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Target of last chapter was not completed but today is Diwali so enjoy 🌷

Next chapter will be updated after this chapter cross 3k+ votes and 2k comments.

Happy Diwali Everyone ❤️

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Nandini walked out of the building after getting ready, heading towards the parking lot. She stopped when she noticed Vedant sitting inside his car, the window already rolled down.

"Can I drop you?" he asked, his eyes glancing up at her with a casual smile.

"Nahi, nahi, I’ll go myself," Nandini replied, waving her hand dismissively.

"Please?" Vedant persisted, his tone gentle but insistent.

Nandini paused, thinking for a moment. "Mai wapas kaise aaungi?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I’ll pick you up," he said without hesitation.

"What are you? My driver now?" she teased, her lips curling into a smile.

"I can be," he shrugged his shoulders, looking unbothered.

Shaking her head, Nandini walked over to her scooty, determined to go on her own. She tried to start it, but it sputtered and refused to cooperate. "Abhi toh thik karaya tha! Khatara kahin ki!" she muttered under her breath, frustration growing.

Vedant chuckled from inside the car. "Dekha? Even the scooty wants you to come with me. Tum late nahi ho rahi?" he pointed out, raising an eyebrow knowingly.

Nandini glanced at her watch and sighed. "Fine," she said, giving up as she walked towards his car and sat in the passenger seat.

"Drop me at Vaibhav sir’s house. Aaj unke ghar pe meeting hai. Ye address hai," she said, handing him her phone with the location pulled up.

After some time, they reached Vaibhav’s mansion. The towering gates loomed ahead as Vedant pulled over and parked the car. Nandini opened the door and stepped out, but to her surprise, Vedant also got out, walking alongside her to the gate.

As Nandini and Vedant walked through the gate, they spotted Vaibhav and Rajat watering the plants. Rajat, looking less than enthusiastic, was grumbling under his breath.

"See how peaceful this is. Accha lagta hai ye sab karne mein," Vaibhav said contentedly, gently spraying water over the plants.

"Aapko lagta hai, mujhe toh jabardasti utha ke laaye ho," Rajat grumbled, shaking his head.

Vaibhav chuckled. "Your generation doesn’t know real happiness. Bas 10 baje tak sona hai... People who wake up early become more successful."

"Whatever!" Rajat muttered, clearly uninterested in the lecture.

Just then, Rajat’s eyes caught sight of Nandini and Vedant approaching. His expression immediately lit up.

"Hiii Nandini!" Rajat greeted them enthusiastically, walking towards them.

"Hello, Dr. Vedant," he added, giving Vedant a quick nod. Vedant responded with a tight-lipped smile, his eyes flickering briefly between Rajat and Nandini.

"Chalo, tumhe maa se milvata hoon," Rajat said, turning to Nandini and motioning towards the house.

Vedant frowned slightly. "Kyun?" he asked, a bit too quickly.

Rajat raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "Huh?" he responded, not understanding the question.

Vedant cleared his throat, trying to cover his awkwardness. "I... I mean, she’s here for the meeting," he explained, glancing at Nandini as if looking for confirmation.

Rajat shrugged nonchalantly. "Haan, toh abhi meeting mein time hai. And right now, she’s my friend. Chalo." He grabbed Nandini’s arm playfully and started dragging her towards the house.

Vedant’s hand instinctively fisted at his side, his jaw tightening. He watched as Rajat led her away, the casual familiarity between them stirring an uncomfortable feeling inside him.

"Chokra, just confess to her before someone else takes her away," he said, his tone light but his words carrying weight. Vedant turned to him, surprised.

"Sorry?" Vedant asked, not sure if he’d heard correctly.

Vaibhav smiled knowingly. "Just confess to chokri that you love her."

Vedant immediately looked flustered. "I... it's nothing like that," he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Vaibhav laughed, a hearty sound that filled the air. "I was also in the denial phase once. But jitna late karoge, koi aur le jayega usse," he said, nodding towards Rajat and Nandini, who were laughing together a short distance away.

Vedant's eyes lingered on Nandini, her laughter causing something to stir in him. He shifted uncomfortably. "He’s your son... can’t you stop him?" Vedant asked, half-joking but unable to hide the concern in his voice.

Vaibhav raised an eyebrow, then smiled softly. "Beta, love is not about stopping anyone. It's about timing. You can’t force someone into love or stop them from falling for someone else. It’s all about when you realize your own feelings."

Vedant frowned, clearly struggling with the idea. "I don’t think it’s like that for me. I mean, it’s not love," he said, shaking his head, almost as if trying to convince himself.

Vaibhav gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Believe me, I’ve seen this many times. You might not see it now, but when you realise it, don’t be afraid. Timing is everything. And when that moment comes, just contact me."

He handed Vedant a small slip of paper with his phone number scribbled on it.

"For when you want to confess. I’ll help you make it special," Vaibhav said with a wink before walking away, leaving Vedant standing there, holding the paper, his thoughts swirling.

As Vaibhav walked into the room, he spotted Rajat and Nandini deep in conversation, sitting on the couch. Rajat was trying to convince her, his face pleading as he leaned forward.

“Come on, Nandini, please bring your friends to my birthday party… especially Vidya,” Rajat said, almost in a whisper but with evident hope.

Nandini shook her head, exasperated. “Rajat, they barely know you! How can they just show up? I doubt they’d agree. It’s not that easy.”

Vaibhav chuckled, stepping in with a smirk. “Friends, huh? Or just that one chokri?” he teased.

Rajat’s eyes widened slightly, and Nandini looked at Vaibhav in surprise. “Wait, you know?” she asked, her mouth slightly open in shock.

Vaibhav sat beside her, crossing his arms. “You think I wouldn’t notice? I can spot someone in love from miles away. Aur kitni baar kaha hai tumse—at least start a conversation with her, but no! Nalayak ne baap ka naam mitti me mila diya,” Vaibhav said, pretending to scold while shaking his head.

Just then, Preksha Rathore, Vaibhav’s wife, entered with a bright smile. “Haan, haan. Look who’s talking! After our wedding, it took you an entire month to have a proper conversation with me. And even then, it felt like you were talking at gunpoint!” she said with a laugh, crossing her arms playfully.

Vaibhav raised his eyebrows in mock offense, grabbing a ladoo from the plate nearby. “Now, now, Ranisa. Don’t twist the facts. I proposed directly! Don’t listen to your mother, chokra,” he added, glancing at Rajat and popping the ladoo in his mouth.

Preksha smacked his hand as he reached for another ladoo. “Vaibhav! How many times do I have to tell you, stop keeping sweets within reach of this man,” she said, rolling her eyes at his sheepish grin.

Nandini chuckled, watching their playful banter. Preksha noticed her smile and turned to her warmly. “Hello, beta. Don’t mind them—this is a family trait,” she said, winking. Nandini giggled, feeling at ease as the warmth of their dynamic made her feel at home.

As Preksha scolded Vaibhav, her hands rested firmly on her hips. “Aur aapne chori se kal raat jo kheer khayi thi—what did you think, that I wouldn’t notice? I’m tired of telling you it’s not good for your health, but you never listen! Ek bete ke baap ban gaye ho, phir bhi harkatein bachon wali!” She shook her head, a mixture of fondness and exasperation in her eyes, before turning on her heel and walking out.

Vaibhav watched her go, then cleared his throat, trying to save face. “Ahem… Alright, you two go set up the meeting room. Seems like I’ll have to go and win back my ‘ruthi patni,’” he said with a smirk, excusing himself to follow his wife.

Nandini looked at Rajat, eyes shining with admiration. “Your parents are so cute.”

Rajat nodded thoughtfully. “Hmm… I hope for a future like that too,” he murmured.

“With Vidya?” Nandini teased, a small smile playing on her lips.

Rajat scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks warming slightly. “At least try talking to her… About Vidya… well, we’ll figure something out,” he replied with a shy smile.

Nandini sighed, giving him an encouraging nod. “Alright. I’ll try.”

Rajat’s face lit up, the excitement in his eyes clear as he said, “Good. That’s all I ask.”

