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Next morning, Amrit entered Preeti's house, her gaze immediately finding Akshat, who was seated comfortably, talking with Vikram. She paused, surprised to see him there, her face lighting up with a small smile. Dressed in a soft baby pink suit, she carried a small aarti plate in her hands.

“Arre Amru, aa na!” Preeti exclaimed, excitedly beckoning her friend. At that, Akshat’s attention shifted toward Amrit, his expression softening as he watched her.

"I went to the temple, so I thought I’d bring some prashad," she explained, handing some to Preeti.

Preeti accepted it gratefully, then hugged Amrit from the side, her face falling a little. “Yaar, tu kal chali jayegi,” she said with a hint of sadness.

Amrit chuckled, nudging her gently. "Hamesha ke liye thodi jaa rahi hoon. I’ll be back in a week," she reassured her friend.

Just then, Vikram's phone rang, and he got up to answer it, calling out to Preeti from his room, "Preeti, where’s my red file?" Preeti quickly excused herself and went to help him find it, leaving Akshat and Amrit alone.

Amrit turned towards Akshat, holding out the prashad to him. "Prashad lo," she said with a soft smile.

Akshat looked at her, hesitating. "No, thanks."

She frowned, undeterred. “Prashad ko mana nahi karte, bura hota hai,” she insisted gently.

Akshat let out a dry chuckle, muttering, “Kuch aur bura hone ke liye bhi bacha hai ab!”

Amrit’s expression softened, a trace of worry flickering in her eyes. “Aur agar aapko kuch ho gaya toh?” she asked quietly, looking at him with concern.

Akshat shrugged, his tone dismissive. "Doesn’t matter."

She bit her lip, eyes on him, before speaking in a slightly trembled voice, “Aapka college hi band ho gaya toh?”

Akshat laughed, brushing it off. “Amrit, I’ve built my career on my own hard work, not because of your God. So no one can take that away from me.”

Amrit shifted uncomfortably but kept her gaze on him. Taking a deep breath, she murmured, “Aur agar mujhe kuch ho gaya toh...?”

His expression instantly changed, the confidence in his eyes replaced by a flicker of alarm. Without another word, he took the prashad from her hand and ate it, his gaze fixed firmly on her.

“Don’t ever say that again,” he said, his voice low and serious, almost as if the mere thought unsettled him.

Amrit looked at him curiously, tilting her head. "You’re an atheist?" she asked softly.

Akshat raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Aisa kab kaha maine? I just stopped believing in God," he replied.

Amrit narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. "It’s the same thing."

"It’s not," he countered, his tone firm yet amused, as though daring her to challenge his point.

Just then, Preeti returned from her room, her eyes dancing with mischief as she noticed the two standing close. "Kya baatein chal rahi hain, professor aur student ke beech?" she teased, grinning.

Startled, they both quickly stepped away from each other, awkwardly clearing their throats. Akshat straightened, attempting to look casual, while Amrit’s cheeks flushed a little as she quickly looked away.

"Uh... kuch nahi, bas… syllabus ki discussion ho rahi thi," Akshat stammered, running a hand through his hair, clearly trying to play it cool.

Amrit nodded in agreement, her voice barely above a whisper. "Haan,” she echoed.

Amrit was wrestling with her suitcase, her face scrunched in concentration as she pressed down on the top with all her strength. "Band ho jaa bhai!" she muttered, almost pleading with the stubborn zipper. Clothes were spilling out from the sides, unfolded and crumpled, making her task even more impossible.

Akshat stepped out of the washroom, drying his hands, and couldn’t help but shake his head at the sight. A soft chuckle escaped him as he walked closer, arms folded across his chest. "Ye kya tareeka hai kapde pack karne ka, Amrit? Aise toh suitcase bhi toot jayega," he said, his voice holding a hint of amusement.

Amrit looked up, a sheepish smile on her face. "Main bas... thoda jaldi mein hoon," she mumbled, scratching her head as if that would excuse the mess she’d created. She tried to push a few more things in, but he gently placed his hand over hers, stopping her.

"Sabar rakho," he said softly, his eyes filled with patience. He then carefully started taking out her clothes, one by one, laying them on the bed. “You have to fold it properly before arranging," he instructed, beginning to fold a kurta neatly.

Akshat continued to fold Amrit's clothes, carefully placing each item inside the suitcase with a calm, focused expression. But Amrit’s eyes widened in surprise when she saw him casually folding her undergarments without a trace of hesitation or embarrassment. His face remained neutral, unbothered, as he tucked everything away neatly before reaching for her next suit, and she felt a blush creep up her cheeks.

After everything was packed, Akshat zipped the suitcase shut. He looked over at her and asked, "Aur kuch chahiye? I mean, you're going to a wedding, so you might need extra dresses and jewelry."

"I'll buy whatever I need from there," she replied, smiling. He nodded, then walked over to a drawer, pulling out a sleek card. Returning to her, he handed it over with a gentle smile.

"Take this with you," he said. "And I transferred a sufficient amount into your account, just in case."

Curious, Amrit checked her phone and her eyes nearly popped out of her head. "Eighty thousand?! Akshat, this is too much! And on top of that, this card too? I'll return half of this amount when I get back!"

He shook his head, his tone firm yet gentle. "No, keep it with you. I won't be there, so it's better to have more than you need. And don’t think of returning it."

She hesitated, looking at him with a mix of gratitude and discomfort. "I... I feel ajeeb. It's your money, and…"

"Our money," he corrected softly but firmly. "It's not just mine, okay?"

She gave him a shy smile, her fingers fidgeting with the card. "But you’re the one who earned it."

He let out a playful sigh, giving her a mock offended look. "Toh? In the future, if you’re earning, tum mujhpe kharch nahi karogi? So mean, Amrit!" He placed his hand dramatically over his heart, pretending to be hurt.

Amrit giggled, her initial discomfort melting away.

Akshat suddenly paused, as if something important had just crossed his mind. "Wait for me," he said, picking up his car keys and heading out before she could ask any questions.

After a few minutes, he returned, carrying a bag stuffed with snacks. Pulling out packets of chips, biscuits, and juice boxes, he placed them all in front of her.

"Yeh sab raaste mein khane ke liye," he explained. "Now you won’t need to get off the train for anything. Pack these things, and then come for dinner."

Amrit looked at the small pile of snacks, a bit taken aback by his thoughtfulness. As he left the room, she watched him go, feeling a warm glow in her chest. After neatly packing the snacks into her bag, she joined him for dinner.

Later that night, they both settled into bed. Akshat lay beside her, his eyes gently drifting closed, already settling into sleep. Amrit glanced over at him, his face peaceful, free of the worries and stern expressions she was so used to seeing. Overcome by an impulse she couldn’t resist, she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, letting her lips linger just for a moment. Smiling to herself, she leaned down again, giving him a second gentle kiss before lying back down and intertwining her hand with his.

Akshat didn’t open his eyes, but his lips curved into a faint smile as he felt her hand in his.

Amrit stepped out of the cab and spotted Preeti, Nandini, Kavya, and little Bulbul waiting by the building entrance, chatting and exchanging goodbyes. They had all come to see her off since Vikram had planned to drop her, but a last-minute business meeting kept him from joining, so he had arranged a cab instead.

Bulbul looked up at Amrit with wide, hopeful eyes. "Didi, jaldi aana, please," she pleaded, clutching Amrit's hand tightly.

Amrit's face softened as she knelt down, kissing Bulbul’s cheek. "Bas yun gayi aur yun aa gayi," she assured her, giving her a gentle smile that made Bulbul giggle.

Just then, Kavya noticed the cab pulling up. "Cab aa gayi," she said, giving Amrit a nod.

