♡5 ♡

Vote Target - 1k

Comments - 600+

Previous chapters already have 1k + votes so it's not that hard to achieve 😭🖐️

Do votes and comments ❤️

____________________________________________

______________________________________________

After a long day at college, Akshat returned home, hoping for some peace and quiet. As he walked into the living room, he immediately noticed Krishiv lounging on the sofa. Krishiv was casually scrolling through his phone, looking relaxed. What caught Akshat's attention more was the small girl sleeping with her head on Krishiv’s lap. Akshat’s frown deepened; he wasn’t particularly fond of children being around the house.

He walked closer, his curiosity piqued. The girl’s peaceful expression and the way she clung to a small stuffed toy struck a chord with him. "Ye toh Bulbul hai na?" he asked, recognizing Saumya, whom he had met once or twice.

Krishiv looked up and put a finger to his lips, indicating silence. "Shhh! Dikh nahi raha, so rahi hai wo!" he whispered, gently patting Saumya’s head to keep her asleep.

["Can't you see? She is sleeping."]

Akshat lowered his voice and asked, "Mis Kavya kahan hain?"

["Where is Kavya?"]

Krishiv glanced at him, careful not to disturb the child. "She went to a meeting with Vihaan and left Bulbul here," he explained.

Akshat surveyed the scene, considering the situation. "Isse kisi room me le jaa ke sula de na," he suggested, thinking it would be better for Saumya to rest in a more comfortable place.

["Take her to a room and make her sleep there properly."]

Krishiv shook his head slightly, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Arre, thik hai. I don't have any problem," he replied, clearly comfortable with the little girl on his lap.

Akshat was taken aback by Krishiv’s unexpected patience and tenderness. He nodded, accepting Krishiv's decision, and made his way towards his room. As he walked down the hallway, he couldn’t help but reflect on the scene he had just witnessed. Krishiv, usually so carefree and easygoing, was displaying a side of himself that Akshat hadn’t seen before—a side that was gentle and nurturing.

********************"*********************

Komal stepped outside the Singhania mansion, squinting against the harsh sunlight. She pulled her dupatta over her head, shielding herself as best she could from the heat. Just then, she noticed a familiar car approaching. It was Akshat.

The car slowed down as it neared her, and the window rolled down. Akshat leaned out, concern evident on his face. "Aunty, please sir inside, I will drop you," he called out.

Komal smiled warmly but shook her head. "Nahi beta, main chali jaungi…aap pareshan mat hoiye."

["I will go by myself."]

Akshat frowned, his worry deepening, "Aunty, please. Your health isn't well either. Maa told me you felt dizzy today.Please baithiye, I insist . And I have to talk about Amrit also," Akshat said, his tone half-serious.

Komal raised her eyebrows in mock horror as she opened the car door and settled into the passenger seat. "Kya? Ab kya kiya badmash ne?"

["What she has done now?"]

Akshat chuckled as he started the car and merged onto the road.

"College ko pata nahi kya samjh ke rakha hai… sabse pehle mere baare mein sabko bola tha ki main suicide karne jaa raha tha aur yeh baat poore college mein fail gayi thi," Akshat said, his frustration evident.

[She think she  can do anything in college... She told everyone about me that I was going to commit suicide, and this news spread throughout the entire college."]

"Haan haan,she told me once about this incident. I am so sorry for her behaviour beta." Komal replied, shaking her head.

"Nahi, it's ok aunty, uss baat ke liye usne mujhse maafi maang li thi. Lekin uska padhai mein dhyan nahi rehta hai, ulti seedhi harkatein karti rehti hai. College ke garden area mein ped par chadh ke baithi thi aur class mein khikhi karti rehti hai. Class mein dhyan nahi rehta, bahar dekhti rehti hai. Bas yahi sab hai," Akshat explained, his tone a mix of annoyance and concern.

[No, it's okay aunty, she already apologized to me for that. But she doesn't focus on her studies and keeps doing random things. She was sitting on a tree in the college garden area and keeps giggling in class. She doesn't pay attention in class and keeps looking outside. That's all.]

"Aaj iski class lungi main… hamesha aise bachon jaisi harkatein karegi to kaise chalega. Kal ko main nahi rahungi uske saath to kaise manage karegi. Ab usse mature hona padega," Komal said, shaking her head in exasperation.

[Today, I will give her a piece of my mind... If she keeps behaving like a child, how will it work? What will she do tomorrow when I'm not around? She needs to become more mature now.]

"Don't worry aunty, aap bas usse ache se samjhaiye. Aur agar pyaar se na samjhe to daant ke samjhaiye ki studies ko lekar serious ho jaye," Akshat advised earnestly.

As they pulled up to Komal's house, Akshat turned off the car engine.

“Andar aao na beta, chai pee kar jana,” Komal said warmly.

["Have a cup of tea with us."]

“There is no need aunty.” Akshat replied, not wanting to impose.

"Okay, beta," she said, her face falling as she realized that she was just a mere chef. Why would he even enter her house?

Akshat, as if reading her thoughts, agreed quickly. “Actually, aunty, I also need to drink water. Let’s go,” he said, stepping out of the car.

He locked the car and followed Komal to the front door. As she fumbled with her keys, Komal muttered, “Hey Bhagwan, ye ladki… kitni baar kaha hai door lock kar ke raha kar andar se.”

["How many times I have told her to lock the door properly."]

“So careless,” Akshat echoed under his breath as he entered the house behind her.

“Amrit… Amrit, kahan hai tu… Amrit…” Komal called out loudly.

