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Next day, Kavya was walking down the road with Bulbul after picking her up from school, her hand firmly holding her daughter's tiny one. The late afternoon sun bathed the streets in a golden glow, but Kavya's mind was elsewhere. The day had been exhausting, and she was thinking about the list of things she still had to do when suddenly, the peace of the moment was broken.

A group of boys lounging by their bikes began whistling as they passed by. The sound cut through the air, sharp and intrusive, followed by crude comments that made Kavya’s heart race with discomfort.

"Arre madam where are you going in such a hurry? Bolo toh ham chhor den?" one of them jeered.

“Aapki beti ko bhi utha lenge aur aapko bhi.” Another one commented.

Bulbul's small face scrunched up in confusion and anger. "Mumma, what are they doing? Why are they saying that?" she asked, her voice laced with a childlike indignation.

Kavya's grip on her daughter's hand tightened. She swallowed hard, her instincts screaming at her to keep walking, to protect Bulbul and get them away from this situation as quickly as possible. She hugged Bulbul closer, picking up her pace as her heartbeat quickened.

"Ignore them, bulbhl. Let’s just walk faster," she whispered, her voice shaking slightly as she quickened her steps. The laughter and comments continued behind them, making her feel small, helpless. But then something stopped her in her tracks.

Krishiv’s words echoed in her mind, clear and strong, as if he were standing right next to her.

“Do you know what Bulbul thinks of you? 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 froze, her breath catching in her throat. She looked down at Bulbul, who was still glaring at the boys, her little face scrunched up in frustration. This was not the example she wanted to set for her daughter. She couldn’t run. She couldn’t let these men make her feel powerless. Not anymore. If she let this moment pass, what would it teach Bulbul?

With a surge of strength, Kavya stopped walking and let go of Bulbul’s hand, her eyes narrowing as she turned back towards the boys. Her heart pounded in her chest, but this time, it wasn’t from fear. It was from rage.

"Mumma?" Bulbul’s voice was small, confused.

Kavya turned to her daughter and gave her a reassuring look. "Stay here for a moment, Bulbul," she said softly. Then, with determination in every step, she marched back toward the boys, her hands clenched into fists.

The boys were still laughing, completely unaware of the storm headed their way.

“Aa gayin hamare paas?” one of them sneered, standing up from his bike. But before he could even finish his sentence, Kavya’s foot connected with his stomach in a swift, powerful kick. He doubled over, gasping for breath, stumbling back in shock.

“What the—!” another boy shouted, but before he could react, Kavya grabbed him by the hair, her fingers wrapping tightly around his greasy strands. She yanked him forward, his head smashing against the seat of the bike with a dull thud.

A third boy raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, calm down lady—”

But Kavya wasn’t done. She turned to him, her eyes blazing, and with a swift motion, her hand struck across his face with a loud slap that echoed down the street. The boy staggered back, his cheek red with the imprint of her hand.

“Say those things again, or even look at us, and I swear I’ll call the police right now!” Kavya’s voice was steady and commanding, filled with a fire she hadn’t known she possessed. She reached into her pocket to pull out her phone, making sure they saw her intent.

The boys, no longer cocky, scrambled to start their bikes. "We were just kidding, calm down!" one of them shouted, his voice trembling as he revved the engine.

“Don’t you ever come near us again!” Kavya warned, her voice like steel.

The boys didn’t wait for another word. They sped off, their laughter gone, replaced by fear. The street was quiet again, the only sound now the soft breeze and the distant hum of traffic.

Kavya stood there for a moment, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths as the adrenaline coursed through her. Slowly, she turned back to Bulbul, who was staring at her mother with wide eyes, filled with awe.

“Mumma, you’re so powerful!” Bulbul said, her voice full of admiration as she ran towards her mother.

Kavya’s expression softened instantly, and she dropped to her knees, pulling Bulbul into a tight hug. She smiled, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead.

“Let’s go home,” Kavya said gently, her hand holding Bulbul’s tightly once again.

As they continued their walk, this time Kavya walked with her head held high, no longer feeling small or afraid. She had stood up, not just for herself, but for her daughter, and she knew that this was the example she wanted to set—one of strength, courage, and self-respect.

“Mumma? Are we really going to the office cheatel uncle ke paas?” Bulbul’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Kavya nodded, her heart swelling with affection for her daughter. “Haan, aapke cheatel uncle ne hi kaha tha aapko lekar chalne ko. Wo tumhe apne kaam dikhayenge aur tumhare liye kuch special bhi laaye hain!” she added, trying to match her daughter's enthusiasm.

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

Akshat entered the apartment in the evening, his eyes landing on Amrit, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed, surrounded by scattered books and papers. A notebook rested in her lap, and a YouTube class was playing on her laptop. She was completely engrossed in her studies, her hand casually dipping into a packet of toffees she’d brought for herself. Her hair was messily tied up in a loose bun, and as soon as she saw Akshat enter, her eyes darted to the mirror opposite the bed. She stared at her reflection, wide-eyed.

"Jaldi aa gaye?" she asked, quickly trying to fix her hair as Akshat placed his phone on the table and sat down on the sofa. He merely shrugged in response, settling in with a casual air.

"Kuch khaya tumne?" he asked, noticing the lack of any sign that she’d eaten, his tone firm but calm.

She shook her head, her attention half still on her books. "Abhi bhukh nahi lagi hai, please don't bother," she added, hoping to avoid the fuss she knew was coming.

"Mujhe lagi hai," he replied with a slight shrug, walking towards the washroom to change into casual clothes.

As soon as Akshat disappeared inside, Amrit rushed to the dressing table, quickly combing her messy hair and straightening her appearance to look fine in front of her husband.

Amrit’s gaze landed on Akshat’s coat, draped casually over the chair. She hesitated for a moment before her hand reached out, fingers lightly brushing the fabric. Slowly, she clutched the material, biting her lips in thought. The scent of him—comforting, familiar—filled her senses. A small grin crept onto her face as she glanced at the washroom door, feeling mischievous.

Unable to resist, she picked up the coat, wrapping it around her petite frame. It hung loosely on her, the large fabric practically swallowing her. But she loved it—the warmth, the scent that felt like him, surrounding her completely. She hugged the coat tighter and took a deep breath, allowing his scent to calm her racing thoughts. A flush crept up her cheeks as she looked at herself in the mirror, almost shy, but also giddy with a childish joy. She gave a small twirl, laughing softly as the coat swirled around her.

