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This time we have updated before the completion of Target but after this chapter we will update only if you will complete the target. I mean it's not that high bhai, so many people reading this but ek star button press karne me paise lagte hain? Kuch paise nahi maag rahe hain we are just asking you to vote and that too we deserve.

Next chapter will be updated on scrollstack first and when the target will be completed.

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As the last of the police cars disappeared down the dusty road, leaving the haveli eerily quiet, Akshat stood for a moment, surveying the scene. The once-menacing stronghold of Virendra Thakur was now stripped of its power, the oppressive atmosphere dissipating with each passing second. His gaze fell on Amrit, who was still standing in the courtyard, her eyes distant, as if trying to make sense of the whirlwind that had just upended her life.

Vidya, having returned safely after being rescued, stood beside Amrit, her hand resting gently on her shoulder. But Amrit barely registered the touch; she was lost in her thoughts, the weight of the past few days pressing heavily on her.

“First we need to go to police station as they wants to ask some questions and then tumhare ghar chalte hain. Take your belongings from there, and then we’ll  head to Mumbai,” Akshat said, his voice calm yet firm, trying to bring her back to the present. Amrit nodded blankly, her body moving on autopilot as she followed Akshat and Vidya out of the haveli.

As Amrit and Akshat arrived at Amrit's house after leaving the police station.

In her room, Amrit changed out of the bridal lehenga that had felt like a cage around her and into a dark blue anarkali suit. The fabric was soft against her skin, a small comfort in the midst of her turmoil. She began removing the heavy jewelry, piece by piece, each clink as it hit the table sounding like a release. When she finished, she walked over to the garbage bin and tossed the jewelry in with a decisive flick of her wrist, as if discarding the remnants of a nightmare.

She turned to the mirror, her eyes falling on the faint red mark of vermillion still visible in her hairline. Her hand reached up, fingers trembling as they traced the path of the sindoor. The symbolism of it all—what it represented, what she had narrowly escaped—hit her with full force. Her gaze then moved to the mangalsutra hanging around her neck, its black and gold beads a mockery of what it was supposed to mean.

As she stood there, lost in thought, her eyes were drawn to the open window. Beyond it, Akshat was outside, talking on his phone, his expression serious as he discussed what had just transpired. His presence was a stark contrast to everything she had known in the past few days—where everything had been dark and suffocating, he was a beacon of light, of hope. She found herself staring at him, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts she couldn’t quite grasp.

Akshat, sensing her gaze, looked up from his phone and their eyes met. The connection was electric, a silent conversation passing between them. Amrit quickly averted her eyes, feeling a flush creep up her neck as she turned back to the mirror. She picked up her comb and began running it through her hair, the repetitive motion soothing in its simplicity.

Akshat watched her for a moment longer, noting the quick way she looked away, the vulnerability in her movements. He returned to his phone call, his voice low but with an underlying determination. He was making sure everything was in order for their departure, that they would be safe, that nothing like this would ever happen to her again.

As the comb slid through her hair, Amrit found her thoughts returning to Akshat, to the way he had appeared in her life just when she needed someone the most. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, she felt that maybe, just maybe, she wouldn’t have to face it alone.

“Chalein?” Akshat asked as he saw her walking outside from her room with her suitcase.

She nodded her head and Akshat took Amrit's suitcase from her hands, his actions speaking volumes as he tried to ease the burden she was carrying—both literally and emotionally. Vidya followed closely behind, her sharp eyes noticing every small detail but choosing to stay silent for now.

Reaching the car, Amrit instinctively moved to sit beside Vidya. However, Vidya leaned in, whispering with a touch of mischief, “Tu aage baith jayegi kya? I want to sit comfortably in the backseat… my body is aching because of being tied.”

Amrit nodded and opened the front door and slid into the passenger seat. Akshat, who had been watching silently, looked a bit surprised but said nothing. He simply focused on the road ahead, while Vidya settled into the backseat, her lips curving into a knowing smile.

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

Krishiv walked out of the meeting room of Singhania industries as they were doing a project togather, loosening his tie and rolling up his shirt sleeves, feeling the weight of the day slowly ease off. As he entered Vihaan's office, expecting a quiet space to relax, he was surprised to find Bulbul sitting on the small sofa, scribbling in her notebook.

"Bulbul?" he called out, his voice filled with surprise as he approached her.

Bulbul looked up, her eyes lighting up with joy. "Cheatel uncle!" she exclaimed, running towards him and wrapping her tiny arms around his waist.

Krishiv smiled warmly, kneeling to her level. "What are you doing here, Bulbul?" he asked, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Mumma brought me here," she explained innocently, looking up at him with wide eyes.