Akshat sniffed the air, his nose wrinkling. “Aunty, kuch jalne ki badboo aa rahi hai,” he pointed out, concerned.

["Something is burning."]

Komal sniffed as well, her expression turning to one of exasperation. “Ab kya experiment karne lagi ye ladki?” she muttered, hurrying towards the kitchen.

["What experiment she is doing now."]

Akshat followed close behind. As they reached the kitchen, they saw Amrit standing at the stove, her face and clothes covered in refined wheat flour, pizza sauce, and mayonnaise. The kitchen was a disaster zone.

“Amrit!” Komal called angrily.

Amrit turned around, eyes wide with surprise. “Mummy, woh main…” she stammered, then her gaze fell on Akshat. “Ye yahan kya kar rahe… college me kam beizzati hoti hai, ab yaha bhi mummy karenge inke samne,” she thought, panicking internally.

[“What is he doing here… as if being humiliated in college wasn't enough, now mummy will do it in front of him too,"]

Komal marched over and grabbed Amrit by the ear. “Tujhe mana kiya tha ki koi experiment nahi chahiye mujhe… jab nahi aata kuch banana to kyun koodti hai?” she scolded.

["I told you I didn't want any experiments… if you don't know how to cook something, why do you even try?"]

“Woh man tha mera to bas… Mummy, chhoro na, dard ho raha,” Amrit winced, trying to free herself from Komal’s grip.

["I wanted to. Leave me it's paining."]

Komal released her ear but not her frustration. “To order kar leti jada chef ban ne ka shauk hai,” she said, giving her a light smack on the head.

Trying to divert the attention, Amrit looked at Akshat. “Sir, aap yaha,” she said, attempting to change the topic.

“Beta, aap baitho na,” Komal said to Akshat, gesturing towards the hall. Akshat nodded and made his way to the sofa.

["Please have a seat."]

“Main chai bana kar lati hun,” Amrit offered quickly.

["I should make tea for you."]

“Koi zarurat nahi hai mere kitchen ka satyanash karne ki. Jaa ke kapde change kar aur sir ke saath baith. Abhi aati hun main, phir bataungi tujhe,” Komal retorted, clearly annoyed.

["There is no need to destroy my kitchen. Go change your clothes and sit with Sir. I'll be there in a bit, and then I'll deal with you."]

Akshat suppressed a laugh as Amrit scurried off to her room. “Hey Ram, itni bezati… woh bhi sir ke samne… aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, man kar raha sharam se mar jaun,” she muttered to herself, burying her face in a pillow.

Komal began tidying up the kitchen, her expressions a mix of exasperation and affection for her daughter’s antics.

After some time, Komal came back into the room, carrying a tray with tea. She set it down on the coffee table and called out, “Amrit, kahan chup ke baithi hai? Aa idhar.”

["Amrit, where are you hiding? Come and sit here."]

Amrit emerged from her room, looking a bit hesitant, and sat down beside her mother.

“Akshat bata rahe the ki tu college me kya kar rahi hai,” Komal said, her expression stern and unamused.

["Akshat told me what are you doing in college."]

“K…kya kar rahi hun?” Amrit asked innocently, trying to look clueless.

["W.. what?"]

“Jyada bholi mat bano. Maine sab bata diya hai ki kaise tum college me bandar ban ke ped par chadti ho aur class ke time baatein karti ho aur bahar khoyi rehti ho,” Akshat interjected, giving her a pointed look.

["Don't act too innocent. I've told everything about how you climb trees like a monkey in college, chat during class, and get lost in your thoughts outside."]

Amrit gulped, thinking, “Cheater kahin ke. Mujhe bole the ki agar agli baar kuch karungi tab batayenge aur abhi gata diye.”

["Cheater! He had said he would tell on me only if I did something again, and now he have already spilled the beans."]

“Kya sun rahi hoon ye mai? Tera aaj kal padhai me dhyan nahi rehta… upar se aisi harkatein karti rehti hai,” Komal scolded, clearly exasperated.

["What am I hearing? These days, you don't focus on your studies... and on top of that, you keep doing such things."]

“Woh mummy, aisa nahi hai. Woh main ghar pe hi sab padh ke gayi thi to bas same cheej padha rahe the sir to mera dhyan bhatak gaya tha,” Amrit tried to explain, her voice defensive.

["Mom, it's not like that. I had already studied everything at home, so Sir was just repeating the same things, which made me lose focus."]

“Ghar pe hi exam de do, college aane ki kya zaroorat hai,” Akshat said, rolling his eyes in disbelief.

["Just give the exams at home; what's the need to come to college?"]

“Sorry sir,” Amrit said, looking down in embarrassment.

“Serious ho jao life ko lekar, Amrit… masti mazak chalta hai par laparwahi nahi. You are a brilliant student par harkatein tumhari backbenchers wali hain,” Akshat advised earnestly. Amrit nodded meekly, feeling the weight of his words.

["Get serious about life, Amrit. Fun and games are fine, but not negligence. You are a brilliant student, but your behavior is like that of a backbencher."]

“Agli baar teri shikayat aayi na phir dekhna tu… mere paas jyada time nahi hai tujhe. Atleast thoda mature hona padega ki khud ko sambhal sake,” Komal added, her frustration bubbling over.

[“Next time if there's a complaint about you, just wait and see… I don’t have much time for you. At least you need to mature enough to manage yourself.”]

“Mumma, ye kya keh rahe aap?” Amrit said, her eyes widening in confusion.

“I mean, tere liye 3-4 ache rishte aa chuke hain. Maine unhe mana kar diya abhi to par tera college khatam hone ke baad tera rishta dekhenge aur shaadi ke baad khud ko tujhe hi sambhalna hai,” Komal explained, trying to cover up her earlier statement.

