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Amrit woke up with a jolt, gasping as another nightmare plagued her sleep. These past few days, nightmares had become more frequent, but she never felt truly alone as Akshat was usually there to comfort her. She would hold his hand, and the nightmares would fade. But today, sleep had eluded her.

"Why are you feeling sad, Amrit?" she muttered to herself. "He has a life too. He can't always stay here. He has to answer to his family as well." She sighed, trying to reason with herself before shaking off the thoughts and heading to freshen up.

After a shower, she dressed in a navy blue kurti pajama and made her way to the kitchen, intending to prepare something. To her surprise, Akshat was already there, mashing potatoes. He looked up when he noticed her standing at the doorway.

"Sorry, late ho gaya. Breakfast bas banne hi wala hai," he said, flashing her a small smile.

"Aap kab aaye?" she asked, still surprised as she walked further inside.

"When you were in the washroom," he replied, continuing to mash the potatoes.

"Kya bana rahe hain?" she asked, moving closer to the counter.

"Aloo paratha. Pasand hai tumhe?" he asked, raising his brows.

"Wow! It's my favorite. Mumma best banati thi," she said, her face lighting up before a hint of sadness shadowed her expression at the memory.

Akshat noticed and tried to cheer her up. "Unse accha toh nahi banega, but I can make a decent one," he said with a smile, and she smiled softly.

"Mai kuch help kar doon?" she offered, wanting to contribute.

"Aata lagana aata hai?" he asked, glancing at her.

"Kahan pe lagana hai?" she asked, her face blank with confusion.

Akshat stared at her for a moment then sighed, "Tum... rehne do” he said, shaking his head.

Amrit perched on the kitchen counter, her legs swinging slightly as she tried to keep Akshat company while he prepared breakfast. The aroma of freshly mashed potatoes filled the air, and she couldn't help but smile softly at him. He never missed a chance to win her heart with his thoughtful gestures, making her feel warm and appreciated. As their eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Breaking the comfortable silence, Akshat said, "Mom was talking about you."

Amrit's heart skipped a beat, worry etched across her features. "Kya? What was she saying? Vaise wo thodi khadoos lagi mujhe aap jaise, aap unko hi pade hain na?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Excuse me?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.

"So.. sorry sir.. I was just.." she said , biting her lips and he chuckled at her reaction.

"She is just a little bit strict. Aur wo kal tumhare pati ki burai kar rahi thi," he teased, a playful smile spreading across his face.

"Aapki?" she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Tumhare imaginary pati ki! What was the name? Nikhil na?" he replied, chuckling at his own joke.

"Wo Vidya ki bacchi ne kaha!" Amrit defended, her cheeks puffed in indignation.

"Well, you were the one messing up things. Ek hi profession pe stick rehna chahiye tha na. Aur company mili toh hamari hi?" he said, raising an eyebrow, clearly enjoying their banter.

Amrit crossed her arms, feigning annoyance. "I didn't know that! Mujhe toh bas yahi naam pata tha. Kya keh rahi thi wo?" she asked, curious and slightly defensive.

"She thinks he left you after the wedding and he is fooling you," Akshat said, with a small smile.

Amrit took a deep breath, her gaze dropping to the floor as she spoke softly, her voice laced with vulnerability. "I am sorry," she said, the weight of her emotions hanging in the air. Akshat looked at her, confusion etched on his face.

"Aapko meri wajah se jhuth bolna pad raha hai ghar walon se. I am so selfish," she continued, her tone heavy with regret.

Akshat stepped closer, concern flickering in his eyes. "It's okay to be selfish sometimes, Amrit. Your decision is right. Your career is more important right now, so just focus on that. Don't think about anything else. I will manage everything."

Her lips curled into a grateful smile, but there was a flicker of sadness in her eyes.

"You know, my mom used to tell me a beautiful tale about a little star," she started, her voice gaining strength as she lost herself in the memory. "It was a star that shone brightly in the night sky, always twinkling, always filled with light. But one day, the star fell into a dark, empty place. It was so dark that the star thought it would never shine again. It felt alone, lost, as if everything had come to an end."

Amrit’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her voice steadying as she continued. "But then, as time passed, the star realized something. The darkness was not the end; it was just a phase. The star found a way to gather its strength and reached out to other stars. Together, they formed a constellation, brighter than ever. They reminded each other that even in darkness, there is always a way to shine if you believe in yourself."

She paused, looking directly at Akshat, her eyes reflecting both her pain and her hope. "I feel like that star sometimes. When my mother passed away, I thought I was lost in darkness, that I could never find my light again. But then you came into my life, and you’ve been like the constellation that helped me see that I can shine again."

Akshat stood still for a moment, absorbing her words. He could see the depth of her feelings, the way she compared her struggles to the tale.

“You have a way with words,” Akshat said, smiling as he placed the pan on the stove.

“Aapse seekha hai,” Amrit replied, her smile mirroring his. He chuckled softly, feeling a sense of warmth blossom in his chest as he watched her slowly return to her cheerful self, coping with her loss day by day.

Just then, as he reached for the oil bottle, a small splash of hot oil jumped from the pan and landed on his hand. He hissed in surprise, his expression shifting from joy to discomfort. Amrit’s eyes widened in alarm as she rushed to his side.

“Aapko dekh ke karna chahiye tha na! Kitna jal gaya hai!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with concern. Without waiting for a response, she took his hand and guided it toward the jug of water on the counter, gently placing his burned skin under the cool water.

“Amrit, it’s nothing. I—” he began to protest, but she held his wrist firmly, cutting him off.

“Kya nothing? It should get treated!” she insisted, her eyes fierce with determination. She hopped down from the counter and pulled him towards the living room.

“Amrit, tum bina wajah—” he tried to reason, but she interrupted him again.

“Chup kar ke baithenge aap? Let me treat you,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Akshat fell silent, surprised by her insistence, and let her guide him to the couch.

Once seated, Amrit disappeared into the other room and emerged a moment later with a first aid box. She opened it with a flourish, revealing various medical supplies. “Kitna saara jala hai,” she murmured to herself, her brow furrowed in concentration as she pulled out antiseptic cream and gauze. “Isme aur kuch bhi laga deti hun, phir uske baad—”

“Ambulance bhi bula lo,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood, but she shot him a playful pout.

