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Amrit stepped out of the washroom, dressed in a simple pajama and kurta, her hair still slightly damp. She walked towards the kitchen and saw Akshat busy serving the food. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing the careful effort he had put into preparing the meal. He looked up as she approached.

“Dinner is ready... tum baitho, I will bring it,” he said, his tone gentle but formal.

Amrit shook her head slightly, offering a polite smile. “It’s okay... mai khud se le leti hun,” she replied, walking over to the counter. As she saw the food, she noticed that he had prepared khichdi, a comforting but simple dish.

“Wo... we ate at the dhaba, so I thought to prepare something light,” Akshat explained, a bit unsure if it was the right choice.

She nodded, her smile softening as she appreciated his thoughtfulness. “Perfect choice,” she murmured, taking a plate. She then walked over to the dining area and sat down.

Akshat followed her, bringing his own plate and taking a seat across from her. The room was quiet except for the soft clinking of spoons against the plates. Both of them ate the khichdi in silence, the earlier events of the day weighing heavily on their minds.

As they sat there, the awkwardness between them was palpable. It wasn’t the comfortable silence that sometimes accompanied long-time companions, but rather the quiet that comes when two people are still adjusting to a new, unfamiliar reality.

Akshat occasionally glanced up at Amrit, who was eating slowly, lost in her thoughts. He wanted to say something, to break the silence, but the words seemed to elude him. Amrit, on the other hand, was trying to push away the swirl of emotions inside her. The khichdi, warm and soothing, helped calm her, even if just a little.

After a few minutes, Akshat finally spoke up, his voice low and sincere. “I know everything feels... strange right now, but I want you to know that you can tell me if there’s anything you need.”

Amrit paused, looking up at him. She saw the concern in his eyes and nodded slowly.

As they finished their meal, Akshat cleared his throat, trying to steer the conversation toward something more practical. “When will you join college?” he asked, his tone casual, but the underlying concern was evident.

“Kal se,” Amrit replied, her voice steady, though she could sense where the conversation was heading.

Akshat frowned slightly, setting his spoon down. “Kal se? Why so soon?” he asked, his voice laced with mild surprise. “I mean... I think you should take some break for a week. You’ve been through a lot, and jumping straight back into classes might be too much.”

Amrit shook her head gently, her determination shining through her exhaustion. “I’ve already missed so many classes, sir. Aur nahi kar sakti. I have to catch up with everything I’ve missed,” she explained, her voice firm yet tinged with the underlying stress of it all.

Akshat leaned back in his chair, regarding her thoughtfully. “I understand that, but you also need to take care of yourself. You’ve been under immense stress, and pushing yourself too hard, too fast, could do more harm than good,” he reasoned, his tone soft but insistent. “Taking a week off isn’t going to set you back that much. You need time to process everything, to adjust.”

He paused, watching her reaction before continuing. “And I am sure you’ll catch up with the syllabus. In fact, I’ll help you. I have all the notes you’ve missed. But right now, your mental and physical health should come first.”

Amrit looked at him, her resolve wavering slightly as she considered his words. The thought of taking a break was tempting, even though it made her feel guilty. But seeing the sincerity in Akshat’s eyes, she knew he was right.

Finally, she nodded, albeit reluctantly. “Okay." she admitted softly, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.

After they finished dinner, Akshat and Amrit gathered the plates and carried them to the kitchen. Amrit, feeling the need to contribute, moved toward the sink to start washing the dishes. Just as she was about to turn on the faucet, Akshat suddenly reached out and gently held her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.

The unexpected touch caused both of them to freeze for a moment. Their eyes met, and they simultaneously glanced down at their hands, where his fingers lightly circled her wrist. Realizing what he was doing, Akshat quickly released her hand and awkwardly cleared his throat, trying to brush off the moment.

“I’ll do it. You need to rest,” he said, his voice firm but gentle.

Amrit frowned slightly, feeling conflicted. “But sir aapne dinner banaya... mai itna toh kar hi sakti hun,” she protested, her voice laced with concern. She didn’t want to feel like a burden.

Akshat shook his head, his expression softening a bit. “Kar dena when I won’t be here. Filhal ke liye, you need to rest,” he insisted, his tone leaving little room for argument.

“But sir…” she began, using the formal address out of habit, which only made the situation feel more intense.

“Amrit, go,” he said, his voice taking on a stricter tone, though it was clear he was only doing so out of concern for her well-being.

