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The door to the study creaked open, and she immediately stood up, her breath hitching as she saw Akshat stepping out. His face was impassive, his eyes cold. There was no anger left-just indifference. And somehow, that hurt even more.

"Akshat..." she called out softly, taking a hesitant step toward him.

But he didn't even glance at her. Without a word, he turned on his heel and walked past her, heading toward their bedroom closet. Amrit swallowed hard and followed slowly, standing by the door as she watched him take out his night clothes.

"Akshat, please listen to me-"

Before she could finish, he had already stepped into the washroom and shut the door behind him. The sound of the lock clicking into place felt like a barrier slamming down between them. Amrit sighed and ran a hand over her face, feeling utterly helpless. She sat down on the bed, pressing her palms against her temples.

She had never seen Akshat like this before-not this distant, not this silent. He wasn't yelling, he wasn't throwing things, he wasn't lashing out. He was simply shutting her out, as if she didn't exist. And somehow, that was worse than any argument they could have had.

A while later, the door to the washroom opened, and Akshat emerged, his hair damp, his face devoid of any expression. Amrit immediately stood up again, but before she could say anything, he turned away and walked out of the room.

"Akshat, please-" she tried again, but he continued ignoring her and made his way to the kitchen.

After dinner, the tension still lingered in the air like an unspoken storm waiting to break. The house felt heavy with emotions left unsaid, burdens left unshared.

Akshat stepped into their room, his face blank, his emotions tightly controlled as he walked straight toward the bedside table. Amrit, who had been sitting on the couch, quickly closed her notebook and stood up, ready to talk, ready to fix what she had broken.

But before she could say a word, she noticed his movements-efficient, detached. He picked up his phone, his car keys, and his wallet, his gaze never once shifting towards her.

A frown settled on her face as she took a hesitant step forward.

"Aap kahan jaa rahe hain?" she asked, her voice soft yet laced with concern.

"Singhania Mansion," he replied flatly, his tone unreadable as he turned towards the back door.

Her heart clenched. She knew he was running away, trying to put distance between them, between the emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

She couldn't let him leave like this.

Rushing toward him, she reached out, grasping his wrist, her fingers curling tightly around it as she stood close. Her touch was desperate, pleading.

"Akshat, please... just listen to me once." Her voice trembled slightly, her eyes searching his face for even the slightest flicker of softness. "I am so sorry... she was-"

But before she could finish, he yanked his wrist away, his jaw tightening as he cut her off.

"Not now, Amrit!!"

His sharp tone sliced through the air like a blade, and she flinched, the hurt evident in her eyes.

But then, almost instantly, his shoulders slumped slightly, his voice losing its edge as he exhaled and added in a softer, almost tired tone-

"Please..."

But just as he was about to walk away, his hand instinctively reached up-hesitant, unsure-before finally resting lightly against her head. A small, familiar pat. A touch that had once been a source of comfort, now carrying the weight of all the words left unsaid between them.

"Take care."

The words were soft, almost whispered, before he pulled his hand away and walked out the door, never sparing her a final glance.

Amrit lay curled on the bed, her face buried in the pillow as silent sobs wracked her body. Tears streamed down her cheeks, dampening the soft fabric as she clutched the pillow tightly, as if trying to find solace in its embrace.

The second door of the room creaked open, and she immediately turned her head, her teary eyes widening as she saw Akshat walking inside.

Her heart skipped a beat.

He... came back?

Her gaze followed him as he moved without a word, his expression unreadable. He placed his phone, keys, and wallet on the table before walking toward the couch. Without glancing at her, he laid down, his back facing her.

He had seen the pain in her eyes when he walked out. He knew she would cry the whole night. And despite the turmoil raging within him, despite his own anger and hurt-he couldn't bear to leave her like that.

The soft glow of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting golden patterns across the room. Akshat stirred awake, stretching his arms as a yawn escaped his lips. His body ached slightly from sleeping on the couch, a stark reminder of the distance that still lingered between him and Amrit. He rolled his shoulders and twisted his neck to ease the stiffness, his gaze instinctively drifting toward the bed-only to find it empty.

A faint frown creased his forehead, but he brushed away the thought and stood up, making his way to the bathroom. The cold splash of water against his face did little to shake off the heaviness in his chest, but he didn't dwell on it. After freshening up, he stepped out, running a towel through his damp hair.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Amrit walked in, balancing a tray with both hands. A nervous yet bright smile adorned her face as she approached him. On the tray were two cups of tea and a plate of slightly uneven sandwiches-her attempt at making breakfast. She wasn't much of a cook, but this was the best she could manage without turning his kitchen into a disaster zone.

"Good morning," she chirped, trying to keep her voice light. "Aapke liye chai aur sandwich."

She hoped-just for once-he wouldn't push her away.

Akshat's eyes flickered to the tray for a brief second before he turned away. "Nahi chahiye," he said flatly, his voice devoid of warmth. Without another glance, he walked past her and stepped out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

The smile on Amrit's face faltered, the brightness in her eyes dimming as an unexpected sting pricked her heart. She stood frozen, staring at the still-steaming cups of tea, her vision blurring with unshed tears.

She bit her lip, hating how easily her emotions got the best of her. He, on the other hand, never let anything slip-not a trace of softness, not even a flicker of acknowledgment.

Her gaze dropped to her palm, and she winced slightly. The skin was tinged red, a mild burn from the toaster when she had been too distracted, too eager to make breakfast for him.

Amrit took a shaky breath, forcing a small smile through her tears. She wiped them away hurriedly, whispering to herself, "It's okay... he is hurt. I won't give up."

Her resolve remained firm, even if her heart ached.

Meanwhile, outside the room, Akshat stood still, his fingers curling into a fist as an unfamiliar heaviness settled in his chest. The image of her hopeful face falling, the way her shoulders had slightly drooped, played in his mind like an unwanted echo.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck in frustration. He hadn't meant to hurt her-not like that. With a deep breath, he turned back and stepped inside.

Hearing the sound of his footsteps, Amrit quickly wiped the remaining traces of her tears, straightening up as if nothing had happened. She lifted her gaze just in time to see him walking toward her. His expression remained unreadable, his face cold and distant, but his actions told a different story.

Without a word, Akshat sat down on the couch, pulling the tray closer. Before she could react, he reached for her wrist-his touch unexpectedly gentle-and guided her to sit across from him. His eyes, however, never met hers.

Amrit's heart skipped a beat at the sudden proximity, but she stayed quiet, watching as he finally glanced at the plate.

There, on the sandwich, was a smiley face drawn with sauce, and right below it, carefully written on the plate, were two words: I'm sorry.

For the first time that morning, something in Akshat's gaze shifted. His lips parted slightly in surprise, and a flicker of amusement danced in his dark eyes. He bit his lower lip instinctively, fighting the smile that threatened to break through. A cough followed as he quickly composed himself, clearing his throat before picking up his sandwich.

After finishing breakfast, Akshat silently picked up the tray and walked toward the kitchen. His actions spoke more than his words-an unspoken acknowledgment of her effort. Amrit watched him disappear into the kitchen, her heart swelling with a mix of surprise and hope.

A few moments later, he returned and headed straight to his closet to pick out his clothes. As he searched through the neatly arranged shelves, Amrit rushed in behind him, instinctively pulling out a crisp shirt and trousers for him. She extended them toward him with a soft smile, expecting him to take them.

But instead, Akshat grabbed a different set of clothes, ignoring her choice.

She pouted slightly but didn't argue. However, just as he was about to turn away, his gaze landed on her hand. His movements halted.

A faint frown appeared on his forehead as his sharp eyes zeroed in on the reddened, slightly burned patch on her palm. His jaw clenched. Without a second thought, he discarded the clothes in his hand and reached for hers instead.

His grip was firm yet careful as he lifted her hand, examining the burn closely. His eyes darkened, not with anger, but something else-something she wasn't used to seeing on his face.

A mix of concern and frustration.

Amrit swallowed, sensing the shift in his demeanor. "Woh... galti se," she began, trying to downplay it.

But before she could finish, he gently but firmly pulled her along, leading her toward the bed. She barely had time to react before he made her sit down and walked over to the drawer, retrieving an antiseptic tube.

Sitting beside her, he uncapped the tube and took her hand in his once again, his fingers surprisingly warm against her skin.

"Kisne kaha tha banane ko?" he muttered, his voice gruff yet undeniably laced with concern.

Amrit's lips parted slightly, her breath hitching as she stared at him. He wasn't looking at her, his focus entirely on applying the antiseptic with delicate care, but the way his brows furrowed and his jaw tensed told her enough.

Once done, Akshat silently capped the tube and stood up. Without another word, he grabbed his clothes and disappeared into the washroom, leaving Amrit sitting there, her heart drumming wildly against her chest.

A few minutes later, he stepped out, freshly dressed in his shirt and trousers, the dampness of his hair the only sign of his quick shower. He walked toward the mirror and picked up his tie, but as he held it in his hands, his fingers paused.

Akshat stood in front of the mirror, gripping the tie as he attempted to knot it properly. His fingers fumbled slightly, his movements rigid and precise, but no matter how much he tried, the fabric twisted in ways it shouldn't. His brows furrowed in frustration as he let out a quiet sigh.

Amrit, who had been watching him struggle, finally stepped forward. Without a word, she reached out, intending to help.

But before she could touch it, Akshat instinctively stepped back.

"I will do it," he said, his voice firm.

Before she could argue, he pulled out his phone and opened YouTube, determined to figure it out on his own. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the screen, trying to follow the steps being demonstrated.

Amrit folded her arms and huffed. "Late ho raha hai."

Akshat's jaw ticked as he glanced at the clock. She wasn't wrong-he was running late. But his stubbornness wouldn't let him admit defeat so easily.

Just as she stepped forward again, he stopped her with a raised hand. "I will wear something else," he muttered, deciding it wasn't worth the hassle. He turned away, ready to grab another outfit.

But before he could take a step, Amrit's fingers curled around his half-tied tie, pulling him toward her with unexpected force.

His eyes widened as his body was abruptly drawn closer to hers. Their faces were mere inches apart now, her determined gaze locked onto his startled one.

"Bas ho gaya, Akshat!" she snapped, her glare unwavering. "Jitna gussa rehna hai reh lijiye, but agar help chahiye toh kyun itni akad dikhane ki zarurat hai?"