[“I mean, there have been 3-4 good marriage proposals for you. I've turned them down for now, but after your college ends, we'll look at your options again. And after marriage, you will have to manage yourself.”]

“Aunty is right, Amrit. Badi ho gayi ho. Kal ko shaadi hogi tumhari to kya aise harkat karti phirogi sasural me? Aur tumhara husband ye bacho wali harkatein nahi bardasht karega,” Akshat added, his tone serious.

[“Aunt is right, Amrit. You’ve grown up. If you get married tomorrow, will you behave like this in your in-laws’ house? And your husband won’t tolerate these childish antics.”]

“Par books me to karte hain,” Amrit mumbled, then bit her tongue, realizing her mistake.

["But in books, they do."]

“Jab dekho novel novel karti hai aur khayali pulao pakati hai,” Komal said, hitting Amrit lightly on the hand.

[“Whenever you see her, she’s always talking about novels and daydreaming.”]

“Delusional aur books ki duniya se bahar aao, real duniya me. Yahan story nahi chal rahi hai… be serious, Amrit,” Akshat said firmly.

[“Get out of your delusions and the world of books; come into the real world. The story isn’t unfolding here… be serious, Amrit.”]

“Yes sir,” Amrit replied, nodding.

Akshat stood up from his place. “Ok aunty, I have to go… and Amrit, assignment chahiye mujhe kal,” he said before leaving.

As soon as he was gone, Amrit turned to her mother, frustrated. “Mummy yaar, inhe lekar kyun aayi?”

“Ek thappad marun… jaa ke assignment kar apna,” Komal said, shaking her head. Amrit quickly got up and ran to her room, not wanting to argue further.

Komal sighed, sitting back down, and took a sip of her tea, hoping her daughter would finally take things seriously.

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

The next morning, Komal stood in front of the mirror, meticulously getting ready to leave for work.

She picked up her handbag and made her way to the kitchen, where she quickly prepared a simple breakfast. As she placed the food on the table, she glanced at the clock, noting that she

As Komal was about to leave, she called out, “Amrit, mai nikal rahi hun. Door ache se lock kar ke jana, varna tujhe lock kar dungi.”

[“Amrit, I’m leaving. Lock the door properly before you go, otherwise, I’ll lock you in.”]

“Haan, mummy,” Amrit replied, busy wiping her hair with a towel.

“Aa ke door band kar le,” Komal insisted.

“Tum jao, mai kar lungi,” Amrit said, placing the towels on the sofa.

["Yo go, I will close it."]

Komal left, and Amrit quickly took out her assignment, forgetting to lock the door. She muttered to herself, “Yaar, kal novel padhne ke chakkar me assignment adha hi kiya. Kash pehle kar leti.”

[“Ugh, I only did half of the assignment because I was too busy reading the novel. I wish I had done it earlier.”]

She sat down and started working on her assignment. After some time, she exclaimed, “Finally ho gaya! Chai pee kar college bhagti hun.”

["Finally done! I’m going to have some tea and then rush to college.”]

Heading to the kitchen, Amrit began making tea. “Thank God assignment ho gaya, varna sir mujhe kacha pakka har tarah se nigal lete,” she said, stirring the tea.

[“Thank God the assignment is done, otherwise, the professor would have figuratively devoured me in every way,” she said, stirring the tea.]

She drank the tea and went to her room to get ready. After getting ready for college, she came back to the hall with her bag. Her eyes widened in horror at the sight of a dog munching on her assignment.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” she screamed. The dog, startled, ran away with her assignment still in its mouth.

Amrit sank onto the sofa in shock. “Ab kya hoga? Meri sari mehnat pe pani phir gaya… meri zindagi kharab ho gayi… O mai lut lut gayi, lut put gayi,” she cried, tears streaming down her face. “Aur padh le raat me novel assignment chhor kar… sab issi wajah se hua hai… ab kya karun mai, aahaaahaaaahaaaa.”

[“What will happen now? All my hard work is ruined… my life is ruined… Oh, I’m completely devastated,” she cried, tears streaming down her face. “And reading the novel at night and skipping the assignment… all of this happened because of that… what should I do now, aahaaahaaaahaaaa.”]

She lay on the sofa, despairing. “Class me sab mujhe gawar samjhenge… apni 12th ki marksheet lete jaungi, apni UG aur PG ki bhi lekar jaungi. Mujhe koi kuch bola to dikha dungi apne marks.”

[“Everyone in the class will think I’m a fool… I’ll take my 12th-grade mark sheet with me, and I’ll also bring my UG and PG mark sheets. If anyone says anything to me, I’ll show them my marks.”]

Her eyes fell on the clock, and she realised, “Aaaa! Late ho jayega!” She quickly grabbed her bag, locked the door, and ran towards college.

“Ek to mujhe class ke samne kuch bolne me bhi maut aati hai… kash mai Vidya ki tarah extrovert hoti,” she muttered to herself while sitting in the auto.

[“First of all, I get so nervous speaking in front of the class… I wish I were an extrovert like Vidya,” she said.]

As she sat in the auto, her mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead at College.

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

Meanwhile, Nandini arrived at Preeti's home, l. As soon as she stepped inside, she settled on sofa.

"Preetu darling, dekho maine aaj custard banaya pehli baar... taste kar ke batao kaisa laga," she said with a bright smile.

[“Preetu darling, look, I made custard for the first time today... taste it and tell me how it is.”]

