. “Unhe apni mehnat se hi job chahiye, aunty. Kisi ke request se nahi. Jaisa Nandini didi ne Vikram uncle ke office mein jaane se pehle interview ki zidd ki thi, waise hi woh bhi hain.”

“Ohhh, achha achha,” Preeti said, nodding slowly. “Lekin kisi din usse bolna strictly ki chhutti leke aaye. Hamein bhi toh milna hai uss se.”

“Ji, aunty. Jaroor bolungi,” Amrit replied with a polite smile.

Akshat, meanwhile, was thoroughly amused the entire conversation, trying hard not to burst out laughing at the chaos surrounding Amrit’s fictitious husband.

After a while, Vishakha stood up and stretched.

“Ab chalte hain, bahut late ho raha hai,” she said, glancing at the clock.

Everyone followed suit, standing up to leave.

“Mom, aap log jaiye, main aata hoon. Ek important kaam hai,” Akshat said, his tone casual, but with a hint of urgency.

“Kya important kaam? Isko aaj kal kuch zyada hi kaam pad raha hai,” Krishiv teased, raising his eyebrows and giving Akshat a playful side-eye.

“Arre, hai to hai. Tum log jao na,” Akshat replied, brushing it off.

“Chalo bhai, bade log hain kaam wale, ham toh nalle berozgar hain, ham toh koi kaam hi nahi karte,” Krishiv added, making everyone laugh.

Akshat just shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. He turned to leave, and after a few more goodbyes, the group of friends slowly made their way out of the house. Preeti closed the door behind them with a satisfied sigh.

Amrit looked at the sofa in surprise as she opened her apartment door to see Akshat already sitting inside waiting.

“Akshat aap!! Main dar gayi, achanak!” she exclaimed, placing a hand over her heart and shaking her head.

Akshat smirked, not fazed at all by her reaction. “Idhar aao pehle,” he said, gesturing for her to sit beside him.

Amrit walked over and sat down, and raised her eyebrows.

“Tumne kiski photo dikhai thi unhe?” Akshat asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at her.

“Arre, Maine Instagram open kiya, usmein Nikhil Kumar search kiya, jo thoda ok ok sa banda dikha. Uski photo ka screenshot lekar sabko dikha diya,” Amrit replied proudly grinning.

Akshat chuckled, shaking his head. “Tum bhi na… itna dimag aata kahan se hai… aur kabhi pata chal gaya ki wo nahi hai toh?”

Amrit tilted her head, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Dimag aaya kahan se hai mtlb? Main bahut tez hoon. Bahut si books padhti hoon… aur kaise pata chalega, kaunsa wo Instagram se nikal ke bahar aa raha hai?”

Akshat couldn't hold his laughter. “But thoda careful rehna, okay? Uski kuch pics ss lekar rakh lo kyunki kabhi aur baat chali aur tum ne kisi aur ki photo dikha di to ho gaya saara kand wahi.”

Just then, Krishiv, along with Shekhar, Vishakha, Anika, and Vihaan, came to the car parked outside.

“Bulbul ke liye chocolate laaya tha, pocket mein hi reh gayi. Main dekar aata hoon,” Krishiv announced, heading back toward the building.

He ascended the stairs, heading toward Kavya’s apartment. As he reached her door, however, he heard Akshat’s voice, clear and filled with laughter.

“Ye Akshat yahan kya kar raha? Ye to nikal gaya tha hamare jaane ke pehle hi,” Krishiv thought to himself, frowning slightly. “Ye awaz to Amrit ke ghar se aa rahi hai…”

“Itni bhi budhu nahi hun mai.” Amrit said with an attitude.

“Acha itni bhi nahi ho par thodi si ho right!!” Akshat said, pressing his lips together.

“Akshattt!!” Amrit said, smacking his arms.

Krishiv took a few cautious steps back and glanced up toward Amrit’s apartment window. It was slightly open, and through the gap, he could see Akshat talking and laughing with Amrit. A strange feeling settled in his chest as he watched them.

Amrit was sitting close to Akshat, her eyes sparkling as they shared a joke. Then, Krishiv’s heart skipped a beat as he saw Akshat gently place his thumb on one of Amrit’s chubby cheeks, the other four fingers softly pressing against her other cheek, with affection.

“Pagal kahi ka,” Akshat muttered, chuckling softly, his fingers still lingering on Amrit’s face.

Amrit grinned, clearly enjoying the moment.

Krishiv stood frozen, his expression a mix of disbelief and confusion. He couldn’t believe what he was witnessing. Akshat, the professional professor who usually kept a distance from his students, was acting like a close, affectionate friend—or more. Krishiv felt a sense of unease deep in his gut.

“Y…ye Akshat aur Amrit aise itne friendly?” Krishiv thought, still unable to process it. “Ye Amrit toh bas student hai na? Uski toh itne pyaar se uske galon ko kheech raha tha?”

His mind raced with questions. “Kahin main jyada toh nahi soch raha? Kya pata Akshat aur Amrit achhe dost hon? Par agar aisa hai toh ye log sabke samne aise friendly behaviour kyun nahi dikhate? Ab professor se dosti koi paap thodi hai jo chupana pade?”

Krishiv tried to rationalize it, but doubts lingered. “Maybe I am thinking too much… Amrit ki shaadi ho chuki hai, kya pata dono sabke samne comfortable na ho isliye nahi bataya hoga. Aur Akshat ki koi female friend nahi hai, aur shayad isliye Amrit se dosti hone ke baad bhi woh sabke samne uss se friendly behaviour nahi rakhta.”

His thoughts were interrupted by his phone ringing.

“Hello, Krishiv, jaldi aa,” Shekhar’s voice came through, sounding a bit urgent.

“H…haan uncle, aaya,” Krishiv replied, still feeling unsettled.

He knocked on Kavya’s apartment door, and Bulbul opened it.

“Aapki chocolate dena bhool gaya tha… ye lo,” Krishiv said, handing her the small chocolate bar.

“Thank you,” Bulbul smiled warmly. Krishiv pressed a kiss to her cheek before wishing her goodnight and leaving the apartment. As he walked away, his mind was still clouded with questions about Akshat and Amrit, and he couldn’t shake the image of them laughing together in the apartment.

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