He said nothing.

For a moment, neither moved. His breath hitched slightly at their proximity, but he quickly masked it with his usual stoic expression. Amrit, on the other hand, held her ground, refusing to back down this time.

Seeing that he wasn't going to resist further, she loosened the tie and started over. Her fingers worked deftly, looping the fabric with practiced ease, her touch light yet assured.

Akshat didn't move, his gaze fixed on her face as she carefully adjusted the knot. She was focused, her lips pursed slightly in concentration, the slightest crease forming between her brows.

As Amrit finished adjusting his tie, she took a step back to admire her work. A satisfied smile tugged at her lips, but then-on impulse-she moved closer again.

Lifting herself onto her toes, she placed her hand lightly on his chest for balance, her fingers pressing against the crisp fabric of his shirt.

Akshat's breath hitched. His body stiffened as he felt her lean in, her face mere inches from his. His heartbeat quickened, drumming against his ribcage as his eyes widened in surprise.

She was so close-closer than she had ever been.

He gulped, his throat suddenly dry. His gaze flickered down to her lips, and before he could stop himself, his eyes fluttered shut, anticipation curling in his stomach.

But instead of what he expected, he felt the softest brush of warmth-against his cheek.

His eyes snapped open just as Amrit pulled back, a playful twinkle dancing in her eyes.

"Have a good day," she chirped, flashing him a bright, mischievous smile before stepping back and disappearing into the closet.

For a moment, Akshat stood frozen, his mind still processing what had just happened.

Then, exhaling a sharp breath, he lifted his hand to his chest, feeling the faint echoes of his racing heartbeat beneath his palm. His lips pressed into a thin line as he shook his head, a ghost of a smirk threatening to appear.

The moment Amrit and Vidya rushed into the classroom, their breaths were still uneven from sprinting through the corridors. The class was already filled with murmurs, students settling into their seats, and the faint scratching of pens on notebooks. Just as they were about to slip into their usual seats, Amrit nearly collided with someone-again.

Akshat.

He took a swift step back, barely avoiding the impact, his sharp eyes briefly meeting hers. But instead of saying anything, he simply tilted his head slightly, gesturing for them to move along. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but there was something in his eyes-perhaps a flicker of irritation, or maybe just indifference. Amrit couldn't tell.

"Jhagda hua hai kya?" Vidya whispered as they slid into their seats.

"Lambi kahani hai, baad mein batati hoon," Amrit mumbled, catching her breath, her gaze flickering toward Akshat, who had now made his way toward the front of the classroom.

The chatter in the room slowly died down as the door opened, and several professors entered. Leading them was Dr. Sahdev Tripathi, a middle-aged professor known for his methodical teaching and strict yet fair demeanor. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, his rimmed glasses resting low on his nose as he adjusted the thick stack of papers in his hands. Akshat walked in behind them, his usual composed and professional stance intact.

"Settle down, everyone," Dr. Tripathi's deep voice echoed through the room, commanding immediate attention.

As the students straightened in their seats, Akshat stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze swept over the class before he spoke in a firm, steady tone.

"As you all know, we are now moving into the core phase of your Ph.D. research," he began. "From today onwards, your research work will formally begin, and for that, we have assigned you into teams. Each team will have a designated guide who will oversee your progress, provide feedback, and ensure that your work meets the required academic standards."

A few whispers broke out in the class, students nervously glancing at one another, silently praying they would be paired with familiar faces.

"You will be expected to conduct extensive research, analyze literary texts, and contribute original perspectives to your chosen topics," Akshat continued. "This will include field studies, paper presentations, and weekly assessments. Your work will not only be evaluated by your respective guides but also by an external panel at the end of the term. Plagiarism or lack of effort will not be tolerated."

"Now," Dr. Tripathi took over, adjusting his glasses as he read from his papers, "we will be announcing the teams. Please listen carefully."

Amrit clasped her hands together, whispering under her breath, "Bhagwan, please, mujhe aur Vidya ko ek hi team me daal do."

"Same," Vidya muttered, her fingers crossed beneath the desk.

Dr. Tripathi began listing names, and with each announcement, students either sighed in relief or groaned in disappointment.

"Group Three," he continued, "will be mentored by me. The students in this group are Amrit Tripathi, Vidya Kushwaha, Rishi Mehta, Yash Tandon, and Akansha Sethi."

Amrit and Vidya exchanged glances before silently cheering, relieved to be together.

"Yes!" Vidya whispered excitedly.

"Thank god," Amrit sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Akshat observed the reactions with an impassive expression before speaking again. "Unlike undergraduate and postgraduate research, where you had flexibility in submissions, this phase requires discipline. Your weekly progress will be monitored, and failing to meet deadlines will directly affect your overall evaluation."

Dr. Tripathi nodded in agreement. "Each team will work under a specific research theme. I expect in-depth textual analysis, critical discourse, and original interpretations rather than surface-level summaries. You are not just students anymore; you are scholars contributing to the academic discourse of literature. Treat this responsibility seriously."

Some students nodded enthusiastically, while others shifted nervously in their seats.

Akshat glanced at the time before adding, "For now, meet with your respective guides and discuss your initial research ideas. Your first submission is due in two weeks, a detailed research proposal outlining your thesis, methodology, and sources. Dismissed."

Akshat sat in his cabin, his fingers rapidly typing away on his laptop as he adjusted his glasses slightly. His brows were furrowed in concentration, the soft glow of the screen reflecting off the rim of his spectacles. Papers were spread across his desk, some neatly stacked while others had scribbled notes and annotations in the margins. His cabin was silent except for the faint ticking of the wall clock and the occasional rustle of pages as he flipped through his research material.

Outside, a peon walked carefully toward his cabin, carrying a tray with a glass of water and a small plate of biscuits-something Akshat often forgot to have in between his long hours of work. Just as the peon was about to push open the door, he was halted by two figures suddenly stepping in front of him.

"Arre bhaiya, ruko ruko!" Amrit's voice rang out as she and Vidya came to a sudden stop before him.

The peon, startled, took a small step back and looked at them with narrowed eyes. "Haan, beta, kya baat hai?" he asked, balancing the tray carefully.

"Bhaiya, ek chhota sa favour chahiye," Amrit said, flashing a hopeful smile.

"Kya?" The peon asked suspiciously, his gaze shifting between the two girls.

"Bas yeh Akshat sir ko de dijiye," she said, holding out a neatly wrapped box toward him.

The peon raised an eyebrow, hesitating before glancing at the box warily. "Isme kya hai?" he asked.

Vidya sighed, rolling her eyes. "Bhaiya, bomb nahi hai, relax," she muttered under her breath.

But the peon wasn't convinced. "Dekho bacchon, hum sir ki jaan khatre mein nahi daal sakte," he said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Amrit let out a frustrated sigh before clasping her hands together. "Arre bhaiya, it's just a small gift for him. Actually, kal unhone meri project mein madad ki thi, so I just wanted to thank him. Please?" she pleaded.

The peon eyed her skeptically, clearly not wanting to get into trouble. "Sir bahut strict hain. Agar unko gussa aa gaya toh meri naukri chali jayegi," he said, shaking his head.

"Arey nahi aayega gussa! Bas ek gift hai. Trust me, kuch galat nahi hoga," Amrit assured him.

After several moments of hesitation and back-and-forth arguments, the peon finally gave in with a sigh. "Theek hai, lekin agar daant padi toh tum dono responsible ho," he said, taking the box from her hands.

"Bilkul nahi padegi!" Amrit grinned.

Vidya, standing beside her, muttered, "Mujhe toh lagta hai padne wali hai."

With a resigned expression, the peon knocked on Akshat's cabin door.

"Come in," came the firm yet distracted voice from inside.

The peon pushed the door open and stepped inside, setting the glass of water and the small plate of biscuits on the table before placing the wrapped box next to them. Akshat, still engrossed in his work, didn't even glance at it. His fingers continued to type as his gaze remained fixed on the screen.

"Sir, do ladkiyan yeh gift de kar gayi hain aapke liye," the peon finally said, waiting for a reaction.

Akshat's fingers stilled on the keyboard for a brief second before he looked up, his sharp eyes flickering toward the box for the first time. His expression remained impassive.

"What is this?" he asked in a tone devoid of curiosity.

"Sir, unhone kaha ki yeh ek thank-you gift hai. Aapne kisi project mein madad ki thi," the peon explained.

Akshat let out a sigh, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temple briefly. "Take it back," he said flatly.

The peon blinked in confusion. "Sir?"

"I don't accept gifts from students," Akshat said, his voice firm. His fingers drummed against the table lightly, his patience wearing thin.

"Par sir-"

"Whatever it is, I don't care. Take it back," he said, cutting him off.

The peon hesitated, glancing at the gift before looking back at Akshat, who had already returned his focus to the screen. It was clear that there was no room for argument.

After a moment of silence, Akshat let out another sigh, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Alright," he muttered. "Aap jaiye. Main khud fek dunga."

The peon, knowing there was no point in insisting, gave a small nod before turning on his heel and leaving the cabin.

Akshat picked up the box with the full intention of tossing it into the dustbin. His fingers tightened around the edges as he lifted it, but just as he was about to let go, something caught his eye. Right on the top, written in neat but slightly hurried handwriting, were the words:

"I am sorry :)"

A small, unevenly drawn smiley face accompanied the message, making the apology look even more sincere. His grip on the box loosened slightly as he stared at the words, immediately recognizing who had done this. A sigh left his lips as he sat back down on his chair, placing the box on the table in front of him.

For a moment, he simply stared at it, his fingers tapping lightly against the surface. Then, his gaze shifted to the pastry inside. It was a simple chocolate pastry, neatly packed, clearly an attempt to lighten his mood. His lips parted slightly, and he unconsciously bit the inside of his cheek to suppress the smile threatening to form. But despite his best efforts, the corners of his lips curved up just a little.

Clearing his throat abruptly, he composed himself, his face returning to its usual strict expression. He pressed the intercom button and called for his peon. Within seconds, the peon entered, standing straight with his hands folded behind his back.

"Sir?"

Akshat leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he adjusted his glasses. His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument. "Can you call Amrit Tripathi from the first year to my cabin?"