Vedant, who was sitting nearby, gave a dramatic sigh. "Please, isse le jao. Mujhe apni maa sahi salamat chahiye."

[“Please, take this away. I want my mother to be safe and sound.”]

Nandini rolled her eyes. "Wo kya hai na maine aapse baat nahi ki, to apne muh par chain maar ke chup chap apna kaam kariye."

[“What happened is that since I haven’t talked to you, just keep quiet and do your work without any complaints.”]

"Wahi kar raha hun. Tum hi apna manhoos sa chehra lekar aayi ho," Vedant retorted.

[“I’m doing just that. You’re the one who brought your unpleasant face here.”]

"Ohh, ab mai samjhi, aapko lalach aa rahi hai aur tum isliye gussa ho rahe ho kyunki aapko pata hai mai aapko to touch bhi karne nahi dene wali," Nandini replied with a smirk.

[“Oh, now I understand. You’re feeling greedy, and you’re angry because you know I won’t even let you touch me.”]

Vedant laughed mockingly. "Ohh please, mujhe apni jaan pyari hai. Tum aur mom hi khao apna ye so-called custard."

[“Oh please, I value my life. You and Mom can eat this so-called custard.”]

"Baaton se pata chal raha hai aap mare jaa rahe ho khane ke liye kyunki iski khushboo hi itni achi hai, bilkul meri tarah," Nandini said, tilting her head in mock arrogance.

[“From what you’re saying, it seems you’re dying to eat it because its aroma is so good, just like mine.”]

"Ohh right, bilkul tumhari tarah bakwas hoga," Vedant shot back.

[“Oh right, it will be as nonsense as you.”]

"Haan, at least tumhari tarah to nahi hai... kadvi," Nandini quipped.

Preeti, emerging from the kitchen, threw her hands up. "Ohh bas bas bas bas! Tum dono ko ek sath chhod do to ek dusre ko suna suna ke hi maar doge."

[“Oh, enough, enough, enough! If you both are left together, you’ll just end up irritating each other to death.”]

Vedant pointed at Nandini. "Aap apni iss bestie ko samjhaiye."

["Tell your bestie."]

"Waah bhai, ulta chor kotwal ko daante... khud hi start kiye the bakwas," Nandini countered.

["He was talking nonsense."]

"Kya karun, tumhari shakal dekhte huye gussa aata hai," Vedant muttered.

["What to do, I get furious by just looking at your face."]

"To kyun dekhte hain? Maine bola kya ki Vedant ji aaiye na mujhe nihariye... khud samne pad jate hain to kya mai ghunghat leke chalun... aur itni takleef hai to ankhen phod lijiye khud ki," Nandini fired back.

[“So why are you watching? Did I say, ‘Vedant ji, please come and see me’? If you come in front of me, should I cover my face with a veil? And if it’s so troubling, you can blind yourself.”]

"Stupid," Vedant said, his face contorting in irritation as he left for his room.

Nandini smirked triumphantly. "Jab aur argument nahi kar pate to aise hi muh bana ke bhag jate hain."

Just then, Krishiv walked in. "Hello everyone."

Nandini brightened up. "Heyy Krishi… bade acche time pe aaye ho, maine custard banaya hai."

["You came at correct time. I have prepared custured."]

"Wow, interesting! Khushboo yahan tak aa rahi hai," Krishiv said, inhaling deeply.

Preeti welcomed him warmly. "Krish beta… come sit na." She patted the space beside her and Krishiv obliged.

“Aunty, I came to talk about your son! You know he doesn't love me anymore.” Krishiv said, his tone dramatic.

“Kya ho gaya?” Preeti asked , curiously.

“He didn't reply to my memes now. Nandu tum hi batao itne mehnat se ek toh I search for the most relatable memes and then usse bhejta hun. Aur wo hai ki reply hi nahi karta! Seen pe chhor deta hai. I feel so hurt aunty. Mere dil pe kya beet ti hai ye mai hi janta hun.” Krishiv said, with a pout.

[“He didn’t reply to my memes now. Nandu, tell me, I put so much effort into finding the most relatable memes and then send them. And he doesn’t even reply! Just leaves it on seen. I feel so hurt, aunty. Only I know what’s happening to my heart.”]

“Grow up Krishiv! Jab dekho bacchon ke tarah complain karne aa jata hai.” Vedant said, walking towards him.

“Dekha aapne aunty , this is how he talks to me. Ye aur Akshat dono hi paraye ho gaye hain. Mai pata nahi kahan fas gaya inke beech!” Krishiv said earning a smack from Vedant.

Nandini stood up, preparing to leave. "Aap log custard kha lena. Mai apna office ka ek important work complete kar lu... aur haan, inko dene ki jaroorat nahi hai."

["I should leave. You both enjoy the custard. But don't give to him."]

"Mujhe mara bhi nahi jaa raha hun," Vedant retorted.

["I am not dying."]

"Dikh hi raha hai, jo kabse ussi pe nazar gadi hui thi," Nandini shot back, walking away.

["I can see . Your eyes are on that since long."]

"Crazy girl," Vedant muttered, rolling his eyes.

Preeti turned to Krishiv, changing the topic. "Aur bata… shadi vadi ka plan hai kuch ya abhi tak aise hi?"

[“And tell me, is there any plan for marriage or is it still the same as before?”]

Krishiv chuckled. "Arre abhi kahan Maasi… pehle aap Vedant ka rishta dekhiye. Mujhe bina kisi aye ji oo ji ke iski shadi enjoy karni hai, uske baad apna dekhu mai."

[“Oh, not yet, Aunty… First, check Vedant’s match. I want to enjoy his wedding without any ‘yes sir, no sir,’ and then I’ll look into mine.”]