“Amrit, itna kaafi hai. Maine aloo fry karne ke liye rakha hai, jal jayega wo,” he said, glancing back toward the kitchen as the aroma of potatoes filled the air, a reminder of their breakfast.

Amrit sighed, rolling her eyes but not losing her focus. “Don’t worry about the potatoes; they can wait.” She applied the antiseptic with care, her fingers gentle yet decisive.

As she worked, Akshat watched her with a mix of admiration and amusement. The way she was so focused, her lips moving silently as she concentrated on his hand, made him feel a warmth.

After Akshat finished preparing breakfast, the two of them settled at the dining table, the aroma of aloo parathas wafting through the air, mingling with the morning light filtering in through the large windows. Amrit took a bite, her expression transforming into one of delight as she savoured the food.

As they continued to eat, Amrit suddenly put down her fork and looked at him with determination. “I want to join college from today,” she declared, meeting his gaze.

Akshat paused mid-bite, taken aback. “But itni jaldi kya hai? Take your time,” he said, concerned for her well-being.

“Sir… I mean Akshat,” she corrected herself, catching his eye, “yahan pade pade jyada stress ho raha hai. Matlab, ek toh studies ki tension, phir kuch kaam bhi nahi hai, toh bina matlab ke khayal aate hain.” She sighed, her brow furrowing as she expressed her feelings.

He nodded, understanding the weight of her words. “Haan, I get that. You need to keep your mind engaged. Hmm, okay, get ready. Mai bhi jaa hi raha hun,” he replied, trying to encourage her.

“Sab puchege sath me aata dekh. Aap jao, waise bhi meri class baad me hai na,” she said, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

“Aaogi kaise? Auto yaha se kafi door se milti hai,” he asked, frowning slightly as he considered her situation.

“I will manage,” she assured him, a determined smile on her face.

Akshat thought for a moment, weighing her words against his instinct to protect her. Finally, he nodded, resolving to support her decision.

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

As Nandini stepped out of her apartment, her graceful appearance immediately caught Vedant's attention. The light blue saree she wore was delicate yet striking, with intricate embroidery along its borders that shimmered in the morning light. Her soft, wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face perfectly.

Vedant, who had just emerged from his own apartment, stood frozen for a moment, unable to look away. His heart skipped a beat as he admired the effortless elegance Nandini exuded.

"Good morning Doctor sahab." Nandini's voice broke through his trance.

"Good...Good morning." Vedant stammered, snapping back to reality, though still flustered by her beauty.

"Hospital jaa rahe hain?" Nandini asked with a casual smile.

"Haan…aur tum? Pehle toh aise kabhi office jaate nahi dekha?" Vedant asked, trying to sound normal but his curiosity peaked.

"Aise matlab kaise?" Nandini raised an eyebrow, teasingly.

"Itna sund… i mean saj-dhaj ke," Vedant replied, his words tumbling out before he could stop them.

"Woh, boss ke bete hain, Rajat sir. Unki business party hai, toh unhone mujhe Rajat sir ke saath jaane ko bola hai." Nandini replied with a smile.

Vedant frowned as they started walking together. "What? Par tum kyun jaa rahi ho?" he asked, a hint of jealousy creeping into his voice.

Nandini shrugged. "Mujhe kya pata? Boss hain, toh baat maanni padegi. Maine jyada nahi pucha."

Vedant stopped for a moment, processing the situation, and then said in a concerned tone, "Aise kaise chali jaogi akele? Main nahi jaane dunga tumhe aise…"

Nandini looked at him, puzzled by his protectiveness. "I… I mean," Vedant continued, fumbling for an explanation, "Agar mom ko pata chal gaya ki tum anjaan ladke ke saath gayi ho toh mujhe sunayengi."

Nandini shook her head, "Main unse mil chuki hoon, aur mere paas koi option nahi hai. Sath mein unki PA bhi rahegi."

Vedant still wasn’t convinced. "Par tumhe kyun le jaa rahe hain saath mein?"

Nandini sighed. "Bola toh maine, mujhe kya pata."

"Acha chalo, main drop kar deta hoon," Vedant offered, trying to be helpful.

"Nahi, Rajat sir lene aa rahe hain," Nandini replied just as a sleek car pulled up.

Rajat stepped out of the car, tall and well-dressed, with an air of confidence about him. "Oh, so you’re waiting for me. I’m sorry for being late," Rajat said, his smile warm but professional.

"Good morning, sir," Nandini greeted, her tone respectful.

"Good morning… and who is he?" Rajat asked, his gaze shifting to Vedant, curious.

Vedant's heart pounded a little as he waited for Nandini to introduce him, hoping she would describe him as more than just a neighbor.

"This is Vedant," Nandini began, and Vedant felt a flicker of hope rise in him. "Mere padosi," she said, and Vedant’s heart sank just a little. Then she added, "Aur meri best friend ke bete."

Rajat smiled, extending his hand. "Hello, Mr. Vedant."

Vedant noticed Rajat’s gaze shift to the white coat in his hand and quickly corrected himself, "Sorry, Doctor Vedant."

"Hello, Mr. Rajat," Vedant replied, shaking his hand.

A moment of silence passed before Rajat chuckled, glancing between Nandini and Vedant. "Par tumhari mummy step-mother hain kya?" Rajat asked, confused.

Vedant blinked. "What? Nahi toh," he replied.

"Toh phir kuch zyada hi choti nahi hain aapki mummy? I mean, Nandini ki best friend hain toh…," Rajat added .

Vedant’s confusion melted into a laugh as Nandini joined in, chuckling at the playful misunderstanding.

Just then, Preeti came running out of the building. "Baby, tum yahin ho ab tak? Mujhe laga chale gaye, aur tumhara lunch yahi reh gaya!" she said breathlessly, holding out a lunchbox for Vedant. She turned to Nandini with a beaming smile. "Nandu darling, you’re looking so pretty today!" she said, hugging her.

"Thanks, Preetu darling," Nandini replied with a grin, returning the hug.

Rajat chuckled, observing the two women. "Toh yeh hain tumhari best friend," he said, still amused by the lively interaction.

"Haan, yahi hain," Nandini said, nodding toward Preeti. "Preetu darling, yeh Rajat sir hain, mere boss ke bete."

"Hello," Preeti said, smiling at Rajat.

"Hello Aunty….So guys, we should leave," Rajat said, glancing at his watch, ready to head to the party.

