Siya get up jaldi kar warna college ke first day par hi late ho jaegi!"

(Translation: Siya wake up quickly or you'll be late on your very first day of college!)

Maahi was already ready, fixing her hair while checking her phone.

Maahi -

"Kumbh me khoi hui Kumbhkaran ki behen uthti hai ya niche baithe papa ko bulaun?" 😏

(Translation: Are you waking up or should I call dad who's sitting downstairs?)

Siya, from inside blanket

"Main uth rahi hoon...

(Translation: I'm waking up...

Maahi - pichle janam se

Translation: (Since your last life )

Maahi -

"Pichle 20 minute se yehi bol rahi ho."

(Translation: You've been saying that for the last 20 minutes.)

Suddenly-

Footsteps.

Both froze.

Knock knock.

"Siya... Maahi..."

Rajvardhan's voice.

Siya literally jumped-

"PAPA?!" 😳

"Aaj hi aana tha inhe subah-subah?!"

(Translation: Did he have to come this early today?!)

She panicked-

"Maahi main gayi aaj... seedha Yamraj express!" 😭

(Translation: I'm gone today... straight to the god of death!)

Maahi -

"Overacting band kar aur uth!"

(Translation: Stop overacting and get up!)

She moved toward the door-

Siya grabbed her hand dramatically-

"Ek minute! Kahan chali Titanic bachane?!"

(Translation: Wait! Where are you going, to save the Titanic?!)

Another knock.

Rajvardhan -

"Door open karo."

(Translation: Open the door.)

Siya went full panic mode-

She quickly picked up a face mask sheet and stuck it on her face randomly.

Hair = disaster.

Face = ghost version 2.0 👻

Maahi opened the door.

Rajvardhan walked in...

Took one look at Siya-

And paused.

"Yeh kya hai?"

(Translation: What is this?)

"Tumne muh pe panni kyun lapet rakha hai?"

(Translation: Why have you wrapped plastic on your face?)

Maahi turned away-

Trying VERY hard not to laugh. 😂

Siya (full confidence mode)-

"Papa yeh panni nahi hai..."

(Translation: Dad, this is not plastic...)

"Yeh face mask hai... skin care chal rahi hai." 😌

(Translation: This is a face mask... it's skincare.)

Rajvardhan -

"Subah 7 baje skincare?"

(Translation: Skincare at 7 in the morning?)

Siya -

"Glow ka koi time nahi hota papa." 😏

(Translation: Glow doesn't have a fixed time, dad.)

Maahi LOST it 😂

Siya -

"First day hai... impression banana hai." 😏

(Translation: It's the first day... I have to make an impression.)

Rajvardhan stared at her for a second...

Then sighed lightly.

His tone softened-

"Isi liye aaya tha."

(Translation: That's why I came.)

Both sisters paused.

Rajvardhan looked at Siya properly now-

"First day hai tumhara..."

(Translation: It's your first day...)

"Darrna mat."

(Translation: Don't be scared.)

"Confident rehna."

(Translation: Stay confident.)

A small pause.

"...All the best."

Siya blinked.

She wasn't expecting that.

At all.

Maahi looked at him-. A little surprised too.

Before the moment got emotional Rajvardhan asked.

"Kal raat kya kar rahe the tum log?"

(Translation: What were you both doing last night?)

Siya -

"Main... so rahi thi..."

(Translation: I was... sleeping...)

Maahi -

"Haan... sapne me bhaag rahi thi..." 😏

(Translation: Yeah... running in her dreams...)

Siya glared-

Sarthak entered suddenly-

"Good morning-"

He looked at Siya- Paused.

Then BURST OUT laughing 😂

"Yeh kya hai?! Horror movie ka trailer shoot ho raha hai kya?!"

(Translation: What is this?! Is a horror movie trailer being shot here?!)

Siya grabbed pillow-

"TU CHUP REH!"

(Translation: YOU SHUT UP!)

THUD!

Sarthak dodged-

"Aaj to pehle din hi assault ho gaya!" 😭

(Translation: I got assaulted on the very first day!)

Maahi -

"Tu deserve karta hai." 😏

(Translation: You deserve it.)

Rajvardhan -

"Bas. 10 minute me niche sab ready."

(Translation: Enough. Be ready downstairs in 10 minutes.)

He turned and left.

Door closed.

2 seconds silence.

Then-

Maahi and Sarthak EXPLODED laughing

😂

Siya removed the mask angrily-

"Tum dono ki wajah se meri izzat chali gayi!"

(Translation: Because of you two, my reputation is gone!)

Sarthak -

"Izzat thi kab?" 😏

(Translation: Since when did you have a reputation?)

THUD! 😂

Tum dono ki wajah se ek din mujhe heart attack aa jayega!"

(Translation: One day I'll get a heart attack because of both of you!)

Sarthak -

"Face mask laga ke?" 😂

Maahi -

"Chalo jaldi ready ho ja warna papa ka next lecture start ho jayega."

(Translation: Get ready quickly or dad's next lecture will start.)

Siya -

"Pehle tum dono bahar jao!"

(Translation: First both of you get out!)

Sarthak -

"Main to spectator hoon." 😌

(Translation: I'm just a spectator.)

Another pillow-

"GET OUT!!!" 😂

Dining area

The dining table was set.

Morning sunlight filled the room.

Everything looked normal-

But the atmosphere? Not really.

Siya, Maahi and Sarthak walked in together.

All three unusually quiet.

Sarthak whispered-

"Mujhe lagta hai aaj final judgement day hai..." 😐

(Translation: I think today is the final judgement day...)

Siya -

"Bas tu chup reh... kal raat tu hi will wali baat kar raha tha!"

(Translation: Just stay quiet... last night you were the one talking about a will!)

Maahi -

"Mujhe abhi bhi lag raha hai papa ko sab pata chal gaya hai..."