Preeti hugged her, holding on a little tighter than usual. "Take care of yourself. Chal, khayal rakhna," she whispered, her voice filled with concern.

Amrit pulled back and laughed lightly. "Aisa lag raha hai jaise meri vidai ho rahi hai," she joked, smiling warmly at her friends, lightening the mood. Everyone smiled back, trying not to get emotional. With a final round of hugs, she stepped into the cab and waved them goodbye as it drove away.

Once at the station, Amrit took out her phone and dialed Akshat’s number. She waited, glancing around for any sign of him.

"Kahan hain aap?" she asked when he picked up, her voice carrying a hint of impatience.

"I got stuck at an important work, Amrit. Just give me a few more minutes," he replied, sounding slightly preoccupied.

She pouted, disappointed but trying to sound understanding. "Okay, vaise bhi time hai abhi train aane me," she said, trying not to let her frustration show.

"Hmm," he responded briefly before disconnecting.

As she put her phone away, she muttered under her breath, “His work is more important than his wife!” Her face scrunched up in playful annoyance, crossing her arms as she waited, her foot tapping impatiently.

The train screeched as it rolled into the platform, its wheels clanging against the tracks. She checked her watch, her heart racing a little faster. Her eyes swept over the bustling crowd, scanning every face. She’d told herself she wouldn’t talk to him, that his constant delays and unkept promises had worn her patience thin.

"I won’t talk to him," she muttered under her breath, arms crossed in defiance. But as she turned her head, she spotted him weaving his way through the crowd, a large, overstuffed bag slung over his shoulder, his brow beaded with sweat from rushing. Her irritation softened into curiosity, though she kept her face stern as he came nearer.

"Sorry… I know I’m late. Really late. Got held up getting all this stuff," he said, a little breathless as he set the heavy bag down with a thud.

She raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting from his tired face to the bag. "Ye kya hai?”

A faint flush coloured his cheeks as he scratched the back of his neck. "It’s… there’s this tradition, you know? In our family. When a bride goes back to her maternal home for the first time for any special occasion, her mother-in-law sends her with shagun and gifts for everyone in her family."

Her frown softened as he continued, a bit more self-conscious now. "But since no one knows about us yet, I had to do all of this on my own. I just… didn’t want you to go empty-handed. Can you check if it’s enough? I wanted to make sure there's something for everyone.”

The weight of his thoughtfulness settled over her like a warm blanket. Her heart swelled, the earlier annoyance melting away. Without thinking, she stepped forward, closing the gap between them, and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. He stiffened in surprise for a moment before his arms circled around her, relaxing as he held her close.

“This is more than enough," she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. "Just the fact that you thought about all this… that’s what really matters to me. Thank you, Akshat. Really.”

His lips curved into a tender smile, and he gently pressed his chin on the top of her head, inhaling the faint scent of her hair as he closed his eyes. For a few moments, they simply stood there, as if the world around them had faded away, leaving only the steady rhythm of their heartbeats in perfect sync.

Then, the shrill blast of the train horn startled them back to the present. She pulled back slightly, glancing over her shoulder at the train that was preparing to depart. But when she tried to let go, she felt his arms tighten around her, his hands firm yet gentle, silently begging her to stay just a little longer.

“Akshat…” she said softly, a small laugh escaping her.

He hummed in response, his eyes still closed, unwilling to release her just yet. "Hmm?"

"The train is about to leave," she reminded him, her voice carrying a mix of urgency and tenderness.

As he gently broke the hug, Akshat reached down to grab her suitcases. "Come on, let me put these away properly," he said, stepping onto the train. She followed him as he led the way to her reserved berth. He’d gone out of his way to book a first-class AC compartment for her comfort, a thoughtful detail she noticed with a warm smile.

Akshat carefully arranged her suitcases and bags, making sure everything was neatly stored. As he was about to step back, he paused, snapping his fingers as if he’d just remembered something. "One second!" he exclaimed, digging into one of the bags. His face lit up as he pulled out a small packet of colorful toffees and handed it to her.

"You love these, right?" he asked, watching her expression.

Her eyes sparkled as she took the packet, a wide grin spreading across her face. "You really are the best husband," she said, her voice filled with joy.

He chuckled softly and reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for a moment in a gentle, affectionate caress. "Take care of yourself, Amrit," he said seriously, his tone soft but firm. "Please call me as soon as you reach. And make sure your location is on. Answer my calls, okay? And remember to eat on time—don’t skip any meals. I know this trip is important, and that’s why I agreed, but try not to go out too much, especially not alone. You know how risky it can be.”

She gazed at him, an urge bubbling within her to embrace him tightly and confess just how much she would miss him. Yet, the weight of shyness held her back, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

“I think it’s time,” he said reluctantly, cupping her cheek gently, his thumb brushing softly against her skin. "Bye, take care." His voice was laced with a bittersweet tone as he turned to leave, but at that moment, she couldn’t let him go.

Instinctively, she reached out and grasped his wrist, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingers. He stopped abruptly, his gaze flickering back to hers, confusion mingling with curiosity. Her heart raced as she bit her lip, the weight of her boldness washing over her. Taking a deep breath, she lifted his hand to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of his palm.

His body stiffened in surprise, and his eyes widened, a look of disbelief washing over his features. “What…?” he stammered, momentarily speechless.

“I will miss you,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, her eyes locked onto his. The intimacy of the moment enveloped them, the rest of the world fading away as they shared this fragile connection.

He stood there, frozen, unable to blink as he absorbed her words, his heart racing in tandem with hers. Just then, she felt the train begin to move, a gentle but insistent motion that pulled them apart.

“Jaiye,” she urged softly, breaking the spell that held them. With a reluctant sigh, he stepped back onto the train platform, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to shake off the intensity of the moment.

“Yeah… bye,” he managed to say, flustered and slightly breathless. He turned away, walking back toward the train with a hurried step, his cheeks flushed with warmth.

As he left, a blush crept across her face, the thrill of her bold move igniting a spark of confidence within her. She watched him go, her heart swelling with affection and a tinge of pride for having taken that leap.

As the train glided through the landscape, the world outside turned into a blur of colors. Amrit leaned back against her seat, still feeling the lingering warmth from her last moments with Akshat. Her heart was just beginning to settle when her phone rang, startling her slightly. She looked at the screen, seeing his name flashing, and felt a little smile tug at her lips.

“Haan?” she answered softly, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and fondness.

“How are you? Sab thik hai na?” he asked, his voice filled with a concern that made her heart skip.

She chuckled lightly, amused by his eagerness. “Akshat, abhi bas 15 minutes hi huye hain train ko nikle hue.”

“Oh… haan,” he said, sounding a bit flustered, as if realizing how impatient he’d been. "Right… I just wanted to make sure everything’s okay. Alright, take care."

“Haan,” she replied, waiting for him to end the call. But silence lingered on the line. She could almost feel him hesitating, as if he was reluctant to let go just yet.

She raised an eyebrow, smirking a little. “Kuch kehna hai?” she asked, her tone gently teasing.

“Umm… nahi… bye,” he replied, though his voice betrayed a hint of hesitation.

She bit back a laugh. “Bye,” she murmured, moving her finger toward the disconnect button. But just before she could press it, his voice came through again, stopping her.

“Accha, suno…” he said suddenly.

Her heart leapt, and she settled back, smiling. “Ji?” she asked softly, curious.

He took a moment before he spoke, and when he did, his voice was lower, almost a whisper. “Ahm… wo… I will also miss you.”

The words were simple, but the way he said them, filled with a kind of quiet, vulnerable honesty, made her cheeks warm. She felt her heart swell, her fingers tightening around the phone as she tried to steady herself. A small, shy smile spread across her face, and she was grateful he couldn’t see the blush creeping over her cheeks.