Just as they were about to leave, a voice called out from behind them, "Nandini didi!"

Everyone turned to see a young woman hurrying toward them—Vidya. Her steps were light, yet there was an unintentional grace in the way she moved.

“Hey Vidya,” Nandini greeted her warmly.

“Namaste Aunty… Hi bhaiya,” Vidya responded sweetly, addressing Preeti and Vedant with the same warmth.

“Hello Vidya,” Preeti and Vedant greeted back, their tone affectionate.

“Amrit se milne aayi thi?” Nandini asked, recognizing Vidya’s familiar presence.

“Haan, college jana tha toh isliye,” Vidya replied, her sweet smile reflecting her genuine nature, completely unaware of the gaze fixated on her from a few feet away.

Rajat had been standing by Nandini’s side, casually observing the interaction—until Vidya appeared. The moment his eyes landed on her, something shifted within him. He was used to meeting people, especially in business circles, and rarely did someone catch him off guard. But this time, it was different. Vidya’s presence seemed to still the world around him for a brief moment.

For the first time in years, Rajat felt nervous, as though the steady ground beneath him was slowly shifting.

Nandini noticed Rajat’s silence and broke the spell. “Vidya, this is Rajat sir, mere boss ke bete.”

Vidya turned her attention to Rajat, offering a polite but reserved smile. “Hello, sir,” she greeted him, her tone respectful, yet gentle.

Rajat blinked, realizing it was his turn to respond. For a brief second, he felt his heart leap in his chest. His usual self-assured demeanor faltered slightly as he replied, “Hello, Vidya,” his voice softer than usual, lacking the confidence it normally carried.

She nodded politely and stood quietly beside Nandini, her gaze shifting elsewhere, unaware of the impact she’d just made on Rajat.

“Chalo, Rajat sir, hume nikalna chahiye,” Nandini said, reminding Rajat of their plan to leave.

Rajat blinked again, snapping back to reality. “Haan… chalo,” he said, almost reluctantly pulling his gaze away from Vidya, but the image of her remained imprinted in his mind.

As they walked to the car, Rajat couldn’t help but glance back one more time.

“Mom mai nikalta hun.” Vedant said.

He started his car and drove behind Rajat’s car in jealousy.

“Mere sath to kabhi khud se nahi gayi .” He thought.

Rajat and Nandini arrived at the lavish party venue, where soft music and elegant decor set the tone for the evening. As they stepped out of the car, Nandini smiled politely at Rajat, who, as usual, was being the perfect gentleman. Meanwhile, just a few cars behind them, Vedant parked his vehicle with an air of determination.

“Nandini ke saath kyun jaa raha hai yeh… business party hai ya shaadi ka mandap lagane aya hai?” Vedant said muttering to himself.

Vedant stepped out of his car, fuming with jealousy that even he couldn’t quite comprehend. Pulling the collar of his shirt up to hide his face, he approached the venue’s entrance. Two burly bodyguards stood guard.

“Invitation, please?” Guard said.

Vedant froze for a second, then cleared his throat, trying to think on his feet.

“Invitation? Arre bhai, mai event coordinator hoon. Tables check karne aaye hain. Agar tables thik nahi lagi toh party kaise chalegi? Haan?” Vedant said lying confidently.

The bodyguards exchanged a look.

“Event coordinator? Tum toh table check karne ke liye bade teyar lag rahe ho.” Guard said.

Vedant glanced at his semi-formal clothes, realizing he looked way too dressed up for a “table-checking” job.

“Arre bhai, dressing sense bhi important hota hai. Client ko impress karna padta hai na?” Vedant said nervously laughing.

The guards shrugged, not wanting to deal with further confusion, and let him in. Once inside, Vedant stealthily slithered between the guests, ducking behind tables and large floral decorations as he eyed Rajat and Nandini from afar.

Vedant muttering again “Look at this guy, acting like Mr. Charming. Abhi juice ka glass uske haath se Nandini par gira doon toh? Nandini ke samne sara impression kharab ho jayega maza ayega…par karun kaise.”

Vedant watched in growing irritation as Rajat offered Nandini a glass of juice with a bright smile.

Rajat handing Nandini the juice. “Nandini, try this. It’s a fresh mix of exotic fruits.”

Nandini smiling politely “Thank you, sir.”

Vedant, hiding behind a pillar, clenched his fists.

“Exotic fruits! Wah! Hero toh ‘fruit expert’ ban gaya. Aise baat kar raha hai jaise juice nahi, gold ka glass de raha ho.” Vedant said mocking under his breath.

Nandini took a sip of the juice, and Rajat smiled, looking a bit too proud of his juice recommendation.

“Kya bakwas kar raha hai. Juice pilake he’s acting like he’s won a Nobel Prize.”Vedant said shaking his head.

Just then, Rajat leaned in closer to Nandini, trying to hear her over the music.

Vedant eyes widening “Ab yeh karega kya? Phir se juice? Nahi toh… dance ke liye puchne wala hai? Oye! Door hatt usse..hattt hattt!”

As if reading Vedant's thoughts, Rajat casually asked Nandini, “Shall we head to the dance floor later?”

Vedant practically jumped in place, forgetting where he was.

Vedant whisper-yelling. “Dance floor?”

He scanned the room, desperate to find a solution. His eyes landed on the juice counter, a mischievous idea forming in his head. He snuck toward the counter and whispered something to the waiter.

“Bhai, ek kaam karega….( He whispered something in his ears.) Samjha na?” Vedant said to the waiter.

“Acha aur unhone meri insult kar di to mai kyu karun ye kaam aur problem kya hai?” Waiter asked, confused.

Vedant take out his wallet from his pocket and gave him 2000 rupees. “Ab karega ya nahi.” He asked.

The Waiter raised an eyebrow but agreed, intrigued by the request. Vedant hid behind a large plant . Waiter took a glass of orange juice and started moving towards Rajat and Nandini. He acted like his leg slipped and the juice spilt on Rajat's formal suit.

“What the hell.” Rajat said, getting a little irritated.

“I am sorry sir I am really sorry.” Waiter apologized.

“It's ok tum jao.” Rajat said cleaning his suit with hanky.

Vedant giggling to himself. “Serves you right, juice guru! Dekha? Ab aur offer kar juice!”