(Translation: I still feel like dad knows everything...)

Siya -

"Agar pizza wala secret nikla na... main dono ko bech dungi." 😤

(Translation: If the pizza secret comes out... I'll sell both of you.)

Sarthak -

"Main already emotional ho chuka hoon." 😭

(Translation: I'm already emotional.)

"Good morning."

Rajvardhan's voice.

All three instantly straight.

"Good morning papa...

(Translation: Good morning dad...)

Ragini came from the kitchen-

"Sab itne seedhe kyun baithe hain aaj?" 😏

(Translation: Why is everyone sitting so quietly today?)

Siya -

"Aaj hum sudhar gaye hain mummy."

(Translation: We've improved today, mom.)

Ragini smiled slightly-

"fir to Mujhe darr lag raha hai." 😌

(Translation: Then I'm scared now.)

Everyone sat.

Breakfast started.

A few seconds of silence.

Then-

Rajvardhan kept his cup down slowly.

A slight pause.

"Maine kal kaha tha... mujhe baat karni hai."

(Translation: I said yesterday... I need to talk.)

Instant tension. ⚡

Siya slowly looked at Sarthak-

"Gaye..."

(Translation: We're dead...)

Sarthak nodded-

"100%."

Maahi sat straight.

Serious now.

Rajvardhan leaned back slightly.

His gaze shifted toward Maahi.

Steady. Direct.

"Kal meri mulaqat Mr. Mehta se hui."

(Translation: Yesterday I met Mr. Mehta.)

A pause.

"Vo apne bete ke liye ladki dekh rahe hain."

(Translation: He is looking for a girl for his son.)

Siya choked-

"cough cough"

Sarthak whispered-

"Plot twist..." 😳

Rajvardhan didn't react.

His eyes remained fixed on Maahi.

"Unhone... tumhara rishta manga hai."

(Translation: He has asked for your hand in marriage.)

Silence.

Ragini immediately spoke-

"Rajvardhan, abhi Maahi ka career hai..."

(Translation: Rajvardhan, Maahi has her career right now...)

"Abhi uska focus us par hona chahiye."

(Translation: Her focus should be on that.)

Rajvardhan raised his hand slightly.

Calm. Controlled.

"Main jaanta hoon."

(Translation: I know.)

"Isliye maine haan nahi ki."

(Translation: That's why I didn't say yes.)

A pause.

"Par maine mana bhi nahi kiya."

(Translation: But I didn't refuse either.)

Sarthak (whispering)-

"Yeh dangerous zone hai..." 😐

Siya -

"Shut up..."

Rajvardhan leaned forward slightly.

Voice lower. Heavier.

"Main tumhe force nahi kar raha hoon, Maahi."

(Translation: I am not forcing you, Maahi.)

"Lekin zindagi ke kuch decisions..."

(Translation: But some decisions in life...)

"...sirf avoid karke nahi liye jaate."

(Translation: ...cannot be made by simply avoiding them.)

Maahi looked at him.

"Ek baar mil lo."

(Translation: Meet him once.)

"Usse samajhne ki koshish karo."

(Translation: Try to understand him.)

"Main us ladke ko jaanta hoon..."

(Translation: I know that boy...)

"Vo accha ladka hai."

(Translation: He is a good man .)

Ragini looked at Maahi softly-

"Decision tumhara hoga."

(Translation: The decision will be yours.)

Siya slowly leaned toward Sarthak-

"Bas milna hi hai... shaadi thodi na ho rahi kal..."

(Translation: It's just a meeting... not like she's getting married tomorrow...)

Sarthak -

"Kal bhi ho sakti hai... speed dekhi hai papa ki?" 😭

(Translation: It could happen tomorrow too... have you seen dad's speed?)

Siya kicked him lightly under the table.

Maahi finally spoke-

"Main... sochungi."

(Translation: I'll think about it.)

Rajvardhan nodded.

"Bas itna hi chahata hoon."

(Translation: That's all I want.)

Ragini -

"Sab breakfast karo, thanda ho raha hai."

(Translation: Everyone eat, it's getting cold.)

Siya whispered-

"Drama expected tha... par yeh wala twist..."

(Translation: Drama

was expected... but this twist...)

Sarthak -

"Life interesting ho rahi hai..." 😏

Siya -

"Tumhari nahi... Maahi ki."

Sarthak -

"Collateral damage hum hi hote hain."

😭

Maahi couldn't help it-

A small smile appeared.

The morning rush had already begun.

The Malhotra house, which was chaotic just a while ago, had now settled into its usual routine.

Outside, in the driveway-

Sarthak stood beside his car, dressed neatly in a crisp shirt, sleeves slightly folded, watch perfectly set on his wrist. His hair was still a little damp, clearly in a hurry but trying to maintain his composed "doctor look."

He unlocked the car, got in, and adjusted the rear-view mirror.

A quick glance at his phone.

Time.

Then another glance at himself-

Satisfied.

"Perfect."

He muttered under his breath, starting the engine.

The car hummed to life.

He was just about to press the accelerator-

"STOPPPPP!!!" 🚨

His foot slammed on the brake instantly.

The car jerked slightly.

"What the-?!"

He turned his head-

Only to see Siya running toward him at full speed.

She looked like pure chaos.

Hair half tied, some strands flying in every direction.

Bag hanging awkwardly from one shoulder.

One shoe properly worn, the other barely managed.

Before Sarthak could even react-

She opened the car door and dropped into the seat beside him.

Breathing heavily.

"Chalo chalo chalo jaldi chalo!"

(Translation: Go go go hurry up!)

Sarthak just stared at her.

Blank expression.

Processing.

"Yeh... kya ho raha hai?"

(Translation: What... is happening?)

Siya tried to fix her hair quickly using the mirror-

"Help kar do please... college drop kar do..."

(Translation: Please help... drop me to college...)