“Accha… I reached home,” he added quickly, as if trying to brush off the intimacy of his confession. “Bye,” he said, his voice sounding slightly flustered.

And before she could respond, he disconnected the call, leaving her with a smile that lingered long after the line went silent

As Akshat pulled into the driveway of his family mansion, he could already hear the familiar sounds of laughter and chatter spilling out from the open windows. The grand structure loomed before him, a blend of tradition and elegance that had always been home. He stepped out of his car, taking a moment to breathe in the air, a mix of nostalgia and warmth flooding his senses.

As he entered the house, he was greeted by the lively banter of his family and friends gathered in the spacious living room. His best friend, Krishiv, was the first to notice him. With a dramatic flair, Krishiv threw his arms wide open and exclaimed, “Dekhiye kisne darshan diye hame aaj! Prabhu, aapne toh hamara jeevan kritarth kar diya darshan dekar!” His voice dripped with sarcasm, but there was a twinkle in his eye that showed he was genuinely happy to see Akshat.

“Shut up!” Akshat shot back, a playful grin breaking across his face as he smacked Krishiv’s hand away. “Teri company band ho jayegi ek din jo sara din yahan pada rehta hai.”

Krishiv feigned shock, placing a hand over his heart as if deeply wounded. “Aur tu kahan pada rehta hai? Sach sach bata, kahin koi chakkar chal raha hai na?” he pressed, his teasing tone making Akshat roll his eyes.

“Chup karega ya mai security ko bulaun to throw you out?” Akshat retorted, crossing his arms with a mock-serious expression, though he couldn't hide his amusement.

“Security? Pfft! Aunty ko bataunga,” Krishiv countered with a smirk, leaning back dramatically as if to prepare for a dramatic showdown.

Akshat shifted uncomfortably as he entered the living room, his mother’s piercing gaze already on him. Vishakha was seated at the head of the table, a file open in front of her. She carefully set it down and fixed him with a stern look.

“Akshat, I’ve been noticing you’re always at the office these days,” she said, her tone firm but laced with concern. “Are you hiding something from us?”

“N… nahi, Maa,” he stammered, avoiding her eyes. “There’s just a lot of work, you know.”

Her gaze didn’t waver, and he felt her silently studying him. “I’m telling you, if I find out you’re lying, it won’t be good,” she warned, a hint of finality in her voice.

He swallowed hard and nodded quickly. “Haan, Maa,” he replied, doing his best to sound casual.

Satisfied for now, Vishakha softened slightly. “Good. Now go freshen up. I’ll have the servant bring lunch for everyone,” she said. Then she glanced at her watch, the professional in her resurfacing. “I have to head to the office soon—Rakshit needs these files, and I have important meetings lined up.” She looked over to Vihaan. “Vihaan, make sure you’re back soon after lunch, understood?”

Vihaan nodded. “Haan, Maa,” he replied.

Just then, Krishiv stood up from his seat, grabbing his phone from the table. “You all go ahead with lunch. I have to leave now,” he announced, adjusting his bag over his shoulder.

“Kahan jaa raha hai?” Vishakha asked, frowning. “At least have lunch before you go.”

Krishiv smiled apologetically. “I’d love to, Aunty, but I promised Bulbul I’d pick her up from school today. And Bulbul ki mummy is also busy right now,” he said with a shrug. “Okay, I’ll see you all later. Bye!”

After finishing his lunch, Akshat stood up, grabbed a glass of water, and took a sip. As he started heading toward his room, Vihaan’s voice called after him.

“Bhaiya, hand wash toh kar lo,” Vihaan reminded, noticing his quick exit.

“Arrey, hath se thodi khaya,” Akshat replied with a small wave, brushing off the comment as he walked away.

Once he stepped into his room, he closed the door behind him and exhaled deeply, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. Glancing down at his hand, he couldn’t help the faint smile that curved his lips. His eyes drifted to the mirror, catching sight of his reflection. It struck him that this smile—so soft and genuine—wasn’t something he usually allowed himself to feel when alone. Typically, he reserved smiles for the people around him, as if his happiness only existed in others’ company. But today, it was different.

Shaking his head slightly, he pulled out his phone, instinctively finding Amrit’s number. His thumb hovered over the screen for a second before he pressed the call button, anticipation flickering in his chest. The phone barely rang before her familiar voice answered.

“Hello?” she said, her tone light and gentle.

“Kuch khaya?” he asked, his voice softening just at the sound of her.

“Haan... aapne?” she replied, her words laced with warmth and care.

“Haan, abhi khaya,” he said, feeling an odd comfort in their simple exchange. “Koi problem toh nahi?” he asked, almost as a habit, wanting to ensure everything was alright with her.

“Nahi,” she assured him softly.

“Alright... I have some classes, and kuch meetings bhi hain,” he informed her, shifting back into his responsibilities, though part of him wanted to keep talking.

“Ok, bye,” she replied, her voice holding a hint of reluctance.

“Hmm,” he murmured, the goodbye hanging in the air as he finally ended the call.

It was late by the time Amrit’s train pulled into Bareilly station. The journey had been long, and though she was exhausted, she couldn’t help but feel a strange comfort in knowing that Akshat had called her almost every hour, checking in with a quiet but persistent care. When her mausaji picked her up from the station, she finally relaxed, glad to be with family.

As they reached her masi’s home, Amrit barely had a moment to catch her breath before a familiar voice rang out.

“Amrii!” Her cousin Trisha rushed over, wrapping her in a tight hug. Amrit chuckled, squeezing her back just as tightly.

Trisha pulled away, her eyes sparkling with excitement and curiosity. “How are you? Kitna kuch badal gaya teri life mein! Sab kaisa chal raha?” she asked eagerly, her words tumbling out in one breath.

Amrit smiled softly, nodding. “Sab thik hai, didi,” she replied, her voice warm but weary.

Just then, another cousin, Amaira, who was sixteen, joined them, her face lighting up. “Amrit didi!” she exclaimed, embracing her. “Kaise ho aap? Aur jiju kaise hain?”

Before Amrit could respond, Aditi, her other sixteen-year-old cousin, piped up with a teasing smile. “Aur dikhte kaise hain jiju?”

Amrit’s cheeks flushed at the sudden attention, but before she could answer, her masi, Pratibha, intervened.

“Arrey, let her rest for now! Kal subah baatein kar lena, sab. Amrit beta, aaj ke liye toh ek room khali hi hai. Keep your luggage there and rest.”

Amrit gave her a grateful smile. “Ji, maasi.” She nodded and headed to the room, feeling the weight of the day catch up with her.

Once inside, she set her bags down carefully and sank onto the bed, exhaling deeply. Just as she began to close her eyes, her phone buzzed. She looked at the screen, unsurprised but still smiling to see Akshat’s name flashing. She picked up immediately.

“Pahoch gayi?” came his voice, low and gentle, laced with that same concern.

“Haan, just abhi,” she replied softly, feeling a calm settle over her at the sound of his voice.

“Okk... rest kar lo ab,” he said, his tone softening, as if urging her to finally get some sleep.

“Aap bhi,” she whispered, smiling.

“Hmm... bye,” he said, and after a brief pause, she ended the call.

As the night grew deeper, Amrit lay on her bed, shifting restlessly under the covers. The comfort of her masi’s home didn’t feel quite right tonight, and try as she might, sleep eluded her. She turned onto her side, hugging the pillow close, but every few minutes, her mind drifted back to him—his warm voice on the phone, his concern, the way he’d made sure she was safe all throughout her journey. She sighed, turning again to stare up at the ceiling, thoughts of him running through her mind, filling the silence around her.