Rajat excused himself to regain his composure, and Vedant, still hiding, continued his surveillance, glaring as Rajat returned.

The party continued like this, with Vedant hiding in various corners, muttering insults at Rajat’s every move, whether he was offering snacks, pulling out a chair for Nandini, or simply making conversation.

Finally, Rajat gestured toward the dance floor, clearly trying to impress Nandini with his ‘moves.’

Vedant panicking “Dance bhi karega ab!!”

Just as Rajat extended his hand toward Nandini for a dance, Vedant couldn't take it anymore. He stumbled out of his hiding spot and accidentally bumped into a waiter carrying a tray full of drinks. The glasses wobbled precariously before crashing to the ground, sending juice splashing everywhere.

The whole room turned to stare, including Rajat and Nandini. Vedant said grinning awkwardly.

Rajat blinked in confusion as he tried to process what was happening. Meanwhile, Nandini raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by Vedant's sudden appearance.

“Vedant? Aap yahan? Kya kar rahe ho?” Nandini asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

Vedant, ever the quick thinker, plastered a fake shocked expression on his face. “Tum dono yahan aa rahe the… Mujhe to pata hi nahi tha!” he exclaimed, overacting the surprise with wide eyes.

Nandini’s confusion deepened. “Haan, par aap to hospital jaa rahe the.” she pointed out, her brows furrowing.

Vedant scratched his head, clearly struggling to come up with an excuse. “Woh... actually... mai… party venue ka… umm… haan, wo! Haan wo!” he stammered, as if grasping at straws. “Mujhe yaad hi nahi tha. Tabhi to mai ache se ready bhi nahi ho paya. Tum log ke nikalte hi yaad aaya!” he finished lamely, his face a little flushed.

Rajat, still utterly lost, shook his head. “But tum unhe kaise jante ho?” he asked, cutting to the point.

Vedant’s expression stiffened as he struggled for a response. “Wo… he was my special patient.” Vedant finally muttered, standing awkwardly, his face turning red as he realized how absurd his story was sounding.

Nandini blinked, surprised at Vedant's sudden discomfort. “Ohhh, pehle pata hota to sath aate.”

Vedant, relieved by her nonchalance, quickly agreed. “Haan, wahi to!” He smiled nervously, internally hoping that this would be enough to steer the conversation away from him.

During the whole party Vedant was doing everything he could to keep Nandini away from focusing on Rajat. His awkward expressions and hasty excuses made it clear that he was uncomfortable with the situation.

“I think hame chalna chahiye.” Vedant suggested,

“Yaa, right. Mai Mr. Chadha se mil kar aata hoon.” Rajat said, ready to make his exit. But before he could move, he noticed someone approaching. “Oh, wo khud hi aa gaye.” Rajat remarked, pointing at Mr. Chadha walking toward them.

Vedant's eyes widened in panic. “Agar inhone mujhe dekh liya to kya bolunga?” he thought to himself, heart pounding as he desperately looked for an escape.

Mr. Chadha reached them, smiling broadly. “Hello, Mr. Rajat.”

“Hello, sir!” Rajat greeted back, then turned to introduce the others. “Meet Ms. Nandini Ahuja, my father's PA.”

“Hello, sir.” Nandini greeted Mr. Chadha politely.

“Hello, Nandini.” Chadha nodded.

Rajat then gestured to Vedant, still trying to hold onto his fake smile. “And this is Vedant. Waise aap to inhe jaante hain, right?” Rajat said confidently.

Mr. Chadha looked puzzled. “What? Aap kiski baat kar rahe hain?” he asked, glancing around in confusion.

“Inki.” Rajat said, turning toward Vedant—but to his surprise, Vedant was nowhere to be seen.

“Arre, kaha gaye?” Rajat asked, looking around. “Nandini, tumne dekha kya?”

Nandini looked equally baffled. “Nahi, mujhe khud pata nahi chala… maybe call aa gayi hogi.” she suggested.

Before Rajat could question further, Mr. Chadha politely excused himself. “Ok, Mr. Rajat, I should go now.”

Rajat nodded. “We should also leave.” Nandini agreed.

As Mr. Chadha left, Vedant peeked out from behind a pillar, relief washing over him. “Bach gaye.” he whispered to himself, wiping imaginary sweat from his forehead.

Once he was sure the coast was clear, Vedant quickly walked back toward Rajat and Nandini.

Rajat raised an eyebrow, amused. “Aap kaha gayab ho gaye the?”

Vedant, realizing he had no good excuse, blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “W… wo… mujhe washroom jaana tha.” he said, instantly regretting it. He mentally scolded himself, “Yahi bakwas excuse mila tha tujhe? Nandini kya soch rahi hogi ab!”

But he quickly composed himself and cleared his throat. “Ab chalen?” he asked, eager to change the subject.

The trio headed outside, where Rajat unlocked his car, and Nandini was just about to sit in the passenger seat when she felt a gentle tug on her wrist. She turned around to see Vedant, his hand still holding hers. He quickly released her, his face slightly flustered.

“Wo... wahan kyun baith rahi ho? Mai bhi to ghar jaa raha hoon. Mr. Rajat ko kyun pareshan karna?” Vedant offered with a weak smile.

Rajat glanced at Nandini. “No, it's ok, Doctor Vedant. I will drop her.” He said, not entirely ready to let Nandini go just yet, “Ho sakta hai wo ladki dikh jaaye.” Rajat thought, his mind wandering.

Nandini, sensing the awkward tension, smiled politely. “No, it's alright, sir. Mai Vedant ke sath chali jaungi. Please, aap pareshan mat hoiye.”

Rajat hesitated for a moment but then thought, “Jyada bolunga to shaq karenge mujhpe ki mai Nandini ke sath jaana chahta hoon.” He finally nodded and forced a smile. “Ok, as your wish.” He said, getting into his car and driving away.

Vedant, now alone with Nandini, breathed a sigh of relief. “Chalen?” he asked softly.

Nandini gave him a small smile and nodded, and the two walked toward Vedant's car, leaving behind the chaos and awkwardness of the party venue.

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

Vidya and Amrit hurried through the corridors of the college, their footsteps echoing against the walls as they rushed to reach the class on time. Both were slightly breathless, aware that they were cutting it close. As they approached the classroom, Amrit’s heart raced, knowing they were late for Akshat’s class.