Amrit hesitated for a second, reading the seriousness in his eyes. She knew there was no point in arguing further, especially when he was so adamant. Finally, she nodded, accepting his instruction. “Okay,” she murmured softly, before turning and leaving the kitchen.

After finishing the dishes, Akshat walked towards the bedroom, expecting to find Amrit getting ready to sleep. Instead, he found her fast asleep on the sofa, her legs tucked up, and her head resting uncomfortably against the armrest. She had fallen asleep sitting there, exhaustion clearly written on her face. Her breathing was soft and steady, a sign that she was finally getting the rest she desperately needed after so many sleepless nights.

Akshat approached her quietly, unsure of whether to wake her or not. He tapped her shoulder lightly with his phone. "Amrit," he called softly, hoping she would wake up and move to the bed. But she didn’t stir. He called her name a few more times, but she was deeply asleep, lost in much-needed slumber.

He sighed, realizing she wouldn’t wake up on her own. For a moment, he hesitated, unsure if he should disturb her. But seeing her so uncomfortably positioned, he knew she’d wake up with aches and pains if she stayed like that. Gathering his resolve, Akshat bent down and carefully lifted her into his arms. She was light, and as he held her close, her head naturally rested against his chest, causing his heart to race with the sudden, unexpected closeness.

Akshat walked towards the bed with slow, measured steps, making sure not to jostle her. He gently laid her down on the bed, arranging her comfortably under the covers. Just as he was about to turn and leave, Amrit’s hand suddenly shot out and grabbed his wrist, holding on tightly.

Akshat froze, looking down at her with concern. Her eyes were still closed, but her face was contorted in distress. Her grip on his hand was strong, almost desperate, and tears began to stream down her cheeks.

“Mummaa..mummaa.” she murmured in her sleep, her voice trembling with fear. She was dreaming, and whatever she was seeing was causing her deep pain. Akshat realized she must be dreaming of her mother, and the way she clung to him, it was clear she thought she was holding her mother’s hand.

“Where are you going, Mumma? Don’t leave me alone… please don’t go… I..I am alone here..please don't leave me alone.” she whimpered, tears falling faster now, her voice breaking as she called out again and again, each word a plea that tore at Akshat’s heart.

Seeing her like this, Akshat couldn’t just walk away. He quickly sat down beside her on the bed and tightened his grip on her hand, hoping it would provide some comfort. With his other hand, he gently began to caress her head, running his fingers softly through her hair, trying to soothe her.

“Shhh!" he whispered, though he knew she couldn’t hear him. His voice was low and filled with a tenderness he didn’t often show. “You’re not alone.”

Gradually, the tension in her body began to ease, and her grip on his hand loosened slightly, though she didn’t let go. Her breathing became more even, and the distress on her face started to fade as she calmed down. But even as she settled back into a deeper sleep, she held onto his hand, now pressing it beneath her cheek, seeking comfort in the warmth and presence.

Akshat watched her for a long moment, his heart aching at the sight of her vulnerability. He didn’t know how to ease the pain of losing her mother, but in this moment, he could at least be there for her. He shifted slightly, half-laying down beside her, still holding her hand while his other hand continued to stroke her hair gently.

As Amrit finally fell into a peaceful sleep, Akshat stayed by her side, refusing to let go. He knew that whatever the future held, he would do everything he could to protect her, to make sure she never felt alone again.

The next morning, Amrit slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the soft light filtering through the curtains. She let out a groggy yawn, stretching her arms lazily. As she moved, she suddenly felt something warm beneath her cheek. Confused, she turned her head slightly to the other side, and her eyes widened in surprise. There, half-laying beside her on the bed in an awkward, uncomfortable position, was Akshat.

His head was resting at an odd angle, and his arm was still stretched beneath her pillow. She frowned, piecing together the events of the previous night. Slowly, fragments of her nightmare came back to her—the dream of her mother leaving her, the overwhelming sadness, and then the comforting presence that had soothed her fears. Realization dawned on her: it was Akshat who had calmed her down, who had stayed with her through the night, even if it meant he had to sleep in an uncomfortable position.

A wave of guilt washed over her as she sat up on the bed, looking at him with a mix of concern and gratitude. She knew he must be feeling stiff and sore from the awkward way he had slept. Determined to make him more comfortable, she gently placed her hands on his shoulders and tried to pull him down so he could lie properly on the bed.

But as she tugged at him, she quickly realized just how heavy he was. “Baap re! He is so heavy!” she muttered under her breath, struggling to move him into a more comfortable position.