On the other end, in his own room, Akshat was dealing with his own struggle against sleeplessness. For months now, since Amrit had entered his life, his nights had become calmer, a welcome relief from the insomnia that had haunted him for so long. The quiet warmth he felt from their connection had somehow stilled his restless mind, allowing him to find a few precious hours of peace each night. But tonight, the familiar emptiness was back. His eyes stayed open, fixed on the ceiling as he lay on his back, unable to quiet the thoughts that kept surfacing.

Memories of their recent moments played in his mind—the way she’d clung to him at the station, her soft “I’ll miss you” that had tugged at something deep within him. He missed her, he realised, with an ache he hadn’t felt in a long time, a longing that now weighed heavily on his chest, keeping sleep far from reach. Sighing, he got up and walked over to the window, hoping the cool night air might soothe his restless mind.

Amrit’s eyes fluttered open, her room still bathed in the soft morning light. She rubbed her eyes, feeling a pang of disappointment as she realized what had woken her—it wasn’t Akshat gently rousing her with a cup of tea, but simply the unfamiliarity of her surroundings. She sighed, taking in the quiet space around her before it hit her. She wasn’t home. She was at her masi’s house in Bareilly.

She let out a small, sleepy yawn, stretching her arms wide as a warm, content smile crept onto her lips. “I never imagined I’d get this used to having you around,” she murmured to herself, her voice soft and wistful. The realization made her chuckle, as she reached for her phone on the bedside table and dialed Akshat’s number. The call barely rang twice before he picked up.

“Good morning,” she greeted, her voice laced with a mix of happiness and a hint of sleepiness.

“Good morning!” he replied, sounding pleasantly surprised. “Jaldi uth gayi aaj?” There was a slight rustling on his end, and she could picture him getting dressed, likely buttoning up his shirt while speaking to her through his Bluetooth.

“Neend nahi aayi raat mein,” she confessed, her tone softer, as if hesitant to admit how much she missed him.

“Kyun? Thik ho na tum?” Concern edged his voice immediately, his tone warming her heart even more.

“Haan... bas jagah change hui na,” she replied, her voice trailing off. “Kuch ajeeb lag raha tha.”

Amrit leaned back against the pillow, holding her phone close to her ear, savoring every second of their conversation. “Kya kar rahe hain?” she asked, hoping to stretch their talk a little longer.

“Getting ready for college,” Akshat replied as he slipped his watch onto his wrist.

She pouted a bit, realizing he must be busy. “Ohh, busy hain! Ok, aap apna kaam kariye. Bye,” she said, trying to sound casual but feeling a small pang of disappointment.

“Abhi time hai college jaane mein, and I’m almost ready,” he added with a soft chuckle, settling down on his bed. She could imagine his relaxed smile, making her heart skip a beat.

“Accha,” she murmured, feeling a bit shy yet relieved to continue the conversation.

Just then, the door opened, and her cousin Trisha entered, holding a steaming cup of tea. “Amrii! Teri chai. Chal, jaldi uth ke bahar aa,” she said, her voice lively as always.

“Haan,” Amrit replied, giving her cousin a brief nod before returning to Akshat on the call.

Akshat, hearing Trisha’s voice in the background, smiled knowingly. “Chai pi lo. I’ll talk to you later,” he said, his tone gentle yet understanding.

“Ji,” she responded softly, reluctantly ending the call as she watched his name fade from her screen.

The moment she disconnected, Trisha raised an eyebrow, her face lighting up with a teasing grin. “Jijaji the?” she asked, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Amrit blushed, nodding with a shy smile.

“Morning calls, haan? Not bad! Ek din bhi bina baat kiye raha bhi nahi jaa raha tum dono se,” Trisha teased, nudging her playfully.

Amrit’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as she tried to deflect the teasing. “Aisa kuch nahi hai,” she mumbled, but her smile gave her away.

Trisha leaned in first, curiosity lighting up her eyes. “Accha bata na, kaise hain wo?” she prodded with a grin.

Amaira, Amrit’s younger cousin, popped into the room next, her excitement infectious. “Handsome hain?” she asked with a smirk.

Before Amrit could answer, Aditi joined in, looking eager. “Photo dikhao na, didi!” she demanded, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Amrit laughed, trying to calm her buzzing cousins. “Arre, bolne toh do yaar!” She shook her head, reaching for her phone. As she opened her gallery, a soft smile crept onto her face. It was filled with pictures of Akshat—some were candid shots she’d taken when he wasn’t looking, like him giving a lecture in class or sitting on the couch, completely engrossed in his work. She scrolled through, finally pausing at a selfie they had taken together on a Ferris wheel, both of them smiling with the fairground lights sparkling in the background.

She held out her phone, but Trisha quickly snatched it, her eyes going wide with admiration. “Mast hain yaar… aur tum dono ki jodi bhi bahot pyari lag rahi hai,” Trisha said, smiling at her cousin.

Amaira leaned over Trisha’s shoulder to get a better look, letting out an appreciative sigh. “Woww didi, kya handsome pati mila aapko!”

Aditi nodded in agreement, her eyes glued to the screen. “Uff, he looks so fictional-man coded. You’re so lucky,” she said with a dreamy look, nudging Amrit playfully.

Trisha raised an eyebrow, glancing at Amrit with a knowing smirk. “He’s your professor, na?” she asked, and Amrit nodded, feeling her cheeks warm up.

“Wow, professor-student trope!” Aditi exclaimed with a giggle, which earned her a light smack on the head from Amrit.

“Bas, bas! Ab tum log jao. I need to freshen up,” Amrit said, shooing them away, though she couldn’t help but laugh along with them.

Trisha stood up, adjusting her dupatta. “Haan, jaldi jaa, phir guests bhi aane wale hain aaj,” she reminded her.

Amrit sat on the mat with her cousins and extended family, a plate of poha in her hands.

Her masi’s mother-in-law looked at her with a sympathetic gaze, sighing deeply.

“Bechari... kya umar hi thi uski,” the elderly woman murmured, shaking her head. “Bacchi ko akela chhor ke chali gayi. Itna sab kuch ho gaya… par accha hua damad ji ka sahara mila warna pata nahi kya hota,” she added, casting Amrit a kind, approving glance as she referenced Akshat.

“Haan, aur kya, Maa,” her masi’s sister-in-law chimed in, her face filled with disdain. “Woh Virendra Thakur kitna ghatiya aadmi hai! Pure Bareilly mein kisiko nahi pata kya karta hai! Har raat naye-naye aurat laata hai apne ghar mein.” She leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice, “Aur kuch toh yeh bhi kehte hain ke thakurain ki maut ke peeche usi ka haath hai.”

Amrit kept her head down, quietly listening as they discussed the notorious man’s rumors.

Suddenly, Pratibha, her masi, clapped her hands to bring everyone’s attention back to the present. “Accha, accha, jaldi jaldi kha lo sab. Kaam pe lagna hai ab, baatein toh hoti rahengi.” She looked around, assessing the faces of each family member. “Sab aane wale honge. Amrit beta, tu kha le, phir Trisha aur Vaishali ke saath nashte nikal ke sabko dena,” she instructed, nodding toward the two cousins who were already finished eating.

“Haan Akshat...I mean, mere sasural walon ne shagun bheja hai,” she said, her voice brightening at the mention of Akshat.

“Konsa shagun?” Pratibha asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Wo, there is a ritual in my family ki ladki mayke jati hai toh saas shagun bhejti hai. I will bring the gifts,” Amrit explained, her heart racing a little at the thought of Akshat’s thoughtfulness. She stood up and hurried inside, excitement bubbling within her.