Just as Amrit was about to enter, Akshat appeared in the doorway, his tall frame blocking her path. For a moment, their eyes met—Amrit’s surprise reflected in her wide eyes, while Akshat’s expression was unreadable. Their eyes met for a brief moment—his gaze immediately fell on her. She was dressed in a mustard yellow kurti paired with jeans, the sindoor in her hairline and the delicate mangalsutra around her neck catching his attention. His eyes lingered on the symbols of their marriage.

He paused, his gaze lingering on her before he stepped aside silently, creating space for her to pass. Without exchanging a word, Amrit brushed past him, her heart pounding louder than before.

Vidya, walking right behind her, couldn’t help but notice the silent exchange. A teasing grin spread across her face as she glanced at Akshat. Unable to resist, she gave him a mischievous smile, one that clearly said, I saw that. Akshat, however, wasn’t amused. He shot her a sharp glare in response, making Vidya chuckle softly as she followed Amrit inside.

Amrit quickly scanned the classroom, noticing that the first few rows were already filled with students—all girls who had eagerly taken the front seats, perhaps because it was Akshat's class. Not wanting to attract more attention, Amrit quietly walked to the fifth row, choosing an empty desk away from the crowd. She sat down, grateful for the distance between her and the others, her mind still replaying the brief but intense moment with Akshat at the door.

Akshat stood in front of the class, exuding his usual calm authority. He greeted everyone with a slight nod, "Good morning, everyone." His deep voice echoed through the room as he began his lecture. The students were focused, especially the girls in the front, eagerly hanging onto his every word.

A few minutes into the class, Akshat suddenly paused, scanning the room. "Before we move further, I think a quick revision of everything we’ve covered in the last month would be helpful," he said with a subtle yet deliberate glance in Amrit's direction.

Amrit's eyes widened in realization. He’s doing this for me! she thought, her heart skipping a beat. She knew she had missed several classes, and this revision was for her sake. Her face flushed slightly, and she immediately looked down at her notebook, trying to hide the emotions bubbling up inside her.

Next to her, Vidya leaned over with a smirk, whispering, "Kya yahi pyaar hai?" She dramatically placed her hand over her chest, teasing Amrit. Amrit bit her lip and pinched Vidya's hand in response, trying to stop herself from blushing, but the color on her cheeks gave her away.

Akshat resumed his lecture, methodically going over every topic he had taught in the past month. As he explained each point, Amrit found herself looking at him with a new perspective. She observed the way his face lit up with passion for the subject, how his eyes, hidden behind his glasses, gleamed with focus. She noticed the way his hand moved across the whiteboard, every gesture controlled and confident. For the first time, she was seeing him not just as a teacher but as , Akshat, her husband.

Amrit was lost in her thoughts, her gaze lingering on him, when Vidya’s teasing voice interrupted her trance. "Behen, ghar pe taad liyo. Tere hi pati hain, abhi padh le," Vidya whispered, giggling. Amrit snapped out of her daze, giving Vidya a glare before shifting her focus back to the lesson, but it was harder than ever to concentrate.

Akshat’s voice echoed in the room as he wrapped up the revision, "Is everything clear to everyone?" His eyes scanned the room briefly, and then, almost instinctively, they found Amrit. She was bent over her notebook, furiously scribbling down notes, trying her best to appear focused.

"Yes, sir," the students chorused, but Akshat wasn’t fully satisfied. His gaze lingered on Amrit again, who, sensing his attention, looked up. Their eyes met for a brief second, and she nodded, acknowledging his silent question. He continued his lecture, moving on to the next topic, but Amrit couldn’t shake the strange feeling stirring inside her. It was as if something had shifted between them, something she couldn’t quite define, and it left her heart in a flutter.

As she tried to follow his words, her mind kept wandering back to him, to the man who was her husband yet seemed so different in this role. She didn't know what was happening to her, but something had certainly changed, and she was unsure how to deal with it.

After class was over, Vidya quickly leaned toward Amrit, covering the sindoor in her hairline with her hand, then fumbled to remove her mangalsutra.

"Vidya! Kya kar rahi hai?!" Amrit gasped, instinctively protecting the mangalsutra from Vidya’s hands.

"Behen, shukar mana, kisi ne dekha nahi ye! Sabke samne beizzati hogi teri, Amrit! Agar kisi ko malum pada ki teri shaadi ho gayi hai toh, tarah tarah ki baatein banayenge," Vidya said, her voice filled with concern but teasing all the same.

Amrit frowned. "But... I can't remove my mangalsutra," she said firmly, holding the chain protectively.

Vidya rolled her eyes. "Arre, sote time to utarti hai na! Just in college hours, Amrit. Tu sabko kya explain karti phiregi yahan? Isko utarne ke baad bhi Akshat sir tere pati rahenge," Vidya said with a knowing smile, trying to reason with her.

Amrit sighed, knowing Vidya had a point. Reluctantly, she removed her mangalsutra, carefully tucking it into her bag with a lingering sadness.

"Thik hai," she muttered, still feeling the weight of the missing symbol.

Just then, another teacher entered the classroom, her presence commanding attention. "Class, listen up!" she called out, and all eyes turned toward her. "There will be extra classes for your batch today. Two hours after the next session until evening," she announced.

Akshat, still at the back of the classroom, overheard the teacher's announcement. His eyes instinctively flicked toward Amrit, knowing she’d only had breakfast and nothing more. He could see the worry in her eyes and frowned, thinking of how she might be hungry.

The classroom buzzed with the low hum of students’ chatter as the professor continued his lecture. It was now well into the afternoon, and the sun's heat combined with hours of sitting made everyone restless. Amrit tried to focus on the lesson, but her stomach suddenly growled audibly, causing her to shift uncomfortably in her seat. She glanced around, hoping no one noticed.

The professor, hearing the collective sighs of fatigue, looked at his watch and said, “Alright, class, after fifteen minutes, we’ll take a short break before continuing.”

A wave of relief swept through the room, and the students whispered excitedly about the upcoming break. Amrit smiled at the thought of resting her tired body, but before she could settle, a peon walked in and interrupted the moment.

“Amrit Tripathi?” he called out.

Amrit’s head snapped up in surprise. "Ji?" she responded.

“Your family is here, calling for you outside,” the peon said.

Confused, Amrit stood up and gathered her things. Family? She glanced at Vidya, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Amrit shrugged and followed the peon out of the room. They walked silently through the college halls, but her confusion only deepened as they reached the backside of the college, away from the crowd.