Just then, Kavya walked into the room. Krishiv stood up, turning his attention to her.

"Good morning, sir," Kavya greeted him politely.

"Good morning, Kavya," Krishiv replied, his tone friendly. "What brings you here with Bulbul?"

"Her school ended early, and we’re in the middle of shifting from our old house. With all the moving and packing, I brought her here since I had some work to finish," Kavya explained, slightly flustered.

"Where are you moving to?" Krishiv inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Kavya mentioned the name of a new apartment complex.

A smile spread across Krishiv's face. "That's a nice place. Actually, my best friend and Vihaan's cousin brother live there too. You’ll have great neighbors."

"Really?" Kavya responded, visibly relieved. "That’s good to know."

They chatted casually for a few more minutes, discussing the move and how Bulbul was adjusting to everything. Finally, Kavya knelt in front of Bulbul and said, "Bulbul, be a good girl and sit quietly, okay? I'll be back soon."

Krishiv stepped in, offering to help. "Don't worry. ll keep an eye on her here."

Kavya smiled gratefully. "Thank you so much, sir." She then left the office, leaving Bulbul in Krishiv's care.

Krishiv noticed Bulbul standing nearby, looking a bit lost. With a gentle smile, he walked over and picked her up, placing her back on the small sofa where she had been sitting earlier.

"Bulbul, do your homework until I finish my work, okay? Uske baad hum ice cream khane chalenge, but first we'll ask your mummy for permission," he said with a reassuring smile.

Bulbul's eyes lit up at the mention of ice cream, and she eagerly nodded. "Okay, Cheatel uncle!" she agreed, already excited by the idea.

Krishiv sat down at his desk and started going through his work, focusing on the laptop and files in front of him. Bulbul, meanwhile, pulled out her notebook and began working on her homework. The room was quiet except for the soft tapping of Krishiv's fingers on the keyboard.

After a few minutes, Bulbul suddenly hit her forehead with her hand and exclaimed, "Arrey yaal!"

Krishiv looked up from his work, slightly amused. "Kya ho gaya?" he asked, curious about her sudden outburst.

"I forgot to finish my lunch. Mumma daatengi," Bulbul said, her voice filled with concern as she took out her lunchbox.

Krishiv chuckled at her worry but returned to his work. "Don't worry, just finish it now. Your mumma won't know," he teased lightly, his attention already back on the screen.

Bulbul nodded and opened her lunchbox, tearing a piece of paratha and popping it into her mouth. As she chewed, she glanced at Krishiv and noticed he was still immersed in his work.

"Have you eaten anything?" she asked, her innocent eyes wide with concern.

Krishiv shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nope, I'll eat after I finish my work," he replied, his gaze still focused on the laptop.

Bulbul, with her usual enthusiasm, walked over to Krishiv and placed her lunchbox on the table beside his work. Before he could say anything, she jumped up and sat on the edge of the table right in front of him, swinging her legs slightly. She tore another piece of paratha and held it out to him with a bright smile.

"You can eat from this," she offered, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Krishiv glanced up from his laptop, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Bulbul, I’m busy right now. I can’t eat. Aap kha lo," he said, his focus quickly returning to the screen in front of him.

But Bulbul was determined. Without a word, she moved the paratha closer to his mouth, holding it there patiently. Krishiv looked at her, surprised, as the paratha piece hovered near his lips.

"Aap kaam karo... I will feed you," she said with a wide, innocent smile.

Krishiv couldn’t help but chuckle at her insistence. He looked into her expectant eyes and decided to give in. "Alright, you win," he said, smiling warmly at her. He leaned forward and took a bite of the paratha from her hand.

As he chewed, his eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Wow, it’s yummy. Aapke mummy ne banaya?" he asked, genuinely impressed by the taste.

Bulbul nodded enthusiastically, proud of her mother’s cooking. "Haan! Mumma banati hain. She makes the best parathas!" she declared confidently.

Krishiv smiled at her excitement. "She really does," he agreed, savoring the taste.

Bulbul then tore off another piece of paratha for herself, happily munching on it before tearing another bite for Krishiv. She held it up to him again, and he leaned forward, letting her feed him once more.

Krishiv couldn’t remember the last time he had enjoyed a meal like this. He looked at Bulbul, her face glowing with pure joy as she took care of him in her own little way, and he felt a deep sense of affection for the young girl.

As Krishiv continued to work, he couldn’t help but notice Bulbul’s gaze fixed on him. He glanced up from his laptop and saw her staring intently, her eyes full of curiosity and something else he couldn’t quite place.

"Kya hua?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Bulbul scrunched up her nose slightly, looking a little upset. "You wele lying," she declared, her pout making her look even more adorable.