Vedant shook his head. "Shut up. Abhi mera shadi ka koi irada nahi hai."

["I have no plans to marry."]

"Jab tak teri nahi hogi, mai bhi nahi karunga," Krishiv declared.

["I won't marry before you."]

"Mat kar. Mera kya jata hai," Vedant said, laughing, while Krishiv made an unamused face.

Preeti sighed. "Mujhe to mere Akshat ki tension hoti hai... wo to shadi ke naam se chidh jata hai ab… wo kamini aurat mujhe mil jaye kahin usko mai maar maar ke suja dungi. Mere bache ki life kharab kar di behaya ne."

[“I’m worried about my Akshat... he gets irritated just at the mention of marriage now. If I ever find that shameless woman, I’ll beat her senseless. She ruined my child’s life.”]

Vedant tried to comfort her. "It's okay mom, Karma is real… usse iski saza to Bhagwan denge."

Krishiv nodded in agreement. "Mujhe to pehli baar uski shakl se hi thik nahi lagi thi, and mujhse ajeeb ajeeb baatien karti thi, par mai Akshat ko bol bhi nahi paya. Koi insaan apni wife ke bare me sun ke gussa ho jayega hi… that's why."

[“I didn’t like her face from the very beginning, and she used to say strange things to me, but I couldn’t even tell Akshat. Anyone would get angry hearing about their wife, which is why.”]

"Bhagwan kare uss aurat ko uski saja mile aur mere bache ko ek pyaar karne wali bahot achi life partner mile," Preeti wished.

"Of course milegi... he deserves the best," Vedant said firmly.

Krishiv sighed. "Par wo ready to ho shadi ke liye… chachi itna bolti hain, par wo manta hi nahi."

Preeti placed a hand on Krishiv's shoulder. "Upar wale ne jodi banai hogi to jaroor milegi."

Vedant stood up, ready to leave. "Acha mom, Krish, mai nikalta hun."

He made his way downstairs, his mind preoccupied, only to find Nandini coming down the stairs as well. Just then, Nandini muttered to herself, "Ye lo, dikh chaa gayi manhoosiyat," but her words weren’t lost on Vedant.

He stopped in his tracks, turning to her with a bemused look. "Excuse me, din to mera kharab hona chahiye jo tumhari awaz sun li," he said, a trace of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

As he was about to continue down the stairs, his foot slipped unexpectedly. Time seemed to slow as he teetered, but Nandini’s reflexes were quick. She reached out, her hand finding his with a grace that spoke of both urgency and care. With a gentle yet firm pull, she drew him toward her, their bodies coming together in a close embrace.

Vedant’s heart skipped a beat as he felt the warmth of her body against his. Nandini's hands rested on his shoulders, her eyes wide with a mixture of concern and something softer. Their faces were inches apart, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away.

“Careful there,” Nandini whispered, her voice tender and filled with an unspoken promise.

Vedant looked into her eyes, feeling an unexpected flutter of something he couldn’t quite name. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice holding a note of genuine appreciation.

Nandini’s touch lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary before she slowly pulled away, her gaze holding him with a new, gentle warmth.

Vedant straightened, still caught in the lingering enchantment of their close encounter. “

As Vedant continued on his way, the touch of Nandini’s hand and the depth of her gaze left a lingering warmth in his heart.

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

Amrit sat at her desk with her head resting on the table, looking utterly dejected. Vidya noticed her friend’s distress and walked over, gently patting her head as she took a seat beside her. Amrit lifted her head, revealing teary eyes.

"Oye..kya hua?" Vidya asked, concerned.

"Maine kal itne mehnat se pura assignment kiya tha sir ka diya hua! Raat 1 baje tak jaag ke best points dhundh ke likhe tha. Gate khol k chai banane gyi, aa ke dekha toh ghar me kutta ghus aaya ek aur meri assignment kha gaya!" Amrit explained, her voice thick with frustration and sadness.

[“I worked so hard on the entire assignment given by the sir yesterday! I stayed up until 1 AM searching for the best points and writing them down. But this morning, since we ran out of milk at home, I went to get some from neighbor Neeta aunty. I left the gate open and left the assignment on the table. When I came back, I found that a dog had gotten into the house and eaten my assignment!”]

Vidya couldn’t help but laugh, a chuckle escaping her lips. "Assignment kutta kha gaya got real!" she said, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Amrit glared at her, feeling even more upset. "Jaa tu yahan se. I won't sit with you. Tujhe pata hai kitne mehnat se likha tha maine!"

"Arre, I am sorry.. tu ro mat na! Rone se vapas thodi aa jayega. Chal abhi jaldi se start karte hain.. mai help krti hun likhne me!" Vidya offered, trying to make amends.

[“Oh, I’m sorry… don’t cry! Crying won’t bring it back. Let’s start over quickly. I’ll help you with writing it!”]

"There is no use! 2 minute me sir aa jayenge." Amrit replied, shaking her head in defeat.

"Behen chal class bunk maar lete hain! Bach jayegi." Vidya suggested, eyes twinkling with mischief.

["We should bunk the class "]

"Pagal hai kya? Class miss ho jayegi." Amrit countered, horrified at the idea.

["Are you mad? We will miss the class."]

"Accha.. tu mera assignment dikha de. Meri help bhi tune hi ki thi na!" Vidya said, pulling out her file and offering it to Amrit.

[“Alright... show me your assignment. You were the one who helped me, right?”]

"Nahi yaar! Tune itne mehnat se likha hai. Meri galti thi na jo maine gate nahi band kiya." Amrit said, pushing the file back, her voice filled with guilt.