As she continued her efforts, her mind suddenly betrayed her, activating what she liked to call her "double side." Her thoughts veered into territory they definitely shouldn’t. Images flashed in her mind, and she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks as she imagined scenarios that were... less than appropriate.

“Chiii yaar, what am I thinking!” she scolded herself, closing her eyes tightly to block out the images. “I need to stop reading those books,” she thought, shaking her head in an attempt to clear away the extra-minded thoughts. She even slapped her forehead lightly, feeling embarrassed at her own imagination.

Finally, with one last effort, she managed to make him lie down properly on the bed. But in doing so, she found herself leaning over him, adjusting the pillow on his other side. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized just how close their faces were. Her heart started to race, and for a moment, she was completely still, her gaze locked on his peaceful, sleeping face.

In sleep, Akshat looked so different. The hard lines of stress and responsibility that usually marked his face were gone, replaced by a serene calmness. His sharp features softened as he slept, his lips slightly parted, and his dark lashes rested gently against his skin. His hair, which was usually neatly styled, now fell slightly across his forehead, giving him a boyish charm that she hadn’t noticed before.

Amrit's gaze lingered on him as she felt a deep sense of appreciation swelling in her chest. In the past few days, she had been so angry with God for taking away the one person she loved more than anything—her mother. She had felt lost, abandoned, like she had no one left in the world. But now, as she looked at Akshat, she realized that perhaps she wasn’t as alone as she thought. No, no one could ever take her mother’s place in her heart, but here was someone who had come into her life like an angel, offering her comfort when she needed it most.

She remembered how he had been there for her, how he had calmed her during her nightmare, stayed with her even though he must have been uncomfortable, and how he had taken care of her without expecting anything in return. Her anger with God began to fade, replaced by a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, God had sent Akshat into her life for a reason.

As these thoughts settled in her mind, she felt a tear slip down her cheek—not a tear of sadness, but one of gratitude. Leaning back slightly, she whispered softly, more to herself than to him, “Thank you… for being here.”

She gently brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead and.

As Amrit gently slid away from Akshat, she suddenly noticed him stir in his sleep. Her breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, revealing a haze of confusion before they locked onto her face. For a moment, everything seemed to freeze—her eyes wide with embarrassment, her heart pounding in her chest. She realized with a jolt that she was still leaning over him, their faces mere inches apart.

Akshat blinked, trying to make sense of the situation. His heartbeat quickened as the fog of sleep lifted, revealing the unexpected closeness. He looked around the room, trying to orient himself, but his gaze kept drifting back to Amrit, who was still above him with a panicked expression. He could see the flush spreading across her cheeks as she gulped, clearly mortified by the position they were in.

“Wo… I… you were sleeping in an uncomfortable position, toh I thought… I mean, I was just adjusting your pillow,” she stammered, her voice wavering with embarrassment. Her eyes darted nervously as she tried to explain, but her mind was racing, struggling to find the right words.

Akshat’s eyes drifted to her hand, which was still resting on his forehead, her fingers gently brushing against his hair. The touch was soft, almost tender, and it sent a shiver down his spine. He couldn’t deny the warmth spreading through his chest, but before he could process it, Amrit quickly pulled her hand back, sitting up straight and mentally cursing herself for the awkward situation.

“Kuch laga hua tha aapke balon pe,” she lied, closing her eyes in sheer embarrassment as she tried to save face. Her cheeks burned as she realized how ridiculous her excuse must have sounded.

Akshat cleared his throat, trying to shake off the lingering effects of their closeness. He sat up as well, running a hand over his face to wipe away the remnants of sleep. The awkwardness between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

He couldn’t help but glance at her again, noting the way she was still avoiding his gaze, her eyes squeezed shut as if she could will the entire situation away. For a moment, he almost smiled at her flustered state, but he quickly masked it with a cough, trying to bring some normalcy back into the room.

After the brief yet charged exchange, Akshat cleared his throat and asked, "Are you okay?"

Amrit nodded, offering a small smile. "Haan... Thank you."

"Kyun?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

"For being there with me," she replied, her eyes meeting his with sincerity.

He simply nodded, acknowledging her gratitude, and stood up just as his phone buzzed with a call. He excused himself to attend to it, and Amrit took the opportunity to slip into the washroom.

After some time, both Amrit and Akshat freshened up in separate washrooms—Amrit used the one connected to the room while Akshat chose a different one. As she stepped out of the washroom, Amrit was dressed in a simple peach-colored kurti and salwar, the soft fabric falling gracefully over her figure. She walked over to the mirror, picking up a comb to tame her slightly damp hair. Her dark skin, glowing from the recent wash, contrasted beautifully with the pastel hue of her outfit.