The peon blinked, slightly surprised, but quickly nodded. "Yes, sir," he said before stepping out.

Akshat leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. His fingers tapped against his forearm as he waited, his mind momentarily drifting back to the note on the box. He wasn't entirely sure why he had called her-whether it was to scold her or to hear what excuse she would come up with this time.

A few minutes later, a soft knock echoed in the room. His sharp eyes lifted toward the door as he straightened his posture, his expression instantly hardening into a serious one.

"Come in," he said in a deep, authoritative voice.

The door slowly creaked open, and Amrit stepped inside hesitantly. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her kurti as she took slow, cautious steps forward. Her usual confidence was missing as her eyes darted around the room, avoiding direct eye contact with him.

Akshat leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together as he studied her. "Can you tell me, Miss Tripathi, what was this pastry for?" His voice was strict, void of any emotion.

Amrit pressed her lips together, still not looking at him. Instead, she glanced around the room as if searching for something. Her eyes scanned the corners, the shelves, even the table, making Akshat frown in confusion.

His eyebrows furrowed as he narrowed his eyes at her. "What are you searching for?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

She finally met his gaze and asked, "Yahan camera hai?"

Akshat blinked, caught off guard. "Nahi... but that's not-"

Before he could finish his sentence, she let out a dramatic sigh and cut him off.

"Haan toh ye natak kya kar rahe hain?" she asked, folding her arms over her chest.

Akshat stared at her, his expression blank, his brain processing her words. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he exhaled through his nose. "Natak?" he repeated, his voice lower than before.

"Haan! Pehle toh ignore kar rahe, phir khud bulaya, aur ab aise strict strict acting kar rahe hain jaise pata nahi kya ho gaya ho," she said, rolling her eyes.

Akshat inhaled deeply, his fingers tightening around the armrest of his chair. "Miss Tripathi," he began, his tone dangerously calm, "agar aapko lagta hai ki yeh sab karne ke baad I will praise you, toh aap galat jagah par khadi hain."

Amrit tilted her head. "Oh really? Phir ye chocolate pastry aapne dustbin me kyun nahi feki? Kyun mujhe yahan bulaya?"

"Can you behave?" Akshat finally spoke, his voice sharp, his patience running thin. "I am your professor. Toh aap mujhse limit mein rehkar baat karengi to behtar hoga." His words were calm yet laced with a strict warning.

But instead of backing down, Amrit narrowed her eyes at him, the fire in her gaze only intensifying. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. There was a determination in her every movement, as if she refused to let him dictate the boundaries of this conversation.

"Apne pati se baat kar rahi hoon mai!" she shot back, her voice unwavering, every word ringing with conviction.

Akshat's jaw tightened. He inhaled sharply, his fingers clenching slightly on the desk before he pushed his chair back and stood up. His towering frame should have been intimidating, but Amrit held her ground, refusing to be cowed by his presence.

"Yahan aapka koi pati nahi," he said, his voice void of emotion, his eyes locked onto hers.

For a moment, silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. The weight of his words settled heavily in the air. But before he could register her next move, Amrit suddenly slammed her hand against the wooden table with a loud thud.

Akshat flinched slightly, his hand instinctively twitching to stop her, but she didn't let up. His eyes widened momentarily as he watched her stand there.

"Kya problem hai, Akshat?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly, but the frustration was still evident. "Haan, I know aap gussa hain... hurt hain... and I am apologizing." She lifted her head slightly, turning her face to the side as her voice cracked. "Aur mai yeh bhi nahi keh rahi ki aap mujhe maaf kar dijiye." She took a shaky breath. "But at least don't behave like this... don't act like a stranger."

Her voice grew softer toward the end, her composure breaking. She bit her lower lip, her hands gripping the edge of the desk tightly. She wanted to say more, but the lump in her throat wouldn't let her. Instead, she turned her face away, as if trying to hide her emotions.

Akshat's gaze softened as he noticed her shoulders shaking slightly. The sight made something inside him twist uncomfortably. His grip on his anger wavered.

A pang of guilt shot through him. He had been so caught up in his own hurt, his own frustration, that he hadn't considered how much this was affecting her. And now, seeing her like this-trying so hard to stay strong but failing-made his resolve crumble.

"Amrit..." His voice was different this time-gentler, softer, filled with concern.

He quickly stepped around the desk, reaching out to her. His hands hesitated for a moment before finally resting on her shoulders. The warmth of his touch made her tense for a brief second before she let out a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry..." he said, his tone filled with remorse. "Please don't cry."

Akshat's hands rested on her shoulders as he tried to comfort her, but just as he was about to say something more, something clicked in his mind. His brows furrowed as he looked at her face carefully. There were no tears-none at all. In fact, her lips were twitching slightly, as if she was trying to hold back a smile. And then it hit him.

His eyes widened slightly, and his hands immediately dropped from her shoulders.

"Seriously, Amrit?" He asked, his tone filled with disbelief.

Amrit straightened her posture, her hands quickly moving behind her back as she rocked on her heels. She gave him a sheepish smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Aap zyada hi rude ho rahe the," she pouted, as if that justified her dramatic act.

Akshat inhaled sharply, closing his eyes for a second, trying to suppress the wave of irritation that threatened to rise again. He ran a hand down his face before looking at her with a deadpan expression.

"Jao yahan se," he said, his voice laced with exasperation.

Amrit's eyes widened slightly, realizing she had pushed him a little too far. She pursed her lips, contemplating whether she should say something to lighten the mood or just leave before he truly lost his patience. But then, curiosity got the better of her, and she tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Abhi kis baat pe gussa hain? Ispe ya uspe?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Akshat groaned inwardly, pinching the bridge of his nose before shaking his head in disbelief. He let out a deep sigh and finally looked at her, his jaw tightening.

"Jao, Amrit!!" he said more firmly this time, his tone carrying a finality that left no room for argument.

Amrit bit her lip, realizing she should probably not push her luck any further. She nodded quickly and turned around, walking towards the door. Just as she reached it, however, Akshat's voice stopped her once again.

"Be careful," he said, his tone casual but with a hint of amusement. "Don't hit your head on the door."

Amrit frowned for a second, confused, but the moment she turned her head slightly, she realized what he meant. She had been so distracted that she was about to walk straight into the wooden frame of the door. Her eyes widened, and she quickly moved aside, huffing in embarrassment.

Without looking back at him, she quickly walked out of the cabin, her ears burning slightly.

The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange hue over the city as Amrit stood a little away from the college gates, carefully positioning herself in a spot where Akshat would be bound to see her.

With a dramatic sigh, she wiped imaginary sweat off her forehead, fanning herself exaggeratedly as if she had just walked through a desert. She kept glancing at the road every few seconds, pretending to look distressed, occasionally pacing back and forth for effect.

And then she spotted his car approaching.

Her heart leaped a little, but she immediately got back into character, biting her lip and acting even more flustered, making a big show of looking around helplessly.

Inside the car, Akshat spotted her instantly, and his hands tightened around the steering wheel as he shook his head, already predicting the nonsense she was up to. He slowed down the car and rolled down the window, his expression unreadable.

"Get in the car," he said, his voice firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

Amrit's lips curled into a triumphant grin.

"Aap?? Thank God!" She clasped her hands together as if she had just seen a guardian angel descend from the heavens. "Mujhe toh laga aaj raat ho jayegi yahan khade khade!" she exclaimed dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "Auto nahi mil rahi thi!"

Akshat's gaze flickered towards the road, and his eyes narrowed when he noticed at least three auto-rickshaws lined up nearby, waiting for passengers. His lips pressed into a thin line as he turned back to look at her, unamused.

Before he could even call her out on her lie, she had already taken matters into her own hands. Without waiting for a response, she quickly rushed to the other side, opened the door, and plopped down onto the passenger seat beside him, adjusting her dupatta as if she had conquered a battle.

"Chaliye," she announced cheerfully, fastening her seatbelt like she had just availed a cab service.

Akshat exhaled sharply, gripping the steering wheel tighter. He could already feel a headache coming. Without another word, he put the car into gear, deciding it was pointless to argue. With Amrit, logic never really worked anyway.

The hum of the car's engine filled the air as Akshat focused on the road ahead, his hands steady on the steering wheel. The city lights blurred past them, and the occasional honking of vehicles echoed around, but his mind remained fixed on driving.

Beside him, Amrit was busy rummaging through her bag, her fingers hastily searching for something. He paid no attention, assuming she was probably looking for her phone or a hair clip. But then-

A sudden bundle of red roses appeared in front of his face, blocking his view of the road.

His eyes widened, and his hands tightened around the steering wheel as he quickly glanced at the flowers, then at her. She held the roses with one hand while her other hand tugged at her ear-a universal gesture of apology.

"Sorry," she said softly, her eyes hopeful.

Akshat bit his lower lip to suppress the small smile threatening to form. His fingers twitched, tempted to react, but he masked his emotions well. Without a word, he took the bouquet from her hands and placed it on the dashboard, resuming his usual expressionless demeanor.

Amrit observed him closely, watching for any sign of acceptance, but he gave her nothing.

Not one to give up easily, she reached into her bag again. A moment later, another object appeared in front of his face-a handmade card. It was decorated with a glitter pen, sparkling even under the dim car light. The words "I am sorry, Akshat" were written in neat handwriting, surrounded by tiny hearts and smiley faces.

His heart melted.

His fingers hesitated before taking the card from her. He stared at it for a moment longer than necessary, tracing the edges with his thumb. No one had ever done something like this for him. No one had ever put in effort for him-not like this.

Without looking at her, he carefully placed the card next to the bouquet and continued driving.

Amrit, however, had sharp eyes.

The tiniest, almost invisible smile had formed on his lips, and she caught it immediately. Her own grin widened as she bit her lip in victory.

Wanting to push her luck, she quickly pulled out her phone, connected it to the car's Bluetooth, and scrolled through her playlist. Seconds later, a soft melody filled the car, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Aji rooth kar ab kahan jaiyega,

Jahan jaiyega hamein paiyega."

He was trying his best to not react, trying to hold on to his usual calm, serious demeanor. But the song-oh, the song-seemed to be playing for the two of them. Every note echoed with her feelings, with her apology, and with the emotions she had been trying to hide for so long. Her eyes softened as she watched him, the way his lips pressed into a thin line, his grip firm on the steering wheel. He knew what the song meant; he had to.