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

Krishiv and Bulbul strolled into the mall, hand in hand, their destination set on the ice cream parlor. The vibrant display of colors and the sweet scent of freshly made waffle cones filled the air, and Bulbul's eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Which one do you want?” Krishiv asked, crouching down to her level, pointing at the various flavors.

“Strawberry ” Bulbul exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.

Just as Krishiv was about to place the order, a familiar voice caught his attention.

"Mr. Krishiv?" The voice belonged to a woman, and as he turned, he saw Rishab's mother, Rita, walking toward them with a friendly smile.

"Hello Miss Rita," Krishiv greeted her with a smile of his own.

"Nice to see you both here. How are you, baby?" she asked, her attention now on Bulbul, who smiled shyly.

"I'm fine, aunty," Bulbul replied sweetly, shifting closer to Krishiv.

"Father-daughter time, I see?" Rita remarked with a warm expression. "Can I buy her an ice cream? It would be my treat."

Krishiv shook his head politely. "No, no, it's fine, really. We’ve got it covered."

But Rita insisted. "Please, I insist. I’m just... still feeling guilty for what my son did. I’d really like to do this." Her expression softened, as if trying to make amends.

Krishiv gave a small, understanding smile. "It’s all right, Miss Rita. Please don’t bother yourself over that. We’ve moved past it. Really."

Just as they were about to continue their conversation, a second voice interrupted, one that sent a shockwave of recognition through Krishiv.

"Rita di, chaliye!" The voice belonged to a girl who approached them, wearing a simple kurti and jeans, her hair tied back in a loose ponytail.

She froze for a moment, her expression turning from casual to surprised. "Krish??" she exclaimed, her brows lifting in astonishment.

He couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the sight of her. "Hi, Karishma," he replied.

"What a pleasant surprise!" she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

He gave a tight-lipped smile, suppressing the frustration building inside him. "This is anything but pleasant," he responded dryly, causing her to chuckle.

"You're still funny," Karishma remarked, tilting her head. "But being funny isn't everything, is it, baby?" Her condescending tone was hard to miss.

Before Krishiv could respond, Rita, confused by the interaction, looked between them. "You both know each other?" she asked, her brows furrowed.

Karishma smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. "Yeah, very well," she said with a glint in her eye. She turned toward Rita, placing a hand on her sister’s shoulder. "And Krish, by the way, she’s my elder sister."

Rita looked surprised but smiled politely, unaware of the underlying tension.

Karishma’s smirk widened as she stepped closer to Krishiv. "So, Krish," she began in a mocking tone, "still doing some job at a small company? I knew you wouldn’t have made it big. Must be tough, right? You know my fiancé Arpit? He’s incredibly successful. He always spoils me with expensive gifts."

Krishiv rubbed his eyebrows, trying to keep his composure. He felt Bulbul’s small hand still holding onto his, grounding him in the moment. Saumya, who had noticed the scene from a distance, glared at Karishma, clearly displeased with her behavior.

Karishma wasn’t finished. She leaned in slightly, as if savoring every word. "Tumhare sath toh mujhe ek artificial ring bhi mil jaaye toh badi baat lagti thi... but Arpit!" She paused dramatically. "He proposed to me with a diamond ring. Can you believe that?"

Krishiv clenched his jaw, but he kept his expression calm. "I’m happy for you," he said with a polite smile.

"Vaise, what about you? Did you find anyone? Who would even want to be with you?" she asked, her laughter ringing in his ears, but he remained composed, not rising to her bait.

Before he could answer, Bulbul’s sweet voice chimed in. "Papa, let’s go. Mumma will scold us for being late," she said, looking up at him innocently.

Krishiv’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, while Karishma's laughter abruptly stopped. "Papa?" Karishma asked, blinking in disbelief. "Why are you calling him 'Papa?'"

Bulbul gave her a puzzled look. "Kyun? Aap apne papa ko 'papa' hi bulate ho na?" she replied matter-of-factly.

Karishma’s eyes darted back to Krishiv. "Krish... she's your daughter? You’re married?" she asked, clearly shocked by the revelation.

Krishiv opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Bulbul interrupted again, her innocent curiosity cutting through the tension. "Papa, who is this aunty? She looks like that scary lady from the story Mumma told me," she said, her eyes widening slightly as she looked at Karishma. Krishiv stifled a laugh, biting his lip to keep it in.

Karishma’s expression turned indignant as she tried to salvage her dignity. "Beta, I’m your papa's ex-girlfriend," she said, lifting her chin with pride. "I left him."

"Ohh, thank you so much!" Bulbul said, smiling sweetly at Karishma.

Karishma blinked, utterly confused. "Huh? Thank you?"

Bulbul nodded, her expression innocent but her words cutting. "Thank you for leaving him. Because of you, I got the best person in the world," she said, turning to look at Krishiv with a wide smile. He smiled back at her, his heart warming at her words.

"Chalo, papa," Bulbul said, tugging his hand again. "Mumma ne kaha tha na, we shouldn’t waste our time with 'aire gaire log.'"

Krishiv couldn't hold back his laughter anymore as he exchanged a look with Bulbul, filled with affection and amusement.

As they stepped out of the mall, Krishiv watched Bulbul stomping ahead, her small frame moving with an unusual determination. He chuckled and called out to her, trying to keep up.

"Oye, Bulbul! Where are you going? Ice cream nahi khani kya?" he asked, raising his brows playfully.

"No, I don’t want it," she replied, crossing her arms over her chest, her tone tinged with irritation.

He quickened his pace and caught up with her, bending slightly to look her in the eyes. "Arrey, what happened? Why the sudden no to ice cream?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Bulbul glanced at him, her face serious. "Vaise toh you always fight with me, but what happened to your tongue when that aunty was saying all that?" she asked, her small hands resting on her hips, mirroring an adult’s stance.

Krishiv couldn’t help but grin at her protectiveness. "Arrey, let it be na," he said, waving it off lightly. "I don’t care what she says. And why are you getting so hyper about it?"

She gave him a stern look, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I don’t like anyone talking to you like that," she said firmly.

His heart melted at her words, and he scooped her up into his arms, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "Ok, ok. Ab don’t be angry, na," he pleaded, smiling as he tried to ease her mood.

Bulbul sighed dramatically, relaxing a little. "I really don’t like her… She’s just like that Dracula aunty we met at the wedding," she added, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

They both burst into laughter, the earlier tension forgotten.

As the evening sun cast a warm glow, Kavya and Bulbul stood by the bus stop, waiting. Bulbul was animatedly sharing stories from her day.

"And then we had so much fun, Mumma!" Bulbul said, her eyes shining with excitement as she recounted her time with Krishiv.

"Accha?" Kavya asked, smiling at her daughter’s enthusiasm.

"Haan, he is so accha, Mumma. Can’t I live with him… hamesha?" Bulbul asked, her face hopeful.

Kavya’s smile softened. "No beta, he has his own life. One day, he’ll get married, and then he’ll have his own family to take care of," she explained gently.

Bulbul’s expression dimmed slightly. "Toh he’ll forget me?" she asked, a little pout forming on her lips.

"Arrey, how can anyone forget my Bulbul? But he might be busier then, that’s all," Kavya reassured her, patting her head. Bulbul nodded, though still thoughtful.

Just then, a sleek car pulled up to the curb, and Krishiv stepped out, smiling as he approached them. "Chaliye, I’ll drop you both," he said warmly.

Bulbul’s face lit up, and she looked at her mother eagerly. Kavya, however, shook her head politely. "Thank you, sir, but we’ll go by bus. Don’t bother," she replied.

"Arrey, it’s no trouble. I’ll take you both home," he insisted, looking directly at her.

Kavya maintained her smile, though a touch of hesitation crept in. "Sir, your home is in the opposite direction. Please, I’d really prefer the bus," she said firmly.

Krishiv looked at her, noticing the subtle discomfort in her stance, and nodded in understanding. "Ohh, alright," he agreed. Then, turning to Bulbul with a playful smile, he said, "Toh I’ll wait here with you both until your bus arrives. What do you say, Bulbul?"

Bulbul clapped her hands in excitement and nodded. Kavya sighed, shaking her head at him. "Sir, really—"

"Offo, Bulbul ki mummy, you’re showing more tantrums than Bulbul herself," he teased with a grin.