Just then, Akshat emerged from the washroom, dressed in casual clothes. He halted in his steps when his eyes fell on her, spinning and giggling in his coat. A tender smile appeared on his face as he leaned against the doorframe, silently watching her. For the first time in weeks, he saw her like this—carefree, genuinely happy.

Amrit stopped mid-twirl, her eyes locking onto his. A rush of embarrassment washed over her as she realized he’d been watching the whole time. She quickly turned away, mentally cursing herself for her playful antics. Her cheeks burned, and she tightly shut her eyes, hoping to will away the moment.

But Akshat wasn’t about to let her off so easily. He took slow, deliberate steps toward her, and as he reached her, he gently held her wrist. The simple touch made her heart flutter uncontrollably. He turned her back towards him, this time properly adjusting the coat she wore. His fingers lightly brushed against her as he straightened the lapels, his gaze focused on fixing the collar. Then, moving closer, he adjusted the coat from behind, his face now just inches from her neck. His warm breath brushed against her skin, sending an electric shiver down her spine. Her breath hitched, and goosebumps spread across her neck as she stood frozen in place.

Once satisfied, Akshat pulled back slightly but didn’t let go. Instead, he gently held her shoulders and turned her to face the mirror. His eyes gleamed with amusement and warmth as he looked at her reflection.

"Main aap jaisi lag rahi hoon?" Amrit asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she shyly glanced at him through the mirror, her cheeks tinged pink.

"Mujhse bhi acchi," he replied with a soft smile, his tone filled with genuine admiration. Her blush deepened, and she bit her lip, her eyes lowering bashfully as a shy smile played on her lips. Akshat chuckled softly, watching her reaction before releasing her shoulders.

"Chalo, ab bas, bahot ho gaya. Back to your studies," he said, his tone suddenly shifting to a more serious one. "I’ll make something to eat," he added, turning to head into the kitchen.

Amrit’s face scrunched into a small pout as he walked away. "Aa gaye apne dusht danav wale roop mein," she muttered under her breath, half-annoyed and half-amused. But even as she complained, she caught sight of herself in the mirror again, her reflection still wrapped in his coat. Her earlier irritation melted into another wave of blush, and she couldn’t help but smile shyly to herself, the moment lingering in her heart.

After a while, Amrit was completely engrossed in her studies, her hand moving rapidly as she scribbled down notes. She didn’t even notice when Akshat walked out of the kitchen, carrying two plates of gram flour pancakes with chutney. He placed one plate in front of her, but she remained fixated on her work, barely glancing up.

"Bas 5 minutes," she murmured, her focus undeterred as she continued writing.

Akshat sat down beside her, watching her for a moment before tearing a piece of the pancake. Without saying a word, he held it near her mouth. Amrit blinked in surprise, looking up to see him sitting beside her, offering her the morsel.

"I... I will eat in a minute," she began, but he gently cut her off.

"Tum padhai karo," he said calmly, and before she could protest, he brought the piece of food to her lips. She accepted it, chewing thoughtfully before a smile spread across her face.

"Bahot tasty hai," she complimented, her voice full of warmth. Akshat smiled in return, tearing another piece for her. Before he could offer it, she gently grabbed his hand and guided the morsel toward his mouth.

"Aap bhi toh khao," she said, a soft insistence in her voice as she placed the bite in his mouth. She then returned to her notes, focusing on her studies once more.

Akshat, however, continued feeding her in between bites for himself. They settled into a comfortable rhythm—she wrote, and he quietly fed her. The room was filled with a peaceful silence, only broken by the occasional sounds of pages turning or food being chewed.

At one point, a bit of chutney got smeared near Amrit’s lips. Akshat leaned in without hesitation, his thumb brushing gently across her lips as he wiped it away. The touch, though small and brief, sent a jolt through her. Her heart pounded against her chest, and she clutched her pen tightly, trying to steady herself.

Meanwhile, Akshat, completely unaware of the effect he had on her, went on as usual, tearing another piece of the pancake and holding it near her mouth. Her pulse quickened, but she kept her focus on her notes, trying to ignore the fluttering sensation in her stomach as he continued to feed her, his actions as natural as ever.

After feeding Amrit, Akshat noticed her furrowed brows and the slight frown on her face as she struggled with her notes. Recognizing the signs of confusion, he shifted from his chair and sat directly in front of her on the bed, pulling the notebook toward him.

“Kya hua? Koi problem?” he asked, his tone soft but focused.

Amrit gave him a half-nod, her frustration apparent. "Yeh wala concept samajh nahi aaya. Bahut tricky lag raha hai," she admitted, pointing at the section of her notes that was troubling her.

Without a second thought, Akshat began explaining the topic in his patient, precise manner. He talked her through the details, breaking down the difficult points, his fingers tracing key parts of her notes as he spoke. However, Amrit’s attention wasn’t entirely on the notes or the explanation.

Her eyes wandered, drawn to his face—the gentle focus in his eyes, the way his lashes fluttered as he blinked, impossibly longer than her own. Her gaze shifted to his defined jawline, the slight stubble brushing his skin, and then down to his lips, which moved rhythmically as he explained the concepts. His voice, soothing yet authoritative, seemed to fade into the background as she got lost in her own thoughts.

“Amrit?” His voice cut through her trance, and she blinked rapidly, realizing she hadn’t been listening at all.

"Huh?" she asked, startled as his hand waved in front of her face.

“I asked if you understood it,” he repeated, this time with a hint of amusement in his tone, noticing her distracted state.

She scratched her head sheepishly, trying to recover from the embarrassment. "Sorry… I zoned out. Dobara explain kariye, please," she requested, her voice almost a whisper.

Akshat shook his head. "Thoda dhyaan se sunna is baar," he said, glaring at her. “I’m not repeating it a third time.”

Amrit nodded vigorously, determined to focus this time. But as he started explaining again, her eyes once again betrayed her. They were instinctively drawn back to his face, tracing every detail—the soft curve of his lips, the slight furrow in his brow, and the way he looked at the notebook with complete concentration. Her heart fluttered at how close he was, the warmth of his presence wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

Suddenly, his voice cut through her thoughts once again. "Meri shakal nahi, book me dekhiye, ma'am," he said, his tone laced with sarcasm as he caught her staring.

Her cheeks flushed a deep red, the heat rising to her face in an instant. “Haan," she muttered under her breath, mentally cursing herself for getting caught like this. She quickly turned her eyes to the notebook, her mind desperately trying to absorb the words on the page.

Akshat leaned back slightly, still smiling. "Agar tumhara dhyaan mere chehre pe hi rahega, toh kaise samjho gi?" he teased, shaking his head as he pointed back to the notes.