[“No, no! You worked so hard on it. It was my mistake for not closing the gate.”]

Just then, Akshat entered the classroom, his presence commanding immediate attention. The students quieted down as he walked to the front of the room, setting his briefcase on the desk. After completing his lecture on modernist literature, Akshat turned to the class with a serious expression, ready to collect the assignments he had assigned earlier.

"Alright, I need your assignments now. Please place your files on my table," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Amrit and Vidya exchanged a worried glance. Amrit's anxiety was palpable. "Tu jaa na," Amrit whispered to Vidya, her voice tinged with nervousness.

"Par tu..." Vidya began, hesitating, not wanting to leave her friend in the lurch.

"Miss Vidya Kushwaha and Amrit Tripathi, do you need a special invitation?" Akshat's voice cut through the room, his eyes narrowing in their direction.

Amrit, feeling the pressure, nudged Vidya forward with her file. Vidya reluctantly stood up to submit her assignment while Amrit remained at her seat, nervously fidgeting with her notebook.

As the other students lined up to submit their work, Akshat's gaze remained fixed on Amrit. "Sir... I haven't brought my assignment," Amrit confessed when it was finally her turn, her voice barely above a whisper.

"As expected! So what excuse do you have this time?" Akshat asked, crossing his arms and leaning against the table.

""Sir, this is not an excuse. I did complete the assignment, but... Wo kutta kha gaya!" Amrit said, her voice earnest but tinged with embarrassment.

The classroom erupted in laughter, and Akshat raised an eyebrow, his skepticism clear. "Aur koi bahana nahi mila aapko?" he asked, clearly unimpressed.

["Didn't you got other excuse?"]

"Sir... mai sach keh rahi hun... this morning, at my house—" Amrit tried to explain, but Akshat cut her off.

"Keep all these excuses to yourself, Miss Tripathi! I already said that I won't tolerate any kind of excuse or carelessness in my subject. Go to my cabin and complete the assignment there. Samjh me aayi baat?" Akshat's tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Amrit nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor. "Words, I need words. Yes or no?" he demanded.

"Yes sir," she said, feeling a lump in her throat and tears welling up in her eyes.

"Khadoos kahin ke! Aise koi karta hai kya? Ek assignment hi toh hai, ek din ka time aur de dete toh kya ho jata!" Vidya fumed as she walked alongside Amrit, her voice laced with frustration and indignation.

[“Such a grump! Is this how you treat someone? It’s just one assignment. Giving an extra day wouldn’t have hurt!”]

"It's okay. It is my fault... he has already warned us about all these things. Mujhe sambhal ke rakhna chahiye tha," Amrit replied, her tone resigned and eyes downcast.

As they approached Akshat's cabin, the weight of the day's events hung heavily over them. Amrit noticed Akshat observing them from a distance, his stern expression making her feel even smaller. Vidya, determined to stay by her friend's side, walked closely with her.

"Excuse me! Miss Vidya, why are you following her like a tail?" Akshat's voice cut through the hallway, stopping Vidya in her tracks and drawing the attention of a few passing students.

"Sir, isko company dene," Vidya replied, defiant and unwilling to leave Amrit alone in her distress.

"Ohh... jahan tak mujhe yaad hai, maine inhe cabin mein jaa ke picnic manane ko nahi kaha hai jo aap company dene chali jaa rahi hain. Mera cabin hai ye, koi dharamshala nahi!" Akshat retorted sharply, his eyes narrowing with irritation.

[“Oh, as far as I remember, I didn’t ask them to turn the cabin into a picnic spot for which you’re going to keep them company. This is my cabin, not a rest house!”]

"Vidya, tu ghar jaa," Amrit interjected softly, sensing the brewing confrontation and not wanting to escalate the situation further.

"Par..." Vidya began to protest, her concern for Amrit evident in her eyes.

"Please," Amrit insisted, giving her friend a pleading look.

Reluctantly, Vidya nodded and turned to leave, casting one last worried glance at Amrit before walking away. Amrit entered the cabin, her heart heavy with the weight of her unfinished assignment and Akshat's harsh words. The door closed behind her with a soft thud, the sound echoing in the quiet hallway.

Inside the cabin, Amrit took a deep breath and settled into a chair. She opened her notebook and began rewriting her assignment, her mind racing with the pressure to complete it.

After a few hours, Akshat walked towards his cabin, noticing Vidya sitting outside on the ground, scrolling through her phone. He shook his head in mild exasperation and entered the cabin. Inside, he found Amrit diligently working on her assignment, seated on the chair opposite his. She glanced up at him briefly before returning her focus to her writing. Akshat took his seat and began reviewing some books and checking other students' assignments.

Once he finished, he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, and glared at Amrit. His intense gaze made her feel like he could burn her to ashes with his eyes alone.

"Aise ghoore kya jaa rahe hain!" she muttered under her breath, unable to ignore his piercing stare.

"Hmm?" Akshat asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Huh?" Amrit quickly responded, startled.

"Kuch kaha aapne?" he inquired, his tone demanding.

["Did you say something?"]

"N..nahi toh," she replied with a nervous smile, trying to hide her anxiety.

As time passed, Amrit started feeling the pangs of hunger. It was her lunch time, and she hadn’t eaten breakfast properly. Akshat left the cabin, leaving Amrit to sigh heavily in relief.

Outside, Vidya saw Akshat leaving and rushed towards the cabin, opening the door slightly and peeping inside.

"Amrit," Vidya called out softly.

Amrit looked up, surprised to see her friend. "Tu itne der se yahin hai?"