The peon turned to leave, and Amrit took a few steps forward. Her eyes scanned the area before finally spotting someone familiar standing in the shade of a tree. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Akshat casually leaning against the trunk, waiting for her.

"Aap?" she said, walking closer. “Unhone toh kaha tha koi family aaya hai,” she added, confused but curious.

Akshat raised an eyebrow with a soft smile. “Main family nahi hoon kya?” he asked, his tone teasing but warm.

Amrit felt a flutter in her chest at his words and quickly shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Areey nahi, par aapne kyun bulaya?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Akshat stepped forward and without a word, held out a lunchbox toward her. “I made lunch for you,” he said simply. “Itni der tak baithna hai aur bahar ka khana sahi nahi rahega,” he explained, his voice gentle but firm.

Amrit stared at the lunchbox, her eyes wide in surprise. This man never ceased to amaze her, always finding ways to care for her in the smallest but most meaningful ways. She took the lunchbox from his hands, her heart swelling with emotion.

“Tha... thank you,” she said, her voice soft as she looked at him, grateful.

Akshat smiled at her reaction. “I packed extra lunch too,” he added with a playful tone. “Apni friend ko bhi khila dena,” he said, nodding towards the classroom.

Amrit nodded, her smile widening as she glanced at the lunchbox and then back at him. He was always so thoughtful.

“Take care,” Akshat said, stepping closer and gently patting her head, a gesture so simple yet filled with affection. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving Amrit standing there, stunned but smiling.

She watched him go, her hands clutching the lunchbox tightly as warmth spread through her chest. Hugging the lunchbox close, she grinned like a child, feeling incredibly lucky to have someone like Akshat in her life.

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

Krishiv strolled into Singhania Industries, his mind buzzing with the day’s agenda. He headed straight for Vihaan’s office, but upon entering, he found it empty. “Aaya nahi abhi tak!” he muttered to himself, slumping into the chair behind Vihaan's desk. He absentmindedly twirled a pen between his fingers, waiting impatiently.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” he called out, looking up to see Kavya step inside.

“Arrey, Bulbul ki mummy? Good morning!” he greeted her with a warm smile, his mood brightening at her presence.

“Sir, wo…” Kavya started, her expression a bit serious, but Krishiv interrupted her with a teasing frown.

“Won't you wish me back?” he asked, his playful tone contrasting with his mock disappointment.

“Sorry, good morning, sir,” she replied quickly, her cheeks slightly flushing. “Actually, I want to…” she trailed off, reaching into her bag.

Krishiv raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it?”

Kavya pulled out a neatly folded note and extended it toward him. “This is for the pizza,” she said, her tone a mix of formality and playfulness.

“Aapko pizza chahiye?” he asked, puzzled by her sudden mention of pizza.

“Nahi, sir,” she clarified, shaking her head with a hint of amusement. “Ye jo Bulbul ne kal pizza khaya, uske liye hai.”

Krishiv leaned back in his chair, an amused expression playing on his lips. “Pizza aapne khaya tha?” he asked, rolling his eyes dramatically as if the answer was obvious.

Kavya frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. “No, sir,” she replied, her tone defensive.

“Then why are you returning the money haan?” he probed, his playful smirk refusing to leave his face.

“But Bulbul ne toh…” she began, but Krishiv cut her off, waving a hand dismissively.

“Arrey, this is between me and Bulbul! Na aap kyun pad rahi hain beech me? Uske test me acche marks aaye toh I gave her a treat,” he said, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

Kavya opened her mouth to protest but quickly closed it, realizing she was fighting a losing battle. “But sir, aap half price toh le lijiye,” she suggested, trying to negotiate.

Krishiv leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand with a teasing glint in his eyes. “Vaise toh I used your couch, your sofa, watched your TV, and also drank water from your house. I even played games which were brought by you! Toh mujhe bhi lautana padega na? Bataiye, kitna hoga?”

Kavya sighed, her shoulders drooping in defeat. “I give up!” she exclaimed, shaking her head in exasperation.

With a triumphant smile, Krishiv leaned back in his chair. “Anything else?” he asked.

“No, sir,” she said, unable to suppress a smile of her own despite her earlier frustration.

“Ok, have a nice day, Bulbul ki mummy,” he said cheerfully as she turned to leave.

“You too sir.” She replied before walking outside.

Kavya stood in the sleek, modern conference room of Singhania Industries, the sunlight filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow on the polished table. She adjusted her blazer nervously, glancing at the clock. Vihaan was still tied up in a meeting with another client, leaving her to manage the current one—Mr. Rathod, a potential investor whose reputation for being difficult preceded him.

As the door swung open, Mr. Rathod walked in, his imposing figure and sharp suit making an immediate impact. He offered her a polite smile, though she sensed an unsettling intensity behind it.

“Good morning, Ms. Kavya,” he said, his voice smooth yet carrying an undercurrent that made her uneasy. “I hope you’re prepared to discuss the deal.”

“Good morning, Mr. Rathod,” she replied, forcing a smile as she motioned for him to take a seat. “Vihaan sir will be here shortly. In the meantime, I can explain our proposal to you.”

As she began outlining the key points of their proposal, Mr. Rathod leaned in closer, his eyes roaming a little too freely. “You know, I’ve always appreciated how dedicated you are to your work,” he said, his tone laced with a strange familiarity. “It’s quite… refreshing.”

Kavya tried to focus on the documents in front of her. “Thank you, sir. We believe this partnership can bring significant benefits for both parties.”

But Mr. Rathod didn’t seem interested in the business at hand. As she spoke, he subtly reached out, brushing his fingers against her arm. She flinched, pulling back instinctively. “Please keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Rathod,” she said firmly, though a tremor of anxiety threaded through her words.

"Why don't we make this a little more personal?" he suggested, his tone dropping to something more sinister. He leaned closer, his hand sliding down to her waist.

Kavya's heart raced as she recoiled, feeling the heat of his body against hers. "That's not appropriate, Mr. Rathod. I'm here to discuss business," she managed, her voice steady despite the fear tightening in her chest.

His eyes darkened with a mixture of desire and impatience. "Come on, Kavya. It's just a friendly gesture. No harm in a little networking, right?" He leaned in further, his hand sliding to her hips, fingers pressing possessively against her body.

