Section Ω

As the school day came to an end, students scattered in different directions, heading toward their respective routes.

But Aven?

He didn't move.

He stood there, watching Sansara blankly as she adjusted the strap of her bag, lost in her own thoughts.

Before she could realize it, he grabbed her arm and pulled her along with him toward the parking lot.

"Hey-what the hell?" she huffed, stumbling slightly.

He didn't answer. His grip was firm but not forceful, his pace steady as they walked down the pavement.

The silence stretched between them, broken only when he suddenly said, "You know you owe me..."

That damn smirk played on his lips, and Sansara frowned. "What?"

Aven didn't elaborate.

Instead, he just kept walking, his expression unreadable.

Her curiosity piqued. "Owe you for what?"

No answer.

She tried again. "Aven, stop acting mysterious and just tell me!"

Still no response.

Frustrated, she opened her mouth to question him again-only for him to suddenly turn and press a finger against her lips, silencing her instantly.

"Shhh," he mocked, eyes glinting with amusement. "So impatient."

Sansara scowled, but her mind soon wandered elsewhere. Aunty Meera...

She hadn't seen her since that evening. There was so much she needed to sort out for her.

She glanced at Aven, who was walking beside her effortlessly, hands in his pockets, like he had all the time in the world.

And then, almost out of nowhere, she asked, "Can you give me like... 20-25 lakhs?"

Aven stopped mid-step.

A second later, he laughed-a genuine, amused laugh. "What the hell do you even need that much for?"

Sansara didn't answer directly.

He raised an eyebrow. "Also, your dad is in the military," he pointed out. "Shouldn't you be asking him?"

She sighed. "If I could ask him, I wouldn't be asking you."

That made him pause. He considered her words, but still, the question remained. "Why do you need that much?"

Sansara ignored the question and asked instead, "Do you have that much? Can you give it to me?"

By the time they reached his car, Aven chuckled. "I have more than that."

Sansara immediately promised, "I'll return it, I swear. Just-I need it for something."

He didn't say anything right away. Instead, he casually opened the car door for her. "Get in."

Sansara hesitated but eventually slid into the passenger seat.

Aven rounded the car and got in himself.

Now, his car-oh, it was a beast.

A sleek, black Mercedes- AMG G 63, bold and undeniably expensive. The matte black exterior gleamed under the soft glow of the parking lot lights. Inside, the cabin was nothing short of luxury-black leather seats with red stitching, an advanced touchscreen dashboard, and ambient lighting that gave the car an almost cinematic feel.