Bulbul giggled, covering her mouth as she looked at her mother, while Kavya’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, caught off guard by his playful tone.

"I don’t show any tantrums," Kavya protested, raising an eyebrow.

"Don’t lie, Mumma," Bulbul chimed in, giving her a mischievous look.

Krishiv chuckled. "Wow, now you both have teamed up against me?" Kavya asked, crossing her arms with a playful glare.

Just then, an elderly woman approached, asking for some money. Krishiv reached into his pocket and handed her some cash. She blessed them, saying, "Bhagwan aap dono ko jodi banaye rakhe aur aapki beti hamesha khush rahe." The words made both Krishiv and Kavya glance at each other, caught off guard, a hint of awkwardness in their expressions.

Breaking the moment, Kavya noticed the bus pulling up. "Bus aa gayi... chalo, Bulbul," she said, nudging her daughter. Krishiv helped Bulbul climb aboard and quickly pulled out his wallet to pay for their tickets.

"Sir, it's not needed, really, I—" Kavya began.

Krishiv smirked. "And someone just said she doesn’t show tantrums… right, Bulbul?" he teased.

The conductor counted the remaining tickets and informed, "Bas ek hi ticket bachi hai, sir," handing it over.

Krishiv frowned. "But…"

Kavya stepped in gently. "It’s okay, sir, we’ll manage," she reassured him.

Bulbul settled into a seat with a big grin. Krishiv leaned in, giving her a quick instruction, "Oye Bulbul, let Mumma sit down, and you can sit on her lap, okay?"

Bulbul stood reluctantly, pouting slightly as she climbed onto her mother’s lap.

"Bye, Bulbul! Bye, Bulbul ki mummy!" Krishiv said, waving with a smile as the bus pulled away, his gaze lingering a moment longer as they waved back.

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

As Amrit and Nandini strolled through the garden, enjoying the cool evening air, Nandini nudged Amrit with her elbow.

"Accha, wo Rajat yaad hai tujhe?" Nandini asked, giving her a sly smile.

"Yeah, your boss’s son, right?" Amrit replied, glancing at her curiously.

"Yes, yes," Nandini nodded. "So, tomorrow is his birthday, and he wants to invite me and my friends… matlab, tum log," she said, pausing for emphasis.

Amrit raised an eyebrow. "Ham log? But we don’t even know him that well," she pointed out, looking puzzled.

"Haan, I know… but think of me, yaar. How will I go alone?" Nandini asked, her voice slipping into a pleading tone.

"He’s your friend. You can go alone, there’s nothing wrong with that. It doesn’t make sense for all of us to be there," Amrit replied logically.

"Arey yaar, I’ll get so bored!" Nandini protested, tugging at Amrit’s arm. "Tum aur Vidya chalo na, please."

Amrit gave her a look. "Nahi, didi, it just doesn’t feel right."

Nandini hesitated, looking down before finally blurting out, "Actually… there’s another reason." She paused, biting her lip. "Rajat… he… he likes Vidya."

Amrit’s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what? Rajat likes Vidya? Are you serious?"

Nandini nodded, looking a bit unsure. "Yes… I don’t want to push anyone into anything, of course. But, if Vidya doesn’t have anyone else in her life right now, maybe this is a chance… just to get to know him better."

Amrit’s surprise shifted into a small, intrigued smile, though she still looked hesitant. "I mean, that’s a little exciting, I guess," she admitted, "but… what if Vidya doesn’t like him? What happens then?"

Nandini put a comforting hand on Amrit’s shoulder, smiling gently. "We’re not forcing her to like him. It’s completely up to her. We’re just giving her the opportunity to meet someone nice. She’ll always have her choice, her decision."

Amrit looked thoughtful, slowly nodding. "I guess it doesn’t hurt to give him a chance… if Vidya wants to."

"Exactly," Nandini grinned, squeezing her arm. "Just a chance to meet, that’s all. Who knows? It could be something good for both of them."

Amrit chuckled, nudging her friend back playfully. "Fine, I’ll talk to Vidya. But if this goes wrong, don’t blame me!"

"But Vidya ko manana padega. I know she won’t agree easily," Nandini said, frowning slightly.

Amrit smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. "That’s easy. Bas usse ye kehna padega ki usse kal hostel ka khana nahi khana padega… phir usse jahannum me le chalo toh bhi chalegi khane ke liye."

Nandini chuckled as Amrit took out her phone and dialed Vidya's number.

"Haan?" Vidya answered.

"Vidya… tujhe kal hostel ka khana nahi khana padega, ek jagah chalegi?" Amrit asked, her tone casual but with a hint of excitement.

"Kya?? Really?? Kahan chalna hai bol? I’m ready," Vidya replied instantly, the excitement evident in her voice.

Amrit glanced at Nandini, grinning. "Wo Rajat hai na… Nandini didi ke boss ke bete…"

"Kaun Rajat?" Vidya asked, sounding slightly confused.

"Arre, wo jo uss din aaye the when we were going out for dinner and crashed that wedding," Amrit explained.

"Ohh haan, toh?" Vidya said, understanding now.

"It’s his birthday, toh he invited Nandini didi… and also her friends. Nandini didi is saying we should go with her," Amrit continued, holding back a smile.

"Bhai, mujhe ye hostel ka khana na khane ke liye koi jahannum me lete jaye toh bhi chalega… I’m in!" Vidya declared enthusiastically.

Amrit winked at Nandini, feeling triumphant. "Okk bye," she said, quickly ending the call before Vidya could change her mind.

"Dekha!" Amrit said to Nandini with a smug smile.

Nandini laughed, impressed.

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

Late at night, Amrit was curled up on the sofa, completely engrossed in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, her eyes shining with excitement. She had just reached the part where Shah Rukh Khan makes his grand entry, his iconic music playing in the background, when suddenly the screen went black.

She gasped, turning to find Akshat standing there with the remote, his expression stern. "Band kyun kiya? Abhi toh SRK ki entry hui thi!" she exclaimed, looking at him in disbelief and annoyance.

Akshat crossed his arms. "You’ve been watching TV for two hours, Amrit. Jaa ke padhai karo."

She huffed, leaning back against the sofa, still annoyed. "But... maine padh liya hai," she insisted, trying to sound as casual as possible.

Raising an eyebrow, he gave her a sceptical look. "Accha?" he asked, clearly unconvinced. She nodded confidently, her expression daring him to challenge her.

Without missing a beat, he asked, "Alright then—explain the significance of John Keats’s idea of ‘Negative Capability’ in poetry. And how it’s distinct from Coleridge’s ideas on poetic creation."

Amrit blinked for a second, then replied smoothly, “Keats’s concept of Negative Capability is the poet’s ability to remain in uncertainties, mysteries, and doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason. It’s an acceptance of life’s contradictions and paradoxes. Coleridge, on the other hand, believed in ‘fancy’ and ‘imagination,’ where poetry arises from a unified, ideal state of mind rather than embracing contradictions.”

Akshat’s eyebrows lifted, slightly surprised. Still, he wasn’t ready to give up. He leaned forward, challenging her again. "Alright, describe the role of allegory in The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser."

Amrit smirked, her confidence growing. "In The Faerie Queene, Spenser uses allegory to explore moral and political themes. Each character, like the Redcrosse Knight, represents virtues, vices, or historical figures. Through allegory, he addresses complex themes of faith, justice, and the moral struggles of his time."

Akshat tried to hide his surprise, but Amrit caught the flicker in his expression. He asked a few more questions, each more intricate and specific, about Paradise Lost, Beowulf, and the evolution of the sonnet form in English literature. Each time, Amrit answered with ease, her responses detailed and thoughtful.

Finally, after her last answer, he cleared his throat, clearly impressed and, for a moment, at a loss for words. Without meeting her gaze, he switched the TV back on. "Fine... but only for one more hour," he muttered, his voice gruff as he tried to hide a small smile, before he turned and walked away.

Amrit watched him leave, biting back a grin. She settled back on the sofa, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction as she watched SRK make his grand entrance on-screen.