Sarthak leaned back slightly, one eyebrow raised-

"Tumhari scooty?"

(Translation: Your scooty?

Siya didn't even look at him-

"Uski bhi aaj chhutti hai." 😐

(Translation: It's on leave today too.)

Sarthak slowly turned his head toward her-

Suspicious.

"Sach bata."

(Translation: Tell the truth.)

Siya paused.

Then sighed dramatically-

"Thik hai... late ho jaungi..."

(Translation: Fine... I'll get late...)

Sarthak smirked slightly, tapping the steering wheel-

"Accha... to problem tumhari hai." 😏

(Translation: Oh... so the problem is yours.)

Siya finally turned toward him-

Eyes narrowed.

"Tumhare paas car hai... tum bhai ho... thodi insaaniyat dikhao."

(Translation: You have a car... you're my brother... show some humanity.)

Sarthak gave a dry laugh-

"Mere paas hospital bhi hai... patients bhi hain..."

He leaned a little closer-

"Unko bol du kya 'Siya ko drop karke aata hoon'?" 😐

(Translation: Should I tell them 'I'll go drop Siya first'?)

Siya leaned forward, equally serious now-

"Patients bhaag nahi rahe... main bhaag rahi hoon." 😭

(Translation: Patients aren't running away... I am.)

For a second-

Sarthak almost laughed.

But controlled it.

"Nice try."

Siya groaned, throwing her head back dramatically-

"Dekho agar main late ho gayi na... first day pe hi reputation khatam."

(Translation: If I get late on the first day... my reputation is over.)

Sarthak instantly-

"Reputation? Kab bani?" 😏

(Translation: Reputation? Since when did you have one?)

Siya gasped-

Hand on chest-

"Tum bhai ho ya dushman?!"

(Translation: Are you my brother or my enemy?!)

Sarthak calmly adjusted his watch-

"Realistic hoon."

(Translation: I'm realistic.)

Siya folded her hands dramatically-

Almost like begging-

"Please doctor sahab... aaj ke din ek bechari student ki jaan bacha lo..." 😭

(Translation: Please doctor... save a poor student's life today...)

Sarthak glanced at her from the corner of his eye-

"Emergency case nahi lag rahi." 😌

(Translation: Doesn't look like an emergency case.)

Siya leaned closer-

Whispering like a threat-

"Main tumhe baddua dungi..."

(Translation: I'll curse you.)

Sarthak nodded casually-

"Already immune hoon." 😌

2 seconds silence.

Then-

Sarthak leaned slightly forward-

"Seatbelt lagao..."

Siya's face instantly lit up-

"Thank you bhaiiiii-" 😍

Before she could finish-

"Utaro... aur utro."

(Translation: Wear it... and then get out.)

Siya froze.

Slowly turned toward him.

"WHAT?!"

Sarthak smirked-

Already shifting the gear-. "Mujhe late ho raha hai."

(Translation: I'm getting late.

Siya stared at him in disbelief.

Then angrily opened the door-

Got out-

And slammed it shut.

"Tum insaan nahi ho!"

(Translation: You're not human!)

Sarthak rolled the window down slightly-

"Doctor hoon." 😎

And drove away.

Siya stood there.

Hands on her waist.

Still processing betrayal.

Then muttered-

"Ab scooty hi nikalni padegi..." 😤

(Translation: Now I'll have to take the scooty...)

She turned-

Took two steps-

Stopped suddenly.

"...petrol hai bhi ya nahi?" 😳

(Translation: ...does it even have petrol?)

Siya stood near her scooty, still annoyed from the morning drama. The sunlight was already getting harsh, and she knew she was running late. She placed her hand on the scooty handle like she was talking to a living thing, her expression a mix of frustration and urgency.

"Siya - Chal meri chikni... aaj tujhe apne maalik ko uski destination pr le jana h ruk mt jaio..."

(Translation: Come on my beauty... today you have to take your owner to her destination, don't stop on the way...)

She sighed dramatically and added-

"aate vkt pkka tujhe khana khila dungi..."

(Translation: On the way back I'll definitely feed you...)

Then her face twisted in irritation as Sarthak's face flashed in her mind.

Siya -. "Apni hi behen ko drop nahi kr skta... bada aaya doctor sahab..."

(Translation: Can't even drop his own sister... what a 'doctor'...)

She shook her head, kicked the stand, and started the scooty.

Within seconds-

Phurrrrrrr! 🛵💨

The scooty sped off as Siya rushed through the busy streets, barely managing to balance speed and control. She kept muttering prayers under her breath, occasionally honking unnecessarily out of panic. Somehow, after a chaotic ride filled with close calls,Almost hitting 2 cycles, 1 dog and 1 uncle 😭 she finally reached the college.

She parked her scooty in a hurry, almost misplacing it, grabbed her bag, and rushed toward the building. The corridor was crowded with students, voices echoing everywhere, footsteps overlapping in a messy rhythm. Siya ran through it without properly looking ahead, trying to find her classroom.

And then-

THUD!

She collided straight into something solid.

She stepped back instantly, holding her forehead, eyes tightly shut.

Siya - Ae.... haye... ye bich corridor me marble ki diwar kon lgata h..."

(Translation: Who puts a marble wall in the middle of the corridor...)

She rubbed her head, still not opening her eyes, clearly assuming it was just a wall.

"College h ya construction site..."

(Translation: Is this a college or a construction site...)

Then a deep, cold voice cut through her rant-

? "Excuse me?"

Siya frowned slightly, still unaware, and replied with full confidence-

Siya -. Hhhh... ab diwar bhi bolne lagi… lagta hai market me koi premium talking cement aa gaya hai… ek-do bori hum bhi apne room me lagwa lenge, room me loneliness kam ho jaegi!"

(Translation: Wow... now even walls have started talking... what kind of cement is this...)

Finally, she opened her eyes-

And froze.

Right in front of her stood a man. Not a wall.