Kavya felt a wave of anger surge through her. She pushed him away forcefully, stepping back with a glare.

"What are you trying to do?" she demanded, her voice rising in intensity. "This is completely unprofessional!"

"Shh!" he hissed, glancing nervously around the room. "You'll ruin everything! This deal is crucial for both of us. Your boss will fire you if you make me lose it!" His voice was low but threatening, his grip tightening around her waist as he pulled her closer again, his breath hot

against her ear. "Don't make this difficult."

Kavya felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, the humiliation flooding over her. "Let go of me!" she cried, trying to break free, but he held her firm, caressing her body like a predator playing with its prey.

"Stop struggling, Kavya," he said, his voice low and taunting. "This can go so much smoother if you just cooperate.”

She attempted to scream, but he quickly muffled her mouth with his hand, warning her again about the deal, "You don't want to ruin your future over this, do you?" His words dripped with condescension, sending chills down her spine.

The world around her began to blur as panic set in. She struggled against his grip, pushing against his chest, but he only pulled her closer, using her body to emphasize his dominance. The reality of her situation hit her hard, and she felt a surge of adrenaline.

In a moment of clarity, she remembered the small pepper spray she kept in her bag. With a sudden burst of strength, she managed to reach into her purse, fumbling to retrieve it. She aimed it at his face, and without a second thought, she sprayed it directly into his eyes.

Mr. Rathod recoiled, howling in pain and surprise as he staggered back, his grip on her loosening. "What the-!" he shouted, rage and confusion washing over his features.

Taking her chance, Kavya bolted past him, sprinting out of the conference room and down the hallway, her heart racing.

Kavya leaned against her scooty in the parking lot, her chest heaving as she tried to hold back the flood of emotions that had overtaken her. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, her body shaking from the sobs she could no longer suppress. The world around her felt blurry and distant, and all she wanted was to disappear from this nightmare.

Just then, Krishiv, who had just parked his car nearby, noticed her crumpled figure sobbing against her vehicle. Frowning, he immediately rushed toward her, concern evident in his eyes.

“Bulbul ki mummy, kya hua? Are you okay?” he asked, his voice filled with worry as he crouched down next to her.

Kavya quickly tried to wipe away her tears, her hand trembling as she attempted to put on a brave face. “No… nothing, sir. Bahot dust hai yahan,” she muttered, her voice shaky, trying to downplay the obvious distress she was in.

Krishiv wasn’t convinced for a second. He looked at her with a mixture of frustration and concern. “Don’t try to lie to me. You were crying. What’s wrong? Bulbul ko kuch hua hai kya?” he asked, his tone gentle but probing.

She shook her head, avoiding his gaze as fresh tears threatened to spill over. “She’s fine, sir. Everything is fine. Please… leave me alone. I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to share this with you,” she said, her voice trembling as she turned to sit on her scooty, her body slumped in exhaustion.

But before she could sit, Krishiv gently but firmly grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks. “Bulbul ki mummy, please tell me. Kya kisi ne kuch kaha aapko yahan? Did something happen?” His voice softened even more, the concern in his eyes deepening as he searched her face for answers.

Kavya’s eyes filled with fresh tears as she tried to pull her wrist away, her voice growing more desperate. “Leave my hand, sir! I told you, I don’t want to talk about it! Mujhe nahi batana hai!” she cried, her voice rising, frustration and pain mixing together.

But Krishiv didn’t let go. He took a step closer, his grip gentle but firm, and wiped away the tears that streaked down her face. His touch was careful, not wanting to invade her space but needing to reassure her that she wasn’t alone. “Please, trust me,” he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity, his eyes locking onto hers.

That was all it took. The dam broke, and Kavya’s strength crumbled completely. She burst into sobs, unable to hold back any longer. Her entire body shook as she cried, the weight of what had just happened crashing over her like a wave. Krishiv stood there, silent but supportive, his presence a calming force as she let it all out.

For a moment, she didn’t speak, just cried uncontrollably, her voice breaking in between sobs. Krishiv stayed by her side, his hand still holding her wrist gently, offering her the quiet comfort she needed. He didn’t push her, didn’t ask her more questions. He just waited for her to be ready, knowing that whatever had happened, it had shaken her to her core.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Kavya managed to speak through her tears, her voice barely above a whisper. “Sir… he… he tried to… touch me,” she choked out, the words feeling like knives in her throat. “He wouldn’t stop… I tried, but…” She trailed off, her voice breaking again as the memory of what had just happened replayed in her mind.

Krishiv’s expression darkened, his jaw clenching as he processed what she had just said. His hold on her wrist tightened protectively, his heart breaking at the sight of her pain.

“I… I didn’t know what to do. I pushed him, I tried to scream but… he said if I caused trouble, I would lose my job. That the deal was too important…” Her voicelcracked, and she buried her face in her hands, ashamed and terrified all at once.

As soon as Kavya finished speaking, Krishiv's expression darkened, his fists clenching in fury. His jaw tightened as anger radiated off him. "Let's go!" he said through gritted teeth, gently dragging her along by the wrist.

"Sir, please don't say anything! I... I'll be fine," she pleaded, trying to hold him back, but Krishiv wasn't listening. His mind was set, and he marched forward, his grip firm but not harsh. His silence was enough to show that he was beyond reasoning.

Ignoring her continued pleas, he bypassed the elevator and stormed up the stairs, his pace quick and determined. Everyone in the office turned to look as Krishiv strode past with Kavya in tow, her face pale with dread, and her heart pounding.

Without knocking or announcing himself, Krishiv barged into the meeting room where Mr. Rathod, the important client, was sitting across from Vihaan, engaged in a formal discussion. The sudden intrusion caused everyone to look up in confusion.

"Krishiv bhai!" Vihaan said, his brows furrowing in surprise as he saw his best friend charging toward Mr. Rathod with an intense look in his eyes.

But Krishiv didn't respond. He released Kavya's hand and stormed toward Rathod. Without hesitation, he pulled his arm back and delivered a powerful punch straight to Rathod's face, the force of the blow sending the man staggering backward.

The room froze in shock.

Before Rathod could even comprehend what had happened, Krishiv punched him again-once, twice, three times-each blow harder than the last, fueled by his blinding rage. Rathod tried to shield himself, but Krishiv was relentless, his fists landing with brutal precision.