Amrit strolled into the kitchen, drawn by the enticing aroma wafting through the air. She perched herself on the kitchen counter, her legs swinging slightly as she watched Akshat skillfully chopping vegetables. The rhythmic sound of the knife slicing through the fresh produce filled the space, and she couldn’t help but admire the ease with which he moved, each cut precise and deliberate.

“What are you preparing?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Paav bhaji,” he replied without looking up, continuing to chop capsicum into perfect, uniform pieces.

Her eyes widened in delight. “Sachii?”

He nodded, a smile creeping across his face as he turned his attention to the onions. “Dekh liya movie?” he inquired, his hands deftly working while glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

“Haan... I just wanted to watch SRK’s entry and the starting scenes,” she said, a dreamy expression overtaking her features.

Akshat raised an eyebrow, teasing her gently. “You are his fan?”

“Arrey, he was my first love,” she replied, her voice taking on a melodramatic tone as she sighed wistfully, lost in her thoughts of the iconic actor.

Akshat chuckled, shaking his head at her playful enthusiasm. “Wahan se jeera dena,” he instructed, pointing to a small container on the counter without breaking his rhythm.

“Sure!” Amrit said, reaching over excitedly. She grabbed the container and handed it to him with a bright smile.

Akshat glanced down at it, his expression shifting to one of mild annoyance as he rolled his eyes. “Ajwain hai ye,” he stated flatly, holding the container up to show her.

“Ohh,” she said sheepishly, her cheeks flushing slightly as she realised her mistake.

“Go and watch TV abhi ke liye. Time lagega ban ne me,” Akshat said, glancing at Amrit as he stirred the bubbling bhaji in the pan.

“I don’t want to leave you alone,” she replied, her voice firm yet soft. He looked up, surprised at her words, the sincerity in her tone catching him off guard.

“You will get bored na?Aur mummy jab bhi kitchen me rehti thi, I used to be with her,” she said, her voice trailing off as memories flooded her mind. A smile spread across her face as she recalled the comforting presence of her mother, who would always welcome her company in the kitchen.

Akshat smiled back, feeling warmth spread in his chest. For the first time, she didn’t seem sad or upset while reminiscing about her mother. Instead, a genuine smile graced her lips, lighting up her face.

“Wo... Nandini didi wants to take me to her friend’s birthday tomorrow evening. Toh can I go?” Amrit asked, her excitement evident. “I promise I will return before night, and I guess there will be boys also, but I will stay away from them. Pakka vala promise. And moreover, Nandini didi and Vidya both are going to be with me. Mai jaa sakti hun?”

“Nahi,” he replied firmly, his gaze unwavering. Immediately, Amrit’s face fell, the light in her eyes dimming.

“Ok,” she said sadly, her disappointment palpable in the air. Akshat rolled his eyes at her reaction, knowing he had to clarify his stance.

“Amrit, how many times do I have to tell you that you don’t need to ask my permission for everything?” he said, softening his tone as he set down the spatula. “It’s your life, Amrit. Tumhe jahan jana hai, jiske sath jana hai, jao. And I trust you. You just have to inform me before going anywhere. You can go wherever you want if you feel comfortable.”

Amrit looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her shirt. “But mummy se hamesha permission leti thi mai,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. The weight of her mother’s absence hung heavily in the air between them.

Akshat paused for a moment, contemplating her words. He turned to her, a soft yet firm expression on his face. “Kyunki wo tumhari Maa thi, Amrit. She gave you birth and took care of you all her life, so this was a basic respect you could show her to ask her anything. But I am your husband, and we both are equal.” His voice was steady, his tone calm but filled with conviction. “Kabhi mujhe dekha hai tumse kahin jaane ke liye permission maangte huye?”

Amrit shook her head, her dark hair falling over her face as she pondered his words.

“So why are you asking?” he pressed gently, wanting her to see the logic in his reasoning.

Her gaze softened as admiration filled her eyes. “Your thinking is so beautiful,” she said, her voice laced with sincerity. The way he spoke, with such conviction and clarity, made her heart swell with respect and affection.

“It’s not about my thinking, Amrit. It’s a very basic thing,” he replied, a hint of humility creeping into his voice. He turned back to the stove, stirring the bhaji as the aroma of spices enveloped the kitchen.

After some time, the bhaji was ready, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Akshat took a spoon, scooped a small portion of the steaming bhaji, and gently blew on it to cool it down. He brought it to Amrit’s lips, holding the spoon with a careful smile.

“Taste this,” he said softly, his eyes watching her reaction.

Amrit took a small bite, savoring the flavors before breaking into a smile. “Yummy hai,” she said, her eyes lighting up with delight. Akshat’s smile widened, a glint of satisfaction in his gaze.

“Go and sit down; I’ll bring it over after I toast the pav,” he instructed gently. Amrit nodded, making her way to the living room where she resumed watching her movie. Settling onto the sofa, she eagerly waited as the iconic scenes from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham unfolded on the screen once more.

A few moments later, Akshat entered the room carrying a plate. The pav bhaji was served neatly, with a garnish of finely chopped onions, a sprinkle of fresh coriander, and a lemon wedge on the side. He set the plate down in front of her with a small smile.

“Aap nahi khaoge?” she asked, noticing he had only brought a single serving.

“Paav banana hai na… otherwise thanda hone pe accha nahi lagega,” he replied, glancing back toward the kitchen before heading off to prepare more. She nodded and eagerly dug in, the buttery, spiced flavors melting in her mouth.

Just as she finished her first bite, he returned with a few more pieces of freshly toasted pav, placing them on her plate. “How is it?” he asked, watching her with anticipation.

With a mouthful of pav bhaji, she gave him a big thumbs-up, her eyes sparkling in approval. Akshat chuckled, pleased with her reaction.

She motioned for him to come closer, and he leaned in, curious. She tore a small piece of the pav, dipped it into the bhaji, and held it near his lips. He looked at her, a bit surprised, but leaned in and took the bite, his own expression lighting up as he savoured his cooking.

“Not bad,” he said with a smile, clearly impressed with himself, before heading back to the kitchen to finish up.

After finishing her plate, Amrit leaned back, feeling content but still keeping one eye on Akshat as he started eating his share of pav bhaji in the living room. She sat beside him, watching the movie, but her gaze kept drifting back to his plate. Even though her stomach was full, the aroma and the sight of the pav bhaji were tempting her for just a little more.

Akshat noticed her stealing glances at his plate for the fifth time and couldn’t help but chuckle. He looked at her with a playful smirk.

“Idhar aao,” he said, patting the spot closer to him. She shifted, inching closer with a curious look.

“Kya hua?” she asked, trying to keep her tone casual.

Without a word, he tore off a piece of the pav, dipped it generously into the bhaji, and brought it up to her lips.

“Nahi, nahi… my stomach is full,” she protested, but the sparkle in her eyes gave her away.

He raised an eyebrow, amused. “I don’t have much appetite left either… toh please, help me finish it,” he coaxed gently, his tone warm and encouraging.

A grin spread across her face as she finally gave in. “Okk,” she agreed, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush as he fed her the pav bhaji. She took the bite, savouring the familiar, comforting flavours once more.

He took a bite himself, then tore another piece, dipping it into the bhaji and bringing it up for her again. This time, she didn’t resist, letting him feed her as they alternated bites.

After dinner, Amrit headed to bed, settling under the covers with a contented sigh. As she watched Akshat prepare to sleep on the couch, her lips curved into a slight pout. With her usual excuse of nightmares no longer holding, she searched her mind for another reason to convince him to stay close.

“Akshat,” she called softly, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation as he sat down on the couch. He looked over, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

“Can you… sleep on the bed with me?” she asked, nervously fiddling with the edge of the blanket. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

His brows furrowed as he studied her expression. “Kyun? Are you okay?” he asked, a note of concern in his voice.

“H-haan, I’m okay, but….” She took a deep breath, licking her lips as she scrambled for the right words. “I just… I can’t sleep alone. Pehle bhi I used to sleep with mumma, and then you were always there. Mujhe dar lagta hai,” she mumbled, trying her best to sound genuine.

He watched her for a few seconds, his expression softening as he considered her words. Finally, he nodded, seeming to believe her. “Theek hai,” he said simply, getting up from the couch.