She returned with a vibrant, intricately designed bag that felt heavy with significance. Amrit sat down, her cousins eagerly leaning closer to get a glimpse of what was inside. One by one, she pulled out beautifully wrapped gifts, each adorned with a colourful ribbon and a name tag. The first gift she unwrapped was a beautiful kurta set for her masi, and she handed it over with a smile.

“Amrit, yeh toh bahot pyaara hai!” Pratibha exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she held up the outfit.

Amrit’s heart swelled with pride as she continued to pass out the gifts, each piece eliciting delighted reactions from her family. She felt a mix of surprise and gratitude that Akshat had remembered everyone’s names, considering she had only mentioned them in passing during their conversations. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about how much he cared.

After handing out a few more gifts, Amrit reached for the last box at the bottom of the bag. She read the name tag aloud, “Aur ye Amrit ke liye…” Her brows furrowed in surprise as she processed the realization, glancing up at her cousins with wide eyes.

“Woow, jiju ke kya surprise diya!” Trisha exclaimed, clearly impressed.

Amrit’s heart fluttered as she opened the final gift. Inside, she found a stunning suit, intricately embroidered and shimmering with sequins. The fabric was soft and rich, a beautiful shade of deep emerald green that would complement her skin tone perfectly. A smile played on her lips as she held it up, admiring its beauty.

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow in the living room, where the air buzzed with laughter and chatter. Amrit moved gracefully among the guests, balancing a tray of freshly made snacks.

As she settled down on a plush sofa beside a few ladies, she could feel their inquisitive eyes on her. “Toh Amrit beta, aapke pati kaise hai? Kahan tak padhai ki hai?” one of her buas asked, a hint of curiosity lacing her tone.

“He’s doing great, aunty! He is a professor,” Amrit replied, trying to sound enthusiastic while dodging the playful taunts that danced around her.

Amrit smiled politely but felt the weight of their scrutiny. Just then, her phone buzzed from across the room. Aditi was busy clicking selfies with Amaira, and the phone was in Aditi’s grasp. She glanced over, her heart leaping.

“Jiju jiju!” Amaira exclaimed, giggling, and Amrit shot her a warning glance. She got up quickly, making her way toward them. “Aditi, phone do mujhe!” she urged, but the two of them dashed away, playing a game of keep-away.

“Amaira, don’t trouble her! Phone do,” Arpita, her younger masi, scolded her daughter, shaking her head in disapproval but clearly amused.

“Ek minute, mumma! Thoda jijaji se baat toh karne do,” Amaira insisted, her mischievous grin widening as she answered the call. “Hello!” she squeaked, trying to mimic Amrit’s voice as she put the phone on speaker, much to Amrit’s horror.

Amrit glared at her, eyes narrowed, and lunged forward to retrieve her phone, but Amaira skipped away, barely out of reach.

“Boliye na, chup kyun hain?” Amaira teased, reveling in her role.

“A… Amrit kahan hai?” came Akshat’s hesitant voice from the other end of the line, tinged with confusion.

Amrit couldn't help but smile at how he could recognize her voice despite the chaos.

“Waas jijaji… awaz bhi pehchan ne lage. Namaste, mai aapki sali, Amaira,” she declared dramatically, barely suppressing her laughter.

“Ohh,” Akshat replied awkwardly, realizing he was speaking to someone else. “Hii Amaira.”

“Aur mai Aditi. Aapki dusri sali,” Aditi chimed in, her playful tone matching Amaira’s mischief.

“Hii Aditi, how are you both?” Akshat asked, his voice warm and friendly, though he clearly felt a bit out of place.

Amrit stood frozen for a moment, watching him navigate the situation with grace. She couldn’t help but feel a swell of affection for him as he made an effort to connect, even amidst the playful teasing from her cousins.

“Amrit kahan hai?” he asked, sounding slightly bewildered.

Everyone burst into giggles, the sound echoing through the open space.

“Accha baba, deti hun phone aapki patni ko. Ye lo didi, jijaji se ab aur intezar nahi hoga,” Amaira chimed in, playfully hitting her forehead as if realizing the absurdity of their antics. She held the phone up with a dramatic flourish before passing it to Amrit.

With a light laugh, Amrit took the phone and stepped away from the giggling crowd, feeling the warmth of their affection wrap around her like a cozy blanket.

“Hii… sorry on behalf of my sisters, wo log na thodi pagal hain,” she said, her tone light and teasing, hoping to lighten the atmosphere on the other end of the line.

“Behen bhi kiski hain,” Akshat replied with a chuckle, and she gasped, the words hanging in the air for a moment.

“Kya matlab tha iska?” she asked, her eyebrows raising in mock indignation, enjoying the banter.

“Kuch nahi… sabko gifts diye? Kaise lage? Did everyone liked it? Matlab, I don't have any experience of buying all those things,” he replied, attempting to steer the conversation away from his playful remark.

“Haan, everyone loved it. Sabne thank you bola. Trisha didi ko toh sabse jyada pasand aaya,” she said, her voice filled with warmth, recalling the joyous reactions of her family.

“Aur?” he pressed, his curiosity piqued.

“Aur?” she echoed, tilting her head as if to encourage him to continue.

“Aur… aur kuch nahi mila usme tumhe?” he asked, a hint of teasing lacing his voice.

“Aur kuch kya? Bas sabke liye gifts the na… sabko de diya maine,” she replied, playfully evading his probing question, her lips curling into a teasing smile.

“Wo last me… kuch nahi dikha?” he inquired, his tone turning serious, clearly wanting to get to the heart of the matter.

“Last me? Haan, last me tha ek,” she admitted, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Haan toh dekha usse?” he asked, leaning into the conversation, intrigued.

“Haan… wo maine Amaira ko de diya, extra ho gaya tha toh,” she said, biting her lips to suppress a smile, enjoying the suspense she was creating.

“Kya? Par kyun?” he asked, his tone turning more serious, confusion evident in his voice.

“Kyun matlab? That was extra one na,” she replied nonchalantly.

“Tumne uspe naam nahi padha?” he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

“Padha tha na,” she replied playfully, her smile evident even through the phone.

His face fell slightly, the hint of disappointment clear even through the static. “Phir bhi de diya?” he asked in a low voice, as if the weight of his words hung heavily in the air.

Amrit couldn't help but chuckle loudly, the sound bright and carefree amidst the backdrop of family conversations. “Arey, mazak kar rahi thi... I read my name aur wo mere paas hi hai. Bahot bahot sundar laga wo mujhe,” she clarified, her heart warming at the thought of the special gift he had chosen.

“Tum na!” he exclaimed, amusement creeping back into his voice. She could almost picture him shaking his head, a grin spreading across his face.

“Sorry, sorry! Did I make you sad at that moment?” she asked, genuine concern lacing her tone as she imagined his expression.

“Mmm,” he muttered softly.

“Kya kar rahi thi/rahe the?” they both asked together.

“I was talking with some relatives aur snacks de rahi thi sabko. Aap?” she asked, leaning against the staircase.

“Going to attend one more lecture,” he said, glancing at his watch as if suddenly reminded of the time. “Time ho gaya. I should go now. Bye, take care,” he added, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

“Bye,” she replied, her heart fluttering slightly.

In the sleek, modern conference room of Malhotra Industries, Krishiv sat at the head of the table, exuding confidence as he outlined the collaboration project for the upcoming mall.

“Given the current trends, I suggest we focus on creating an eco-friendly space that incorporates green technologies and sustainable materials,” Krishiv proposed, his tone assertive yet engaging. He gestured toward a projection screen displaying architectural designs, highlighting the project’s potential to attract eco-conscious consumers.

Turning his gaze toward Vihaan, who sat across the table, Krishiv continued, “What do you think, Vihaan? Any insights from your end?”