As she combed her hair, Amrit’s gaze fell on her hairline, now empty, devoid of the sindoor she was supposed to wear as a mark of her married status. For a moment, she paused, feeling a pang of realization. Of course, she didn’t have any vermilion with her—why would she? Her thoughts raced, and then, an idea sparked in her mind.

She hurried over to her suitcase, rummaging through it until she found a red lipstick. The vibrant shade gleamed in her hand as she opened it and carefully applied a small amount along her hairline, using it as a makeshift sindoor. The bold color stood out against her dark hair, symbolizing her marital status in a subtle yet significant way. She then picked up her mangalsutra from the dressing table, gently fastening it around her neck. The gold pendant rested against her chest, a reminder of the bond she shared with Akshat, however complicated it might be.

Amrit took one last look at herself in the mirror, adjusting her hair and ensuring everything was in place. She tied her hair back, letting a few loose strands frame her face, and gave herself a moment to gather her thoughts.

As Amrit walked out of the room, she noticed Akshat already at the dining table, setting up breakfast. The sight of him arranging plates and cutlery made her feel a pang of guilt.

"Aapne kyun kiya? I would have made the breakfast," she said, approaching him.

Akshat looked up at her, a memory flashing in his mind of how she had once nearly burnt her entire kitchen trying to cook. He raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a slight smirk. "Ohh?" he teased.

Amrit blushed, realizing he was probably recalling that incident. "I mean, mai try karti. Kal toh baat alag thi, but it's not good...," she stammered, trying to find the right words.

"What was not good? You didn't like the khichdi?" he asked, feigning seriousness.

"Arre, wo nahi," she quickly replied, waving her hands in dismissal. "I mean, it's not good ki aap khana bana rahe ho mere hote huye."

Akshat paused, a little amused by her insistence. "Matlab?"

"Wo... usually it's the wife's duty to make food, na," she said, her voice growing quieter as she looked down, feeling a bit unsure of herself.

He sighed, setting down the plate he was holding. "Kisne kaha tumse ye?" he asked, his tone calm but firm.

"Chachi kehti thi," Amrit replied, her eyes still cast downward, a faint shadow of old teachings lingering in her mind.

Akshat shook his head, a mix of frustration and understanding in his expression. "Your chachi is... sick! I mean, yes, it's important for you to learn cooking, but not because you're a woman or a wife, but because it's a basic life skill. Samjhi tum?" he explained, his tone firm but gentle.

Amrit looked up at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. "Yes, sir," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips as she nodded, feeling a warmth in his words.

"Baitho," he said, gesturing to the chair in front of her.

After finishing the poha, Akshat stood up, brushing off any crumbs from his hands. He walked over to where Amrit was sitting and gently cleared his throat, signaling that he had something to say.

"I have to leave now," he began, his voice calm but tinged with a hint of reluctance. "I have a lecture to give, and there's a meeting scheduled for today as well. My family is also waiting for me."

Amrit nodded, understanding the demands of his schedule. But then he added, "There’s no grocery left in the house. I’ll buy everything we need by evening."

She immediately shook her head, her eyes determined. "Sir, if you don't have any problem, Can I do the shopping?I need to... divert my mind."

Akshat studied her for a moment, sensing that she genuinely needed this task as a way to regain some normalcy. With a slight nod, he reached into his wallet and pulled out a card. He handed it to her, his expression earnest.

"Keep this," he said firmly. "Buy whatever you need, and make sure to get something for yourself too."

Amrit hesitated, staring at the card in her hand. "I... I can't take this," she said, her voice faltering. "It's too much."

He stepped closer, his gaze softening as he looked into her eyes. "Whatever is mine, Amrit, is yours too," he said gently. "You have all the rights to it."

Her resistance melted away under the warmth of his words, and she nodded, finally accepting the card. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, touched by his thoughtfulness.

"Call me if you need anything or if there's any problem," he added, his tone serious yet caring.

Amrit looked down, suddenly realizing something. "But... I don’t have a phone. Wo gir gaya tha."

Without a second thought, Akshat reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, holding it out to her. "Use this," he offered. "I’ll bring you another one soon."

She hesitated again, looking up at him. "But aap kya use karoge?"

He smiled softly, shaking his head. "I have two phones. This one is personal, and the other is for work. You can call me on that phone; it’s saved as 'Phone 2.'. I haven't set any password. But make sure not to pick up any other calls—it might raise suspicions."