She grinned internally, quickly shifting to make space for him as he laid down beside her. She felt a comfortable warmth settle around her as he lay there, his presence steady and reassuring. The room fell into a quiet lull, the faint sounds of the night filtering through the window.

After a few moments, Amrit opened her eyes and turned to face him. Taking a silent breath, she moved closer, gently pressing a soft kiss on his cheek. She reached for his hand, interlacing her fingers with his, her smile widening as a calmness settled over her.

As her eyes drifted closed, Akshat’s eyes opened, caught completely off guard. The unexpected kiss lingered in his mind, leaving him momentarily breathless. He stayed still, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of her gesture. It was simple, yet something about it touched him in a way he hadn’t anticipated.

Lost in thought, he continued to watch her, realizing that in her own quiet way, she had broken down yet another wall between them.

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

Vidya Amrit cautiously peeped inside the classroom, noticing that the lecture had already begun.

"Yaar, phir late ho gaye... sir toh padhana bhi start kar diye," Vidya whispered, guilt evident in her voice.

Amrit gave her an annoyed look, then pinched her arm. "Teri wajah se hua hai sab!"

"Main ne kya kiya?" Vidya protested, rubbing her arm where Amrit had pinched her.

"Jaldi aa jati, toh koi bhari hui auto mil jati! Tu late aayi toh khali auto mili, aur wo sawari baithate reh gaya," Amrit replied, sighing.

Just then, Akshat's voice echoed from inside. "Come inside the classroom."

They exchanged a quick, embarrassed look and shuffled into the room, half-pushing each other forward.

"Sir, wo na… auto wale ko sawari nahi mil rahi thi," Vidya explained, attempting a half-smile.

Akshat raised an eyebrow. "Toh aap dono uske liye sawari dhoondh rahi thi?"

Vidya quickly shook her head, trying to justify. "Nahi sir, wo chal hi nahi rahe the! Bole, ‘teen sawari aur milegi toh chalenge,’ toh hum dono baithe reh gaye."

Then, Vidya shot Amrit a look. "Tu bhi bol goongi hai kya?" she whispered.

Akshat sighed, gesturing towards their seats. "Come sit."

Relieved, they slipped into their seats, and Akshat resumed his lecture.

As he continued teaching, his gaze drifted to his wife, and memories of last night flooded back. Feeling his cheeks warm, he quickly cleared his throat and refocused on the others in the room.

After a few minutes, Vidya leaned towards Amrit and whispered, "Yaar, ghar se bina kuch khaye aayi hun, bhookh lag rahi."

Amrit rolled her eyes. "Chup chap class pe focus kar."

Vidya shot back, "Haan toh main konsa class ko kha rahi hun!" Ignoring Amrit’s warning, she rummaged through her bag and triumphantly pulled out a packet of chips.

Amrit's eyes widened. "Pagal! Kya kar rahi hai?"

Vidya grinned mischievously. "Dandiya khel rahi… dikh nahi raha kya?" she replied, as she began to open the packet.

Amrit shook her head. "Fasenge dono teri wajah se!"

Akshat’s voice cut through their whispers, "Those who are having more important discussion in between class , can go out respectfully." he said, still focused on writing on the board.

Vidya, unfazed, nudged the chips towards Amrit. "Tu bhi kha le."

"Mujhe nahi khana," Amrit whispered back, trying to sound stern.

"Arre, blue waali Lays hai... dekh toh," Vidya coaxed.

Amrit sighed, glancing at the tempting packet, but warned, "Main maar dungi agar teri wajah se daant padi toh."

"Ek kha le, kuch nahi hota," Vidya insisted.

Unable to resist, Amrit finally took a handful of chips. Just as she was munching, Akshat turned around, catching them mid-bite.

"Bahot bhook lagi hai dono ko?" Akshat asked, his voice filled with sarcasm.

Both of them froze, hurriedly gulping down the chips. Vidya, never short of an excuse, quickly responded, "Sir, wo na… bechari Amrit ko chakkar aa rahe the bhook se. Toh main uska khayal rakh rahi thi!" She picked up a book and started fanning Amrit dramatically.

Amrit, embarrassed, hissed under her breath, "Hatt! Kya kar rahi hai?"

Akshat crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "Acha... ab kuch der baad tumhe bhi chakkar aane lagenge." Then, addressing the whole class, he announced, "So class, get ready for your surprise test."

Vidya’s mouth fell open. "Kyaa?"

Akshat shot her a pointed look. "Class me bhandara kholne se fursat milegi tab toh sunai dega."

Vidya gave Amrit a pleading look. "Amrit, tu help karegi na?"

Before Amrit could reply, Akshat raised his voice. "Koi kisi ki help karta dikh gaya, usse bhi punishment milegi."

The entire class exchanged nervous glances, and Vidya sighed dramatically.

“Amrit tu aaj inko apne sath mat sone dena.” Vidya whispered earning a smack from Amrit.

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

The party venue buzzed with lights and laughter as Nandini, Amrit, and Vidya stepped inside. Moments later, Vedant and Bulbul entered, glancing around to locate them.

"Bhaiya, aapko itni pareshani lene ki kya zaroorat thi, hum aa hi jaate," Amrit said, slightly amused at Vedant’s concern.

"Arre pareshani kaisi? Main toh bas nazar rakhne...mera matlab hai, tum log nikal rahi thi toh meri nazar pad gayi to socha drop kar dun," Vedant replied, fumbling a bit.

As the group gathered, Rajat approached, his gaze immediately settling on Vidya. A soft blush crept onto his cheeks, his eyes seemingly glued to her.

"Happy Birthday!" everyone chimed in together.

But his attention remained fixed on Vidya, who offered a polite smile.

"Ye toh shaq karva lega," Nandini thought, noticing his lingering gaze. To break his focus, she raised her voice a bit, "Happy Birthday, Rajatt!" she said with a wide grin.

"H..haan, thank you everyone," Rajat stammered, pulling his gaze from Vidya.

Vedant, catching Nandini’s extra enthusiasm, felt a pang of jealousy. "Sab ne toh normal wish kiya, ye Nandini itna excited hoke kyun kar rahi hai wish?" he thought.

Just then, Rajat’s eyes fell on Vedant. "Arre, Dr. Vedant aap bhi aaye hain," he remarked, a bit surprised.

"Actually, mai inhe drop karne aaya tha… Happy Birthday to you," Vedant replied coolly, extending his hand.

"Thank you, Doctor sahab," Rajat said, shaking his hand with a polite smile.

Vedant, sensing the awkwardness, took a step back. "Ok, so I should leave," he said, hesitating slightly, though secretly hoping someone would ask him to stay. "Kash koi rok le," he thought.

Just as he turned to go, Rajat called out, "Wait, Vedant! Aap ayenge toh mujhe acha lagega. Please join us… uss din aap dikh nahi rahe the, warna aapko bhi invite karta."

Vedant, pleased with the invite, nodded, "Ok, since it’s your birthday, as you say."

Rajat glanced at Nandini and Amrit, smiling, "Hello, Amrit… Nandini."

"Hello," they replied together.

Finally, Rajat’s gaze returned to Vidya, his cheeks coloring a little. "Hi, Vidya," he said with a shy smile.

"Hello, sir," Vidya replied, her face calm yet polite.

"Kaisi ho?" Rajat asked, a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

"Thik hoon," Vidya replied, her expression neutral.

Rajat tried again, "Toh… aaj ki decoration kaisi lagi?"

Vidya looked around, a bit puzzled, "It's nice."

Nandini sensed that Vidya wasn’t exactly picking up on Rajat’s extra effort in the conversation. Trying to change the mood, she turned to Amrit, "Amrit, yaar, mere saath chal na thoda, kuch kaam hai. Vedant, Bulbul ko kuch khila bhi dijiye, yahan khade kyun hain."

Just as Nandini and Amrit moved away, Vidya started to follow, "Mai bhi chalti hoon."

But Nandini shook her head, "Tum ruko, hum 2 minute mein aate hain," and with that, she and Amrit hurried away, leaving Vidya and Rajat alone.

Rajat took a deep breath, attempting to strike up a conversation. "Toh tum aur Amrit best friends ho?"