Vihaan leaned back in his chair, considering the question. “I agree with the sustainability angle, Krishiv. It’s crucial for us to align with modern consumer values.” he replied, his tone thoughtful.

Krishiv nodded, appreciating Vihaan’s perspective. Then, shifting his attention to Kavya, who was seated beside him, he asked, “What do you think, Bulbul ki mummy?” His voice was serious.

Kavya’s eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly at the unexpected reference. Vihaan slapped his forehead in disbelief, while the rest of the attendees exchanged knowing glances, a mix of amusement and surprise rippling through the room.

Krishiv, however, remained unfazed, genuinely curious about Kavya’s thoughts. “What’s wrong?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, still oblivious to the reactions around him.

“N-nothing sir… you are right,” Kavya stammered, quickly regaining her composure but unable to hide the faint smile that crept onto her lips.

Kavya's pen slipped from her fingers, tumbling to the floor. Just as she bent down to retrieve it, Krishiv noticed the commotion and instinctively leaned down at the same time. In a split second, he grabbed the pen before it could roll too far, but their hands brushed together as Kavya instinctively reached for it too.

His eyes widened in surprise, and for a brief moment, they locked gazes, the world around them fading into the background. Kavya felt a spark of connection that made her heart race, but just as quickly, Krishiv averted his gaze, his cheeks slightly flushed. “Here you go,” he said, releasing her hand and passing her the pen, his voice steady yet tinged with an undertone of warmth.

As they both tried to straighten up, their heads collided softly. Kavya let out a small gasp of confusion, her brow furrowing as she blinked at him in disbelief.

Before she could fully back away, Krishiv tapped his head lightly against hers again, the playful gesture catching her off guard. “Ek baar sir takrane se seengh nikal aati hain. Aur mere jaise handsome insaan pe wo suit nahi karegi,” he whispered, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Kavya couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking her head in amusement. “You really think so?” she teased back, the warmth of his presence igniting a flutter of excitement within her.

“Absolutely,” he replied with a playful confidence, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He leaned back, refocusing on the meeting agenda, but Kavya found her attention drifting back to him.

As the meeting wrapped up, the room buzzed with a mix of chatter and the shuffle of papers, but the atmosphere shifted sharply when Vihaan turned to Krishiv, his brow furrowed with disapproval. “What?” Krishiv asked as he gathered his belongings.

“Why were you calling Kavya 'Bulbul ki mummy' in the meeting?” Vihaan’s tone was a mixture of irritation and disbelief.

“Because she is Bulbul ki mummy,” Krishiv replied casually, shrugging as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Wo personal life me hai.. meeting me thodi bola jata hai,” Vihaan admonished, crossing his arms and glaring.

“Arrey, what's the problem?” Krishiv shot back, turning to Kavya with a playful grin. “Bulbul ki mummy, aap bataiye, is there any problem?”

Kavya hesitated, looking between the two men. “Uh... wo,” she started, but Krishiv cut her off with a wave of his hand.

“Okk, fine, meeting me nahi bolunga. But I’m used to calling you that, toh uske baad I can call you that na?” he asked, a hopeful glint in his eye.

She chuckled, nodding. “Okk,” she replied, glancing at her watch, the reminder of time pulling her focus.

“Are you going to pick up Bulbul?” Krishiv asked, genuine curiosity etched on his face.

“Haan,” she confirmed, the mention of her daughter lighting up her expression.

“Can I come with you, please?” His request was earnest, and he looked at her with exaggerated puppy eyes, a playful yet sincere plea.

Kavya sighed, shaking her head. “You don’t have to bother, sir. I can manage.”

“Arrey, I know, but please na... I want to meet her,” Krishiv persisted, his tone light and convincing and she sighed, giving up.

“Yaay, let’s go,” he declared, beaming at her enthusiasm.

“Maine haan kab kaha?” she countered, a teasing lilt in her voice.

“Arrey, you sighed na... matlab you gave up. Chaliye chaliye, warna late ho jayenge,” he urged, already stepping toward the exit with an infectious energy.

Kavya rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile as she followed him.

As they arrived at Saumya's school, the afternoon sun bathed the parking lot in a warm glow. Kavya and Krishiv stepped out of the car, excitement bubbling in the air. Just then, they spotted Saumya emerging from the school building, her little face lighting up with surprise as she saw them together.

“Mumma, cheatel uncle!” she squealed, her eyes wide with joy. Without a moment's hesitation, she dashed toward them, her pigtails bouncing. Krishiv opened his arms wide, and with a delighted squeal, Saumya leaped into his embrace. He effortlessly scooped her up, twirling her in the air as she erupted into a fit of giggles.

“Aap dono sath me aaye!” she exclaimed, beaming up at them, her happiness infectious.

Suddenly, a voice called out, drawing their attention. Rishab's mother, Rita, spotted the trio and approached them with an inquisitive smile. “Aaj puri family aayi hai. You are Saumya's mother, right?” she asked Kavya, her tone friendly but puzzled.

“Yes... and you?” Kavya replied, a hint of confusion in her voice as she tried to place the woman.

“I’m Rishab's mother,” Rita introduced herself.

Meanwhile, a silent exchange occurred between Bulbul and Krishiv. Their eyes widened in a shared understanding. Bulbul discreetly pinched his hand, urging him to take action. Krishiv retaliated playfully, pinching her back and nodding toward her.

In a moment of theatrical brilliance, Bulbul fell to the ground, wailing, “Aaaaaa!!! Mumma, mera pair!!” Her dramatic flair caught Krishiv off guard, his eyes widening at the sudden turn of events.

Kavya knelt beside her daughter, concern etched on her face. “Kya hua, Bulbul? How did you fall, baccha?” she asked, examining her little girl’s feet with worried eyes.

“Are you okay, beta?” Rita chimed in, her maternal instincts kicking in as she rushed to Bulbul’s side.

“Oh my God!! She is so much injured, Bulbul ki mummy! We should take her to the hospital,” Krishiv declared, his voice rising in urgency, a grin creeping at the corners of his mouth as he played along.

Kavya furrowed her brows, glancing between Krishiv and Rita. “But chot toh kahin nahi aayi,” she said, trying to reason with the escalating drama.

“Arrey, andar ki chot hai, Bulbul ki mummy! You don't know anything. See her face… bechari ko kitna pain ho raha hai. Hain na, Bulbul?” he asked, shooting a conspiratorial glance at her.

“Haan, Mumma... please take me to the hospital!” Bulbul cried, adding a quiver to her voice for effect.

“Han baccha, please don't cry… chalo,” Kavya said, her heart softening at her daughter’s plight. She scooped Bulbul up into her arms, heading back toward the car with a mix of concern and exasperation. Krishiv let out a sigh of relief, grateful that their little scheme had worked.

“See you later,” he called out to Rita.

As they sped away from the school, Kavya glanced anxiously at Bulbul through the rearview mirror, her maternal instincts still on high alert. “Sir, jaldi hospital chalte hain,” she urged, her voice laced with concern.

“Uski zalulat nahi hai, Mumma! I am fine now,” Bulbul replied cheerfully, her little face lit up with mischief.

“But tumhe toh itna pain ho raha tha,” Kavya countered, still unsure whether to take her daughter’s claims seriously or not.

“Aap bhi kya bacchon ki baaton ko serious le leti hain, Bulbul ki mummy! Ab bacchi hai, wo gir ke royegi na,” Krishiv interjected, a teasing smile playing on his lips. Kavya turned to him, a mix of confusion and exasperation on her face.

“Mai bacchi nahi hun!” Bulbul piped up, her hands on her hips, trying to sound as serious as a five-year-old could manage.