"Nigahon se chhup kar dikhao to jaanein,

Khayalon mein bhi tum na aao to jaanein."

She shifted in her seat slightly, her hand resting on the armrest, fingers lightly brushing against his. The subtle contact was enough to make him flinch slightly, but he quickly pulled his hand away, pretending as though he hadn't felt anything at all.

"Aji lakh pardon mein chhup jaiyega,

Aji lakh pardon mein chhup jaiyega,

Nazar aaiyega, nazar aaiyega."

He bit his lip, doing everything in his power to not smile. The song, the words, the moment-it was all too much for him. His jaw tightened as he tried to control the reaction bubbling inside him, but Amrit wasn't letting up. Her eyes never left his face, studying every inch of his expression as the car sped on through the city, the night wrapping them in a quiet cocoon of their own.

"Jo dil mein hain hothon pe lana bhi mushkil,

Magar usko dil mein chhupana bhi mushkil."

The words hung in the air, like a confession neither of them were ready to speak aloud. He could feel it-the pull between them, the unspoken bond. He was trying to remain distant, trying to keep himself in check, but deep down, he knew it was futile. The song mirrored his own thoughts, his own struggles with her presence in his life.

"Nazar ki zubaan se samajh jaiyega,

Nazar ki zubaan se samajh jaiyega,

Samajh kar zara gaur farmaiyega."

The weight of the words finally broke him. He couldn't hold back any longer. The faintest smile, the one he had been desperately trying to suppress, stretched across his face. It was small, barely noticeable, but it was there.

Amrit saw it-she saw the corners of his lips twitch upward, and she couldn't help but grin herself.

As the car came to a stop near the apartment, the city lights shimmering against the night sky, Amrit could feel her heart flutter. They had reached the place, and she quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, turning to glance at Akshat.

Once inside the apartment, Amrit quickly made herself comfortable, the familiar surroundings putting her at ease. She had been here before, but tonight felt different. It was as if something was shifting between them, a new chapter unfolding in their complicated relationship. She couldn't help but smile as she sat down on the couch, letting herself relax for the first time that day.

Meanwhile, Akshat entered the apartment, his footsteps echoing slightly in the quiet space. She heard the faint sound of him changing his clothes in the other room, the soft rustling of fabric breaking the silence. Amrit remained on the couch, her eyes closed for a moment as she leaned back, her mind racing with thoughts of what she was about to do. She had been apologizing all day, trying to make things right, but there was still a part of her that felt uncertain, that wondered if he would ever truly forgive her.

When he came back into the room, he was dressed more casually, the sharp edge of his usual formal attire softened. In his hands, he held two cups of tea, the steam rising from them in delicate spirals. He walked over to her and handed her one of the cups. As their fingers brushed for a brief second, something electric passed between them, but he didn't acknowledge it.

He turned to leave, but Amrit wasn't ready for him to go. She hadn't said everything she wanted to say yet. She couldn't let him walk away without trying to get through to him. Without thinking, she stood up quickly, her movements fluid and determined. Before he could take another step, she reached out and gently grabbed his hand, halting him in his tracks.

Akshat turned around to face her, a look of surprise flickering across his face. She was standing there, her eyes meeting his, a silent plea in her gaze. For a moment, they just stood there, the tension between them palpable. He could feel the weight of her unspoken words pressing against him, and he didn't know how to respond.

Then, with a soft intake of breath, Amrit took a step forward, moving closer to him. She reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling herself into him, her head resting on his chest. She lifted her toes slightly, pressing herself against him in the most intimate way she had in a long time, the warmth of his body enveloping her.

"Will you hear me now? Please?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air between them, tender and full of vulnerability. It was a simple request, yet it carried so much weight-the desire for him to listen, to understand, and maybe, just maybe, to forgive her.

He finally exhaled slowly, his hand coming up to gently rest on her back as he replied, his voice low, almost hesitant, "Hmm."

Amrit, her heart heavy with remorse, broke the hug and gently made him sit down on the couch, her hands trembling slightly. She could feel the warmth of his body still lingering around her, but the ache in her chest was unbearable. She slowly sank to the floor in front of him, her knees pressing into the soft rug as she held his hand tightly, her fingers intertwining with his. The weight of what she had done-what they both had gone through-hung in the air, thick and heavy.

Her eyes welled up with tears that threatened to fall, and she looked down at their hands, trying to gather the courage to speak. It had taken all of her strength to get here, to admit her wrongs, but now that she was here, she felt herself breaking, shattering under the guilt and the hurt. With a soft sob, she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I... I am sorry, Akshat. So sorry," she began, her voice cracking with each word. She couldn't look him in the eyes, but she could feel his gaze on her, warm and unforgiving at the same time. "I never wanted to hurt you. I... I never meant to. I didn't want to be the reason you were in pain... to make you feel like this." She paused, wiping at her cheek with the back of her hand, but it only smeared the tears down her face.

She took a shaky breath, her chest tight, but she pushed forward. "I don't know why I came in her words... why I believed her lies. I knew she left you. I knew she made mistakes. But I thought... I thought that maybe you could forgive her, that maybe you could forget everything. I had no idea... I had no idea she did worse than what she said." Her voice faltered as her words hit her like a tidal wave, the guilt washing over her.

She squeezed his hand tighter, her heart shattering for him. "She said... she said I should know the value of a mother, since I lost mine... and I don't know why that thing settled in my head. I thought it was the truth. I should have understood you, Akshat. I should've known that if you were this hurt, if you were this angry, then she must've done something more. Something unforgivable. I'm so sorry." Her voice was raw, filled with regret as the words spilled out, the apology now out of her control.

But despite all the emotions flooding her, she still couldn't justify her actions. There was no excuse, no reason that could make her betrayal of his trust okay. She couldn't take back what she had done, and the pain it had caused him was something she couldn't erase.

Akshat, who had been silent all this time, finally sighed, a long, heavy exhale, as if he had been holding his breath for too long. His hands reached down to gently pull her up from the floor, making her stand in front of him. As he guided her to sit back down, this time, he didn't let her sit at a distance. He pulled her onto his lap, enveloping her in his arms, pulling her close to him as if he needed her just as much as she needed him. His embrace was tight, almost desperate, his hands running over her back in a soothing motion, but the tremble in his arms told her everything.

Amrit's heart broke as she felt his warmth, felt his grief and sorrow seeping into her. She leaned her head on his shoulder, her hands gently resting on his chest. The space between them, once so full of tension and confusion, now felt like the only place that made sense. And still, despite everything, she couldn't hold back her own tears.

He buried his face into her hair, his breath hitching with the rawness of the emotions he had kept locked inside for so long. "I hate her, Amrit," he said, his voice low, trembling with emotion. "I hate her so much... so damn much... More than I can say."

He paused for a moment, his body shaking slightly as he struggled to find the right words, to express the depth of the pain he had carried for so long. "I just... I just wish she didn't exist. I wish she never came into my life. I... I hate her, Amrit."

The words echoed in the room, filled with so much pain and anger. The tears he had held back for so long began to slip down his face, silently marking the depth of his suffering.

She could feel the trembling in his body, the way his arms tightened around her as though he feared the memories would escape if he didn't hold onto them. His face was buried in her neck, his tears soaking through the fabric of her clothes, but Amrit didn't mind. She let him cry, she let him release the anguish that had been consuming him for so long.

"She made my life hell...," Akshat's voice cracked, the words raw and cutting. "I was on the verge of giving my life, just because of her..." He took a shaky breath, as if trying to steady himself, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him. Amrit stayed silent, afraid to interrupt, afraid that any word from her would shatter this delicate moment of vulnerability.

"When I was two," Akshat began, his voice still shaking with emotion, "She used to make me sleep hungry... I'd cry myself to sleep every night, but she wouldn't care. She wouldn't even look at me. Rakshit papa, he was always busy, but when he was home, he'd try to make me eat... but it was rare. When he wasn't home, there was no food. I'd sit there, staring at the empty kitchen, waiting for someone to feed me, but she... she never came." His voice faltered as the words spilled from him like a flood he had been holding back for too long.

"I'd cut myself," he said, his eyes locking with hers now, the rawness in his gaze making her heart stop. "I'd hurt myself just so that maybe... just maybe, she would notice me. But she never did. She never cared. She never looked at me and saw a son... She just saw someone to ignore, someone to forget." His words were a whisper, but they carried the weight of a lifetime of suffering.

"And I had to grow up fast," Akshat said, his voice full of pain, but also a certain resignation. "At just three years old, I had to take care of Vihaan. I had to be the one to feed him, to make sure he didn't cry, to make sure he was okay. I wasn't even old enough to understand what was happening, but I had to do it. I had to take on responsibilities that no child should have to. And when I was six, they both left us. And Rakshit papa, he was there, but he had his own life... his own responsibilities... I don't blame him, but I was alone."

"Vihaan was just a baby. A baby... and I had to take care of him. I was three, and I had to do everything. Feed him, make sure he was clean, make sure he didn't cry, because when he did, it was like... like no one cared." His voice faltered, and he swallowed hard, the lump in his throat nearly choking him. "She didn't care. My mother didn't care. She was always gone, always with different men. I... I was left alone, and I couldn't even cry for help. I couldn't show that I was struggling. Because if I did, she would've... ignored me even more."

His breath was shallow now, and the frustration built in his chest, his voice rising as he spoke of his father, the one person he had hoped would protect him. But it had always been the same. Silence. Abandonment.

"And my father... he was never there. I begged for him, for his protection, but he wasn't there. I remember I used to wait for him to come home, to see him... but when he did, it was never for me. He used to bring different women into the house, acting like I wasn't even there. I just wanted him to see me... to hold me, to tell me that it was gonna be okay. But no... he didn't care. He never cared. And every time, I had to sit there, by myself, taking care of Vihaan because... because no one else would. I wasn't even allowed to be a child. I had to grow up so damn fast."

"And when they left, Amrit... when they walked out on me, on Vihaan, I begged. I begged them both. I begged her not to go. I begged him to stay. I was just a kid! But they didn't care. They didn't even flinch. She walked away like I didn't matter, like I wasn't worth a second glance. I was six, Amrit. Six! And I had to watch them leave... I had to watch them leave me with nothing but the pain of knowing I wasn't good enough for them."