"Bhai, stop!" Vihaan shouted, rising from his chair, but Krishiv was beyond hearing.

Krishiv grabbed Rathod by the collar and slammed him against the table, causing a loud crash as papers scattered and glasses toppled over. Rathod groaned, dazed and helpless.

In a fit of rage, Krishiv grabbed Rathod by the neck, tightening his grip, and smashed Rathod's head against the table with a sickening thud. Rathod let out a pained grunt, struggling to breathe under Krishiv's crushing hold.

"How dare you touch her!" Krishiv roared, his voice shaking with anger as he punched Rathod again, this time harder, his knuckles cracking against the man's jaw. "You think you can treat any woman like that and get away with it? Huh?!”

Vihaan rushed forward, horrified by what was unfolding in front of him. He grabbed Krishiv by the shoulders, pulling him back, but Krishiv's rage made him unstoppable. He shoved Vihaan off and landed yet another punch on Rathod's bloodied face, leaving the man gasping for air.

"What happened?" Vihaan yelled, still trying to restrain Krishiv as the others in the room stood frozen, too stunned to intervene. "Krishiv Bhai, stop! What the hell is going on?"

Krishiv, breathing heavily, pointed at Rathod, his voice low and seething with fury. "He tried to touch her. Your PA. Multiple times. He crossed the line, Vihaan."

Vihaan's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed Krishiv's words. His gaze flicked toward Kavya, standing in the corner, trembling, her face tear-streaked. That was all it took for Vihaan's own rage to ignite.

Without a second thought, Vihaan turned and delivered a swift punch to Rathod's already bruised face. "You dare touch her? My PA?" he growled, his voice filled with disgust. 'You're done, Rathod."

Rathod whimpered, blood dripping from his mouth as he tried to crawl away, but Krishiv grabbed him by the collar, dragging him back. His eyes still burned with fury, but Vihaan stepped in this time, grabbing Krishiv by the shoulders and pulling him away forcefully.

"Krishiv, that's enough!" Vihaan shouted, holding him back, even though his own anger still simmered beneath the surface. 'We need to handle this properly. You've made your point."

Krishiv, breathing hard, his fists still clenched, finally stopped as Vihaan took charge, grabbing Rathod by the collar and yanking him up from the floor. Rathod groaned in pain, his body limp and bloodied, his arrogance shattered.

Vihaan, still holding Rathod by the collar, looked at Krishiv. "I'll take care of this scum. Let's go. He's done here." He gave one final disgusted look at Rathod before dragging him out of the room, Rathod's whimpers echoing as he was pulled away like a discarded ragdoll.

Krishiv stood there, chest heaving, his mind still whirling with rage and the urge to tear Rathod apart. But as Vihaan disappeared through the door with Rathod. His gaze shifted to Kavya, who stood by the door, still trembling. His heart clenched as he saw the state she was in.

Krishiv, still visibly shaken but determined to comfort Kavya, walked over to her. Gently placing his hands on her shoulders, he guided her to a nearby chair.

“Sit down. Please,” he said, his voice soft and comforting, a stark contrast to the rage he had shown moments earlier.

She sat down, still trembling from the incident, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Krishiv quickly grabbed a bottle of water from the table and handed it to her.

“Here, drink some water.” He urged gently.

With shaky hands, Kavya took the bottle and sipped slowly, her breathing still uneven. After a few moments, she looked up at Krishiv, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and lingering fear.

“Thank you, sir,” she whispered. “But please… please don’t let Bulbul know anything about this. She shouldn’t know…” Her voice cracked, and she wiped her eyes again.

Krishiv crouched down to her level, his face filled with concern. “Bulbul ki mummy ,listen to me. You cannot let this go. You cannot let anyone treat you like this, no matter who they are or how important they think they are. You have to stand up for yourself. Don’t ever tolerate this kind of behaviour, not from anyone.”

Kavya looked away, her lips quivering, but Krishiv continued, his voice firm yet caring.

“What just happened isn’t your fault. But ignoring it, letting it slide—that’s what makes people like him think they can get away with it. I know you're strong, and you need to remember that. There’s no deal, no position, nothing more important than your dignity and safety. Not even your job. If Vihaan had to lose this deal, so be it—it’s not worth you being harmed.”

She nodded slowly, still overwhelmed by the entire situation.

“Do you know what Bulbul thinks of you?” Krishiv said softly, his tone becoming more personal. “She looks up to you. She respects you so much. You're her mother, her hero. She watches everything you do and wants to be like you. You’re her inspiration. Don’t you want her to learn to be strong, to know her worth? If she ever faces something like this in the future, how will she handle it if she’s seen her mother suffer in silence?”

Kavya’s lips trembled as tears fell down her cheeks. His words hit her deeply, and she clutched the water bottle in her hands tightly.

“Bulbul sees the strength in you, even when you don’t see it yourself,” Krishiv continued, his eyes locking with hers. “You deserve respect. Don’t ever let anyone take that from you. No matter the consequences, don’t let someone degrade or demean you.”

Kavya inhaled sharply, her sobs subsiding as his words slowly calmed her racing heart. She wiped her eyes, feeling a newfound sense of resolve growing within her.

“You’re right, sir,” she finally said in a low voice. “I shouldn’t have tolerated it… I was just scared. I didn’t want to lose my job… but now I see... it’s not worth losing my self-respect.”

Krishiv gave her a small, encouraging smile. “Exactly. You’re more important than any job, deal, or situation. And don’t forget, you’re not alone in this. If anything like this happens again, you speak up—whether it’s to me, Vihaan, or anyone else. But never stay silent.”

Kavya nodded, a faint smile breaking through her tear-streaked face. “Thank you, sir… really.”

Krishiv gently patted her shoulder, his expression softening even more. “You’re strong. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel otherwise. And as for Bulbul, she’s lucky to have a mother like you. Keep showing her what it means to be brave.”

With that, he stood up, offering his hand to help her to her feet. As she stood up, she felt lighter, the weight of the situation still present but more bearable now.

“I’ll make sure everything’s okay from here on,” Krishiv assured her. “And Vihaan will handle Rathod. You focus on yourself and Bulbul.”

She nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and determination. "I will, sir. Thank you again."

Krishiv gave her a reassuring nod before leading her out of the room, ensuring she was safe.

________________________________________________

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