"Lying? Kya?" Krishiv asked, genuinely confused by her sudden accusation.

"You said you will meet me jab mai yaad karungi, but you didn’t," she replied, her tone a mix of disappointment and accusation.

Krishiv chuckled softly, realizing where this was going. "Ohh, so Bulbul was missing me?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Bulbul shook her head defiantly. "No… I was just remembering you," she said, trying to maintain her serious expression, but her pout betrayed her.

He couldn’t help but laugh a little at her attempt to save face. "Achha, bas yaad kar rahi thi?" he asked, still smiling.

Bulbul nodded, and then suddenly her expression changed to one of earnest determination. "Will you give me your number?" she asked, her eyes widening with anticipation.

Krishiv leaned back slightly, pretending to think hard about her request. "Ummmmn," he said, dragging out the sound as if he were seriously contemplating it.

Seeing him hesitate, Bulbul crossed her arms, her patience wearing thin. "Mat do. I don’t want," she said, turning her face away in mock anger, her tiny nose scrunching up in annoyance.

Krishiv couldn’t hold back his laughter this time. Her quick shifts in mood were both amusing and endearing. Still chuckling, he reached for a piece of paper on his desk, quickly jotting down his number. He folded the paper neatly and handed it to her with a grin.

"Here, meri madam," he said.

Bulbul’s face lit up instantly as she took the paper from him, her earlier pretense of anger forgotten. She grinned widely, clutching the piece of paper as if it were the most valuable thing in the world.

"Thank you!" she said, her excitement bubbling over.

Just then, the door opened, and Kavya walked in, having finished her work. She smiled at the sight of her daughter beaming with happiness.

"Chalo Bulbul, it’s time to go," Kavya said, reaching out for her.

Bulbul looked at Krishiv one last time, clutching the paper with his number tightly in her little hand. "Bye, Cheatel uncle!" she chirped, her mood completely restored.

"Bye, Bulbul," Krishiv replied warmly, watching as Kavya led her out of the office.

As the door closed behind them, Krishiv couldn’t help but smile to himself.

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

After a few hours of driving, Akshat glanced in the rearview mirror and noticed Vidya fast asleep in the backseat, her head resting awkwardly against the window. Shifting his gaze slightly, he saw Amrit sitting beside him, her head leaning against the glass as she stared blankly outside. Her usually vibrant dark complexion, which would often glow even in moments of fear, now looked pale and drained of its usual energy. It was a stark contrast to the lively spirit she always carried, and it tugged at his heart.

As they drove past a small roadside dhaba, Akshat made a quick decision and pulled the car over. The sudden stop caused Vidya to stir awake, rubbing her eyes as she struggled to orient herself.

"Pahoch gaye kya?" she mumbled, still groggy from sleep.

"Abhi time hai," Akshat replied, unbuckling his seatbelt and stepping out of the car. "Kuch kha lete hain. Tum dono ne kuch khaya bhi nahi hoga subah se."

His voice was gentle but firm, carrying a hint of concern that neither of them could miss.

Amrit slowly opened her door and stepped out of the car, followed by Vidya.

He led them to a wooden table under the shade of a tree near the dhaba. Akshat quickly ordered some food, instructing the server to bring over whatever was freshly made.

Amrit sat at the table, her eyes fixed on the plate in front of her. The smell of the freshly made parathas wafted up to her, and though her stomach growled with hunger, she couldn’t bring herself to eat. The food felt like just another reminder of the normalcy that had been ripped away from her life. She felt hollow, the emptiness in her chest making it difficult to do something as simple as eating.

Akshat noticed her hesitation, the way she stared blankly at the food without touching it. Concern flashed in his eyes, and he quickly glanced over at Vidya, who was already halfway through her meal. He gestured towards Amrit with a slight nod, his eyes silently pleading with Vidya to help. Understanding his unspoken request, Vidya put her plate down and turned her full attention to her best friend.

"Amrit," Vidya began gently, her voice soft but firm, "tune do din se kuchh khaya nahi hoga. Abhi bhi dekhi jaa rahi hai usse. Khayegi nahi toh kaise chalega yaar?"

Vidya picked up a piece of paratha from her own plate and held it up to Amrit’s mouth. "Ye le, atleast Komal aunty ke liye hi kha le," she said, mentioning Amrit’s mother to tug at her heartstrings.

Hearing her mother’s name broke through the fog in Amrit’s mind. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered Komal's gentle voice, her loving hands that had always made sure Amrit was fed well, no matter what. Without saying a word, Amrit leaned forward and took the bite from Vidya’s hand. She chewed slowly, the taste of the paratha mingling with the bittersweet memories of her mother. She looked down, tears slipping from her eyes as she forced herself to swallow the food, her throat tight with emotion.