He pulled away slightly, his face a mixture of exhaustion and torment. "I used to hate myself. I thought maybe if I was better, if I was good enough, they'd love me. But I never was. I never was enough for them. I just wanted their approval, their attention. But I was invisible. And... and the worst part is... I didn't even know how to fix it. How could I? I was just a kid. But I still tried. I still begged. And every time, I was met with nothing. Nothing but more pain, more loneliness."

Akshat's breathing became erratic now, and he held her tighter, as if he were afraid that if he let go, he would break completely. "I don't even know what love is, Amrit. I don't. They never showed me. They never cared. So how could I understand what it means to love someone? How could I give love when I never got it? They destroyed me, Amrit... they destroyed me."

"I remember going to school after that... my first day of school after they left, and every kid had their parents with them. Every... damn... kid. Except me. I was the one standing there alone, just watching them... watching all of them with their families. I remember how the teachers would look at me... with pity. It was like they could see right through me, like they could tell that I was nothing. I wasn't worthy of having someone there. And when I went to the school picnic... everyone had their parents there, but not me. I was the kid who had to sit alone... just watching everyone else, wondering why my parents didn't want me."

The tears flowed harder now, but Akshat didn't care anymore. He was done hiding it, done trying to appear strong. His words came out choked, the bitterness in his voice unmistakable.

The words caught in Akshat's throat, his hands trembling as the weight of the memories grew heavier. His voice cracked, the pain too intense to articulate as he tried to push through it. His eyes glazed over, distant, and for a moment, it felt like he was trapped in that night again. The rain, the chaos, the emptiness that surrounded him-everything had come rushing back.

"And after they left... that night... t... that..." His breath hitched, and his voice faltered, as though just speaking the words would tear open the wounds he'd been carrying for years. His hand clenched into a fist at his side, shaking uncontrollably. "It was... raining... party... everyone came... I..." He could barely finish his sentence, the rawness of the memory choking him.

Amrit could feel his body trembling, the heaviness in his chest as he relived the torment. Without a second thought, she enveloped him in her arms, pressing him tightly against her, her hands rubbing his back in slow, soothing circles.

"Shhh!! Don't tell me this if you're not ready... don't force yourself," she whispered, her voice tender but strong. She pressed a soft kiss to his temple, hoping the warmth of her love would reach the darkest corners of his pain, and gently caressed his back to calm him down. She didn't want to push him, didn't want to force him to say anything he wasn't prepared for, but she also knew he needed to release this hurt, in his own time, at his own pace.

He pulled away slightly, his face a mixture of agony and guilt. His eyes searched hers for a moment, his voice low and almost broken. "But you deserve to know... you deserve to know everything."

Her heart ached at the depth of his pain, but her expression remained gentle, her fingers brushing the hair from his forehead as she met his gaze. She leaned in, brushing her lips against his forehead in a tender, silent promise.

"We have our whole lifetime to share everything with each other," she whispered, her voice soft and full of devotion. "I will wait... until you are comfortable enough to tell me everything." She let the words hang in the air, giving him the space he needed to process, to find his own rhythm in the pain he carried.

Akshat's gaze softened as he looked at her, his breath still shaky, his heart heavy but undeniably lighter for having shared the weight of his pain with her, even if just a little. He swallowed hard, trying to contain the emotions that threatened to spill over. He had never thought anyone would want to listen, anyone would want to wait for him, but here she was. With her, there was no judgment, no rush. Just love.

"What if I take so much time?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, uncertainty lingering in his eyes. He didn't want to burden her, didn't want to pull her into his darkness, but the sincerity in his voice was clear. "What if I take years to say everything? Will you still be here?"

Amrit cupped his face in her hands, her eyes locked on his with an intensity that spoke of her unwavering commitment. "Akshat," she said, her voice steady and full of conviction, "I will give you my whole life, my heart, my soul... in every way that you need it. I'm not going anywhere. Not now, not ever. You can take all the time you need, because I'll be right here, waiting. And when you're ready, I'll be the first person to listen."

Her words wrapped around him like a blanket, and for the first time in a long while, Akshat felt a flicker of hope. He looked into her eyes, searching for any hint of doubt, but found none. There was nothing but warmth, understanding, and love.

And as he gazed at her, a tear slipped down his cheek, the overwhelming weight of it all momentarily lifting.

She pressed her lips to his forehead again, a silent promise between them. Her kiss was soft and full of affection, a quiet vow that spoke louder than any words could.

Akshat's arms wrapped around her again, pulling her close, and for the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to feel something he hadn't in years-safe, protected, cherished. As his grip tightened around her, he inhaled the warmth of her presence, letting the soothing comfort of her touch melt away the remnants of his past pain. The world outside, with all its chaos, seemed to disappear in the moment they shared, leaving just the two of them, cocooned in a fragile but powerful sense of peace. He had never felt so at home in anyone's embrace, as if he were finally finding the sanctuary his soul had been searching for.

But, of course, the intrusion of reality could never be too far behind.

His phone, which had been lying forgotten on the table, suddenly rang, breaking the spell. Akshat slowly untangled his arms from around her, but as soon as he did, Amrit tightened her hold around his neck, her fingers lacing through his hair as if unwilling to let go of him. She was not ready to release him, as if the thought of him leaving even for a brief moment filled her with a gentle fear.

"Amrit... important call hogi," Akshat murmured softly, his voice a mix of amusement and fondness. He didn't want to leave her, but he knew this call was something he couldn't ignore.

"Merese jyada important hai kya?" she asked, her voice laced with playfulness, but there was an undeniable vulnerability in her eyes. Her lips curled into a pout, refusing to loosen her grip on him, and the sight of it made his heart swell with affection.

He chuckled softly, brushing his nose against hers for a moment before answering. "Nahi, tumse jyada nahi hai... par important toh hai na? Let me see please?" His voice was gentle yet persistent, a smile tugging at his lips as he leaned down to kiss her forehead once more. The kiss lingered, as if he were imprinting that fleeting moment of warmth into his heart.

With a reluctant sigh, Amrit let go of him, pouting even more dramatically, but there was a glint of affection in her eyes as she shifted off his lap and settled on the bed. Akshat stood, watching her for a brief moment before turning to pick up his phone. He glanced at her one last time, a smile forming on his lips as he saw the way she still looked at him, her eyes filled with something deep and tender. It was as though the very act of him standing up had left a tiny ache in her heart, but she didn't voice it. She just looked at him, as if taking in the sight of the man who had become everything to her.

Amrit stared at him for a long moment, as though trying to understand the man before her, who had been through so much, yet stood with such strength, such grace. She had never seen someone as resilient as him, someone who had suffered so deeply yet never allowed it to turn him bitter or cold. His pain had shaped him, yes, but it had also made him a man who protected, who cherished, who loved deeply. The way he always made sure to shield her from harm, the way he never let her fall, even when his own heart was breaking, she couldn't fathom how someone could endure so much and still manage to care for others in the way he did.

He was like a rare, wildflower that had bloomed despite the harshest of storms, its petals unfolding delicately yet with fierce determination. His soul was the breeze that could stir the stillest air, whispering secrets of comfort and healing to anyone who was lucky enough to be near him. He was the moon on a dark night, silent yet always present, watching over her, guiding her when she needed it most. And to her, he was like the stars, so much brighter than anyone she had ever known, standing tall in the endless expanse of life's uncertainty. They were distant, yes, but their light burned with an firm clarity that illuminated the darkest corners of her soul.

His actions, so selfless and kind, painted a picture of a man who would never let her fall, no matter the storm. And in that moment, as she gazed at him, standing there with his phone in hand, his features illuminated by the soft light of the room, Amrit couldn't help but feel as though she were witnessing the most precious thing in the universe. It was as if he were the sun breaking through a stormy sky, casting light on everything in its path.

But in her heart, she knew one thing for sure. She would never leave him, never let him feel like he was alone. Not now, not ever.

After some time, the room was filled with the quiet sounds of work. Akshat had his laptop open in front of him, typing away, his fingers moving swiftly across the keys. Amrit was focused on her own tasks, the sound of her pen scratching against paper the only noise in the room. Despite the peace between them, Akshat couldn't seem to shake the dullness from his face. Every now and then, he would let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his eyes as if the weight of something unspoken was lingering inside him.

A sudden idea sparked in her mind.

"Wo... chalenge bahar?" Amrit asked hesitantly, tilting her head to look at him.

Akshat didn't bother looking up. "Kyun?" he asked, his voice neutral.

"Chaliye na, aaj ham day-night out pe jayenge!" Amrit said excitedly, a wide grin appearing on her face.

Akshat finally looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Ab ye kya naya concept hai?" he asked, rolling his eyes.

"Arre, jaana to night out pe hota hai, par kal college hai na, to hum day out pe jayenge!" she explained, as if it made perfect sense.

"Mera mood nahi hai," Akshat replied flatly, flipping a page of his book.

"Please, Akshat, chaliye na!" Amrit whined, clutching his arm like a child. "Aaj meri taraf se aapko treat milegi. Ham shopping jayenge, mai aapke liye apne paison se kuch lungi!"

He let out a deep sigh before shutting his book and getting up. "Thik hai," he muttered.

Amrit clapped excitedly. "Ab wo denim jacket pehn ke aaiye jo maine li hai aapke liye!" she instructed happily.

Akshat ignored her and walked to the cupboard. He pulled out a green shirt and black pants.

Amrit's face fell. "Kya, Akshat? Ye kya hai?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Akshat turned to glare at her.

"Accha, accha, jo aapka mann kare pehniye! Bas jaldi kariye!" she said quickly, raising her hands in surrender.

Once Akshat was dressed and ready, he walked out of his room, running a hand through his hair. Amrit, who had been sitting on the bed waiting, jumped up.

"Ready? Chaliye!" she said enthusiastically.

Akshat gave her a once-over, then smirked. "Pehle khud to ready ho jao."

Amrit frowned. "Kya?" She looked down at herself and realized she was still in her loose top and pajama. "Oops!" she giggled, flashing him a toothy grin.

Akshat shook his head as she rushed to her wardrobe, grabbed a kurti and pants, and darted into the bathroom. A few minutes later, she emerged, dressed properly, but instead of leaving, she sat down in front of the mirror and started doing her makeup.