Tall, well-built, with a sharp jawline and perfectly set features. His deep brown eyes held a calm but intimidating intensity. His posture was straight, composed, and his presence alone demanded attention.

Siya's eyes widened instantly.

Siya -. "Ho gyi reputation phurrr..."

(Translation: There goes my reputation...)

The man looked at her with a slightly annoyed expression and spoke again-

? "Why are you running like an ostrich?"

Siya blinked, processing his words, and her expression immediately changed into offended mode.

Siya -. Excuse me... kya kaha aapne ostrich?"

(Translation: Excuse me... did you just call me an ostrich?)

She crossed her arms and looked him up and down.

Siya -. "Khud ko dekha h?" Archaeopteryx khi ke

(Translation: Have you seen yourself?)

The man's brows furrowed slightly.

? "What?"

? "Do you even know who I am?"

Siya didn't miss a beat.

Siya - "Kyuu tum kya humari gali ke kutto ke head nimo ki trha is college ke head ho ?

(Translation: Why? Are you the head of the street dogs or this college?)

For a second, his expression shifted-slight disbelief, slight irritation.

? "Wha-"

But Siya raised her hand mid-air, stopping him.

Siya - "Dekho abhi mere pas time nhi h class h meri..."

(Translation: Look, I don't have time right now, I have a class...)

"Phir kbhi aaram se tumhe Nemo ki kahani sunaege..."

(Translation: I'll explain Nemo's story to you some other time...)

"Abhi hume jana h..."

(Translation: Right now I have to go...)

Without waiting for a response, she slipped past him and ran down the corridor again.

🎬 Inside the Classroom

Siya entered the classroom slightly out of breath. The environment was calmer here, students settling into their seats, low chatter filling the room. She slowed down, placing her hand on her chest, trying to catch her breath.

"Haash bach gye aaj..."

(Translation: Phew... saved today...)

"Varna subh subh us kabutar ki baat sach ho jati...🙂‍↕️"

(Translation: Otherwise that pigeon's prediction would've come true...)

She looked around, scanning for a place to sit.

"Umm... ab kha baithe...🤔"

(Translation: Umm... where should I sit...)

Her eyes moved to the front benches-

"Na Munna na... aage baithe to seedha interrogation hoga...🫠"

(Translation: No way... if I sit in front it'll be an interrogation...)

Then she looked at the back-

"Nahi nahi... piche baithe to attendance gayi...🥲"

(Translation: No... if I sit at the back, attendance is gone...)

She nodded to herself.

"Haan... bich me best h...👍"

(Translation: Yeah... middle is best...)

As she went to place her bag, two girls suddenly dropped their own bags on the same seat she had chosen. Both were completely absorbed in their own chatter, seemingly oblivious to her presence.

"Oh, sorry! Actually we didn't see you there!" said the first girl, her voice apologetic but cheerful. She had long, wavy hair that shimmered under the classroom lights, a soft smile, and eyes that seemed to hold curiosity in every blink.

The second girl looked up, tilting her head slightly. "Hey, are you new in college?" Her tone was light, teasing almost, with a sparkle in her hazel eyes. She had a playful aura, confident posture, and an easy smile.

Siya blinked, a little overwhelmed but keeping her cool. "Yes, yes... I am." 🙂‍↔️She took a small step forward, extending her hand.

Siya - I am Siya.😇"

The first girl smiled, shaking her hand warmly. "I am Meera Singhania."

The second girl followed, her handshake firm. "I am Sanvi Shekhawat "

Meera's gaze lingered on Siya longer than expected. She seemed almost lost in thought, staring at Siya's eyes, and her lips parted slightly, as if a memory had struck her.

Siya noticed and tilted her head, concerned. "What happened, Meera?"

Meera, still a little lost in thought, whispered softly: " your eyes... they remind me of someone... very familiar."

Siya's face paled😶. She muttered under her breath, "What...?" Her mind raced-was this a compliment or... something else entirely?

Meanwhile, Sanvi leaned closer to Meera, whispering audibly enough for Siya to hear: "What the hell, Meera? Are you... lesbian or something?"😱

Meera jolted, her face turning bright red. "What do you mean?"🫪

Siya quickly held up her hands, waving them like a traffic cop. "Look, I'm straight. I am loyal to my... husband."😌

Meera and Sanvi froze mid-breath, exchanging shocked glances.😱

"Married?! Already?!" Meera's voice squeaked in disbelief.

Siya - no! Mera matlab... future husband. Fake laugh... abhi to koi shaadi hui nahi hai."🫣 Siya flailed her hands, trying to clarify while feeling utterly embarrassed.

Sanvi smirked, leaning back in her chair, whispering conspiratorially, "Future husband? Matlab, tum secret cupid ho kya? Sabko confuse karne aaye ho?"😏

Siya, shaking her head, muttered under her breath: "Abey yeh class ka first day hai ya comedy show... seriously!"

Meanwhile, Meera stole glances at Siya, trying to figure out why her eyes felt so familiar. Sanvi, noticing this, nudged Meera jokingly, whispering: "Bas yaar, chhod do... pehle class attend karo, ya phir teacher ko drama show dikhaoge."

(Translation: Just leave it... first attend class, or you'll end up showing a drama show to the teacher.)

Siya finally settled into her seat, still slightly breathless from running through the corridor. She adjusted her bag under the desk, smoothed her hair quickly, and tried to act normal-as if nothing chaotic had happened just a few minutes ago.

The classroom was slowly filling with soft chatter-students talking in low voices, chairs scraping lightly against the floor, pages flipping. Sunlight filtered in through the large windows, falling right across Siya's face.

She picked up her notebook, pretending to focus.

But something felt... off.

A strange awareness.

Like someone was watching her.

Her fingers paused mid-air.

The pen in her hand stopped moving.

She slowly turned her head-

Meera was looking at her.

