???????? ???????? - ?????? ?? ????

?9?

Akshat, sensing her gaze, looked up from his phone and their eyes met. The connection was electric, a silent conversation passing between them. Amrit quickly averted her eyes, feeling a flush creep up her neck as she turned back to the mirror. She picked up her comb and began running it through her hair, the repetitive motion soothing in its simplicity.

Akshat watched her for a moment longer, noting the quick way she looked away, the vulnerability in her movements. He returned to his phone call, his voice low but with an underlying determination. He was making sure everything was in order for their departure, that they would be safe, that nothing like this would ever happen to her again.

As the comb slid through her hair, Amrit found her thoughts returning to Akshat, to the way he had appeared in her life just when she needed someone the most. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, she felt that maybe, just maybe, she wouldn’t have to face it alone. 

“Chalein?” Akshat asked as he saw her walking outside from her room with her suitcase.

She nodded her head and Akshat took Amrit's suitcase from her hands, his actions speaking volumes as he tried to ease the burden she was carrying—both literally and emotionally. Vidya followed closely behind, her sharp eyes noticing every small detail but choosing to stay silent for now.

Reaching the car, Amrit instinctively moved to sit beside Vidya. However, Vidya leaned in, whispering with a touch of mischief, “Tu aage baith jayegi kya? I want to sit comfortably in the backseat… my body is aching because of being tied.”

Amrit nodded and opened the front door and slid into the passenger seat. Akshat, who had been watching silently, looked a bit surprised but said nothing. He simply focused on the road ahead, while Vidya settled into the backseat, her lips curving into a knowing smile.

*

Krishiv walked out of the meeting room of Singhania industries as they were doing a project togather, loosening his tie and rolling up his shirt sleeves, feeling the weight of the day slowly ease off. As he entered Vihaan's office, expecting a quiet space to relax, he was surprised to find Bulbul sitting on the small sofa, scribbling in her notebook. 

"Bulbul?" he called out, his voice filled with surprise as he approached her.

Bulbul looked up, her eyes lighting up with joy. "Cheatel uncle!" she exclaimed, running towards him and wrapping her tiny arms around his waist.

Krishiv smiled warmly, kneeling to her level. "What are you doing here, Bulbul?" he asked, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Mumma brought me here," she explained innocently, looking up at him with wide eyes.

Just then, Kavya walked into the room. Krishiv stood up, turning his attention to her.

"Good morning, sir," Kavya greeted him politely.

"Good morning, Kavya," Krishiv replied, his tone friendly. "What brings you here with Bulbul?"

"Her school ended early, and we’re in the middle of shifting from our old house. With all the moving and packing, I brought her here since I had some work to finish," Kavya explained, slightly flustered.

"Where are you moving to?" Krishiv inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Kavya mentioned the name of a new apartment complex.

A smile spread across Krishiv's face. "That's a nice place. Actually, my best friend and Vihaan's cousin brother live there too. You’ll have great neighbors."

"Really?" Kavya responded, visibly relieved. "That’s good to know."

They chatted casually for a few more minutes, discussing the move and how Bulbul was adjusting to everything. Finally, Kavya knelt in front of Bulbul and said, "Bulbul, be a good girl and sit quietly, okay? I'll be back soon."