Amrit took the phone from him, her fingers brushing against his as she did. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice full of gratitude.

With that, Akshat gave her one last look, full of unspoken understanding and reassurance, before he turned to leave. He walked towards the back door, knowing it was the safest way to avoid being seen.

Amrit leaned against the doorframe, watching him as he walked away. There was something reassuring in his stride, something that made her feel that maybe, just maybe, things would be okay. A small, almost shy smile formed on her lips as she continued to watch him until he was out of sight.

For the first time in days, she felt a warmth in her heart—a warmth that came from knowing she wasn’t as alone as she thought.

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

Nandini stepped into Vedant's home with a playful bounce in her step, a mischievous grin spread across her face. “Preetu darling, mai aa gayi!” she sang out, her voice light and melodious, echoing through the hallway.

[“Preetu darling, I’ve come!”]

Vedant, lounging on the couch with a book in his hand, looked up with mock annoyance. “Kyun aa gayi?” he replied, mirroring her playful tone.

[“Why have you come?”]

“Maine aapse baat nahi kiiii!” Nandini sang again, punctuating her words with exaggerated gestures, her hands flailing in the air for emphasis.

[“I didn’t talk to you!”]

“Mujhe bhi koi shauk nahi, bas aap aa kar dhindhora peet kar mera kaam kharab kar rahi to mujhe bolna padaaaa,” Vedant said, trying hard to keep a straight face as he continued to match her energy.

[“I’m not interested either; it’s just that you came and started making noise, ruining my work, so I had to say something!”]

Before Nandini could respond, Preeti emerged from the kitchen, a smirk playing on her lips. “Tum log apna gana band karo,” she said, folding her arms, but her tone was light-hearted.

[“You two stop your singing.”]

Nandini and Preeti exchanged glances and burst out laughing, the sound ringing through the house. Vedant shook his head, trying to suppress a smile but failing miserably.

“Hasne par tax nahi lagta, Vedant ji,” Preeti teased, her laughter infectious.

[“There’s no tax on laughing, Mr. Vedant.”]

“Tum kahin ki Kapil Sharma ho kya, jo tumhare bakwas par hasunga?” Vedant shot back, unable to resist joining in on the banter.

[“Are you Kapil Sharma or something, that I should laugh at your nonsense?”]

Nandini rolled her eyes dramatically, her playful demeanor turning mock-serious. “Aap kya, seriously, koi baat nahi kar sakte? Har baar ladai karni jaroori hai,” she said, placing her hands on her hips.

[“You, seriously, can’t talk without fighting? Is it necessary to argue every time?”]

“Tumhari shakl dekh kar hi ladne ka man hota hai, usme meri kya galti?” Vedant retorted, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

[“Just looking at your face makes me want to argue; that’s not my fault!”]

“Vedu baby, meri bestie ko pareshan mat karo,” Preeti chimed in, scolding him lightly with a playful glare, though the corners of her mouth were twitching in amusement.

[“Vedu baby, don’t trouble my bestie.”]

Nandini leaned closer to Preeti, whispering loudly, “He is so rude! Don’t know ye gaye kispe hain." Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she glanced at Vedant.

[“He is so rude! Don’t know who he’s turned into. You and uncle aren’t like this.”]

Preeti giggled and nudged Nandini. “Apne papa pe gaya hai. Rude but adorable,” she said, stifling a laugh.

“Adorable? I’d say he’s more like a grumpy cat!” Nandini laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“ I’m not grumpy,” Vedant protested, crossing his arms defensively. “I’m just… serious.”

“Serious about being a grouch!” Nandini shot back, laughing heartily.

Preeti put her hand on Vedant’s shoulder, a grin plastered on her face. “Vedu, you are really so rude to her.”

“Of course! Because she is irritating,” he replied, a playful smirk returning to his face.

“Excuse me?” Nandini exclaimed, placing a hand on her chest in mock disbelief. “Aap honge irritating… jhagdalu Billa!”

[“Excuse me? You may be irritating… quarrelsome cat!”]

Vedant shrugged nonchalantly. “Tumhare ye ajeeb naam dene se meri attention nahi mil jayegi tumhe.”

[“Giving me these weird names won’t get your attention.”]

“Chahiye bhi nahi aise logon ki attention,” Nandini shot back, her tone light but firm.

[“I don’t need the attention of such people.”]

“Phir kyun behas karti ho?” Vedant asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Then why are you arguing?”]