She sighed, trying to refocus, this time forcing herself to look at the book in front of her. "M..mai kuch aur soch rahi thi," she muttered to herself under her breath, determined to prove she could actually focus on her studies—despite the very distracting presence of her husband sitting just inches away.

Akshat chuckled softly, his eyes softening as he watched her fumble, her embarrassment clear as day. There was a quiet affection in his gaze as he returned to explaining the notes, guiding her through the difficult topic while she tried her best to keep her eyes glued to the book and not him.

But despite the blush lingering on her cheeks, a small smile tugged at her lips.

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

Nandini was busy at her desk, typing away on her laptop, immersed in her work when she heard a knock on her office door. She looked up to see Rajat standing there with a charming smile.

“Hii,” he greeted her, stepping inside with a casual air.

“Hello, sir,” Nandini replied politely, keeping her tone professional as she closed her laptop.

"Arrey, please call me Rajat," he said, waving off the formality with a playful grin.

Nandini raised an eyebrow and gave him a small smile. “We are in the office, na. Professionalism bhi kuch hota hai. You are my boss’s son here, and we don’t have any other relation,” she replied directly, her words sharp but respectful.

Rajat clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to be hurt. “Ouch! You are so straightforward,” he said, laughing at her bluntness.

She gave him a quick, apologetic nod. “I’m sorry if I offended you, sir,” she said, her tone softening just a little.

“No, no! It’s fine. Actually, accha hai... that’s why papa praises you this much,” Rajat said, shrugging it off and still smiling.

Nandini’s eyes widened slightly at his words. “Hein? He praises me? I thought he doesn’t even like me. He’s always so strict in the emails we exchange,” she admitted, surprised.

Rajat chuckled and shook his head. “You’ve misunderstood him, I guess. He’s the sweetest person—trust me. Yahan office mein sab unki tareef karte nahi thakte. But it’s only been a few months since you joined, right? You haven’t met him because he’s been in the US for work. But he’s returning in two days. You’re going to like him after you meet him,” he said, his excitement about his father evident.

Nandini nodded, absorbing the information. “Sounds great! Ab toh main bhi excited hoon unse milne ke liye,” she said with a grin, feeling more at ease.

She glanced at the clock on her desk and quickly realized the time. "Ohh, I should leave now. It's getting late," she said, standing up and grabbing her bag.

Rajat followed her to the door, still keeping up the light conversation. “May I drop you home?” he offered, his tone casual but there was a hint of eagerness. He was hoping to catch another glimpse of the girl he had seen with her earlier.

Nandini shook her head slightly. “No, no. I’ll book a cab. I’m fine,” she said, pulling out her phone to arrange a ride.

But Rajat wasn’t ready to give up that easily. “Please, I insist,” he said, his tone more serious now. “It’s dark outside, and I’d feel better knowing you got home safely.”

Nandini hesitated for a moment, considering his offer. After a brief pause, she nodded. “Okay,” she agreed with a small smile. "Thank you."

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

“That’s it for today,” he said, stretching his arms. “I have to attend a function tonight. Ved and Krishiv will be with me, so I don’t think I’ll be back until late.”

Amrit looked up, her mind still processing the information. “Oh... okay,” she replied, nodding. Just as he was about to continue, she cut him off with a quick response. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll just make Maggi or have some bread for dinner.”

Akshat raised an eyebrow at her, clearly unimpressed. "No, just order something for yourself. Mujhe apne kitchen ki parwah hai.”

“What does that mean?” she asked, crossing her arms, clearly not amused by his comment.

Akshat chuckled, sensing her irritation. “It means, I value the safety of my kitchen,” he teased, his smile widening. “I can’t have you burning the place down.”

Amrit rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help but suppress a smile. “Aisa bhi kuch nahi hai” she muttered, shaking her head.

“Alright, I need to get ready,” he said, walking over to the wardrobe. He pulled out a set of clothes that he always kept in the apartment, neatly folded and ready for occasions like this.

Akshat stepped out of the bathroom, wearing a sleek black shirt and pants, the top few buttons of his shirt casually undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest. His hair, still damp, glistened under the lights as he walked toward the mirror. He was a sight to behold, effortlessly handsome, and Amrit felt her stomach twist with butterflies at the sight. Her breath hitched as she watched him from the couch, trying to suppress the strange fluttering feeling inside her.

He stood in front of the mirror, fixing his hair with one hand while absentmindedly fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. After finally buttoning it up, he reached for the tie, biting his lip awkwardly as he held it in his hands. The confidence he usually carried with him seemed to fade for a moment, replaced by hesitation. He glanced at her through the mirror, a little embarrassed, knowing he wasn’t sure how to properly tie it.

It wasn’t that he had never learned — he had. But when Vishakha had been in his life, she always took care of these little things, making sure he was ready for school, adjusting his tie, fixing his hair. Over time, he’d forgotten how to do it himself. Now, standing here, the memory stirred an awkwardness in him. He tried to start tying it, fumbling with the fabric, attempting to recall the motions, but it just wasn’t coming together.

Amrit, who had been watching the whole scene, couldn’t help the small giggle that escaped her. Akshat looked so out of place, so unlike his usual composed self, frowning in frustration like a child as he struggled with the tie.

His frown deepened when he heard her laugh. He turned toward her, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What happened?” he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and mild frustration.

Amrit shook her head, smiling gently as she stood up and walked toward him. She could tell he was trying to save face, but his efforts were only making him more flustered. “May I?” she asked softly, extending her hand toward him.

“I... I know how to wear it,” Akshat mumbled, still holding the tie as if he wasn’t ready to admit defeat. “It’s just... it’s been a long time, you know? I usually don’t wear suits, so...”

She smiled, her gaze softening. “I know you can,” she said, her voice gentle, not wanting to embarrass him further. “But please, let me.”

Akshat hesitated for a moment, still holding onto the tie, but eventually, he handed it over to her, letting out a small sigh. “Fine,” he muttered, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Amrit took the tie from his hands, stepping closer to him. She stood just inches away now, her fingers deftly looping the fabric around his collar.

Amrit took the tie from Akshat’s hand, standing just in front of him. As she stepped closer to adjust it around his collar, the air between them seemed to shift, growing heavier with an unspoken tension. Her fingers moved carefully, looping the fabric and tying it perfectly. Both of them were aware of the closeness, their breaths syncing up as they stood face to face.

Akshat looked down at her hands, his chest rising and falling a little quicker. “I... I lied,” he admitted softly, breaking the silence. Amrit glanced up at him, surprised.