Not casually.

Not curiously.

This time... deeply.

Her eyes were fixed, steady-like she wasn't just looking at Siya... she was trying to understand something. Recognize something.

Siya's brows slightly frowned.

A tiny crease formed between her forehead.

She quickly looked away-pretending she didn't notice.

Adjusted her hair again.

Shifted in her seat.

"Ye phir shuru ho gayi..."

(Translation: Here she goes again...)

She tried to ignore it.

1 second.

2 seconds.

3 seconds.

Still staring.

Siya exhaled slowly, a little annoyed now.

She turned slightly toward Meera, raising one eyebrow-expression half-irritated, half-curious.

"Meera... seriously... kya dekh rahi ho itna?"

(Translation: Meera... seriously... what are you looking at so much?)

Meera didn't respond immediately.

She didn't even blink.

Instead, she leaned a little closer-very slightly-her posture relaxed but her eyes still locked on Siya.

Her voice, when she spoke, was softer this time.

Slower.

Almost like she was choosing her words carefully.

"Tumhari aankhen..."

A pause.

The background noise suddenly felt distant.

"...pehle bhi dekhi hain."

(Translation: I've seen eyes like yours before.)

Siya blinked.

Her expression shifted instantly-confusion mixed with slight surprise.

"Kya?"

Meera didn't look away.

Her gaze remained steady-intense but not aggressive.

Meera--- "Exactly aisi hi... same depth... same expression..."

She narrowed her eyes slightly-like trying to recall a memory.

Meera---- "...jaise koi chup kar bhi sab kuch keh raha ho."

(Translation: Like someone is saying everything... even while staying silent.)

Siya's grip on her pen tightened slightly.

Her heartbeat picked up-not fear... but something unfamiliar.

Uncomfortable curiosity.

She forced a small, awkward smile-trying to lighten the moment.

"Tum overthink kar rahi ho shayad..."

(Translation: I think you're overthinking...)

But her voice lacked confidence.

It didn't sound as casual as she wanted it to.

Meera shook her head slowly.

Calm.

Certain.

"Nahi... main sure hoon."

(Translation: No... I'm sure.)

A brief silence fell between them.

Sanvi, who had been watching this entire exchange with growing amusement, suddenly leaned forward, resting her elbow on the desk, chin in her hand-completely entertained.

"Bas karo tum dono..." 😭

She looked directly at Meera-eyebrows raised dramatically.

"Tu aankhon se DNA test karegi kya?"

(Translation: Are you going to do a DNA test through eyes or what?)

Siya almost choked on her breath-

Her serious expression cracked instantly.

Meera rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed but still composed.

"Sanvi... seriously..."

But Sanvi wasn't done.

She leaned even closer now, whispering loudly on purpose-

"Pehle 'your eyes'... phir 'same expression'... agla step kya hai? Proposal?" 😏

(Translation: First 'your eyes'... then 'same expression'... what's next? Proposal?)

Siya's eyes widened instantly.

She raised both her hands defensively-almost pushing the air away.

Siya--- "Dekho bhai... main straight hu!" 😭

(Translation: Look guys... I'm straight!)

"Safe distance maintain karo sab log..."

(Translation: Everyone maintain safe distance...)

Sanvi burst out laughing-loud enough to earn a few glances from nearby students. 😂

Meera closed her eyes for a second and facepalmed-

Clearly done with both of them.

Meera---- "Pagal ho tum dono..."

Then...

She looked at Siya again.

But this time-

The intensity was softer.

Less sharp.

More controlled.

Meera---- "Relax... main bas... compare kar rahi thi."

(Translation: Relax... I was just comparing.)

Siya narrowed her eyes slightly-leaning back in her chair, arms folding loosely.

"Kisse?"

(Translation: With whom?)

Meera paused.

Her expression shifted.

Very subtly.

For a split second-

She looked... distant.

Like her mind had gone somewhere else

.

"Kisi se..."

(Translation: Someone...)

And just like that-

She leaned back.

Breaking eye contact.

Conversation over.

Siya stared at her for a moment longer.

Trying to read her now.

"Ye 'kisi' kaun hai bhai..."

(Translation: Who is this 'someone'...)

Sanvi leaned toward Siya, lowering her voice dramatically like revealing a secret-

"Bas... ab mystery shuru..." 😏

(Translation: And now... the mystery begins...)

Siya leaned back into her seat, exhaling slowly, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk.

"Pehla din... aur already thriller chal raha hai..."

(Translation: First day... and it's already a thriller...)

The bell rang. 🔔

The classroom slowly quieted down.

Students straightened.

Books opened.

But Siya wasn't fully present anymore.

Her mind was stuck on one line-

"...pehle bhi dekhi hain."

And for some reason...

It didn't feel like a joke.

Tum itna haf kyun rahi ho?" asked Sanvi

(Why are you breathing like this?)

Siya held her chest dramatically-

"Don't ask..." 😭

Sanvi smirked-

"Now I will definitely ask."

Meera, sitting just behind them, leaned forward slightly-interested-

"Yeah seriously... what happened?" 😏

Siya looked at both of them, then leaned closer like she was about to reveal some secret.

"Main corridor me bhaag rahi thi..."

(I was running in the corridor...)

Sanvi nodded casually-

"Not surprised." 😏

Siya ignored her-

"Full speed... like literally Olympic race chal rahi ho..."

(Full speed... like an Olympic race was going on...)

Meera tried not to smile-

"Okay... then?"

Siya suddenly widened her eyes-

"THUD!"

She hit her hand on the desk dramatically.

"Main seedha ek deewar se takra gayi..." 😭

(I directly crashed into a wall...)

Sanvi frowned-

"Deewar?"

(A wall?)

Meera tilted her head-

"In the middle of the corridor?"

Siya nodded seriously-

"Haan! Main bhi wahi soch rahi thi... like who puts a wall in the middle??"