“Ohh hello, Mr. Vedant! Aapne start kiya. Maine Preetu darling ko bulaya tha, aap beech mein kood gaye!” Nandini replied, her voice filled with mock indignation.

[“Oh hello, Mr. Vedant! You started it. I called Preetu darling, and you jumped in!”]

“Whatever!!” Vedant huffed, feigning annoyance as he picked up his laptop.

As he turned to leave, he shook his head with a smile, clearly enjoying the banter.

Nandini and Preeti shook their heads as Vedant walked away, leaving behind a trail of playful tension.

Vedant came out after some time, stretching slightly. “Mai jaa raha hun, mom. Kuch der me aata hun,” he said, heading towards the door.

[“I’m going, mom. I’ll be back in a bit.”

Just then, the hall’s lights flickered and went out, plunging the room into darkness.

“Arre yaar, ye light abhi fuse hona tha aur Vedant bhi nahi hai!” Preeti exclaimed, squinting into the dark.

[“Oh man, the light had to fuse just now, and Vedant isn’t here!”]

“Laiye, mai laga deti hun,” Nandini said confidently, moving towards the utility cabinet.

[“Let me fix it.”]

“Nahi baby, tum rehne do, mai laga dungi. Vaise bhi, I am quite young,” Preeti insisted, trying to take control of the situation.

[“No baby, you stay back, I’ll fix it. Besides, I am quite young.”]

“Haan, I know aap toh mujhse bhi younger ho, but please, mai laga deti hun na,” Nandini said, gently taking the bulb from Preeti’s hands.

[“Yes, I know you’re younger than me, but please, let me fix it.”]

“Arre, don't worry, mai kar lungi,” Preeti said, trying to reassure her.

[“Don’t worry, I’ll do it.”]

Preeti stood on a stool, her concentration fixed on fixing the bulb. Just then, Nandini’s eyes widened in alarm as she saw the stool wobbling dangerously.

“Dhyan se!” Nandini shouted, rushing towards her.

[“Be careful!”]

But it was too late. The stool broke, and Preeti started to fall. Nandini lunged forward and caught her just in time, but the momentum caused Nandini to stumble and twist her ankle painfully on the floor.

“Hey bhagwan, are you ok? Ye to kafi chot aa gayi aapko!” Nandini said, helping Preeti sit on the sofa while she tried to stand up, wincing in pain.

[“Oh God, are you okay? You got quite hurt!”]

“Baby, tumhara pair bhi to mud gaya tha! Are you ok?” Preeti asked, concern flooding her voice as she noticed Nandini’s grimace.

[“Baby, your ankle twisted too! Are you okay?”]

Just then, Vedant returned and saw the scene unfold before him—Preeti’s leg was hurt, and blood was trickling down from a small cut.

“Mom!” Vedant shouted, rushing to her side. “Ye kaise hua? Aap kya kar rahi thi? Nandini, tum… tumhare hote hue kaise hua ye?” he barked, his tone filled with worry and anger.

[“Mom! What happened? What were you doing? Nandini, how did this happen while you were here?”]

“Baby, Nandu baby ne to…” Preeti started, trying to explain.

[“Baby, Nandu baby was just…”]

“Tum niklo yahan se! Tumhari wajah se hua hoga, I know! Tum itni careless ho ki mom ki care tak nahi kar paayi!” Vedant said angrily, glaring at Nandini.

[“Get out of here! This must have happened because of you, I know! You’re so careless that you couldn’t even take care of mom!”]

Nandini felt a wave of hurt wash over her. “Vedant, meri baat to suniye… Preeti aunty light fix kar rahi thi aur stool…” she tried to defend herself.

[“Vedant, please listen preeti aunty was fixing the bulb and the stool...]

“TOH TUM NAHI KAR SAKTI THI KYA? Vaise toh you behave like her own daughter but ye kaam karne me apnapan kahan chala gaya tha? Khair, tumhe zuban chalane ke alawa kuch aata kahan hai!” Vedant shot back, his frustration evident.

["SO YOU COULDN'T DO IT, HUH? Anyway, besides talking, what else do you know how to do?”]

Nandini felt a pang in her heart. The anger in Vedant's voice felt like a physical blow. She hobbled away, her sprained ankle making each step painful, feeling the tears prick at her eyes as she left the room.

Preeti, still in shock from the accident, glanced at Vedant. “Vedant, calm down. Nandini was just trying to help,” she said softly, knowing the tension in the air.

“Mom, ye sab kya ho raha hai? Aap theek hain na?” Vedant asked, turning back to Preeti, his worry now directed towards her.