“Lied about what?” she asked, her voice low.

“I don’t know how to wear a tie anymore,” he said, sheepishly. He gave a small, self-conscious smile, feeling a little embarrassed. “I used to know, but then, after a few years, I just... forgot.”

Amrit smiled gently at his confession, her fingers still working on the tie. “I also don’t know how to cook,” she replied softly, glancing up at him through her lashes. “But you do that for me, so... I can do this for you, every time you need.” Her words were simple, but the sentiment behind them was clear, and it made Akshat’s heart skip a beat. He smiled back at her, warmth flickering in his eyes.

Her hands finally finished adjusting the tie. She took a step back, feeling her heart pounding from their closeness. “Ho gaya,” she said softly, taking a deep breath as she tried to steady her racing pulse.

Akshat glanced at the tie she had neatly fixed, then back at her, his smile deepening. “Thank you,” he said, his voice sincere. He grabbed his wallet from the table, then quickly did something on his phone, his fingers moving swiftly over the screen.

Amrit raised an eyebrow, curious. “What are you doing?” she asked.

“I just transferred some money to your account,” he said, glancing up at her. “Order something for yourself. And don’t argue this time, okay?”

Amrit’s lips parted slightly, surprised but touched by his gesture. She nodded, unable to fight the small smile that tugged at her lips. “Okay,” she said softly, her heart warming at his thoughtfulness.

Amrit stood there, watching him leave, her heart still fluttering from their interaction. She looked down at his coat which she wore before, a small smile spreading on her face as she hugged herself, the warmth of his care still lingering in the air.

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

As they reached, Nandini was gathering her things to get out of the car,when she noticed Rajat standing by the door, his eyes darting around as if he was looking for someone. She furrowed her brows in curiosity and walked up to him.

“Kya hua? Why are you standing here?” she asked, eyeing him curiously.

Rajat turned to her, clearly caught off guard, and quickly covered up his distraction. “Ah... no, nothing,” he replied, scratching the back of his head. “Actually, I’m feeling thirsty. Pani milega?” he made an excuse, smiling sheepishly.

As they walked together towards the building, talking casually, Vedant returned from the hospital, his expression darkening as he spotted them side by side. His eyes narrowed as he clenched his fist, feeling a surge of irritation at the sight.

Nandini noticed Vedant walking in their direction and greeted him with a warm smile. “Aa gaye doctor sahab?” she said, her voice cheerful, hoping to catch his attention.

But Vedant didn’t stop. He barely glanced at her, his eyes cold and distant as he ignored her greeting completely, walking past her and Rajat without a word. His footsteps were brisk and purposeful as he headed toward the building, his jaw clenched in silent anger.

Nandini’s smile faltered, and her face shifted into a frown as she watched him walk away. “What’s his problem?” she muttered under her breath, clearly confused by Vedant’s cold behaviour.

Amrit stepped out of her apartment, thinking a walk in the garden would clear her mind after the evening with Akshat. As she turned towards the entrance, her eyes landed on Vedant, who was walking ahead with Nandini and another man. She smiled as she saw him.

Vedant, noticing her, gave a warm smile and affectionately patted her head as he approached the door to his apartment. "Hey, Amrit," he greeted before turning to ring the doorbell. She smiled back at him, feeling the familiar comfort of his presence.

Just then, Nandini spoke up, a playful grin on her face. “Amru, meet Rajat—he’s my boss’s son. Rajat, this is Amrit, my neighbor and little sister,” she said, emphasizing the last part with a fondness that made Amrit smile.

Rajat turned to look at Amrit, smiling politely. “Hi, Amrit,” he greeted, though his eyes kept wandering around as if he was searching for someone.

“Hello,” Amrit responded with a soft smile, feeling slightly awkward under his gaze but more at ease with Nandini’s familiar energy beside her.

Amrit was about to head towards the garden when a familiar voice made her pause. The sound of it caused her heart to skip a beat.

"Hii Amrit!" Vidya called out as she approached with a bright smile on her face.

"Vidya?" Amrit said, a bit surprised but happy to see her friend.

Before the two could exchange more words, Nandini chimed in, grinning, "Hii Vidya!" Her cheerful energy was palpable, and the bond between the girls was evident.

Nandini, ever the gracious host, quickly added, "Mai apke liye paani lati hu," before flashing a smile and disappearing into her apartment to fetch the water.

Meanwhile, Rajat, who had been standing by rather awkwardly, couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from Vidya. She, however, was too engaged in her conversation with Amrit to notice. But when her gaze eventually did fall on him, Rajat's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly averted his eyes, embarrassed to have been caught staring.

Nandini soon returned, handing a glass of water to Rajat. "Ye lijiye," she said, offering the glass with a smile.

Rajat, grateful for the distraction, took the glass and smiled back. "Thank you," he said, his voice more controlled now as he tried to act casual. After drinking, he cleared his throat, attempting to fill the air with some small talk. "Toh aap log yahin rehte ho?" he asked, looking between Amrit and Vidya.

"Nahi, ye yahan rehti hai. Mai yahan nahi rehti," Vidya answered, her tone direct as usual.

Rajat, curious but clearly out of his element, asked with genuine interest, "Toh kahan rehti hain?"

But Vidya, not one to reveal too much to strangers, raised an eyebrow and replied sharply, "Aapko kyun bataun?"

The sudden shift in tone took Rajat aback, and he blinked, clearly caught off guard by her bluntness. "Yeah, sorry. I should leave now," he said, recovering quickly with a polite smile.

Nandini, sensing the slight tension, nodded in understanding, "Okay, take care, Rajat."

As Rajat turned to leave, he couldn't help but glance at Vidya one last time, but she was already back to talking with Amrit, oblivious to his gaze. Rajat smiled to himself, amused by her fiery personality, and left the area with a grin, the exchange still playing in his mind.

Nandini looked at Vidya and Amrit with curiosity. "Girls, what's happening?" she asked, noticing something was up.

Vidya, always ready to share, opened her mouth eagerly, "Arrey, today her husband—" but before she could finish, Amrit shot her a glare that stopped her mid-sentence.

Quick on her feet, Vidya smoothly changed her story, "Her husband hired a cook for her na, she can't cook isliye. So today her cook isn’t coming, toh isne kaha she’s ordering from outside. Toh mai bhi behti Ganga mein haath dhone aa gayi. Actually, mere hostel mein itna kharab khana milta hai na," she finished with a sheepish smile.