"Ji," Vidya replied simply.

"Ye toh bas ek word ka reply de rahi kabse," Rajat thought, feeling a little deflated. Trying to steer the topic, he smiled, "Tum chalo, mai tumhe apne parents se milvata hoon."

"Kya?" Vidya said, her eyebrows raised.

"I mean… tumhe Nandini, Amrit, Vedant, aur Bulbul ko milvata hoon," Rajat quickly covered up, scratching his head sheepishly.

Vidya looked even more confused. "Par abhi toh wo log yahan nahi hain?"

Rajat grinned, "Haan, isliye toh abhi tum ho toh tum hi mil lo."

Just then, Rajat’s parents, Vaibhav and Preksha, joined them, interrupting their conversation.

“Kya chal raha hai?” Vaibhav asked, looking at them curiously.

“Papa, Mummy… ye Vidya hai… meri… meri friend,” Rajat stammered, blushing again.

“Namaste, Aunty… Uncle,” Vidya said, folding her hands politely. “Mai inki friend kab bani.” She thought confused.

"Namaste, beta… toh tum Vidya ho," Vaibhav said with a small smile.

"Papa, yaar… kuch mat bolna please," Rajat prayed silently, feeling anxious.

"Kya matlab?" Vidya asked, now more confused than ever.

"Ooh, no nothing. Nandini ne sabke bare mein bataya tha, toh isliye," Vaibhav said, glancing at Rajat with a knowing smile.

Rajat sighed in relief, while Vidya nodded, "Ohh, okay."

Preksha gave Rajat an encouraging thumbs-up, making him smile.

Meanwhile, Preksha turned to Vidya with a curious expression, "Beta, aapki age kya hai?"

"23, Aunty," Vidya replied.

Preksha raised her eyebrows, giving Rajat a wink. "Ohh, toh abhi wait karna padega," she muttered.

"Kiske liye?" Vidya asked, puzzled.

Rajat shifted uncomfortably, thinking, "Arre yaar, ye mummy-papa mujhe embarrass karvayenge."

Just then, Nandini and Amrit returned, greeting Vaibhav and Preksha politely.

“Good evening, sir… Good evening, ma’am,” Nandini said with a warm smile.

Vaibhav’s gaze fell on Amrit, and his expression softened in recognition. "Tum?!" he exclaimed, surprised.

Amrit’s eyes widened, "Uncle, aap yahan?"

Rajat looked between them, surprised. “Tum inhe janti ho?”

Amrit smiled, "Bahot acche se. He helped me when I was in a big trouble.”

Vaibhav chuckled and asked, “ Aur chokri ab kaam nahi hai hamse toh milna band kar diya!”

Amrit smiled sheepishly, “It’s nothing like that uncle, actually I want to discuss something else with you.”

“Thik hai phir milna wahin.” Vaibhav said with a playful wink.

Nandini looked at Amrit with a raised eyebrow, "Arre tujhe kya problem thi? Humein kyun nahi bataya?"

Amrit waved it off, "Arre kuch nahi, uncle aap yahan kaise?"

Rajat interjected, "He is my dad. Papa, aap toh jante hi honge isse I guess."

Just then, Vedant returned with Bulbul, looking pleased to rejoin the group.

Rajat took the chance to introduce everyone, "Yeh Vedant hain… he’s a doctor, aur yeh Bulbul, jo Nandini ke apartment ke bagal mein rehti hai… aur Vedant bhi."

Vaibhav grinned, “Ohh! Hello, Doctor Vedant, hello pyari chokri” he said, bending down slightly to Bulbul’s level.

Vedant smiled, “Hello, sir.”

Preksha teased Rajat, "Kya baat hai, Rajat? Tumne toh Nandini ki building ke adhe log se dosti kar li!"

Vedant’s mind shot to his suspicions, “Kyun nahi karega, Nandini se milne ka bahana jo chahiye,” he thought bitterly.

Amidst the chatter, a sudden barking sound echoed from the adjoining garden area.

“Yeh dog?” Vidya asked, startled.

“Arre, nahi nahi, ye toh bagal se aayi hai awaaz," Vaibhav reassured.

Vidya looked relieved. "Ohh, I thought aapke ghar mein hai… mujhe dar lagta hai."

Rajat chuckled, trying to crack the best joke, "Arre nahi, hum dog nahi rakhte. Jab zaroorat padti hai, toh khud hi kaat lete hain!"

Vidya’s eyes widened in shock, while Vaibhav, Preksha, and Nandini rolled their eyes at his joke.

“Such a lame joke.” Preksha thought, shaking her head.

Nandini whispered to Vaibhav, "Ye apne faltu ke jokes se bechari ko bhaga na de!"

Vaibhav smirked, nodding, as Rajat’s attempt to impress Vidya seemed to backfire slightly, leaving her both bewildered and amused.

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

Vihaan was in his cabin, deep in discussion with Kavya about upcoming project details, when the door suddenly swung open. Anika entered, draped elegantly in a vibrant blue saree that caught Vihaan’s eye instantly. His face lit up as he moved toward her, but to his surprise, Anika walked right past him and went straight to Kavya.

"Hiii!" Anika greeted, her voice bright and enthusiastic. She wrapped Kavya in a warm hug, and the two laughed like old friends.

“Kaisi ho? Aur Bulbul kahan hai?” Anika asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

“School” Kavya replied.

Vihaan cleared his throat, trying to reinsert himself into the conversation. "Anika, your husband is also here, Mrs. Singhania?"

Anika gave him a playful shrug. “Kya karoon main? I know na,” she teased with a wink, not missing a beat before turning her attention back to Kavya. “Oh, and guess what? I finally watched that series you suggested!”

Kavya’s face lit up with excitement. “Really? How did you like it?”

"It was perfect!" Anika gushed. "But the ending completely shocked me. I didn’t see it coming at all."

The two fell into a lively discussion, animatedly talking about plot twists, characters, and their favorite moments from the show. Vihaan stood by, momentarily forgotten, as he watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

After a few moments, Vihaan gently interrupted, “Kavya, you have to prepare my meeting room also, remember?”

Anika shot him a look, smiling mischievously. “Arre, khud kar lijiye na! Can’t you see we’re discussing something important here?”

Once Kavya had left the room, Vihaan turned to Anika with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Without a word, he slowly walked over to her, his presence commanding and intense. Anika's heartbeat quickened as he moved closer, eventually cornering her gently against the table, his hands resting on either side of her, trapping her in place.

"Mai bataun aapko kya karna hai?" he whispered, his voice low, sending a shiver down her spine. His eyes roamed over her face, studying every reaction as he closed the distance between them.

She swallowed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I actually brought lunch for you...so maybe we should focus on that first?" she said, trying to keep her tone steady but faltering under his intense gaze.

"Oh, I'd like to have my lunch, alright..." he murmured, leaning in so his breath brushed against her cheek. "But I was thinking of something... sweeter," he whispered, his voice teasing as his hand traced a slow, lingering line along her waist.

Anika's breath hitched, her fingers clutching the edge of the table as he continued to toy with her, his hand sliding down to the small of her back, pulling her just a little closer. "Vihaan..." she started, but her voice trailed off when he tilted his head, brushing a gentle kiss just below her jawline, setting her pulse racing.

"What?" he whispered, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched her struggle to keep her composure. "Kuch kehna hai, Mrs. Singhania?"

She tried to focus, managing to find her voice. "I thought... we were having lunch?"

He chuckled softly, his fingers brushing up her spine, making her shiver. “But what if my hunger is for something... more irresistible?" he said, his voice rich with amusement, as he looked into her eyes with a look that was undeniably smouldering.

Anika bit her lip, her cheeks flushed as she tried to keep her tone playful. "Then I guess you're going to have to... be patient.”

Vihaan's eyes never left Anika as he leaned in, his lips brushing over the soft skin of her neck. He started with a feather-light touch, letting his kisses linger just enough to send a shiver through her. His fingers traced gentle patterns along her back, adding to the slow, almost torturous anticipation.

"Vihaan..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. He smirked at her reaction, pressing a kiss just below her ear before letting his lips travel slowly down her neck.