(Yes! I was thinking the same... like who puts a wall in the middle??)

Sanvi narrowed her eyes-

"Then?"

Siya leaned in closer, lowering her voice-

"Phir... that wall started talking..." 😭

(Then... that wall started talking...)

2 seconds silence.

Meera blinked.

Sanvi stared at her.

"...what?"

Siya nodded with full confidence-

"Haan! Usne bola-'Excuse me?'"

(Yes! It said-'Excuse me?')

Sanvi covered her mouth-trying not to laugh.

Meera smirked-

"Wow... talking walls now. Impressive."

Siya sighed-

"Mujhe bhi laga new cement aaya hoga market me..."

(I also thought maybe some new cement came in the market...)

Sanvi LOST IT. 😂

"Tu pagal hai kya???"

(Are you crazy???)

Siya ignored her-

"Phir maine aankhen kholi..."

(Then I opened my eyes...)

Her expression shifted slightly-

"Deewar nahi tha..."

(It wasn't a wall...)

"Ek aadmi tha..." 😭

(It was a man...)

Sanvi leaned closer-

"Kaisa aadmi?"

(What kind of man?)

Meera's gaze sharpened slightly-

"Yes... describe."

Siya whispered-

"Tall... sharp features... cold eyes... full attitude..."

Sanvi raised an eyebrow-

"Accha..." 😏

Meera kept watching her carefully-

"And then?"

Siya made an offended face-

"Then he called me ostrich..." 😭

Sanvi burst out laughing 😂

"YOU??? OSTRICH???"

Siya pointed at herself-

"Yes! And I called him Archaeopteryx..."

😭

Meera finally laughed softly-

"Fair enough. Equal revenge." 😏

Sanvi wiped her t

"Ek aadmi tha..." 😭

(It was a man...)

Sanvi leaned closer-

"Kaisa aadmi?"

(What kind of man?)

Meera's gaze sharpened slightly-

"Yes... describe."

Siya whispered-

"Tall... sharp features... cold eyes... full attitude..."

Sanvi raised an eyebrow-

"Accha..." 😏

Meera kept watching her carefully-

"And then?"

Siya made an offended face-

"Then he called me ostrich..." 😭

Sanvi burst out laughing 😂

"YOU??? OSTRICH???"

Siya pointed at herself-

"Yes! And I called him Archaeopteryx..."

😭

Meera finally laughed softly-

"Fair enough. Equal revenge." Her posture was straight.

Sanvi wiped her tears-

"Phir kya hua?"

(Then what happened?)

Siya leaned back dramatically-

"Phir maine usko suna diya... and I ran." 😭

(Then I said whatever I wanted... and I ran.)

Sanvi shook her head-

"You got lucky..."

Meera smirked-

"Ya phir... abhi phasegi." 😏

(Or maybe... now you'll get caught.)

Siya frowned-

"Matlab?"

(What do you mean?)

Before Meera could answer.

Suddenly

Silence.

Instant.

Every head turned toward the entrance.

Footsteps echoed. Slow. Measured.

Authoritative.

Each step carried a presence-controlled, confident... almost intimidating.

A tall man walked in.

Crisp formal shirt.

Well-defined posture.

Sharp jawline.

Eyes calm... but cold enough to command silence without effort.

Siya was still half-turned toward Sanvi, completely unaware.

She whispered-

"Waise seriously... agar ye Meera mujhe aur 2 min stare karti na, main usko attendance register me complaint likh deti-reason: aankhon se attack." 😭

(Translation: Seriously... if Meera stared at me for 2 more minutes, I'd file a complaint in the attendance register-reason: attack by eyes.)

Sanvi's eyes widened instantly.

She subtly nudged Siya's arm.

Once.

Twice.

Then gestured toward the front with panic in her eyes.

Siya frowned, irritated-

"Ab kya hua? Tum aise signal kyun de rahi ho jaise India-Pakistan match chal raha ho..."

(Translation: What now? Why are you signaling like it's an India-Pakistan match...)

"Miss."

A deep, cold voice cut through the silence.

Siya froze.

Her body went still.

Slowly...

very slowly...

she turned her head toward the front.

And the moment her eyes landed on him-

Her expression changed instantly.

Eyes widened.

Breath hitched.

Under her breath, almost inaudible-

"Archaeopteryx..." 😭

For a split second-

Time paused.

The man's gaze sharpened slightly.

He looked at her.

Directly.

Unblinking.

And in his mind-

"Miss Ostrich."

The entire class was watching now.

Some confused.

Some trying to hold their laughter.

Some fully invested in the unfolding drama.

Siya straightened instantly, sitting upright like a disciplined student-

or at least trying to.

"Ji?"

Sanvi covered her mouth, whispering-

"Gayi tu..." 😭

The man took a step forward.

His presence alone was enough to make the air feel heavier.

"I assume... you are done?"

Siya blinked.

Her brain struggling to process words.

"Ji... matlab... haa... matlab nahi... matlab thoda sa..." 😭

(Translation: Yes... I mean... no... I mean... a little...)

A few students at the back let out quiet laughs.

Meera closed her eyes briefly-like she had already accepted Siya's fate.

The man's expression didn't change.

Not even slightly.

"Interesting."

He turned and walked toward the front, placing his file on the desk with controlled precision.

He didn't pick up the chalk.

Didn't write anything on the board.

Instead-

He turned back to the class.

Standing straight.

Hands behind his back.

Full authority.

"My name is Ekansh Shekhawat."

His voice was calm.

Controlled.

But carried a quiet dominance.

"I will be your Science professor."

He paused.

Letting his words settle.

"I don't like noise."

A step forward.

"I don't like excuses."

Another pause.

"And most importantly-"

His gaze swept across the class.

Cold.

Sharp.

"I don't tolerate mistakes."

The room went dead silent.

Even the backbenchers straightened.

"I believe in discipline."