"Oohh, actually," Nandini began, raising her brows, "I was planning to go out today. Mera khana banane ka mood nahi tha. Toh ham log chalte hain. Mai Preetu darling ko bhi puch leti hoon," she said with a grin.

Just as she said that, the gate opened, and Preeti walked in, arm in arm with Vedant, both of them dressed up. Preeti immediately greeted them with her usual flair, "Hiii chikni chamelis!"

Nandini laughed, "Kahi jaa rahe ho aap log?" she asked, noting how Vedant was avoiding her gaze.

"Haan, ek wedding function mein jaa rahe hain," Preeti replied, clearly excited.

Before Nandini could respond, Preeti’s phone rang. "Accha, Vikram is calling me. Late ho raha hai. Bye!" she said quickly, waving as she and Vedant rushed off, leaving Nandini slightly puzzled by Vedant’s distant behavior.

As they disappeared, Kavya stepped out of her apartment with little Bulbul. "Nandini! Accha hai tu yahi mil gayi," Kavya said, looking relieved. "Actually, I have some work to do, boss ko kisi function mein jana pada toh mujhe kuch sambhalne jana hai. Can you please look after Bulbul until then?" she asked, her eyes pleading.

"Arrey, bilkul!" Nandini responded enthusiastically. "Ham sab bahar dinner ka plan kar rahe the. Bulbul bhi chalegi na hamare sath?" she asked, looking down at the little girl.

Bulbul, standing by Kavya’s side, looked up at her mother with a pleading pout. "Mumma, mai jaun? I have done my homework," she said, her big eyes hopeful.

Kavya sighed softly, smiling at her daughter’s eagerness. "Okk, please take care of her," she said, glancing at Nandini and the others.

"Arre, ye bhi bolne ki baat hai," Vidya chimed in with a reassuring smile.

Kavya stepped back and gestured inside. "Aao andar, I’ll make her ready till then," she said as they entered her apartment.

"Mai bhi change karke aati hoon," Amrit said, excusing herself to get ready for dinner.

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

As they were walking towards the restaurant after the cab dropped them off, Bulbul clutched Amrit's hand and looked up at her with innocent curiosity.

"Amrit didi, aapke pati kabhi aapse milne kyun nahi aate?" Bulbul asked, her little voice filled with genuine wonder. Amrit froze for a second, her eyes widening in surprise at the question.

"Beta, he is very busy na. Unhe kaha time milta hai," Amrit replied, trying to smile as she gently squeezed Bulbul's hand.

Meanwhile, Nandini, who had been walking ahead, suddenly stopped. "Restaurant is closed, yaar!" she exclaimed, disappointment in her tone.

"Toh dusra dekhte hain," Vidya suggested, glancing around.

"It might be too far, though. This one was perfect!" Nandini pouted, her eyes wandering until they landed on a nearby big building. She squinted, peeping inside to notice a grand wedding function taking place. Her eyes lit up instantly with excitement.

"Mil gaya idea!!" Nandini exclaimed, her face brimming with enthusiasm.

"Kya?" Amrit asked, confused.

"Shadi ho rahi hai kisi ki, chalte hain maza ayega," Nandini said, practically bouncing on her feet.

"Kya?? Kuch bhi matlab??" Amrit shook her head in disbelief, staring at Nandini as if she had lost her mind.

"Arrey, I am serious yaar. Tune kabhi aise wedding crash nahi kiya kya?" Nandini asked, eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Ye sab kaun karta hai? Marna hai kya!" Amrit said, shaking her head more vigorously, feeling both amused and worried at Nandini's wild idea.

"I am in! Amrit chal na yaar, mai jab apne yaha thi toh itna free ka khaya hai na! Bahot maza aata hai!" Vidya grinned mischievously, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Pagal ho gayi hai tu!" Amrit exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Nandini didi, I’m telling you, it’s a bad idea. Aur vaise bhi ye bade logon ka function lag raha hai, gali mohalle ka nahi," she added, glancing nervously at the grand building.

"Kya Amrit didi, aap itna kyu darte ho? Mai hun na aapke sath!" Bulbul chimed in proudly, patting Amrit’s hand with her tiny palm, making everyone laugh at her brave little gesture.

"Dekha! Even she is brave!" Nandini said, winking. "Ham sabne dresses bhi mast pehne hain. Bas thoda makeup aur, wo mere bag me hai hi." She pointed at their outfits: Amrit in her elegant red anarkali suit, Nandini in her stylish lavender suit, and Vidya dressed up perfectly. Even Bulbul was looking adorable in her little outfit.

Nandini quickly pulled out her makeup kit from her bag and touched up their makeup, adding a bit more glam to complete the look.

"Perfect! No one will doubt us." She said with satisfaction, looking at their polished appearance.

"Didi, pakde gaye toh bezzati ho jayegi!" Amrit insisted, still uneasy about the whole plan.

"Arrey, just be confident yaar! Chal, kuch nahi hoga," Nandini replied, waving off Amrit’s concerns. She started walking confidently toward the venue, while Vidya and Bulbul grabbed Amrit’s arms and practically dragged her along, refusing to take no for an answer.

Amrit, still hesitant, finally gave in with a sigh. "The things I do for you guys…" she muttered under her breath, allowing herself to be pulled into the wild adventure.

As they approached the entrance, the guard standing by the door blocked their way.

"Excuse me, madam, wedding invitation please?" the guard asked, glancing at them with suspicion.

Nandini's eyes widened for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, invitation? Arrey bhaiya, we’re from the family. Why would we need an invitation?" she said confidently, flashing him a smile.

"Yes, ma'am, but I still need to see the invitation. Rules are rules," the guard insisted.

Amrit's heart skipped a beat as she bit her lip, mentally kicking herself for agreeing to this crazy idea. She shot Nandini a worried glance, but Nandini wasn’t ready to back down.

Nandini sighed dramatically. "Dekhiye, actually, we just stepped out for a bit because she—" she gestured to Bulbul—"wasn't feeling well. We thought some fresh air would make her feel better."

The guard crossed his arms, unconvinced. "I understand, but without an invitation, I can’t let you in."

Before Nandini could think of another excuse, Bulbul stepped up, her eyes welling up with crocodile tears. "Mera papa...," she began, her voice trembling. "Papa ko bolo! He will fire all of you! How dare you make me stand here like this?" she said, her little face scrunched up as if she was about to burst into tears.

Amrit's eyes widened in shock. Is this little girl really doing this? She could hardly believe what she was witnessing. Vidya, meanwhile, wasted no time jumping into the act.