Vidya watched her closely, her own heart aching for her friend. But she knew Amrit needed to eat, to regain her strength. "Bas thoda aur kha le," Vidya encouraged softly, offering her another bite.

Amrit nodded slightly, her hand trembling as she picked up a piece of paratha from her own plate. She took small, hesitant bites, her gaze distant and unfocused as she tried to push past the lump in her throat. The food was warm, and though she didn’t feel like eating, she could feel a tiny bit of strength returning to her with each bite. She didn’t want to eat, but she knew she had to—for herself, for her mother, and for Vidya, who had been there through everything.

Akshat watched her closely, only starting to eat once he was sure she was eating too.

Suddenly, Amrit started coughing, the food catching in her throat as her emotions overwhelmed her. Akshat immediately reacted, his movements quick and sure. He poured water into a glass from the jug on the table and brought it to her, holding it out to her lips.

Amrit looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. For a brief moment, their eyes locked, and she saw the deep concern in his gaze. She took the glass from his hand, her fingers brushing against his briefly before she pulled it back.

"Thank you," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper before she drank the water slowly, calming her breathing.

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

Vedant returned home only to find his front door locked. He sighed in frustration, reaching into his pocket for his phone.

"Yaar, mummy kahan chali gayi iss time?" he muttered to himself as he dialed his mom's number.

["Man, where has mom gone at this time?"]

"Haan Vedu, bolo," Preeti answered after a few rings.

["Yes Vedu, speak."]

"Mummy, kahan ho iss time? Aur ghar lock kar ke jaa rahe the toh mujhe bata dete, mai extra keys le jata," Vedant said, exasperation clear in his voice.

["Mom, where are you at this time? And if you were leaving and locking the house, you should have told me. I would have taken the extra keys."]

"Beta, mai Akshat ke ghar aayi hoon, Vishakha se milne. Aur tumne hi toh kaha tha tumhe late ho jayega, usme meri kya galti?" Preeti responded calmly.

["Son, I’ve come to Akshat’s house to meet Vishakha. And you yourself said you’d be late, so what’s my fault?"]

"Haan, but ab mai kahan jaun?" Vedant asked, looking around the empty hallway.

["Yes, but where should I go now?"]

Just then, Nandini came back from her office, her pace slowing as she noticed Vedant standing outside his flat’s door, looking a bit lost.

“Beta, Nandu ke ghar chala jaa, mai ek ghante mein aa jaungi,” Preeti suggested.

["Son, go to Nandu’s house, I’ll be there in an hour."]

“Kya... arre yaar!!” Vedant groaned in annoyance.

["What... oh man!!"]

“Aap kis matam mein doob gaye?” Nandini asked, raising an eyebrow as she approached her door, unlocking it with ease.

["What kind of state are you in?"]

Vedant was about to respond when his mom interrupted him, “Meri baat karvao Nandu se.”

["Let me speak to Nandu."]

He handed his phone to Nandini without a word, gesturing for her to take it. Nandini looked a little surprised but took the phone.

“Hello Nandu baby! Actually, mai apni behan ke ghar aayi hoon aur mujhe aane mein at least one hour lag jayega. To please Vedu ko apne ghar par bula lo, thak gaya hoga wo,” Preeti requested sweetly.

["Hello Nandu baby! Actually, I’ve come to my sister’s house and it will take me at least one hour to get there. So please call Vedu over to your house, he must be tired."]

“Haan, okay, aap enjoy karo. Okk, bye,” Nandini replied cheerfully before disconnecting the call and handing the phone back to Vedant. “Aaiye,” she said, motioning towards her now open door.

["Yes, okay, enjoy yourself. Okay, bye."]

Vedant hesitated for a moment but then followed her inside. He took a seat on the sofa, glancing around the room. It was a mess—papers strewn across the coffee table, a couple of cushions out of place, and an unwashed cup sitting on a side table.

“Insano ki tarah rakh liya karo room,” Vedant said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

["You should keep the room like a human's room."]

“Aapka hai na insaano jaisa, toh aap khush rahiye. Mujhe aise hi pasand hai,” Nandini retorted, disappearing into the kitchen and returning shortly with two cups of tea. She placed one in front of him.

["Your room is like a human’s, so you stay happy. I like it this way."]

“Ohh sorry, mai bhul gaya tha, insaano ko hi acha lagta hai insaan wala room… tumhare jaise janwaron ko nahi,” Vedant quipped, taking a sip of the tea.

["Oh, sorry, I forgot, humans like a human-like room... animals like you don’t."]