"Haan. You must be hungry na? Should I bring something for you?" Vidya offered, concerned.

"Yaar, it's not needed. Tu bhi kabse baithe hui hai... tu jaa ke kha le kuch," Amrit replied, grateful but worried about Vidya.

Just then, they heard Akshat's voice from the hallway. "Kya ho raha hai?"

Vidya quickly resumed her spot on the ground, scrolling through her phone. Just then, she noticed Akshat standing beside her, holding out a burger wrapped in foil. She looked up at him in surprise.

"What is this?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Eat this. Kabse bhukhe baithe ho, dono dost behosh ho gayi toh mere liye problem ho jayegi," he said in his usual cold tone. Vidya took the burger, her face lighting up with a grin.

"Thank you, sir," she said with genuine gratitude.

Akshat gave a brief nod and entered the cabin. Amrit looked up from her assignment, her eyes widening in confusion as he approached her with another burger.

"Ye mere liye hai?" she asked, taken aback.

["Is it for me?"]

"Nahi, dekhne ke liye de raha hun. Sundar dikh raha hai na?" Akshat replied sarcastically, his lips curling slightly in a smirk.

["No. I am showing this to you. This is beautiful right?"]

Amrit looked at the burger and then back at him, catching his sarcasm. She nodded hesitantly.

"Stupid, of course it's for you. Mai nahi chahta ki mere cabin me koi bhukh ke wajah se behosh ho jaye," he said, his tone softening just a fraction.

[“I don’t want anyone to faint from hunger in my cabin.”]

Amrit was about to refuse out of habit, but her stomach had other plans. She quietly took the burger. Unwrapping it, she took a small bite, the delicious taste almost making her forget her predicament for a moment. She glanced up at Akshat, who had already turned away to focus on his paperwork, his stern expression back in place.

After a few hours, Akshat glanced out the window and noticed it was starting to get dark. He looked at his watch; it was 5:35 pm.

"You can go," he said, beginning to arrange his table properly before leaving.

"But the assignment?" Amrit asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Submit it tomorrow," he replied.

A grin spread across her face, and she nodded, quickly packing her bag. "Thank you, sir," she said, her relief evident.

"Jaiye," he replied sternly.

As she turned towards the door, she couldn't resist mimicking his strict expression, her face contorting in an exaggerated frown. She glanced back, catching Akshat’s eye for a moment.

As Amrit stepped outside, she spotted Vidya, who promptly stood up upon seeing her.

"Tu pagal hai kya? You're still sitting here? What have you been doing all this time?" Amrit asked, astonished.

"Tera wait," Vidya replied nonchalantly.

"Vidya, you should have gone home. It's getting late," Amrit scolded.

"Chup reh na... Jaldi ghar chalte hain ab," Vidya said, taking her hand.

They exited the college and began walking when a car suddenly stopped near them.

"Why did that car stop near us?" Amrit asked, suspicious.

"Kahin ye hame kidnap toh nahi karne vala?" Vidya speculated, a hint of fear in her voice.

["I think he is a kidnapper."]

Reacting quickly, Amrit picked up a brick from the ground. As the car window rolled down, she was about to hurl it but froze when she saw Akshat's horrified expression.

"Pagal ho gayi ho kya?" Akshat asked, his voice tinged with shock. Amrit hastily dropped the brick.

["Are you crazy?"]

"Sorry, sir, I thought someone was going to kidnap us!" Amrit explained, embarrassed.

"Stupid! Baitho dono, I will drop you home," Akshat offered, his tone firm.

"No, sir, it's okay," Amrit started to refuse, but Vidya nudged her.

"Chal na, natak kya dikhati hai!" Vidya whispered urgently.

"Aree par..." Amrit began, but Akshat cut her off.

"Are you coming ya mai tumhari mummy ko aaj vali baat bhi bataun?" he threatened lightly. Within seconds, both girls were sitting in the backseat of his car, silent and somewhat sheepish.

As the car drove through the streets, Vidya couldn’t contain her excitement. "Wow, sir! This is a BMW 7 Series, right? It’s my favorite! It has a V8 engine, doesn’t it? And the interior is just amazing. I read somewhere that it has ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. Is that true, sir?"

Akshat glanced at her through the rearview mirror, slightly amused. "Bahot knowledge hai aapko inn sabki," he remarked.

"Yes, sir," Vidya replied, grinning proudly.

"Itna dhyan padhai likhai par laga leti toh behtar hota! Abhi course me se ek question puch lunga toh bata nahi payengi," Akshat said, causing her smile to falter while Amrit tried to suppress her laughter.

[“If you had put as much attention into studying as you did into everything else, it would have been better! If I ask you a question from the course now, you wouldn’t be able to answer.”]

"Bata dungi!" Vidya declared confidently.

Akshat decided to test her. "Alright then. Can you explain the primary themes of T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land'?"

"A... wo..." Vidya stuttered, her confidence waning.

Akshat pressed on. "Okay, let’s try another one. Can you discuss the significance of stream of consciousness in Virginia Woolf's works?"

"Wo...apna...kya kehte hain usse...ummm..." Vidya stammered, acting like she was trying to remember but in reality, everything was flying over her head.

Just then, she spotted her house. "Sir, mera ghar aa gaya," she said with a sigh of relief. Akshat stopped the car, and Vidya quickly got out, running towards her house without looking back.

As they drove on, Akshat sighed in frustration. "Aise friends banayengi toh yahi hoga!" His tone was dismissive, clearly annoyed by the interruption to his day.