Akshat folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe, shooting daggers at her through his eyes.

"Bas, bas, ho gaya!" Amrit said, applying her regular nude lipstick. "Chaliye!" She grabbed her purse and turned to him with a bright smile.

As they headed towards the door, Amrit suddenly stopped and pulled out her phone.

"Oo Nikhil ke bache!" she called out loudly. "Ham dono bahar ja rahe, chup chap ghar pe pade rehna!"

On the other end, Nikhil's voice came through, unamused. "Main chowkidar hoon kya?"

Amrit smirked. "Shakal to waise hi hai... late ho raha hai, byeee!" She hung up before he could respond and turned to Akshat.

"Chalein, pati dev?" she teased.

Akshat sighed, shaking his head, but there was a hint of a smile on his face as they finally stepped out together.

As soon as they stepped into the mall, Amrit's eyes sparkled with excitement. The cool air-conditioned atmosphere was a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat outside. In contrast, Akshat already regretted agreeing to this outing. The moment they entered, Amrit's grip on his wrist tightened, and before he could react, she started dragging him toward the clothing section.

"Sabse pehle aapke liye ek shirt lena hai!" she announced with unwavering determination.

Akshat let out a long-suffering sigh. "Tumhe lagta hai mujhe kapde lene ki zaroorat hai?"

Amrit shot him a knowing look. "Mujhe lagta nahi, mujhe pata hai! Uss din aapke liye bas apni pasand ke utha layi thi jo aap pehnte hain vaisa Kuch laayi hi nahi" She flashed a cheeky grin, her enthusiasm completely undeterred by his reluctance.

They arrived at the men's section, where neatly arranged racks displayed shirts of various colors and designs. Akshat, deciding to get this over with as soon as possible, started browsing through the options. His fingers ran over the fabric of a simple navy-blue shirt, classic, stylish, and most importantly, something he would actually wear. He was just about to pull it off the hanger when, out of nowhere, Amrit's hand shot out like lightning.

"Ruk jaaiye!" she exclaimed dramatically, making him pause mid-action.

Akshat gave her an exasperated look. "Ab kya hua?"

Amrit, beaming with excitement, pulled out a white checkered shirt from a nearby rack. She held it up against his chest and examined it with critical eyes. "Ye acha hai!" she declared confidently.

Akshat frowned slightly as he glanced at the white shirt. "Mujhe wo blue pasand aaya hai." His voice held a note of finality, but Amrit wasn't one to back down.

She vigorously shook her head. "Blue to aapke paas already hai na? Kuch different try kariye!" She stepped back slightly, tilting her head as she studied him with the shirt. A triumphant smile spread across her face. "Isme aap aur zyada ache lagenge. Bas ye hi le lijiye!"

Akshat eyed her suspiciously. "Pucha kyun phir?"

Amrit blinked at him innocently. "Aapki choice confirm karni thi bas," she replied.

He rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the small smirk playing on his lips. "Fine, jo tumhari marzi." He grabbed the white shirt from her hands and started walking.

As they moved toward the fragrance section, Amrit's excitement reached a whole new level. Her eyes sparkled as she picked up a few tester bottles, spraying the scents onto sample cards and sniffing them with dramatic expressions.

"Hmm... ye wali floral hai... but thodi zyada sweet..." she muttered, scrunching her nose. She grabbed another one and inhaled deeply. "Oho! This one is musky. Classy, but not my type."

Akshat, meanwhile, stood beside her with his hands tucked into his pockets, watching her antics with mild amusement. "What ?? My type? Shopping mujhe karvana hai aur khud hi select kar rahi hai."

"Aap bhi try kariye na," Amrit said suddenly, shoving a card toward him.

Akshat took it, sniffed, and nodded. "Ye acchi lag rahi hai." He placed it down, already satisfied with his choice.

But before he could blink, Amrit picked up another perfume bottle, sprayed it into the air, and took a deep breath. Her face instantly lit up as if she had just discovered the scent of heaven itself.

"Nahi! Ye wali smell kitni fresh hai! Aapke liye perfect rahegi!" She quickly handed him a different card, looking absolutely convinced of her judgment.

Akshat gave her a pointed look. "To maine jo pasand kiya wo kya tha?"

Amrit waved him off as if his opinion was completely irrelevant. "Aapko kya samajh aata hai fragrances ka? This is a long lasting maine add dekha tha .!"

Akshat exhaled slowly, feeling his patience wear thin. "Mujhse pucha kyun tha phir?" he wanted to ask but held his tongue.

"Ab sunglasses dekhne chalte hain!" Amrit announced cheerfully, and he smiled as she dragged him, looping her arm through his.

At the sunglasses counter, Amrit's excitement showed no signs of fading. The moment she spotted a sleek pair of aviators, she grabbed them and placed them on Akshat's face before he could even register what was happening.

"Aap par ye waale cool lagenge college student ekdum!" she announced, stepping back to admire her work with an approving nod.

Akshat glanced at his reflection in the mirror, tilting his head slightly. "Hmm, ye ache hain."

Just as he was about to agree, Amrit snatched the aviators off his face in one swift motion and replaced them with another pair.

"Nahi, ye waale aur ache lag rahe hain! ye le lijiye!" she declared, leaving no room for argument.

Akshat blinked at her, his lips parting in disbelief. "Main bas decoration ke liye aaya hoon na yahan?" he muttered under his breath.

Amrit ignored his sarcastic remark and grinned. "Chaliye, ab aa hi gaya hain to mujhe college jaane ke liye kuch suit chahiye simple me!"

Amrit excitedly browsed through the ladies' counter, holding up a suit against herself. "Ye wala kaisa hai?" she asked, looking at Akshat for approval.

Just then, Akshat's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and sighed. "Wait, aata hoon do minute," he said before stepping to the side to take the call.

While Amrit continued checking outfits, an unexpected group entered the mall, Preeti, Vikram, and Vihaan.

Vihaan, looking utterly unamused, groaned, "Masi, yaar! Mujhe kyun kabab mein haddi bana ke le aaye aap dono?"

"Chup chaap chal!" Preeti scolded, shutting down his complaints instantly.

Just then, Vihaan's gaze landed on a familiar face. "Woh Amrit hai na?"

Preeti followed his line of sight and nodded. "Haan... par Nikhil toh ghar pe hi hai. Abhi mujhse chai patti maangne aaya tha. Amrit akeli aayi hai kya?"

"Chalo, chalte hain uske paas," Vikram suggested, and the three started moving towards her.

However, before they could reach, they noticed something peculiar, Akshat had returned from his call and was now speaking to Amrit.

"Ye Akshat bhi aaya hai kya?" Vikram frowned. "Sab ek saath mil rahe hain."

Vihaan narrowed his eyes. "Mujhe toh lag raha hai ye saath hi aaye hain."

"Wahi na... kya pata raste mein mil gaye ho ya yahin pe mile ho," Preeti speculated.

"Haan...." Vikram nodded, but his sentence trailed off as something unexpected happened right in front of them.

They watched as Amrit suddenly reached out and pulled Akshat's cheeks, grinning at him mischievously. Akshat shook his head, but there was no sign of irritation, only a resigned fondness.

The trio's eyes widened, their mouths falling open in shock.

"Did... did that just happen?" Vihaan stuttered, his expression mirroring his disbelief.

And as if that wasn't enough, they saw Amrit hold up a suit against herself, looking at Akshat for approval. He simply nodded, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Preeti, Vikram, and Vihaan exchanged bewildered glances, their minds racing with a thousand questions.

"Okay, what just happened?" Vihaan blurted out, still unable to process what they had just seen.

Without a word, they saw Akshat and Amrit leaving the counter.

"Chalo, unke peeche chalte hain," Vikram suggested.

After what felt like hours (to Akshat), Amrit had finally selected everything-mostly for him. They made their way to the billing counter, where Akshat stood behind her, looking around aimlessly, just relieved that this exhausting shopping trip was finally ending.

Preeti, Vikram, and Vihaan discreetly followed them, hiding behind a pillar. However, their so-called "discreet" behavior wasn't so discreet, people in the mall started throwing them weird glances.

Vihaan, noticing the stares, groaned, "Log humein dekh ke kya-kya soch rahe honge yaar!"

"Jo sochna hai sochne do!" Preeti whispered sharply. "Important kaam kar rahe hain hum."

Just then, the moment of ultimate shock arrived.

"Akshat, pay the bill!" Amrit said casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Akshat turned so fast, his neck almost cracked. "Excuse me?!"

Amrit blinked up at him innocently. "Haan toh? Treat de rahi hoon na aapko?"

Akshat folded his arms, staring at her in disbelief.

Behind the pillar, Vikram, Vihaan, and Preeti were practically holding their breath.

Then, to their astonishment, Akshat shook his head, sighed in surrender, and actually pulled out his card, handing it to the cashier without any further argument.

Vikram's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Amrit ke bills Akshat bhaiya kyun pay kar raha hai?" he asked, staring at the scene in disbelief.

Vihaan frowned. "Are you serious mausa ji? Aapko abhi bhi samajh nahi aaya?"

Preeti rolled her eyes. "Inko sab dikh raha hai, bas accept nahi kar rahe!" She then turned to Vikram, raising an eyebrow. "Aapko sach mein kuch samajh nahi aa raha ya bas pretend kar rahe hain?"

Vihaan, who was clearly done with all the speculation, said directly, "Aapko dikh nahi raha Akshat bhai aur Amrit ke beech kya chal raha hai?" His voice held clear disappointment, especially toward Akshat.

Vikram looked between Akshat and Amrit at the billing counter, his mind racing. "Arre... tum log soch rahe ho... shayad kuch aur ho..." he mumbled, but his voice lacked confidence. Deep down, he was sensing the same thing.

Just then, they noticed Akshat and Amrit leaving the counter, shopping bags in hand.

"Kahin ja rahe hain dono," Preeti pointed out.

Vihaan shook his head. "Chalo, peecha karte hain! Mausaji ki saari confusion clear ho jayegi."

And with that, the three of them stealthily followed Akshat and Amrit, determined to find out the truth behind their unusual dynamic.

"Ab kahan chalen?" Amrit asked, standing near the car.

Akshat exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Jo tum bolo." He said.

"Nahi aap bataiye....acha aap cafe bole the na chaliye." Amrit said. Akshat shook his head still a smile played on his lips.