“Wahi na, aur janwar ke room mein janwar hi aate hain,” Nandini shot back with a smirk.

["Exactly, and only animals come to an animal’s room."]

“Correct,” Vedant responded, almost instinctively before realizing what she had just implied. “What? Mai khud se nahi aaya hun. Koi option nahi tha isliye aana pada.”

["Correct," Vedant responded, almost instinctively before realizing what she had just implied. "What? I didn’t come here by choice. I had no other option, so I had to come."]

“Jo bhi hai, ab aap apne statement se peeche nahi hat sakte,” Nandini said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

["Whatever it is, you can’t backtrack from your statement now."]

They sat in silence for a few minutes, the only sound being the faint clinking of their tea cups. After a while, Nandini got up and headed to the kitchen again, returning with a bag of vegetables and a cutting board.

“Mai nahane ja rahi hoon, ye bhindi cut kar ke rakhiye tab tak,” she instructed, placing the items in front of Vedant.

["I’m going to take a shower, please cut and keep this bhindi until then."]

“What? Mai ye bhindi cut karun?” Vedant asked, incredulously.

["What? I should cut this bhindi?"]

“Ji, aapke alawa yahan koi aur hai kya?” Nandini replied nonchalantly.

["Yes, is there anyone else here apart from you?"]

“Par mai kaise kar sakta hoon?” Vedant asked, looking at the vegetables as if they were an alien species.

["But how can I do it?"]

“Hath se aur chaku se,” Nandini deadpanned, turning to leave but then paused and turned back to him with a serious expression. “Aur haan, mai nahane ja rahi hoon. Kuch karne ka try karenge na, toh mai apne sath bathroom mein kanpuriya choori rakhti hoon, cheer dungi.”

["With your hands and a knife."), "And yes, I’m going to take a shower. If you try to do something, I’ll take my Kanpurian knife with me to the bathroom and cut you."]

“Excuse me, pehli baat, mai aisa ladka nahi hoon. And second thing, I don’t have any interest in you,” Vedant said, a bit indignant.

["Excuse me, first of all, I’m not that kind of guy. And second, I don’t have any interest in you."]

“I know, par ladko ki niyat ka bharosa nahi hota, kab man phisal jaye,” Nandini said, her tone teasing but with a hint of mock seriousness.

["I know, but you can’t trust a guy’s intentions, you never know when he might slip."]

“Acha? Aur ladkiyan bhi shareef nahi hain aaj kal ki. Tum mujhe yahan bula kar itne sharafat se apne ghar laayi… kya pata kya irada ho tumhara,” Vedant countered, raising an eyebrow.

["Oh really? And girls aren’t all that virtuous these days either. You called me here so politely to your home… who knows what your intentions are."]

“Hawww… mai mar bhi jaun, phir bhi aapke paas aane ka na sochun! Chee chee, aur sharam nahi aati aise baatein karte hue,” Nandini exclaimed, feigning shock and disgust.

["Oh wow… even if I were to die, I wouldn’t think of coming near you! Shame, shame, don’t you feel embarrassed talking like this?"]

“Haan ab pata chala… khud bhi yahi bakwas kar rahi thi,” Vedant said, rolling his eyes.

["Oh, now I see… you were talking nonsense too."]

“Mai bas aapko samjha rahi thi,” Nandini replied coolly. “Aur haan, sabji cut honi chahiye mere aate tak,” she added with a playful wink before finally heading to the bathroom.

["I was just trying to explain to you."), "And yes, the vegetables should be cut by the time I get back."]

Vedant stared after her for a moment, then looked down at the vegetables in front of him. “Stupid girl… bas bakwas karne ko bol do,” he muttered, shaking his head as he reluctantly picked up the knife and started cutting the bhindi.

Nandini emerged from the washroom, her wet hair cascading down her shoulders, droplets of water glistening like tiny pearls against the strands. As she gently wiped her hair with a towel, the scent of fresh shampoo lingered in the air, adding to the soft, serene ambiance of the room. The way her damp locks clung to her face and neck highlighted the delicate curves of her features, giving her an ethereal glow.

Vedant's gaze followed her every movement, his breath catching as he took in the sight before him. There was something mesmerizing about the way she effortlessly moved, unaware of the effect she had on him. The soft fabric of her clothes clung to her still-wet skin, accentuating her natural beauty in a way that left him speechless.

In that moment, the world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only her presence to fill his senses. He couldn't tear his eyes away, utterly captivated by the simple, yet profound beauty of Nandini just being herself. The ordinary act of drying her hair had transformed into something extraordinary, leaving Vedant completely lost in the moment, unable to think of anything but her.

He was so engrossed that he didn't even notice Nandini catching his gaze.

