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?20?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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