“Ji, dadi maa,” Krishiv replied, mimicking an exaggerated bow, which made Bulbul giggle.

Suddenly, Bulbul’s expression shifted, her bottom lip jutting out in a dramatic pout. “Ice cream khana hai,” she declared, her eyes sparkling with hope.

“As you wish, princess,” Krishiv responded, his tone playful as he feigned a royal demeanor.

“Oyee, what's happening? Koi ice cream nahi milegi! Kal hi aapne khilayi thi na isse ice cream?” Kavya said, shaking her head disapprovingly as she tried to reign in the excitement.

“Com'on, Bulbul ki mummy! Itna toh chalta hai,” Krishiv insisted, his playful tone filled with mischief.

“Haan Mumma... mujhe chot aayi hai na, toh won't you let me eat ice cream? I am feeling sad na,” Bulbul added, her big eyes widening as she flashed her most adorable pout.

“Hawww!! Very bad, Bulbul ki mummy!” Krishiv exclaimed, feigning shock and placing a hand dramatically over his heart.

Kavya sighed, her resolve beginning to crumble under the weight of their combined charm. “Ok, enough... but bas ek,” she relented, unable to resist the duo’s antics.

“Pakka pakka! Chaliye!” Krishiv cheered, as he opened the car door with exaggerated flair and hopped out.

As they stepped onto the sidewalk, the warm sun bathed them in a gentle glow, and the sweet scent of nearby ice cream shops wafted through the air. Bulbul tugged at Krishiv's hand, leading the way eagerly as Kavya followed, shaking her head but smiling at the sight of her daughter’s delight.

As they approached the colorful ice cream stand, the vibrant banners flapped gently in the breeze, promising delightful treats. The vendor, a cheerful man with a wide smile, greeted them warmly. “What can I get for you today?”

Krishiv leaned against the counter, his excitement palpable. “I’ll have chocolate, and she”—he pointed to Bulbul, who was bouncing on her toes—“will have strawberry.”

“Aur aapki wife?” the vendor asked, raising an eyebrow and looking between them.

A moment of silence enveloped them as both Krishiv and Kavya exchanged awkward glances. The air was suddenly thick with unspoken thoughts, and Bulbul, sensing the tension, looked up at them with wide, innocent eyes.

“She isn’t my wife... Bulbul ki mummy, which ice cream will you have?” Krishiv quickly redirected the conversation, a playful grin returning to his face.

Kavya blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly at the unexpected title but shook off the momentary embarrassment. “Chocolate,” she replied, her voice steady but light.

“Wow, same pinch!” Krishiv exclaimed, mirroring her enthusiasm as he raised his hand for a celebratory gesture.

Vedant was walking out of his cabin when his eyes caught sight of Nandini standing at the medical store counter in the hospital lobby. Surprised, he called out, “Nandini?”

Nandini turned around, smiling as she noticed him. “Heyy.”

He looked at her with mild concern. “Tum yahan hospital mein? Kya hua? Are you okay?”

“Oh, it’s nothing serious,” Nandini replied with a wave of her hand. “Do din se pet mein thoda dard tha, so I just came to get it checked.”

Vedant raised his eyebrows. “Toh doctor ne kya bola?”

“Woh keh rahe hain ek week tak bas simple khichdi aur daal-chawal khana hai,” she explained with a sigh. “Pichle week mein itna heavy kha liya na, toh isliye. Baaki sab theek hai.”

Vedant chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Aaj kal log apne pet ko itna bhool jaate hain ki khana bhi dekh ke nahi khaate.”

She rolled her eyes. “Achha ji, jaise aap kabhi overeat nahi karte ho na.”

Before he could respond, the pharmacist handed Nandini her medicine. She thanked him, then walked out with Vedant by her side.

“Acha, chaliye, milte hain phir,” she said, nodding toward her scooty parked nearby. She went over and started it, giving Vedant a quick wave as she put on her helmet.

But just then, she noticed Vedant near his car, fiddling with the key in frustration. He seemed to be having trouble starting it. Curious, she pulled her scooty up beside him.

“Kya hua? Car start nahi ho rahi?” she asked, a small smile creeping onto her face as she watched him struggling.

Vedant sighed. “No idea, yaar, pata nahi start kyun nahi ho rahi.”

“Petrol check kiya?” she asked playfully.

Vedant glanced at the meter and then muttered under his breath, “Shit, man! Main bhi na, bilkul andha ho ke ghoomta hoon. Aane se pehle dekha hi nahi.”

Nandini smirked. “Acha, ab apni tareef band kariye. Chaliye, main drop kar deti hoon.”

He shook his head, a little embarrassed. “No, no, it’s fine. Main manage kar loonga.”

She crossed her arms, giving him a look. “Arre, dar rahe ho kya? Kahin mai aapke saath kuch ulta-seedha na kar doon?”

Vedant rolled his eyes and put on a dramatic tone. “Haan, mujhe meri izzat pyari hai, okay?”

They both chuckled at that.

“Isko yahi rehne dijiye, aur baad mein petrol leke bhar lena,” Nandini suggested. “Abhi toh chaliye, warna raat ho jayegi yahin khade-khade.”

Vedant relented, locking his car. He walked over to her scooty as she sat down and patted the backseat. “Chaliye, peeche aaram se baith jaiye,” she instructed with a grin.

Vedant carefully climbed onto the back of the scooty, awkwardly holding on to the backrest. “Aaram se chalana,” he muttered, looking around as if the whole hospital was watching him.

“Jyada sikhaiye mat!” Nandini started the scooty. She revved it a little just to tease him, making him hold on tighter.

As they made their way out of the hospital parking, Vedant leaned forward, unable to resist poking fun at her. “Vaise, tum din bhar kuch na kuch khaati rehti ho, hai na? Thoda toh khayal rakha karo. Aise hi chalta raha, toh ek din tum moti ho jaogi!”

Nandini shot him an indignant look over her shoulder. “Aap honge mote! Bade aaye mujhe advice dene.”

Vedant grinned, clearly enjoying teasing her. “Main toh bas keh raha hoon, agar tum moti ho gayi, toh koi tumse shaadi nahi karega, phir mat kehna maine warning nahi di thi.”

Nandini scoffed, raising her chin defiantly. “Mujhe jo jaise hun waise hi pasand karega, wahi karega mujhse shaadi. Moti ho bhi gayi toh kya?”

Vedant feigned shock. “ Waise bhi tumhe dekh ke lagta nahi hai tum ek week Tak sirf daal chawal pe reh paogi,” he teased.

Nandini rolled her eyes. “Haan toh, har koi aapke tarah ghas phoos nahi kha sakta na zindagi bhar?”

With that, they both laughed, the teasing turning into a lighthearted exchange as they zoomed down the road, the city lights flickering around them.

As Nandini continued to drive, she started chattering away, completely oblivious to Vedant’s gaze on her through the scooter's front mirror. She was so engrossed in talking that she barely noticed him listening—or rather, watching.

“Vedant, aapko pata hai?” she began animatedly, gesturing with one hand. “Kal golgappa stall khula nahi tha. Aur mujhe toh golgappe ki itni craving thi! Pura din mood kharab ho gaya mai unke yahan ke golgappe hi khati hun bahot mast banate hain. Par uss din kahi aur se khana pada tha wo bhi tasty nhi tha itna dimag kharab hua mera…vaise aapko kabhi golgappe ki craving hui hai? ” She glanced briefly over her shoulder, expecting him to laugh, but he just smiled softly.

“Tum kab se khane peene ki baatein kar rahi ho,” he chuckled, hiding how mesmerized he was by her excitement. But she didn’t catch the look in his eyes.