"Kya hua? Aise kya ghoor rahe? Muh pe 'Stree 2' movie chal rahi kya?" Nandini's voice snapped him out of his reverie.

["What happened? Why are you staring? Is the movie 'Stree 2' playing on my face?"]

Vedant blinked, coming back to reality. "Kon ghoor raha hai? I was just observing how you dry your hair like a rakshas," he replied with a teasing smirk.

["Who’s staring?”]

Nandini rolled her eyes, tossing the towel onto the bed. "Ab jiski sangat mein rahungi, waisa hi tarike adopt karna padega na," she retorted, her tone laced with playful sarcasm.

["Now, if I’m going to be in your company, I have to adopt such ways, right?"]

Vedant's expression shifted from amused to slightly irritated. "Arre bed par geeli towel kon rakhta hai?" he asked, his voice rising in frustration as he pointed at the towel now sprawled across the bed.

["Who keeps a wet towel on the bed?"]

"Aapko sona hai kya udhar? Nahi na, to mera bed, main chahe jaise rakhun," Nandini shot back, unfazed by his irritation.

["Do you need to sleep there? No, so it’s my bed, I’ll keep it however I want."]

Vedant sighed, shaking his head. "Tum thodi si ghiski ho kya," he muttered, rolling his eyes as he moved to pick up the towel.

["Are you a bit careless?"]

"Ji, Jahanpanah, aapki hi sobat ka asar ho gaya hai," Nandini quipped as she walked over to the kitchen, beginning to chop onions with precision.

["Yes, Your Highness, it’s the effect of your companionship."]

Vedant joined her, his eyes landing on the ladyfinger he had been cutting earlier. "Kuch samjhao to pak pak jubaan chalne lagti hai, ye nahi ki uss adat ko sudharo," he grumbled, picking up where he left off.

["When you explain something, you start talking too much. You should correct that habit."]

Nandini glanced at the perfectly sliced ladyfinger and couldn't help but compliment him. "Itni sundar cutting bade dinon baad dekhi," she said, genuinely impressed.

["I haven’t seen such beautiful cutting in a long time."]

"Kya?" Vedant looked up, confused by the sudden praise, only to notice the onions Nandini had just chopped into odd shapes. "Lo ji," he sighed, shaking his head in disbelief.

["What?"), "Here we go."]

Nandini, unfazed by his reaction, picked up the ladyfinger and the oddly shaped onions, handing them to Vedant. "Lo ji so ji chhoriye, idhar kitchen mein aa ke help kariye meri," she said, moving around the kitchen with ease.

["Here, take this and come help me in the kitchen."]

Vedant frowned. "Kya? Tum waise to ye sab akele karti ho, aaj main dikh gaya hun to mujhe kyun bakra bana rahi ho," he complained, reluctant to join in.

["What? You usually do all this alone, so why are you making me the scapegoat today just because I’m here?"]

Nandini paused, turning to face him with a knowing smile. "To uss time main bas apne liye khana banati hun. Aaj aap bhi sath mein hain, to aap thoda help kar doge to aapki MBBS ki degree nahi jal jayegi," she said, her tone both teasing and persuasive.

["So, at that time, I only cook for myself. Today you’re here too, so if you help a little, your MBBS degree won’t be burned."]

Vedant, still a bit irked by the earlier banter, couldn't help but tease Nandini further. "Tumhe meri MBBS ki degree se kya problem hai? Jab dekho, beech mein lekar aa jati ho. Tum jealous ho kya meri achi degree aur job se?" he said, raising an eyebrow as he sliced the vegetables with precision.

["What’s your problem with my MBBS degree? You always bring it up. Are you jealous of my good degree and job?"]

Nandini snorted, not missing a beat. "Jale meri jooti... Mujhe koi shauq nahi ye operation, khoon, ye sab dekhne ka," she retorted, rolling her eyes as she wiped her hands on her apron, clearly unimpressed by his comment.

["I have no interest in seeing operations, blood, or any of this."]

Nandini then turned toward the shelf, realizing she needed some flour to finish the meal. Stretching her arm upward, she struggled to reach the container on the high shelf. She stood on her toes, but the flour remained just out of her grasp. Vedant noticed her futile efforts and couldn't resist commenting, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Utaarte nahi aata to itna upar kyun rakha?" he asked, crossing his arms as he watched her.

Nandini shot him a look, her frustration evident. "Arre, main adha nikaal kar rakhti hoon neeche. Upar bacha hua to mujhe laga ki abhi neeche wale mein hoga thoda," she explained, but her irritation was clear as she continued to stretch.