Amrit felt a surge of offense. "Sir, you can't say anything about my friend. Usse bas thoda confusion hota hai, but she has a good heart."

Akshat rolled his eyes, his patience thinning. "Uske good heart ka mai kya achar dalunga? In academics, you need a good IQ."

Amrit bristled at his dismissal. "She has a good IQ. Wo bas padhti nahi hai," she insisted, feeling protective of her friend.

The rest of the drive was silent, with the tension palpable between them. Soon, they reached Amrit's house. Akshat slowed the car to a stop and glanced at her. "Tumhari mummy aa gayi?"

"No sir," Amrit replied, unbuckling her seatbelt.

"Ok. Lock the door properly this time," he instructed, his tone softening slightly. She nodded in acknowledgment.

"Good evening, sir," Amrit said as she got out of the car. Akshat gave a brief nod in return, watching her walk towards her house.

Just as she reached the gate, she hesitated and turned back. "Sir!!" she called out again, and he looked at her curiously. She hurried over to the driver's side window and knocked. He rolled it down, his expression questioning.

"Sir, aapke burger ke paise. Mere aur Vidya dono ke milakar hain," Amrit said, extending some rupees towards him. Akshat glanced at the money, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Without a word, he closed the window and drove away, leaving Amrit standing there, bewildered.

"Hein? What was that!!" Amrit muttered to herself, staring at the retreating car.

She stood there for a moment, watching the car disappear down the street. The confusion and frustration were evident on her face. She couldn’t quite understand Akshat’s behaviour. One moment he was stern and unyielding, the next he was offering her food, and then he was driving off without acknowledging her attempt to repay him. It was as if he had layers she couldn’t quite peel back, each interaction revealing a different side of him.

At night, Anika was sitting on the bed, scrolling through her phone while Vihaan was immersed in checking some files. The soft glow from the bedside lamps cast a warm, ambient light around the room, creating a cozy atmosphere. After finishing his work, Vihaan set the files aside and settled beside her, ready to call it a day.

"Aapko koi kaam hai? Or should I switch off the lights?" Vihaan asked, his tone gentle and considerate.

"Wait, wait! I haven't done my skincare yet," Anika exclaimed, suddenly springing to life. She rushed towards her dressing table, her reflection in the mirror showing a blend of determination and urgency. Vihaan watched her with a fond smile, admiring her dedication to her nightly routine. After completing her regimen, she returned to the bed and lay down beside him. Vihaan, now ready to sleep, switched off the lights on his side, plunging half the room into darkness.

Suddenly, Anika noticed Vihaan moving closer to her, leaning in. Her heartbeat quickened, and she felt a flutter of nervous anticipation. Her eyelids fluttered shut, and she braced herself for what felt like an intimate moment. He leaned in further, his breath warm against her face, causing her to gulp as a deep blush spread across her cheeks. She clutched the bedsheet tightly, her fingers digging into the fabric, her eyes still closed in anticipation.

Vihaan's hand reached over her to the table lamp on her side of the bed. He switched it off, and the room was enveloped in darkness. "Breathe, Mrs. Singhania. Bas lights switch off kar raha tha," he whispered in her ear, his lips brushing against her skin. The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down her spine, making her heart race even faster.

He pulled back slightly, a satisfied smile playing on his lips, while she turned her face away, biting her lip to control her shy smile. Her cheeks were flushed with a deep pink hue, a sign of her lingering embarrassment. "Mujhse keh sakte the off karne ko," she said softly, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and residual shyness.

["You could have asked me to do it."]

"I wanted to do it myself," Vihaan replied, his tone light and teasing. He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, enjoying the moment. Anika, still too flustered to respond properly, didn't look at him. Instead, she tucked herself inside the blanket, pulling it over her head to hide her face.

Vihaan lay back, a smile lingering on his face as he thought about how endearing Anika could be.

"Anika?" Vihaan called out softly, his voice barely breaking the comfortable silence that had settled in the room.

"Ji?" she responded, her voice equally soft as she glanced towards him, her curiosity piqued by his uncharacteristic tone.

"Aap kal free hain?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for a hint of her schedule.

[Are you free tomorrow?"]

"Ummm... yess," she replied, her interest now fully captured.

"Aap... I mean mai... I mean aap kahin bahar chalengi mere sath?" he finally blurted out, his usual confidence wavering slightly.

[“You... I mean, I... I mean, would you like to go out with me somewhere?”]

"Date pe le chalna hai, direct boliye na Mr. Singhania," she teased, a playful smile curling her lips as she turned to face him. Her eyes twinkled with amusement, easing the tension in the air.

[“Just say it directly, Mr. Singhania, if you want to take me on a date.”]

Vihaan chuckled softly, the sound low and comforting in the dim light. He turned towards her, his gaze steady now. "Mrs Singhania, will you go on a date with me tomorrow?" he asked, extending his hand and placing it on the bed between them, the gesture filled with earnest sincerity.

Anika looked at his hand, then back at him, her heart fluttering. With a tender smile, she placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth and reassurance that his touch provided. "Yes, I would love to, Mr Singhania." she whispered, her voice barely audible but brimming with affection.

As she attempted to withdraw her hand, Vihaan tightened his grip, not letting her go. "Please?" he whispered, his eyes closing as he savoured the closeness.

Anika blushed deeply, her cheeks warming under his intense gaze. She closed her eyes too, her heart beating in a quick, steady rhythm, feeling the comfort and security in the simple act of holding hands.

This was a new step in their relationship, a significant moment marking the beginning of something  beautiful.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

How was the chapter??

Your favourite moments?

Do follow us on Instagram for spoilers and news related to updates