Preeti, Vikram, and Vihaan stood in the mall's parking area, watching Akshat and Amrit walk toward Akshat's car.

"Gaadi se peecha karna risky hoga," Preeti whispered. "Agar Akshat ne dekh liya toh alert ho jayega!"

Vihaan looked around and spotted a battery rickshaw parked nearby. His eyes lit up. "Bhaiya, wo car ke peeche chalo," he instructed the driver, pointing discreetly at Akshat's car.

The rickshaw driver gave them a confused look but shrugged. "Baithiye."

They quickly climbed in, making sure to maintain a safe distance from Akshat and Amrit.

Meanwhile, in the rickshaw, Vihaan and Preeti were practically hanging out of the side, trying to peep into Akshat's car.

Vihaan squinted. "Dikha kya ho raha hai?"

Preeti shook her head. "Thoda aur paas jaana hoga."

The rickshaw inched closer as Preeti Vikram and Vihaan leaned out a little more, struggling to get a clear view.

Just then, Akshat casually reached out and adjusted the left external mirror of the car.

In that split second, Preeti and Vihaan realized their reflection was now perfectly visible in the mirror.

"Shit!" Preeti hissed, her eyes widening. She quickly ducked back inside the rickshaw, yanking Vihaan along with her. In the rush, she also pulled Vikram down with them.

"Abhi wo dekh leta na!" Preeti whispered harshly.

Akshat, noticing movement in the mirror, frowned and turned back toward the rickshaw.

Inside the car, Amrit raised an eyebrow. "Kya hua?"

Akshat narrowed his eyes slightly, still looking at the auto. "Mujhe aisa kyun laga ki wo auto mein Mausaji the?"

Amrit stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter. "Aap bhi na... Mausaji auto se kis khushi mein aayenge?" She shook her head, still amused by the ridiculous thought.

Akshat considered it for a moment and then chuckled. "Haan, wo bhi hai."

Still, something felt off.

Meanwhile, in the rickshaw, Preeti, Vihaan, and Vikram slowly lifted their heads again, making sure Akshat wasn't looking anymore.

Vihaan let out a relieved sigh. "Bach gaye!"

Preeti smirked. "Par ye toh confirm ho gaya... kuch toh chal raha hai!"

Vikram sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I just can't believe it."

Akshat and Amrit entered the restaurant, and as they made their way to their table, Preeti, Vikram, and Vihaan followed behind, trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible. The three of them quickly took a table near Akshat and Amrit, carefully hiding their faces behind the menu cards, making sure not to be caught eavesdropping.

"Yeh kya kar rahe ho?" Vikram whispered, trying to peek around his menu at the couple.

"Chup, abhi dheere bolo abhi sun lega," Preeti hissed, raising her eyebrows at him.

At Akshat and Amrit's table, the waiter approached with a polite smile. "Sir, aapka order?"

Akshat looked at Amrit. "Inse puch lijiye," he said, gesturing towards her.

Amrit quickly shook her head. "Nahi, Akshat, aapke pasand ka," she insisted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Akshat sighed, clearly worn out by the constant decisions Amrit made for him. "Tum hi dekh lo, mai kuch bhi kha lunga," he said, leaning back in his chair.

Amrit grinned widely. "Nahi, treat meri taraf se hai na, to aap karenge pasand," she said, crossing her arms confidently.

Akshat, in his mind, gave up the battle, thinking, Varna phir se apna hi karegi, to mere bolne ka koi fayda nahi hoga. "Aap hakka noodles aur medium size volcano pizza," he said, shrugging.

"Nahi, ye nahi... mera man nahi khane ka!" Amrit immediately interjected. "Aap paneer tikka, chole bhature aur pav bhaji le aaiye!" she ordered, smiling triumphantly.

Akshat rolled his eyes in exasperation, trying to keep his patience intact.

The waiter, though accustomed to customers' requests, nodded understandingly, scribbling down their order, and left the table.

Just then, Amrit's voice echoed across the table, bringing them back to the conversation at hand. "Kya Akshat, aap bhi kya pizza order kar rahe the, ham bahar aaye hain toh proper kha ke chalte hain, already late ho gaya hai, khana kaun banaye aur uss makhi ke liye pack karva lenge."

Akshat, as if realizing something, leaned forward and frowned at her, "Tumhe kaha tha order karne ko." He narrowed his eyes.

Amrit grinned cheekily, "Haan, par maine bhi aapki pasand ka hi kiya!"

Akshat raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Aur makhi kon?" he asked, trying to understand her words.

Amrit, clearly unimpressed with Akshat's cluelessness, rolled her eyes and replied, "Wahi Nikhil Kumar! Jab se aaya hai, kabab me haddi ban ke baitha hai. Jab nahi tha, tab sahi tha, aur ab ham dono ko dhang se haath pakadne bhi nahi deta! Aa jayega muh uthake!"

Akshat pressed his lips together, trying not to smile at her playful sarcasm.

As Akshat and Amrit finished their meal, they seemed completely at ease, exchanging occasional smiles and casual remarks. Amrit gestured for the bill, and Akshat, shaking his head, took out his wallet.

As Akshat and Amrit finally got up from their seats, Amrit brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear and adjusted her dupatta, while Akshat casually stretched, adjusting his wristwatch before stuffing his hands into his pockets. They looked relaxed, unaware of the turmoil they had left behind at the next table.

They walked toward the exit, side by side. Akshat's pace was unhurried, and Amrit kept close, speaking softly as they stepped out into the night. The restaurant door swung shut behind them, leaving only the faint echoes of their conversation hanging in the air.

Vihaan, Vikram, and Preeti remained rooted in their seats, unable to move.

Vihaan's grip on the menu card tightened, his eyes widening in disbelief. His voice came out in a whisper, but it was heavy with shock, "Apne hi pati ko aisa keh rahi?"

Vikram was frozen for a second before he leaned in, his voice low but filled with tension. "Matlab... yeh kya keh rahi hai? Yeh Nikhil ko kabab me haddi keh rahi hai? Apne hi pati ke liye?!"

Preeti swallowed hard, her expression unreadable but her eyes reflecting deep disappointment. "Mujhe laga tha ki yeh dono bas professor-student hain... par jo hum sun rahe hain, usse toh yeh ek affair jaisa lag raha hai," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vihaan looked at Akshat and Amrit again, as if trying to process what they had just heard. "Yeh dono itne comfortable hain ek dusre ke saath. Itna casual, jaise ki yeh sab normal hai. Aur Amrit... Amrit ek shadi-shuda aurat hokar... apne hi pati ko lekar itni bechain hai, jaise ki woh koi third person ho."

Vikram exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. "Mujhe yakeen nahi ho raha. Amrit aisi niklegi? Yeh toh kitni seedhi thi. Aur ab dekho, apne professor ke saath iss tarah behave kar rahi hai."

Preeti's eyes darkened with disappointment. "Aur Akshat bhi! Woh kaise inn sab mein involve ho sakta hai? Use toh thoda professional rehna chahiye na? Kya yeh dono pehle se...?"

Vihaan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Ab mujhe wo gym date wali baat samjh aa rahi hai!"

Preeti still seemed to be processing everything. "Matlab...?" she asked, her voice laced with shock.

Vihaan leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Mai, Vedant bhai, Krishiv, aur Akshat bhaiya ka ek gym date plan tha. Par last moment pe Akshat bhaiya ne mana kar diya. Mujhe laga, chalo, koi baat nahi... lekin ussi din hamne dekha tha Akshat bhaiya aapke building ke peeche car lekar jaa rahe the!"

Vikram's eyes widened. "Kya?! Tumne pucha nahi?"

"Pucha tha!" Vihaan said, his voice tinged with frustration. "Unhone kaha ki unka plan cancel ho gaya, isliye ham log ke paas hi aa rahe hain. Par mujhe tab ek baat ajeeb lagi thi-unke paas gym ka ek bhi samaan nahi tha. Par hamne dhyan nahi diya... laga ki kyun jhooth bolenge. Par ab samajh aa raha hai sab!"

Vikram clenched his jaw, his fists tightening. "Matlab jab Nikhil nahi tha, tab Akshat chhup chhup ke Amrit ke yahan jaata tha?"

Vihaan nodded grimly. "Aur ab poori baat samajh aa rahi hai... jabse Amrit aayi hai, tabse yeh sab chal raha hai. Poori raat ghar na aana, shirt se ladies perfume ki khushbu..."

Preeti's hands balled into fists, her face turning red with anger. "Mai toh soch ke bhi pagal ho rahi hun! Woh ladki shaadi-shuda hokar bhi apne pati ki gair-maujudgi mein apne professor ke sath... cheee! Aaj hi jaa ke usse kheench ke ek thappad lagaungi!"

Vikram, usually the calm one, looked equally furious. "Haan, wahi toh! Beti maana hai usse, aur agar betiyan itna bada paap karegi toh saza bhi milegi! Aur Akshat ko toh pehle bataana padega!"

Vihaan hesitated for a second before speaking. "Par kisi aur ki beti hai woh... kahin use bura na lag jaaye?"

Vikram shot him a sharp look. "Hum maa-baap jaisa pyaar de sakte hain, rasme nibha sakte hain... toh saza kyun nahi de sakte?"

Vihaan exhaled, still shaken. "Par pehle Akshat bhaiya ko theek karo. Yeh sab kya kar raha hai woh?"

Preeti's voice was filled with disbelief as she looked at Akshat. "Mujhe toh yakeen nahi ho raha... Akshat itna professional hai, apni student se bas college tak hi matlab rakhna... par Amrit ke saath affair karte time kahan mar gaya tha iska professionalism? Woh bhi ek married ladki se?!"

Vihaan shook his head, his expression one of disbelief and sadness rather than amusement. "Main soch bhi nahi sakta tha ki Amrit aisa kuch karegi. Maine hamesha use ek honest ladki samjha tha. Lekin jo humne suna, usse lagta hai ki woh Akshat ke saath zyada involved hai aur Nikhil ki koi parwaah nahi hai."

Vikram looked back at Amrit, his jaw clenched. "Aur Nikhil? Usse kuch pata bhi hoga? Ya woh bechara sirf ek formality banke reh gaya hai Amrit ki zindagi mein?"