Vedant sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. Without thinking much, he stepped closer, coming up behind her. His tall frame easily overshadowed hers as he reached over her head to grab the container. In that moment, their bodies were close, almost too close, and Nandini could feel the warmth of his breath on the back of her neck.

Nandini froze, feeling the intensity of his presence, her heartbeat quickening at the unexpected closeness. Vedant's hand hovered over the flour container, but he too hesitated, caught off guard by the sudden intimacy of the situation. His mind, which had been preoccupied with teasing remarks, was now blank as he became acutely aware of her proximity, her scent, the way her hair brushed against his arm.

For a moment, neither of them moved, trapped in the electric tension between them. Vedant's breath hitched, his usual confidence faltering as he realized how close they were. He didn't fully understand the strange pull he felt toward her, but he couldn't deny that something about this moment felt different—more charged, more meaningful. His expression softened, confusion flickering in his eyes as he tried to make sense of the unfamiliar emotions stirring within him.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Vedant managed to grab the flour and slowly handed it to Nandini. Their fingers brushed lightly as she took it from him, and though it was a simple gesture, it carried an unexpected weight. Neither of them stepped back immediately, both lingering in the moment as if neither wanted to break the spell that had momentarily woven itself around them.

Vedant's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing. He couldn’t quite pinpoint what had just happened, but he felt unsettled in a way that was both thrilling and unnerving. He shook his head slightly, trying to dismiss the odd flutter in his stomach. "Lo, tumhara atta," he mumbled, his voice a little rougher than he intended, as he finally stepped back, putting some much-needed distance between them.

Nandini, still feeling the warmth of his presence, quickly looked away, trying to regain her composure. She busied herself with the flour.

Vedant, on the other hand, stood for a moment longer, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling. He was unaware that he was slowly, unknowingly, falling for Nandini. His confusion only deepened, but for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, not ready to face the reality of what might be happening inside his heart.

After a while, Nandini, feeling the weight of the afternoon, let out a yawn as she looked at Vedant. "Roti bana denge? Meko alas aa rahi," she said, stretching lazily.

Vedant shot her a look of mock disbelief. "Kya? Main kya kaam wali bai dikhti hun—I mean, dikhta hun—jo kabse order de rahi ho?" he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.

["What? Do I look like a maid—I mean, do I look like one—who you’ve been giving orders to?"]

Nandini rolled her eyes dramatically. "Thik hai, ho gaya. Mat kariye aap, aram se jaa kar hawa khaiye, main bana deti hun," she responded, feigning exasperation as she pretended to shoo him away.

["Fine, it’s done. Don’t do it then; go relax and get some fresh air. I’ll make it."]

Vedant, not one to back down from a bit of playful banter, shrugged nonchalantly. "Haan, ok," he said, turning as if to leave the kitchen.

But Nandini quickly stopped him, realising she might need his help. "Arre... acha, main belti hun, aap sek dijiye," she suggested, picking up the rolling pin just as a knock echoed from the front door.

"Kon hai?" Nandini shouted from the kitchen, her voice carrying through the house.

"It's me, baby!" Preeti's cheerful voice came from the other side.

Nandini hurried to open the door, smiling as she welcomed Preeti inside. As soon as Preeti stepped in, her eyes immediately went to the kitchen, where Vedant was standing, clearly in the midst of cooking. Her lips curved into a teasing grin. "Vedu tum kitchen mein... hmmm, kya chal raha hai?" she teased, arching an eyebrow playfully.

Vedant rolled his eyes in mock frustration. "Aapki Nandu baby ne mujhe kaam wali bai samajh ke rakha hai. Pehle sabzi katwaya, phir banvaya, ab roti banane ko keh rahi hai," he complained, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

Preeti burst out laughing, clearly enjoying the situation. "O God, really? Aaj mere Vedu ne sabzi banayi?" she said, clutching her stomach as she laughed.

"Haan Preetu Darling, aap bhi khaiye na," Nandini chimed in, joining in on the fun.

Preeti’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Haan, of course! Pehli baar apne bete ke haath ka khana khaungi," she said, winking at Vedant as she made her way to the kitchen, eager to taste the fruits of his labor.

Vedant couldn't help but shake his head with a resigned smile, but deep down, he enjoyed the playful camaraderie that filled the room. Nandini and Preeti's teasing, though relentless, brought a warmth to the kitchen that made the mundane task of cooking feel almost enjoyable.

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

As the car drove through the quiet streets of Mumbai, the atmosphere inside was heavy with unspoken words. Vidya had just stepped out, leaving the couple alone. The silence between Amrit and Akshat was awkward, both of them lost in their thoughts. The realization that they were now husband and wife weighed heavily on them, changing the dynamics of their relationship in a single day.