His eyes, for a brief second-

stopped on Siya.

"Because in my class-"

He held that gaze for just a moment longer.

"-one mistake... is enough."

Siya gulped.

Her throat suddenly dry.

She slowly leaned toward Sanvi, whispering-

"Energy nahi sir... galti thi..." 😭

(Translation: Not energy sir... it was a mistake...)

Sanvi almost burst out laughing again, bending forward to hide it. 😂

Siya sank slightly into her seat-

mentally preparing for the worst.

But Ekansh had already looked away.

Composed.

Unbothered.

"Take out your notebooks."

Class instantly obeyed.

Pages flipped.

Pens clicked open.

But Siya wasn't fully present.

Ekansh's voice moved smoothly through the air-calm, controlled, and sharp enough to keep every student in line. Chalk glided across the board in clean strokes as he explained the concept like everything depended on precision.

No one dared to interrupt.

Except-

Siya.

She sat with her notebook open, pen in hand, pretending to write.

But her eyes?

They shifted sideways.

Toward Sanvi.

Slowly... carefully...

She leaned closer, lowering her voice to the bare minimum-

"Sun..."

(Translation: Listen...)

Sanvi kept her posture straight, eyes on the notebook-perfect student mode.

"Haan bol..."

(Translation: Yeah, say...)

Siya whispered, barely moving her lips-

"Ye pakka wahi hai..."

(Translation: This is definitely the same guy...)

Sanvi's fingers tightened slightly around her pen.

She already knew where this was going.

"Kaun?"

(Translation: Who?)

Siya muttered under her breath-

"Wahi... Archaeopteryx..." 😭

(Translation: The same... Archaeopteryx...)

Sanvi almost choked.

She immediately lowered her head, hiding her face behind her notebook.

Her shoulders trembled-

not from fear...

but from suppressed laughter.

"Tu bachegi nahi aaj..."

(Translation: You're not surviving today...)

Siya rolled her eyes-

"Already nahi bach rahi hu..."

(Translation: I'm already not surviving...)

At the front-

Ekansh stopped writing.

The chalk paused mid-line.

He didn't turn.

But he heard it.

Every word.

A slow breath left him.

Archaeopteryx...

His jaw tightened ever so slightly.

Miss Ostrich.

He turned.

Slowly.

His eyes scanned the class-then stopped.

Exactly where he expected.

Siya and Sanvi.

Sanvi immediately straightened, acting completely normal.

Like she had nothing to do with anything.

Siya?

Still unaware.

Still whispering.

"Waise... itna attitude kis baat ka hai isme..."

(Translation: By the way... what's with all this attitude...)

Sanvi, now panicking internally, whispered back-

"Bas kar... chup ho ja..."

(Translation: Stop... just be quiet...)

Siya frowned-

"Tu itni dar kyun rahi hai..."

(Translation: Why are you so scared...)

Before Sanvi could reply-

"Maybe because she knows... when to stop."

That voice.

Cold.

Right behind them.

Siya froze.

Her spine straightened instantly.

Her grip on the pen tightened.

Slowly...

very slowly...

she turned her head.

Ekansh was standing right there.

Close.

Too close.

Her eyes widened.

"Sir-"

He raised a hand slightly-silencing her instantly.

His gaze shifted to Sanvi.

Just for a second.

A look passed between them.

Quick, Sharp , Unspoken.

Sanvi looked down immediately.

Composed.

Like nothing happened.

Siya noticed it.

A flicker of confusion crossed her face.

But before she could think-

Ekansh spoke.

"Enjoying the lecture?"

Siya swallowed.

"Ji... sir..."

(Translation: Yes... sir...)

Ekansh tilted his head slightly.

"Really?"

He picked up her notebook.

Opened it.

Blank page.

Silence.

He slowly looked up at her.

"Impressive."

The class was already struggling to hold their laughter.

Siya forced a weak smile-

"Sir... vo... actually..." 😭

(Translation: Sir... that... actually...)

Ekansh leaned slightly closer.

Just enough that only she could hear-

"Miss Ostrich..."

Her breath hitched. 😳

"...run less. Focus more."

He straightened.

Turned toward the class again like nothing happened.

"Some people," he continued calmly,

"prefer talking over learning."

His eyes briefly flicked toward Siya again.

"Unfortunately... that doesn't work here."

Meanwhile-

Siya's brain was exploding.

She turned toward Sanvi, whispering urgently-

"Isne mujhe ostrich bola..." 😭

(Translation: He called me an ostrich...)

Sanvi, still trying to stay normal, whispered back-

"Tu ne Archaeopteryx bola tha..." 😏

(Translation: You called him Archaeopteryx...)

Siya made an offended face-

"Vo alag baat h..."

(Translation: That's different...)

Sanvi raised an eyebrow-

"Kya alag? Dono birds hi h..."

(Translation: What different? Both are birds...)

Behind them-

Meera, who had been silently writing till now, slowly looked up.

Her eyes moved from Siya... to Sanvi...

Then to the front-

And back again.

She leaned slightly forward-voice low but clear-

"Tum dono apni species discussion class ke baad kar lo..." 😏

(Translation: You two can continue your species discussion after class...)

Siya turned instantly-

"Tum beech me mat bolo..." 😭

(Translation: Don't interfere...)

Meera calmly-

"Main interfere nahi kar rahi... survival tip de rahi hu." 😌

(Translation: I'm not interfering... I'm giving you a survival tip.)

Siya rolled her eyes-

"Already late ho gaya tip..."

(Translation: The tip is already late...)

Meanwhile-

At the front-

Ekansh stopped writing again.

This time-

He didn't wait.

He turned.

Slow.

Sharp.

His gaze directly locked on the three of them now.

"Enough."

The class went silent.

Meera straightened instantly.

Sanvi froze.

Siya mentally prepared for her funeral.

Ekansh took a step forward.