"Arrey, poor thing! She’s already not feeling well and now you’re making her cry?" Vidya scolded the guard, her tone sharp as she hugged Bulbul dramatically. "Don’t you have any sympathy? She’s a little child! How can you be so heartless?"

Bulbul let out a loud sob, perfectly timed to make the guard flinch. She clung to Vidya, crying even harder, "Papa won’t like this at all! He’ll fire everyone! Mujhe andar jana hai!" she wailed.

Nandini joined in, wagging her finger at the guard. "You better let us in, warna when her papa finds out, there will be big trouble for you!" she added with an exaggerated huff, folding her arms.

The guard looked flustered, clearly not expecting such a spectacle. He glanced nervously between Bulbul’s crying face and the two women scolding him. He shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to do.

Amrit stood there, mouth slightly agape, watching the drama unfold. She couldn't decide if she should laugh or hide behind something. This is so over the top! she thought, but at the same time, it was working. She remained quiet, not wanting to get involved in the chaos Nandini and Vidya had unleashed.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the guard sighed, clearly giving in to the pressure. "Alright, alright! Please don’t cry, beta. You can go inside. Just... go quickly," he said, stepping aside with a defeated look.

Bulbul immediately stopped crying, a victorious grin appearing on her face. "Thank you!" she said sweetly, wiping her fake tears, and holding Vidya’s hand as they walked past the guard.

Nandini patted the guard on the shoulder. "Good decision, bhaiya. Next time, thoda samajhdari se kaam lena," she said, shooting him a wink as she walked inside with Amrit and Vidya following behind.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Amrit whispered, "I cannot believe what just happened! Bulbul, where did you learn to act like that?!"

Bulbul giggled, "TV pe dekha tha!"

Vidya grinned, "We should’ve had a camera rolling, yeh toh film-worthy drama tha!"

Nandini laughed, feeling triumphant. "See, I told you it would work! Confidence, darling Amrit, confidence!"

Amrit shook her head in disbelief but couldn't help smiling.

"Chalo chalo, jaldi se khaa ke bhagte hain," Vidya said, her energy infectious as she urged the others.

“Arrey, ab aa gaye hain toh let's enjoy! Jaldi kya hai!" Nandini said smiling, spinning around to take in the grand atmosphere, lit up by chandeliers and soft music.

Bulbul, meanwhile, tugged on Vidya's hand, her small face scrunched up into an adorable pout. "Par kuch khana hai... I’m hungry," she whined, looking up at Vidya with wide eyes.

Vidya’s expression softened, and she bent down to Bulbul's height. "Accha, chalo aapko ice cream khilate hain," she offered, taking Bulbul’s hand and leading her away, their laughter trailing behind them.

Nandini, with her usual playfulness, grabbed Amrit's wrist, pulling her along. "Chal, ham bhi dekhte hain kya kya hai?" she said, dragging Amrit towards the food stalls.

After a few minutes, Amrit hesitated in front of the stall. She walked up and requested quietly, "Uncle, ek cold drink please."

Almost at the same time, a deep male voice echoed her words. "One cold drink please."

Amrit froze. The voice was familiar, too familiar. She turned slowly, heart pounding, and her eyes landed on Akshat standing just beside her. His expression was one of utter surprise, his usually composed demeanour momentarily shattered.

"Amrit?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.

Amrit's breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected to see him here, and her mind raced for an explanation. "A...aap... issi function ki baat kar rahe the?" she asked, swallowing hard, her words shaky.

Akshat, still processing the shock, nodded slowly. "Haan, but... what are you doing here? Tumne bataya bhi nahi ki tumhe bhi yeh function attend karna hai."

Her mind scrambled for an excuse. "Wo... haan... actually, Vidya ke friend ki family ka function hai, toh she brought me with her," she explained, her voice trembling slightly, trying to appear casual but failing.

Akshat raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this turn of events. "Ohh?" His tone was laced with curiosity.

As Amrit stood there nervously sipping her cold drink, Vidya came running towards her, panting and clearly panicked.

“Amrit, hum toh gaye! Maine Vedant bhaiya aur Akshat sir ko dekha—he’ll find out we crashed this wedding!” Vidya’s voice was full of dread, and she hadn’t yet noticed Akshat standing right next to them.

Amrit’s eyes widened, and she froze as Akshat, who had already spotted her, raised an eyebrow in question, his arms crossed over his chest. Vidya finally caught sight of him and stopped mid-sentence, her face turning pale as she awkwardly looked down, fidgeting with her dupatta.

"M-Mai... ye... mujhe jabardasti le kar aayi!" Amrit stammered, pointing at Vidya as if to distance herself from the whole situation.

Vidya gasped in exaggerated disbelief, her mouth forming an 'O'. “Haww! I didn’t kidnap you and bring you here! Tum khud maan gayi thi. Aur Nandini didi ne bhi kaha tha!” she retorted, clearly unwilling to take the blame.

Akshat stood there, his arms crossed, trying to make sense of the situation. “Hold on! What’s going on here? Nandini bhi hai yahan?” he asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Amrit, still fidgeting nervously, muttered under her breath, “Bulbul bhi hai.”

Akshat’s eyes widened in further disbelief. “Tum log pagal ho kya? Khud toh aaye ho, sath me bechari bacchi ko bhi shamil kar liya! And I know this must be your plan, Vidya. You dragged my wife into this, didn’t you?”

Vidya gasped dramatically, placing her hand over her chest. “Haww!! Sir, this is so unfair. Aapko bas apni patni ki side leni hai, na? Isliye you’re blaming me! Nandini didi and Bulbul also dragged your wife, by the way!”

Akshat sighed, rubbing his temple. “Tumhara kuch nahi ho sakta, Vidya.”

Vidya crossed her arms, giving him a sassy look. “Aapko maine kaha kya ki aap kuch kariye mera!?”

Amrit’s eyes widened in shock at Vidya’s boldness, her mouth falling open slightly.

Akshat raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Don’t you think you’re speaking a bit too much, Vidya?”

“Haan toh?” Vidya retorted with an attitude, flipping her hair. “Abhi aap professor nahi hain, meri best friend ke pati hain. Matlab, mai abhi sirf aapki saali hun!”

Akshat rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, “For real, Saali hi ho.”

Vidya gasped dramatically, acting as though she’d been gravely insulted. “Amrit, dekh apne pati ko! Kaise baat kar rahe hain mujhse!” she whined, turning to Amrit as if expecting her to take her side.