Finally, Amrit broke the silence, her voice hesitant. "Ham kahan jaa rahe hain?" she asked, glancing at Akshat from the corner of her eye.

[Where are we going?"]

He kept his eyes on the road as he replied, "Mere ghar."

["My home."]

The words hung in the air, making Amrit's heart race. She swallowed hard, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. "I... I don’t want to go to your home," she finally said, her voice soft but firm.

Akshat’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. He pulled over to the side of the road and turned to face her, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. "What do you mean?"

Amrit hesitated, but she knew she had to explain herself. "I respect this relationship, I really do. But for now, I don’t have the courage to go to a joint family. I’m not ready to take on the responsibilities of a wife and daughter-in-law just yet. I need time to focus on my studies. That’s my priority right now."

She looked down, feeling a wave of guilt wash over her. "I’m sorry if this offends you. It’s just... my wish. After I complete my studies, we can tell everyone about our marriage, and then I’ll move in with you. But until then, I’d like to live separately."

Akshat listened carefully, his initial surprise fading into understanding. He knew she was right. This was all so new, so overwhelming, and she had every right to want to prioritize her education before taking on more responsibilities.

"I understand," he said gently. "You’re right. We need time to adjust to this. And your studies should come first. But you can't live to your old home. The police said I need to stay safe until the court hearing against Thakur. I have an apartment that I use when I need some time alone. It’s safe, and you can stay there until everything is sorted out."

Amrit started to shake her head, but Akshat stopped her. "You’re my wife now, Amrit. That place is yours as much as it is mine."

His words made her heart flutter, the weight of the "wife" tag sinking in. The way he said it, with such certainty and care, made her feel a warmth spread through her chest. She didn’t know how to respond, so she simply nodded, her face flushing slightly.

Akshat noticed her reaction but didn’t comment on it. Instead, he started the car again, driving towards the apartment.

As they arrived at the flat, Amrit gazed in astonishment from inside the car. "Isn’t this the place where you almost... you know, attempted suicide and I saved you?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and recognition.

Akshat turned to her, raising his eyebrows. For a moment, he looked like he might comment, but then he simply nodded. "Haan, wahi jagah hai," he said, shaking his head with a hint of resignation. He parked the car in the back lot, avoiding the more visible front spots.

They walked to the side entrance of the building. "Ham ye peeche se kyun jaa rahe hain?" Amrit asked, curious.

"My masi lives here nearby, and if someone sees us, it might create problems. No one really uses this entrance," Akshat explained.

Once they reached the side door, Akshat unlocked it and led her into the apartment. Amrit stepped into a grand foyer with high ceilings and marble floors that shimmered under the soft lighting. The space exuded an air of opulence and tranquility.

Akshat gestured to the open living area. "This is the main living space. It’s spacious and designed for comfort. The large windows let in plenty of natural light, and there’s a beautiful view of the cityscape."

Amrit looked around, taking in the modern elegance of the room. The living area featured a plush sectional sofa in muted tones, with an elegant glass coffee table in the center. There was a sleek, contemporary entertainment unit mounted on the wall, and a cozy reading nook with a large bookshelf filled with an assortment of books.

To the right, Akshat led her to the dining area. A glass dining table with four chairs stood in the centre, with a crystal chandelier hanging overhead. The space was tastefully decorated with minimalist art and fresh flowers in a vase.

"This is the dining area," Akshat said.

He guided her further into the apartment, showing her the kitchen. It was a chef’s dream—an expansive space with state-of-the-art appliances, a large central island, and gleaming countertops. Cabinets lined the walls, filled with every cooking gadget one could imagine.

Next, he led her to the bedrooms. The master suite was luxurious, with a king-sized bed adorned with high-thread-count linens, and a private balcony overlooking the city. The en-suite bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a large walk-in shower, a soaking tub, and double vanities.

Amrit noticed a door on the other side of the living area. "That door?" she asked, pointing.

Akshat nodded. "That’s the main door. Tum wohi use karna.”

As they finished touring the apartment, Akshat looked at Amrit and said, “You should freshen up. I’ll check if there’s anything available to make for dinner.”

Amrit hesitated for a moment, glancing around the expansive space. “Aap yahi soyenge?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

Akshat met her gaze and paused, considering her question. “I will leave if you are uncomfortable. Tum so jana aram se,” he said reassuringly.

Amrit shook her head quickly. “Nahi nahi, it’s nothing like that. I trust you. I was just saying ki aapke family me koi puchega nahi?” she asked, looking genuinely concerned.

Akshat nodded, understanding her worry. “I’ll tell my maa that I stayed at Bareilly today. She won’t ask more than that.”

Amrit relaxed slightly, feeling more at ease with his response.

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