She kept talking, undeterred. “Haan to kya karoon? Ek hafte to kha nahi sakti to baat se hi kaam chala padega,” she declared dramatically. “Vaise, abhi doctor ne mana kiya hai, par agli baar toh main zaroor khilaungi aapko bhi. Ek baar aap kha loge na phir dekhna shart laga do 10 rs ki aap bhi fan na ho jao unke golgappe ke to kehna.”

Vedant smiled to himself, his eyes resting on her reflection in the mirror. He noticed how her eyebrows lifted with every little detail she described, and the way her eyes lit up as she spoke with so much energy. Even the faint pout she made when she talked about her favorite food stall made him chuckle silently.

Nandini, still talking, didn’t notice his admiring gaze. “Aur ek aur baat pata hai? Aaj jab main hospital ke andar aa rahi thi na, receptionist ne mujhe uske naye puppy ka photo dikhaya. Kitna cute tha, yaar! Mere bhi ek puppy hona chahiye, tumhe nahi lagta?”

Vedant smirked, shaking his head. “Tum aur ek puppy? Pehle khud ko sambhal lo.”

She gasped in mock outrage, turning her head a bit toward him. “Acha ji? Akele rehti hu phir bhi sab manage karti hun jada boliye mat.”

He laughed softly. “Ok sorry.”

Vedant’s smile softened as he watched her. Her carefree laughter, her endless rambling, the way she just enjoyed every little thing—it was like she brought her own sunshine wherever she went. He didn’t say anything, but his gaze lingered on her, taking in every tiny detail of her expression as she animatedly kept talking, lost in her own little world.

“Aur kal pata kya hua Amrit na…” she again started new topic.

He just nodded, still smiling to himself, lost in the simplicity and charm of the moment. The world seemed to fade away as he watched her, her voice, her laughter, and her every little expression feeling like music to his ears. In that moment, Vedant couldn’t help but think to himself how he could listen to her endless chatter forever, as long as he got to keep watching her like this.

As Nandini continued to chatter away, the city buzzed around them, a vibrant backdrop to their lively conversation. Vedant was still lost in admiration, enjoying her carefree spirit, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a small child darted across the road right in front of Nandini's scooty.

“Watch out!” Vedant shouted instinctively, his heart racing as he reached for Nandini’s shoulder.

Nandini reacted quickly, her reflexes kicking in as she pulled the brakes, bringing the scooty to a screeching halt. The sudden force of the stop jolted both of them, and in that split second, Vedant’s hand landed softly on her waist, gripping it instinctively to steady himself.

The world around them seemed to pause for a moment. Nandini's eyes widened in surprise, and she turned to Vedant, their faces mere inches apart. The warmth from his hand radiated through her clothes, igniting a spark of awareness that caught them both off guard.

“Are you okay?” Vedant asked, his voice low and steady, his gaze locked onto hers. There was a fleeting moment of tension as they stared at each other, both acutely aware of the intimacy of the position they found themselves in.

“Uh… yeah, I’m fine,” Nandini stammered, her cheeks flushing as she realized how close they were. She quickly cleared her throat, trying to shake off the unexpected wave of shyness. “Mujhe wo bacha dikha nahi tha baat karne me itna busy thi mai.”

“Mujhe bhi .” Vedant replied, his voice almost a whisper as he slowly withdrew his hand from her waist, but not without lingering for just a moment longer than necessary, his fingers brushing against her side.

“Mai to baat kar rahi thi, tumhara dhyan kahan tha?” Nandini asked, slightly confused as she glanced back at Vedant.

“Tum par,” Vedant replied with a straight face, though his words left Nandini momentarily puzzled. “I mean, tum jo bata rahi thi Amrit ke baare mein, us par,” he quickly covered up, his heart racing a little at how easily he had let that slip.

Nandini rolled her eyes playfully but then noticed the small child who had almost run into them, standing with his mother nearby. She walked over, concern evident on her face. “Aapko apne bache ka dhyan rakhna chahiye na? Kahan busy thi aap? Wo to luckily main thi scooty se. Agar koi car hoti aur wo na dekh paate itne chote bache ko, to kya hota?” Nandini chided gently, her tone firm yet kind.

“I’m sorry,” the lady said, a look of regret crossing her face. “Main iske liye cold drink lene gayi thi, tab tak ye bhag gaya haath chhod kar.”

“Baby, mumma ko pareshan nahi karte. Abhi aapko kuch ho jata to mumma kya karti, batao?” Nandini continued, kneeling down to the child’s level, her expression softening.

“Cholly didi… and thank you for saving me,” the little boy said, his eyes wide with admiration.

Nandini’s heart melted at his innocent words. “Awww,” she exclaimed, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Ab toh promise karo, aage se aise nahi bhagoge, okay?”

The boy nodded enthusiastically, and the mother smiled gratefully at Nandini, who stood up and brushed off her knees. Vedant watched the exchange from the side, feeling a mix of admiration and affection for her compassionate nature.

“Mai jitna apni feelings ko ignore karne ki koshish karta hun, tum utna hi mere dil ke kareeb aati jaa rahi ho, " he thought, battling with the growing emotions inside him.

Nandini returned to him, a radiant smile on her face. “Chalen?” she asked, her eyes sparkling.

“Hmm,” Vedant replied, still lost in her,

As the last lecture of the day came to an end, Akshat's thoughts were consumed by Amrit. He reached for his phone, his heart pounding with anticipation. He dialed her number, eager to hear her voice, but after a few rings, it went to voicemail. A pang of disappointment hit him, but he brushed it off, thinking she was probably busy.

Twenty minutes passed, and he found himself staring at the screen again. The call went through once more, only to end in silence yet again. Each failed attempt gnawed at him, and as the clock ticked on, he called her again. And again.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a dusky hue across his room, but Akshat’s anxiety grew with the darkness. With each unanswered call, his heart raced, and different thoughts swirled in his mind. Where could she be? Was she safe? A lump formed in his throat as he began to pace back and forth, his mind spiraling with worry. He ran a trembling hand through his hair, barely aware of the fact that his palms were slick with sweat.

The minutes dragged on, and he lost track of time until his phone rang, shattering the silence of his thoughts. The caller ID flashed ominously.  He answered it, his heart thudding in his chest.

“Sir, you need to be careful,” the voice on the other end warned urgently. “Virendra Thakur has escaped from jail.”

“What?” Akshat's voice trembled as panic surged through him. “What do you mean he escaped?”

“There’s a manhunt underway, but you both need to stay safe.”

The gravity of the situation crashed down on him like a tidal wave. His breath quickened, and he could feel his heart racing out of control. He clutched his hair, trying to rein in the rising tide of fear. “God! Amrit where are you!” he whispered, his voice barely audible as a fresh wave of terror washed over him. He called her again, desperate for an answer, but the line remained silent, amplifying the dread creeping into his mind.

Tears blurred his vision, and he felt utterly helpless. He quickly dialed Vihaan’s number, his fingers trembling against the screen.

“Vihaan,” he said, his voice strained. “I need you to arrange a chopper for me, now.”

“What’s going on? Why the urgency?” Vihaan’s voice came through, concerned but steady.

“I have to attend an urgent meeting,” Akshat lied, panic lacing his tone. His mind was racing, thoughts of Amrit drowning out everything else.

“Alright, I’ll get it sorted.” Vihaan replied, but Akshat hardly heard him.

As he hung up, he sank to the edge of his bed, his hands cradling his face as he took deep breaths to steady himself. “Please be safe, please be safe,” he chanted, his heart aching with worry. Each tick of the clock echoed in the silence, a reminder of the minutes slipping away, amplifying the uncertainty and fear that consumed him.

The thought of her being in danger sent a fresh wave of panic through him. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen, and all he could do was wait, clutching his phone like a lifeline.

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