Amrit, flustered and unsure how to handle the escalating banter, nudged Vidya. “Vidya, yeh kaise baat kar rahi ho tum?”

Vidya sighed dramatically, putting on an exaggerated show of disappointment. “Waah behen! Tu bhi apne pati ki side le rahi hai? Itni jaldi paraya kar diya na mujhe?!” she lamented, placing the back of her hand against her forehead as though she was faint from betrayal.

“Guards ne aane kaise diya?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Vidya immediately launched into the whole story, telling him about how they managed to convince the guards with Bulbul’s dramatic performance. Akshat shook his head in disbelief.

“You all are unbelievable,” he muttered.

“Sorry si...Akshat... please aap gussa mat hona. I’ll leave this place, pakka promise! Chal Vidya, sabko bula ke chalte hain,” Amrit said nervously, already turning to leave, but Akshat gently grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

“No need,” he said, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Ab jis kaam ke liye aayi ho, kar ke toh jao. Warna bechari Bulbul ki Oscar-winning performance waste nahi ho jayegi?”

Amrit bit her lip, embarrassed, as her cheeks flushed. Vidya, completely unfazed, grinned. “Chal chal, khate hain!” she said, grabbing Amrit by the arm and dragging her towards the food stalls.

Akshat chuckled softly, shaking his head as he watched them go. “At least she’s coming back to her original self,” he muttered to himself, a warm smile spreading across his face as he admired Amrit, feeling a sense of pride and affection for her.

Vedant was pacing down the corridor, lost in conversation on his phone. His tone was brisk, and his footsteps echoed softly in the empty space. Just as he was about to turn a corner, he suddenly felt a force collide with his back. He stiffened and turned to find none other than Nandini standing behind him, looking both startled and frustrated.

"Ankhen peeche hain kya jo ulta chal rahe ho!" she huffed, crossing her arms in irritation. Her voice was filled with annoyance, but Vedant immediately recognized it.

His frown deepened as he turned around, eyebrows furrowed, and cut his phone call short. “I’ll call you later,” he said firmly into the phone before hanging up. He shifted his gaze back to her, clearly confused by her sudden appearance.

Nandini’s expression changed instantly, from frustration to a sheepish smile. "Hii, what a pleasant surprise!" she said, trying to lighten the moment.

Vedant raised his eyebrows at her, unamused. “Aa gayi free ka khana khane?” he asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"K-kya bakwas hai! I got an invitation!" she shot back defensively, trying to sound convincing but clearly flustered by his tone. She fumbled for a proper explanation as Vedant’s skeptical eyes remained locked on her.

"Invitation? Ya tumhe bas kuch banane ka man nahi tha?" he remarked, half-joking. "We all know what that means. Amrit, Vidya aur Bulbul ko bhi le aayi ho, haan?”

Nandini huffed in protest, glaring at him. "Excuse me! Mai kisi ko nahi bigaad rahi! And for your information, the restaurant we planned to go to was closed!" Her defensiveness only amused him further, though she tried to sound assertive.

Vedant shook his head, crossing his arms. "Waah, matlab bechari Amrit ko toh bidaag rahi ho, par Bulbul ko bhi nahi chhora! Achha kaam kar rahi ho tum," he teased, though his eyes glinted with a bit of playfulness.

Nandini shot him a defiant look, putting her hands on her hips. “You’re so full of yourself, you know that? Aur abhi tak kitne kilo ka bhav kha rahe the tum?" she added, her voice full of mockery, poking him in his ego.

Vedant's expression hardened slightly, and he opened his mouth, about to retort something sharp. “You and—” he started, his tone serious, but then stopped himself. Shaking his head, he muttered, “Kuch nahi,” and turned, as if to walk away.

"Baat khatam kar ke jaiye, doctor sahab!" she said, her eyes flashing as she reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him back with unexpected force.

In the sudden motion, Vedant lost his balance, his leg twisting awkwardly, and before he could regain control, Nandini’s back collided with the wall behind her. His body instinctively followed the momentum, and his hand slapped against the wall right beside her head, bracing himself.

Their faces still inches apart, his breath warm against her skin, something in the air shifted. His eyes, hidden behind the transparent lenses of his glasses, held an intensity that made Nandini's heart beat even faster. For a moment, she couldn't tear her gaze away. It was as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of them, standing so close that she could feel the heat radiating off his body.

Nandini blinked, her throat dry as she tried to regain her composure, though her pulse was pounding in her ears. “Yeh... yeh kya kar rahe?” she stammered softly, trying to find her voice.

Vedant stared at her, his expression serious, but something in his eyes flickered, as if fighting an inner turmoil. “Tumne hi kheencha...” he murmured, his voice lower now.

Her eyes locked on his, hidden yet visible behind those thin lenses. The glasses almost made him seem more distant, but at the same time, more intimate, as if they were the only barrier left between them.

Vedant stood still, his chest rising and falling with measured breaths, but his focus never wavered from her. Slowly, as if drawn by an invisible force, Nandini's hand hesitated before reaching up. Her fingers lightly touched the rim of his glasses, and her breath hitched. Vedant's eyes flickered at the contact, but he didn't move away. Instead, he seemed to lean in, his presence becoming more palpable, more commanding.

With trembling fingers, Nandini gently slid the glasses off his face, revealing the full depth of his eyes. They were dark, filled with a storm of emotions-desire, restraint, and something more intense that she couldn't quite decipher. For a brief moment, she felt as though she were falling into those eyes, unable to escape, nor did she want to.

She swallowed hard, trying to breathe, her lips parting as her heart thundered in her chest. The air between them grew thick, electric. Vedant's hand, still braced against the wall, shifted. His fingers lightly brushed against the back of her neck, sending a shiver through her body. He didn't say a word, but the way his eyes traced every inch of her face spoke volumes.

The silence between them was deafening, charged with unspoken words and untapped desires.

"Nandini..." he whispered, his voice low and rough, barely audible but enough to make her tremble. His hand slid down her neck, brushing against her collarbone. Her skin burned under his touch, and she had to bite her lip to keep from gasping.

Vedant took another step closer, closing the distance between them. His other hand found her waist, pulling her gently yet firmly towards him. She let out a soft breath, her body pressing against his, her hands resting uncertainly on his chest. She could feel the strong beat of his heart under her fingertips, mirroring the frantic rhythm of her own.

Their faces were so close now that she could feel his

breath fanning over her lips. Her gaze dropped to his

mouth, and without thinking, she found herself leaning in. Vedant didn't move, waiting, his eyes fixed on hers.