[Mom, what's going on? Are you okay?"]

"Main theek hoon, par Nandini…” Preeti began, her voice laced with concern. “Uska pair to kafi badly mud gaya aur tumne usse suna diya! Abhi wo mujhe bachati na, toh mujhe leg sprain bhi ho jata aur chot lagti wo alag.” Preeti explained, her expression serious.

[I am ok but Nandini…Her ankle is twisted pretty badly, and you just scolded her! If she hadn't saved me, I would have sprained my leg too,

get hurt too.”]

A wave of guilt washed over Vedant as he realized the impact of his words. He felt the weight of regret pressing on his chest, knowing he had hurt someone who had only tried to help.

“Aapko dawa laga deta hun mai,” Vedant said, his tone softening. He didn’t quite know how to apologize to Nandini for his behavior, but he wanted to make it right. “Please, sit here. Mai thoda sa medicine le aata hun.”

Preeti nodded, watching Vedant rush off to find the first aid kit. As he hurried back, he was determined to make amends not just with Nandini but also to reassure Preeti that she was okay.

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

After meeting Vedant and Preeti, Krishiv stood outside Kavya’s apartment door which was near Vedant's door and rang the doorbell. The sound echoed lightly in the still afternoon air. After a few seconds, the door creaked open, revealing a surprise to Kavya.

“Krishiv sir? Aap?” Kavya blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Aise achanak yahan? Kya aapko kuch kaam tha?"

["Krishiv sir? You? Here so suddenly?]

Krishiv smiled, shaking his head lightly. “Nahi, main bas Bulbul se milne aaya tha, actually.”

["No, I just came to meet Bulbul, actually.]

Kavya chuckled, stepping aside to let him in. “Please, come inside."

Krishiv entered, glancing around the modest but warm home. Before he could say anything more, a little whirlwind of energy shot across the room.

“Cheatel uncle!” Bulbul shrieked with excitement, rushing towards him with tiny arms outstretched. Krishiv bent down, scooping her up with ease.

“There she is!” he grinned, lifting her in his arms. Bulbul giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Bulbul, beta! Sir abhi aaye hain, unhein thoda baithne to do,” Kavya chided gently, watching the interaction with an amused smile.

["Bulbul, dear! Sir just arrived, let him sit for a while.]

Krishiv waved it off. “It’s okay, bachi hai,” he said as he sat down on the sofa, still holding Bulbul.

[It's ok she is a kid.]

Bulbul, always the little bundle of energy, turned to her mother. “Mummy, Cheatel uncle aaye hain! Unhein chai ya coffee to do… itne bade ho gaye ho, phil bhi mujhse kuch nahi seekha aapne!” she added cheekily, her small hands on her hips.

["Mumma, Cheatel uncle is here! At least offer him some tea or coffee… you've grown up so much, yet you still haven't learned anything from me! ]

Kavya and Krishiv burst into laughter at her precociousness. Kavya shook her head, chuckling. “Acha dadi amma, laati hoon!” she said, heading towards the kitchen.

Krishiv, still holding Bulbul, looked at her with mock seriousness. “Bulbul, apni mummy classes bhi dene lagi ho!”

[Bulbul, you're even giving your mumma classes now!]

“Mumma ko toh sab sikhana padta hai. Agar main na hoti, toh mumma ka kya hota” Bulbul said dramatically, shaking her head like an elder.

["I have to teach everything to mumma. If I weren't here, what would happen to her?]

Krishiv laughed. “Haan bhai tumhare bina kisi ka kuch na ho pata."

Bulbul’s face scrunched up into a pout. “Aap mera mazak uda rahe ho!” she whined, crossing her little arms over her chest.

[You're making fun of me!]

Krishiv smiled warmly, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Nahi, main aap ka mazak kaise uda sakta hoon? Aap toh itni intelligent ho.”

[No, dear, how could I make fun of you? You're so intelligent!]

Just then, Kavya returned from the kitchen with a tray of tea. She set it down on the table and handed Krishiv a cup. “Chai, sir.”

“Mumma, main bhi lungi!” Bulbul said excitedly, reaching for the cup.

[I want some too, Mumma.]

Kavya shook her head, her voice gentle but firm. “Nahi baby, aapko mana kiya hai na? Abhi se chai nahi.”

[No, baby, I've told you not to have tea, right? Not now.]

Bulbul’s face turned stormy. “Nahi, mujhe chahiye!” she demanded, her small foot stomping on the floor.