"Mujhe toh lagta hai, patience doesn't suit me. Especially not when you're right here, he murmured, brushing his lips close to hers, teasingly slow, but not quite touching.

Vihaan and Anika quickly straightened up, both trying to hide their flustered expressions as Krishiv stepped into the room, a smirk already forming on his face.

"Get a room, you two!" Krishiv teased, covering his eyes in exaggerated horror. Anika immediately pushed Vihaan away, and they separated awkwardly.

Vihaan crossed his arms, glaring playfully. "At least you could knock before barging in, you know?"

Krishiv shrugged, raising an eyebrow. "How was I supposed to know this kind of 'program' was running in your cabin?" he quipped, making Anika blush deeply.

"How are you, Anika?" Krishiv asked, shifting to a warmer tone.

Anika smiled, recovering slightly from her embarrassment. "I'm fine, bhai. How have you been? And where have you been all this time? You haven't come home for days!"

Krishiv sighed, glancing pointedly at Vihaan. "You’re asking the wrong person. This guy here hardly ever shows his face at home these days. I used to come by just to catch up with him," he said with a dramatic sigh.

Vihaan rolled his eyes. "Oh please, don’t start that. You've been missing, too. You can’t blame me if I choose to catch up on work at the office," he defended, earning a raised eyebrow from Anika.

"Yeah, sure, Vihaan," Krishiv laughed. "But seriously, something feels off here. I mean, who stays at the office overnight just to work? If I didn’t know better, I’d say there’s more to this than meets the eye."

Anika looked between the two with a puzzled expression. "You think… you think bhaiya is hiding something?"

Vihaan snorted, dismissing it. "Trust me, Anika. If it was about a girl, I’d be the first to know. He’s never been interested in relationships. He doesn't even believe in them."

Krishiv leaned back against the wall, shaking his head. "I don’t know, man. The guy’s been acting strange. Late nights, barely around. I’m telling you, there’s a good chance he’s hiding something."

Anika giggled, adding, "Imagine if we found out bhaiya secretly has a girlfriend! Maza aa jayega"

Vihaan laughed, shaking his head. "Please, wo relationship se aise bhagte hain jaise tum cockroach ko dekh kar."

Anika slapped his arms playfully.

Krishiv chuckled and patted Vihaan on the back. "Well, if there’s a mystery, we’ll solve it."

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

As the evening sun cast a warm glow through the windows, Amrit sat quietly, scrolling absentmindedly on her phone. Suddenly, her screen lit up with an incoming call from an unknown number.

“Hello?” she said, curiosity lacing her tone.

“Amrit, beta,” Pratibha’s voice came through, soft yet tinged with an emotion that Amrit could feel even over the phone. “It’s me, Pratibha Maasi.”

A wave of nostalgia hit Amrit as she recognized the warmth in her Maasi’s voice. “Maasi!” she exclaimed, a small smile breaking across her face. “It’s so good to hear from you after so long.”

There was a pause before Pratibha spoke again, her voice slightly choked, “I’m so sorry, Amrit… I should have been there sooner, beta. I tried calling you after… after your mother….” She trailed off, her words thick with emotion. “But you didn’t pick up, and then when I tried again, your number was no longer reachable. I was worried, and I didn’t know how to contact you.”

Amrit’s heart ached at the pain in her Maasi’s voice. She held back her own emotions, keeping her voice steady. “It’s okay, Maasi. I understand. I lost my phone, and… well, a lot was happening at that time. But you don’t have to apologize. I’m just glad to hear from you now.”

“I finally got your new number from Trisha,” Pratibha continued, her tone softening. “I’ve missed you, Amrit. Kaisi hai tu?”

Amrit nodded, even though her Maasi couldn’t see her. “I’ve missed you too, Maasi. And I am perfectly fine,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

After a few moments, Pratibha shifted the conversation, her tone taking on a lighter note, though still touched with concern. “And, Amrit… I heard you got married,” she said gently, “Are you happy, beta?Damad ji kaise hain? Woh thik se rakhte hain na tujhe?”

A smile lit up Amrit’s face, and she felt a warm fondness swell in her heart. “Maasi, he’s… he’s the best person in the world for me,” she replied earnestly, the honesty in her voice evident.

A soft sigh escaped from Pratibha on the other end. “That’s all I wanted to hear, beta. I prayed for you to find someone who would take care of you just like your mother would have wanted.”

Then, with a tremor in her voice, Pratibha added, “I’m so sorry, Amrit… for not being there when you needed me the most, especially when… when you were kidnapped. I didn’t know anything about it at the time. If I had known, beta, I would’ve done anything to be there for you.”

Amrit took a steadying breath, sensing the regret in her Maasi’s words. “It’s okay, Maasi,” she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. “I know you would’ve done everything you could. I understand.”

The warmth in Pratibha’s voice returned as she cleared her throat. “Well, now that we’re back in touch, I have some good news to share,” she said, a hint of excitement breaking through. “Trisha’s wedding is fixed, and I would love for you and your family to come.”

Amrit’s eyes widened with joy, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. “Trisha didi ki shadi fix ho gayi?” she repeated, her smile growing. “That’s amazing, Maasi! I can’t wait!”

Pratibha chuckled on the other end, happy to hear the excitement in Amrit’s voice. “Yes, beta, it’s all happening soon, and I would love it if you could come with your husband and family . It would mean so much to have you there.”

Amrit hesitated, glancing away thoughtfully. “Maasi, I’m not sure if my husband and his family will be able to come,” she admitted. “They’re often busy, but I’ll make sure to come for sure.”

“Why, beta?” Pratibha asked, concern in her voice. “I’ll send an invitation card to your home, and perhaps they’ll change their mind when they see it.”

Amrit shook her head slightly, her voice calm. “It’s not about the invitation, Maasi. It’s just… they may not have the time. But don’t worry about it. I’ll be there, I promise.”

Pratibha sighed, her tone softening as she accepted Amrit’s response. “Alright, beta, as long as I get to see you.”

The two continued to chat for a while, sharing memories and updates, rekindling the bond that distance and time had tried to stretch.

The late afternoon sun filtered softly through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow across the living room as Amrit heard the familiar sound of the back door creaking open. She looked up just in time to see Akshat entering the house, a briefcase in one hand and a weary expression on his face. Immediately, a surge of affection washed over her, and she rushed to him, taking the briefcase from his grasp and setting it aside on a nearby table.

“Amrit, what are you doing?” Akshat asked, his brow furrowing in confusion as he watched her. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to help,” she replied, a playful smile lighting up her face as she kept the briefcase securely in her hold. He chuckled softly, bemused by her enthusiasm, and headed toward the sofa to settle down, rubbing his neck to ease the tension that had built up during the day.

Moments later, Amrit returned with a glass of water, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. She sat beside him, the couch creaking slightly under their combined weight. As she handed him the glass, he raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unusual attention.

“Kya hua?” he asked, taking a sip and enjoying the coolness.

“Maine aapko Pratibha Maasi ke baare me bataya tha na?” she ventured, trying to gauge his memory of their earlier conversation. Akshat furrowed his brow, clearly struggling to recall the details.

“Umm, I think so,” he replied, nodding his head slowly even though he wasn’t entirely sure.

Amrit took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting nervously in her lap. “She helped us a lot after my father’s death and never asked for anything in return. Toh aaj unhone call kiya aur unhone bataya ki Trisha didi, unki beti ki shadi fix ho gayi, and she wants us to attend the wedding.”

At the mention of the wedding, Akshat shifted slightly, a hint of concern flashing across his face. “I don’t think I can… my schedule is so hectic in these months,” he replied, his tone apologetic but firm.

“I know,” she said quickly, a spark of determination in her eyes, “par mai toh jaa sakti hun na?” Her voice held a hopeful lilt as she leaned closer, wanting him to understand how much it meant to her.

Akshat paused for a moment, studying her earnest expression. “Haan, as you wish,” he finally conceded, but then his brow knitted together again. “Kahan hai shadi?”

“Wo… Bareilly me,” she admitted, biting her lip nervously, her heart racing at the thought of the journey ahead.

At this, Akshat shot up from the sofa, his expression shifting from confusion to alarm. “What? No, no, you can’t go there!” he exclaimed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

“Abhi toh haan bola aapne,” she countered, her voice tinged with disbelief at his sudden change of heart.