Preeti felt a sudden wave of sympathy for Nikhil. "Uska pati hone ke bawajood Amrit usko aise treat kar rahi hai jaise woh koi rukawat ho uski life mein. Mujhe nahi pata tha ki woh uske saath itni unfair hai..."

Vihaan leaned back in his chair, his expression troubled. "Ek taraf Nikhil hai, jo shayad kuch jaanta bhi nahi hoga... aur doosri taraf Amrit hai, jo bina kisi sharam ke Akshat ke saath yeh sab kar rahi hai."

Vikram spoke, his voice firm. "Yeh galat hai. Bohot galat. Agar yeh sach hai, toh Nikhil ke saath bohot bada dhokha ho raha hai."

Vihaan exhaled heavily. "Mujhe Nikhil se baat karni chahiye?"

Vikram looked at Preeti, then at Vihaan. "Pehle dekhte hain. Jaldi conclusion pe nahi pahuchna chahiye. Vaise to confirm hai par ye sab jaan ne ka haq sabko hai Vedant Krishiv Anika and most important Vishakha didi."

The three sat there. Now, all they could see was a situation that felt like a betrayal,one they never expected from Akshat and Amrit.

The evening air was crisp, carrying a faint chill that contrasted with the warmth of the streetlights glowing overhead. The road stretched out ahead, mostly empty except for the occasional passing car. It was the kind of night that felt calm yet electric, filled with unspoken possibilities.

As Akshat and Amrit walked toward the car, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps echoed in the stillness. Akshat casually pulled out the car keys from his pocket, his fingers twirling them with practiced ease, a habit he probably wasn't even aware of. Just as he reached the driver's seat and was about to open the door, Amrit suddenly grabbed his arm, making him pause.

"Mai drive karun?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement, like a child about to try something thrilling for the first time.

Akshat turned to her with a skeptical look, raising an eyebrow. "Tumhe aata hai?"

Amrit hesitated for a fraction of a second before flashing him an innocent grin. "Ekdum thoda sa," she admitted, drawing her thumb and index finger close together to indicate just how little she knew. But before he could refuse, she quickly added, "Par aap hain na help karne ke liye! Please, please, please, please! Maine aapko itna acha treat diya, aap itna toh kar sakte hain na? Please?"

She clasped her hands together in an exaggerated dramatic plea, her lips pouting slightly for extra effect.

Akshat scoffed, shaking his head. Haan, bahot acha treat tha... sare mere paise hi gaye. He rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the small twitch of amusement at the corner of his lips. She was impossible to say no to when she acted like this.

Sighing in resignation, he finally muttered, "Ok, chalo, sit on the driver's seat."

Amrit gasped in delight, her entire face lighting up as if she had just been given free rein over a toy store. "Thank you!" she squealed, practically skipping to the driver's side and hopping into the seat.

Akshat shook his head again, chuckling under his breath before sliding into the passenger seat beside her. As he buckled himself in, he watched her adjust her position with exaggerated confidence, straightening her back and placing both hands on the steering wheel as if she were about to command a warship.

"Chaliye, sikhaaiye," she said in a mock-serious tone, glancing at him expectantly.

Akshat let out a long breath, rubbing his temple as if mentally preparing himself for what was about to come. "Pehle seat belt pehno."

"Arre koi nahi dekh raha, kya jaroorat hai?" Amrit waved a hand dismissively.

Akshat's expression immediately turned stern. "Pehn lo na, risk kyun lena hai?" His voice carried a hint of patience, but there was an underlying firmness that suggested he wasn't in the mood for arguments.

She bit her lip, trying to suppress a giggle, but a small one escaped before she could stop it. The words he had just spoken-"Pehan lo na risk kyun lena hai?" echoed in her mind, and suddenly, a completely inappropriate double meaning hit her like a bolt of lightning.

Her mind, always quick to pick up on unintended innuendos, twisted the innocent statement into something entirely different.

Amrit coughed, turning her face away to hide the laughter threatening to spill out.

Akshat frowned. "Kya hua?"

"Uh... kuch nahi, kuch nahi," she waved him off, struggling to keep her expression neutral.

But the more she tried to suppress it, the harder it became. The way he had said it-so seriously, so unintentionally suggestive-was making her imagination run wild. She squeezed her lips together tightly, but her shoulders betrayed her as they shook with barely contained laughter.

Akshat narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Tum hans kyun rahi ho?"

Amrit shook her head frantically. "Nahi toh!"

"Lag toh nahi raha," he muttered, clearly unconvinced. His sharp gaze studied her face, but she turned her head toward the windshield, pretending to focus on the road ahead.

Akshat's voice, so serious, so focused on making sure she understood, only fueled the fire. "Tightly pakdo, Amrit, aur focus karo."

Her hand, hovering over the gear shift, twitched involuntarily. The words he used-tightly pakdo-combined with his focused expression, felt like it was straight out of her inner mischief-fueled thoughts. She had tried, really tried, to hold it together, but the double meaning was too much to ignore.

Amrit took a deep breath, her eyes darting to the rearview mirror as if the reflection could somehow save her from the bubbling laughter that was taking over her body. She focused on the road, her mind racing with the absurdity of the situation. But no matter how hard she tried to maintain composure, the mental image of Akshat so obliviously guiding her through this experience kept cracking her resolve.

Akshat glanced over at her, still in teacher-mode, completely unaware of the turmoil his words were causing. "Good, now move it gently."

His command was so calm and methodical. He was clearly unaware of the turmoil he had caused in her. Amrit's grip on the steering wheel tightened, and she clenched her teeth, fighting the urge to let out a loud burst of laughter.

The car started to slow down as she pressed on the brake, but her breath was coming in shallow bursts, and her body shook with the effort of holding in the giggles.

"Amrit, thoda aur dheere." His voice was soothing, but it felt like her world was spinning out of control in a way she didn't know how to stop.

"Okay," she managed to say, but it came out in a strangled, half-choked laugh.

Akshat didn't notice, of course, he didn't. He was too focused on the task.

"Good. Now turn left, slowly." He instructed.

"Bas bas yahi ruko ek sath itne der tak nahi thoda ruk ke karte hain." He said and Amrit giggled.

Akshat, on the other hand, was a picture of exasperation. His forehead furrowed as he grabbed the dashboard with both hands, trying to stabilize himself. "Kya ho raha hai tumhe?" he asked, his voice half-amused, half-frustrated. He couldn't help the small twinge of irritation creeping into his words. He had tried to be patient, but this was getting out of hand. His hand instinctively reached for the gearshift, half-expecting to take control of the car any second now.

But Amrit wasn't ready to stop yet. Her eyes were wide with mischief, her lips twitching as she tried to hold in the laughter. "Kuch nahi, kuch nahi!" she said, waving him off, though her voice was already trembling from the effort of containing her giggles. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, but Akshat wasn't amused.

"Chalo start the car again." Akshat said shaking his head and she nodded.

The car lurched again, this time with even more force than before. Akshat's grip on the dashboard tightened, his knuckles going white as the car suddenly jolted forward. He barely managed to keep himself steady in the seat. "Aaram se karo Amrit! Itna jhatke kyun de rahi ho?!" he exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice as he almost lost his balance. The car jerked again, and he could feel the tightness in his chest as he tried to steady himself.

Amrit, however, was beyond the point of holding back. That was the final straw. She slapped a hand over her mouth in a desperate attempt to stop herself, but it was no use. The dam broke, and she let out a burst of laughter that seemed to come from deep within her chest. Her shoulders shook, and her face was flushed from the effort. She quickly covered her face with both hands, but it only made her laugh harder.

Akshat stared at her in disbelief, his jaw dropping. He couldn't believe what was happening. "Amrit, please rehne do, mat hi sikho!" he groaned, rubbing his temples in frustration. The sound of her laughter was like a torture for him, each giggle only adding to his growing exasperation. He knew she was struggling, but he also knew there was a limit. It was getting hard for him to stay calm in the midst of all this chaos.

"Kyun?" Amrit managed to say between her laughter, her voice high-pitched and teasing.

"Taki accident kar du?" Akshat said, there was a hint of worry in his words.

Akshat let out a heavy sigh, looking at her like she was a lost cause. His frustration was now mixed with concern. He didn't want her to make a mistake, but it was becoming clear that she was too focused on making him laugh than actually learning to drive. "Bas dhyan do, warna-" His voice trailed off as his eyes flickered to the road ahead, his expression shifting from playful irritation to something more serious. He glanced around, realizing that he had been too focused on her to pay attention to the road. "Iss raste se kyun aa gaye hum?" he muttered, his voice more annoyed now. "Tumhe sikhane ke chakkar me dhyan hi nahi diya!"

Amrit was still struggling to compose herself, but her laughter only escalated as she caught the frustrated look on Akshat's face. She barely paid attention to his words, her focus more on her fit of giggles than on his reprimanding. "Idhar se bhi rasta hai," she said confidently, her voice laced with amusement, her eyes glistening as she tried to find humor in the situation.

Akshat shot her an exasperated look, not sure if he was more frustrated with her driving or the fact that she wasn't taking him seriously. "Arre nahi jayega." he said, his voice laced with frustration. He could feel the tension building, and the last thing he wanted was for her to make a mistake because she wasn't paying attention.

Akshat came to the driving seat and Amrit sat beside him. "Idhar se nahi jaa payega mujhe aage se lene do." He said.

Amrit threw her head back as laughter once again overtook her, a loud burst that echoed in the small space of the car. The sound was like music to her ears, but to Akshat, it was like a ringing alarm in his brain.

Akshat rolled his eyes in disbelief. He couldn't handle much more of this. "What? koi joke mara kya?" he said sarcastically, his voice dripping with frustration. He was trying to stay calm, but this was pushing him to his limits.

Amrit, still trying to contain herself, smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, par..." she said, her words trailing off as she once again broke into a fit of laughter, unable to stop herself. Her body shook with the force of it, her breath coming in short bursts as she tried to apologize through her giggles. It was a hopeless situation.

Akshat groaned, rubbing his temples again. "Bas, mai hi drive karta hoon, tumse nahi ho payega! Haste haste accident kar dogi...tumhare liye driving classes lagva dunga" he declared, his voice final, as he reached for the gearshift, clearly done with trying to teach her in this state.

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