[No, I want.]

“Saumya, zidd nahi,” Kavya said a little more strictly this time, her motherly tone firm.

["Saumya, no stubbornness.]

Bulbul huffed, crossing her arms again. “Katti! Aapse baat nahi karungi!” she declared dramatically before turning on her heel and running into her room.

[I won't talk to you!]

Krishiv, taken aback by her sudden outburst, called after her, “Arre, Bulbul!”

Kavya shook her head with a smile. “Khud aa jayegi abhi. Aap pareshan mat hoiye, sir,” she said, sitting down opposite Krishiv and picking up her own cup of tea.

["She'll come on her own now. Don't worry, sir.]

Krishiv chuckled, taking a sip of the tea she had prepared. “By the way, when did you all move here? And where did you live before this?”

Kavya took a sip before answering. “We used to live in Indore first. Then Bhopal, then Delhi, and now here."

Krishiv raised his eyebrows. “Why did you move so many places?"

Kavya exhaled softly. “Actually, we had to move for job opportunities. As Bulbul was growing up, her expenses were increasing. We needed to shift for better job opportunities according to her needs. Tomorrow, when Bulbul goes to high school, the salary here might not be sufficient either. We might have to move somewhere else then.”

Krishiv frowned, feeling a pang of concern. “"Don't worry. Vihaan is a good guy. If you ask him for a raise, I'm sure he'll definitely increase your salary. You won't need to move to a new city with such a little girl.

Kavya gave him a soft but determined look. “No, sir. Please don't mind, but I want to earn money based on my qualifications. I can't take advantage of the situation by requesting or using my daughter for sympathy.

Krishiv immediately regretted his suggestion. “I’m sorry. Mera woh matlab nahi tha. I was just worried about Bulbul.”

Kavya smiled softly, her earlier tension easing. “It’s okay, sir. I know aapka woh matlab nahi tha. Please don’t say sorry.”

Krishiv grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “Lagta hai bulbul kuch zyada hi naraz hain.”

["It seems that Bulbul is a bit too upset.]

Kavya laughed lightly. “Yeh aisi hi hai, sir. Waise jab koi nahi rahta, toh turant gussa shant ho jata hai. Lekin koi aa jaye toh thoda nakhre karne lagti hai.”

["She's just like that, sir.. when no one is around, she quickly calms down. But if someone arrives, she starts to act a little difficult.]

As if on cue, Bulbul reappeared, her small feet padding across the floor. She stood in front of them, arms crossed, her face still serious. “Main abhi bhi gussa hoon!” she announced, her voice full of drama.

[I am still angry .]

Krishiv set down his cup and quickly scooped her up again, her little body fitting perfectly in his arms. “Acha, madam. We are sorry.”

Bulbul sniffled, trying to keep up her act. “Sach mein?” she asked, her voice softening slightly.

[Really?]

“Haan, sach mein Ab humko maaf karogi?” Krishiv said, his voice dripping with playfulness.

[Yes, will you really forgive us now?]

Bulbul, after a moment of thought, placed her tiny hands on his face. “Theek hai. Magar sirf is baar.”

[Ok, but only this time.]

Kavya, watching this sweet interaction, couldn't help but smile. She shook her head, sipping her tea. “Ji meri dadi ji.”

Krishiv and Bulbul laughed together, their bond growing even stronger, filling the room with warmth and joy.

“Mai bulbul ke liye juice lekar aati hun.” Kavya said heading towards the kitchen.

Kavya leaned back against the kitchen counter, her eyes softening as she observed the scene before her. Her heart swelled with a mixture of emotions, surprise, warmth, and an undeniable sense of relief. There, on the living room couch, Krishiv sat with Bulbul in his lap, the two of them engaged in playful banter as if they had known each other for years. Krishiv’s eyes twinkled with amusement, while Bulbul giggled uncontrollably, her small hands wrapped around his neck, clutching him like her closest friend.

For the first time, Kavya saw her daughter so comfortable around someone other than herself. Bulbul, who was usually shy and reserved around strangers, had always clung to her mother, seeking her comfort and attention in any new situation. But with Krishiv, it was different. There was no hesitance in her laughter, no reluctance in the way she let him hold her or make her laugh.

Kavya’s smile grew softer, almost wistful. When did this happen? she wondered. Her daughter had always been her world, their little bubble of safety and routine. She had never seen Bulbul trust someone so easily, so willingly.

She sighed quietly, feeling the tension in her shoulders melt away. Her eyes softened as she continued to watch them .

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