“Toh ab mana kar raha hun. You know na that place is not safe until the court hearing, especially.” he said, his concern evident.

She watched him with wide eyes, her heart sinking at the concern etched on his face. “But it's my family, Akshat. They’re my family,” she pleaded softly, hoping to sway him. “I haven’t seen them in so long.”

“I understand that,” he said, softening for a moment as he met her gaze. “But your safety is my priority, and I can’t just let you go to Bareilly right now.”

Amrit looked at him, her expression a mix of sadness and frustration as she tried to hold back her emotions. “But aapne hi kaha tha ki mujhe aapse permission nahi leni hogi kahin jaane ke liye,” she whispered, her voice almost pleading.

Akshat took a deep breath, his gaze softening as he tried to explain. “It’s not about permission, Amrit. Agar tum akele out of country bhi jati, toh bhi mujhe koi problem nahi hoti, but not that place. It’s about your life,” he said, his voice firm yet laced with concern. Her shoulders slumped as she looked down, a glimmer of sadness in her eyes.

“I love her so much… aur bachpan se I was excited for her wedding,” she mumbled, her fingers playing with the edge of her dupatta.

Akshat’s expression softened even further. He could see how much this meant to her, but his resolve remained strong. “We will go on the wedding day if possible,” he said, his tone gentle but resolute, “but I won’t let you go there alone, and that too for so many days.”

Amrit nodded reluctantly, a tear escaping down her cheek as she whispered, “Ok.”

Akshat sighed, watching her, and cupped her cheek tenderly, wiping away the tear with his thumb. “Amrit, please try to understand,” he said softly. “I don’t want to take any risks. Tum janti ho na uss Virendra Thakur ko! Agar possible hota, toh main khud lekar chalta tumhe, but it’s not. My schedule is packed, itne saare meetings hain beech mein, and I can’t miss my classes.”

She nodded, taking a deep breath as she tried to hold back more tears. “I understand,” she murmured, her voice barely audible before she turned and walked away, leaving him standing there with a heavy sigh.

Akshat entered the bedroom, his heart heavy with worry as he found Amrit sitting on the edge of the bed, clutching a pillow to her chest. She was turned away from him, her shoulders slightly hunched. He could sense the tension in the air, thick and suffocating.

“Amrit, tum samajh kyun nahi rahi ho?” he said, kneeling in front of her, trying to catch her gaze. “I am worried about you only. Aur ye situation kaisi hai, ye tumhe jyada pata hona chahiye. Pata nahi kab kya ho jaye wahan par.” His voice was a mixture of concern and frustration, and he could feel the weight of his words hanging in the air.

“Maine kaha na, I understand,” she replied quietly, her tone tinged with defiance. “Aur rahi baat safety ki, toh masi ke wahan sab log mujhe protect kar lete.” She turned her head slightly, avoiding his eyes, as if refusing to acknowledge his fears.

Akshat sighed heavily, knowing there was no point in arguing further. He stood up and walked out of the room, feeling the tension simmering between them. As the hours passed, he could sense the silence in the house; Amrit hadn’t come out, and dinner time approached.

Finally, he decided to check on her again. He entered the room, finding her lying on the bed, her face buried in the pillows. “Amrit, aao, dinner ban gaya,” he called softly, trying to coax her out.

“Mujhe bhukh nahi,” she replied, her voice muffled and weak.

He walked closer to the bed, concern etched on his face. “Ye kya bachpana hai?” he asked, his frustration creeping back. “Can't you understand that I just want you to keep safe? Agar kuch ho gaya tumhe, toh kya karunga mai?” His voice raised slightly in exasperation.

Amrit turned towards him, tears brimming in her eyes. “I am not saying anything na, mai zid bhi nahi kar rahi hun. Then why are you yelling? I am just sad aur mera kuch khane ka man nahi,” she sobbed, her voice breaking.

Akshat’s heart ached at the sight of her distress. “Amrit, please... thoda sa kha lo. Tum bhukhi rahogi toh I also won’t be able to eat anything,” he pleaded, his tone softening as he stepped closer.

After a moment, she wiped her tears, hesitating before she finally nodded. “Chaliye,” she said, her voice still shaky but willing.

They sat together at the small dining table, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken words. As they began to eat in silence, Akshat tried to lift her spirits, making jokes and recounting funny stories from his day, but nothing seemed to work. Amrit picked at her food, her mind elsewhere, and he could see that his attempts were falling flat.

After dinner, Akshat spent the next hour working on his laptop, the glow of the screen illuminating his focused expression. But his mind was restless, thoughts of Amrit swirling around as he tried to concentrate on his tasks. Finally, he closed the laptop and made his way to the bedroom, his heart heavy with concern and longing.

As he entered, he found Amrit turned away from him, her back to him, a silent barrier that he felt deeply. He sat beside her, the mattress shifting slightly under his weight. He gently caressed her hair, the silky strands slipping through his fingers. “Amrit?” he called softly, hoping to bridge the distance between them. There was no response, but he could see that she was awake, her body tense.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to test the waters. “Kis din ki ticket book karni hai?” he asked, trying to keep his tone light, but the question hung in the air like a fragile thread.

Her head shot up, surprise evident in her wide eyes. “Kya? Matlab aap mujhe jaane denge?” The disbelief in her voice warmed his heart.

“Do I have any other option?” he replied, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips, though he meant it. Her happiness was worth the risk, and he felt a weight lift slightly at the thought.

In an instant, she sat up on the bed, her excitement bubbling over. “Thank you, thank you so much, Akshat!” she exclaimed, her joy infectious as she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.

Caught off guard by the suddenness of her embrace, he couldn’t help but smile as he wrapped his arms around her in return. But the momentum of her enthusiasm sent them both tumbling back onto the bed, Akshat landing softly against the sheets with Amrit nestled in his arms.

For a moment, they lay there, breathless and startled. She raised her head to look at him, their faces mere inches apart. The intimacy of the moment sent a rush of warmth through him, and he could see emotions in her eyes—excitement, gratitude, and something deeper.

He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers grazing her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them suspended in this moment.

Amrit quickly sat up, her heart racing, as Akshat cleared his throat awkwardly beside her. The sudden shift in their proximity hung in the air, an electric tension lingering after their hug.

“Ahmm... but promise me that you won’t go out alone. Aur jab important hoga tabhi bahar jaogi,” he said, his voice firm but laced with concern. His protective instincts kicked in, a part of him unwilling to let her venture into any danger, especially with everything they had been through.

“Pakka vala promise,” she replied, a wide grin spreading across her face, her eyes sparkling with mischief and joy. His seriousness melted slightly in response to her enthusiasm, and he smiled back at her, his heart warming at her happiness.

“Kab jana hai? I will book the ticket,” he asked, already mentally preparing himself for the logistics of the trip, even though he felt a pang of sadness at the thought of her being away.

“Day after tomorrow,” she said, the excitement in her voice palpable. Akshat’s expression shifted, a hint of sadness clouding his features as he nodded, feeling the impending distance settle uncomfortably in his chest.

With a sigh, he turned to his laptop, determined to ensure her trip went smoothly despite his reservations. The clicking of the keys filled the room, punctuated by the soft hum of the computer. After a few moments of focused work, he booked the ticket, an act of both love and reluctance.

“So jao ab,” he said, settling beside her once more, feeling the exhaustion of the day wash over him.

“Haan, good night. And thank you,” she replied, her voice soft and genuine. She reached out, holding his hand and turning to face him.

He smiled, squeezing her hand in return, warmth radiating from the simple touch as he closed his eyes, letting the peaceful atmosphere of the room envelop him.

But after some time, Amrit opened her eyes again, curiosity tugging at her. She moved closer, her heart pounding as she leaned in and pressed her lips against his cheek twice, each kiss lingering like a gentle promise. “Thank you,” she whispered, her excitement bubbling over as she closed her eyes once more, her heart soaring.

Akshat opened his eyes again, caught off guard by the warmth that flooded through him. He stared at her, his cheeks flushing at the sweet gesture. A small smile curved his lips, his heart swelling with affection for the woman beside him.

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