The moment was shattered by the sudden sound of footsteps echoing in the hallway, accompanied by a distant voice. It brought them both crashing back to reality.

Vedant immediately stepped back, creating a noticeable gap between them. His breath was still ragged, his chest rising and falling with the weight of the moment they’d just shared, but he quickly schooled his expression, avoiding her gaze

Her hands trembled as she reached for his glasses. Without meeting his eyes, she hastily placed them in his hand, her fingers brushing his lightly, which only sent another wave of heat rushing through her body. He clenched his jaw, barely looking at her, his own fingers curling around the glasses before he slid them back on, hiding his conflicted eyes behind the familiar barrier of the lenses.

Nandini didn’t wait for a response. She couldn’t. Her mind was spinning, her emotions a tangled mess. She did the only thing she could think of—she ran.

As she disappeared around the corner, Vedant let out a frustrated growl, his fist slamming into the wall beside him. He cursed under his breath, furious with himself for losing control like that. His mind was replaying the scene, imagining how much further it could have gone if the footsteps hadn’t interrupted them.

Meanwhile, Nandini rushed down the hallway, her vision blurring as tears gathered in her eyes.

"No, no, no… I can't do this…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. She covered her face with her palms, shaking her head as the tears spilled over. Her heart ached with the weight of the moment, the confusion and guilt gnawing at her.

“I can’t… I just can’t…” she muttered again, as if repeating the words would somehow make them true, would somehow undo everything that had just happened.

As Nandini approached the lively scene, her heart was still racing from the earlier encounter with Vedant. The moment she stepped into the room, she was greeted by the warm laughter and chatter, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. Bulbul was perched on Krishiv's lap, her little hands animatedly gesturing as she recounted some story that had everyone in fits of laughter. Preeti and Vikram were seated nearby, their faces lit up with amusement, while Anika, Vihaan, Amrit, and Vidya formed a cozy cluster, each person fully engaged in the vibrant conversation.

She took a deep breath, ready to join the gathering and shake off the earlier tension.

“Toh pakde hi gaye!” she declared playfully, plopping down beside Preeti. The group turned to look at her, their expressions a mix of surprise and delight.

“Nandu baby, Kahan gayi thi tum? Hum tumhe bula rahe the!” Preeti said, nudging her.

Bulbul, full of excitement, sat on Krishiv’s lap as she continued animatedly recounting the story of what had happened earlier. Her tiny hands waved in the air as she narrated the details with wide eyes.

“Aur phir mumma kicked one of them!” Bulbul said with an exaggerated kick of her leg. “Aur phir thappal mala!” she added, smacking her hands together for emphasis, mimicking Kavya’s slap with full dramatic flair.

The room erupted into laughter as they all admired the little girl’s storytelling, and Krishiv couldn’t help but grin at her enthusiasm.

“Woah, that was cool!” Krishiv said, his voice filled with admiration and pride. He playfully gasped, leaning back slightly as if impressed by the fierce description.

“Haan, mumma is so brave! I also want to be like her when I grow up,” Bulbul declared, her eyes gleaming with determination. She looked up at Krishiv with all the innocence and sincerity of a child, truly inspired by her mother’s courage.

Krishiv’s heart swelled at her words. “Of course, my Bulbul will be the bravest,” he said gently, leaning down to place a soft kiss on her cheek. Bulbul giggled and cuddled closer to him, completely content in her hero’s embrace.

The others around them smiled warmly, watching the sweet interaction. Preeti leaned over, whispering to Vikram, “They’re adorable, aren’t they?”

Vikram nodded, watching Krishiv with a fond smile. “He’ll make a great father someday,” he murmured, causing Preeti to raise her eyebrows playfully.

"Tum log yahan aaye kyun?" Vikram asked, slightly confused but amused by the sudden influx of people.

"Wo hum log bore ho rahe the," Nandini answered before anyone could. "Koi tha hi nahi ghar pe. Aur Amrit ko khana banana bhi nahi aata. Mujhe toh alas aa rahi thi, isliye aa gaye."

Akshat, who had been sipping his coffee, blurted out, "Kuch order kar leti ya phir... main bana deta aa ke kuch."

The table went silent for a second. Vedant, Krishiv, and Vihaan exchanged confused looks, while Preeti raised an eyebrow.

"Hein?" everyone said in unison, except Amrit, whose eyes widened in shock.

Realizing his mistake, Akshat coughed awkwardly. "I-I mean... tum log ke liye bana deta," he tried to cover up, nervously laughing.

Krishiv, however, wasn’t about to let it go. "Kyun bhai, tu kya unke ghar ki bai hai jo jaa ke bana deta?" he teased, causing the entire table to break into laughter.

Akshat, now completely flustered, stammered, "M...wo toh bas aise hi..."

Before anyone could roast him further, a waiter arrived with a tray of steaming coffee cups. He began serving them one by one.

Vedant grabbed a cup and handed it to Amrit. "Amrit, ye lo coffee."

But before Amrit could even reach for it, Akshat interjected without thinking, "Rehne de, usse coffee nahi pasand."

Everyone paused, turning to look at Akshat with raised eyebrows. Preeti was the first to speak, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Kya? Tujhe kaise pata?"

Akshat realized he had spoken too soon and fumbled for words. "K-kya? Maine kaha mujhe nahi pasand," he quickly tried to correct himself, looking away in embarrassment.

Vedant shook his head in disbelief. "Haan toh tujhe koi de bhi nahi raha hai, bhai," he said, chuckling.

Vihaan chimed in. "Par aap to coffee pee rahe ho, bhaiya. Aur aapko coffee hi pasand hai na?"

Akshat tried to cover up "Haan, wo… bas parties aur shadiyon ki coffee nahi, ghar ki coffee achi lagti hai," he mumbled, setting his cup aside dramatically.

“Par thank God tum log aa gaye, me and Preeti maasi were getting bored.” Anika said , smiling at them.

“Ham log bhi the.” Vihaan said, offended.

"I need to use the washroom," Amrit said, standing up from her seat.

"It's in that corridor," Nandini gestured with her hand, and Amrit nodded, making her way in the direction Nandini had pointed.

As the group resumed their light conversation, the sound of approaching heels suddenly interrupted them. Akshat's ears perked up, recognizing the voice that followed.

"What a surprise, Akshat!"

He turned slowly, his expression shifting as his eyes fell on Kritika Maheshwari, standing just a few feet away with a smug smile on her face.

[ A/N- Kritika is ex wife of Akshat. Pata tha mujhe yaad nahi rahega tum log ko, gajini ke avtaar🤡)

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