"If you three are done with your... discussion."

A slight pause.

"Get. Out."

Dead silence.

Meera blinked once-then calmly closed her notebook.

No panic.

No drama.

Sanvi stood up quickly.

Siya?

Still processing life choices.

Sanvi pulled her hand-

"Uth!" 😭

(Translation: Get up!)

Siya jumped up so fast her chair made a loud screech.

"Sorry sir..." 😭

(Translation: Sorry sir...)

Ekansh didn't even look at her.

That hurt more. 😭

The three of them walked out of the classroom-

Door closed.

The moment they stepped into the corridor-

Silence broke.

Siya turned dramatically-

"YE KYA THA???" 😭

(Translation: WHAT WAS THAT???)

Sanvi sighed-

"Tu chup reh leti na..."

(Translation: If you had just stayed quiet...)

Siya pointed-

"Main??? Tum dono bhi bol rahi thi!"

(Translation: Me??? Both of you were also talking!)

Meera calmly leaned against the wall-

arms crossed, watching them like a spectator.

"Haan... but main whisper kar rahi thi... tum broadcast kar rahi thi." 😏

(Translation: Yeah... but I was whispering... you were broadcasting.)

Sanvi burst out laughing. 😂

Siya glared-

" ha haaaa. Bhot funny tha ..."

(Translation: Very funny...)

Meera smirked-

"Main to hoon... tum nahi ho." 😌

(Translation: I am... you're not.)

Siya gasped dramatically-

"Betrayal... pehle stare karti ho, phir insult..." 😭

(Translation: Betrayal... first you stare, then insult...)

Meera's expression softened slightly-

"Stare wali baat alag thi..."

(Translation: The staring thing was different...)

Siya narrowed her eyes-

"Abhi nahi... baad me explain karna..."

(Translation: Not now... explain later...)

Then suddenly-

She turned toward Sanvi-

"Waise tu itni dar kyun rahi thi usse?"

(Translation: By the way, why were you so scared of him?)

Sanvi froze.

Meera noticed immediately.

Her gaze shifted between both of them-

observing.

Understanding something.

Siya stepped closer-

"Sanvi..."

"Sach bol..."

(Translation: Tell the truth...)

Sanvi sighed.

Looked at Meera.

Then back at Siya.

"Vo..."

Pause.

Siya impatient-

"BOL NA!" 😭

(Translation: SAY IT!)

Sanvi finally said-

"Vo mera bhai hai."

Silence.

Meera's brows lifted slightly-interest clearly visible now.

Siya blinked.

"Kaun?"

(Translation: Who?)

Sanvi-

"Ekansh."

2 seconds silence.

Then-

"MATLAB VO ARCHAEO... VO... TERA BHAI HAI???" 😭

(Translation: YOU MEAN THAT ARCHAEO... THAT GUY... IS YOUR BROTHER???)

Sanvi instantly covered her mouth-

"CHILLA MAT!" 😭

(Translation: DON'T SHOUT!)

Meera turned her face away slightly-

trying to hide her smile.

Siya started pacing-

"Main mar gayi... main ne kya kya bol diya..." 😭

(Translation: I'm dead... what all did I say to him...)

Meera casually-

"List bana lo... future reference ke liye." 😏

(Translation: Make a list... for future reference.)

Sanvi laughed again-

"Exactly..."

Siya pointed at both-

"Tum dono meri dushman ho!" 😭

(Translation: Both of you are my enemies!)

Meera raised an eyebrow-

"Correction... tum khud apni dushman ho." 😌

(Translation: Correction... you are your own enemy.)

Sanvi added-

"Plus... ab bhai ki bhi..." 😏

(Translation: Plus... now my brother's too...)

Siya held her head-

"Great... first day... professor ki dushman... behen ki problem... aur dost bhi toxic..." 😭🔥

(Translation: Great... first day... professor's enemy... sister's problem... and friends also toxic...)

Meera chuckled softly.

But her eyes...

For a brief second-

turned toward the classroom door.

Thoughtful.

Observing.

Then back to Siya-

"Welcome to college." 😏

At Shekhawat's industry

The office was massive, glass walls letting sunlight flood in, the kind of space that screamed power and success. The hum of computers, low chatter of employees, and the soft clacking of heels on polished floors created a rhythm of controlled chaos.

Maahi Malhotra stepped in, clutching her notepad and pen, her bag swinging slightly as she tried to look composed. She’d been called for an interview at the last minute to meet the new CEO personally. Her heart beat a little faster, but she straightened her shoulders, projecting calm confidence.

Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the sleek interiors—the giant mahogany desk, the leather chairs, the carefully arranged awards. And then she saw him.

Dhruv Shekhawat

Tall. Commanding. Sharp suit, sharper gaze. He looked like someone who measured the world in seconds and efficiency. Every move was precise, calculated.

She swallowed. And promptly tripped on the edge of the carpet, landing flat on her stomach with a soft thud. 😅

She muttered under her breath,

“Ho gya phle din hi tamasha, ab ye nokari kya tere shakl bhi nhi dekhega.”

(What a scene… first day itself, and will this job even notice your face?)

He looked up from his laptop. His eyes landed on Maahi as if he were weighing her in a single glance—no nonsense, all business.

“Miss Malhotra,”

his voice was smooth, calm, but carried authority that seemed to shrink the room.

MAAHI____

“Yes, sir. Maahi Malhotra. I’m here for the PA position.” She spoke while lying on her stomach, her face turning red with embarrassment. She quickly scrambled up, straightened, and adjusted her bag strap that had slipped from her shoulder. She gave a tiny, awkward shrug as if nothing had happened—though her face betrayed a flash of blush.

He didn’t smile. Didn’t nod immediately. He just stood, closing his laptop with a soft snap that echoed in the office.

Dhruv’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Are you sure you will handle this post?”

He asked with calm, evaluating, slightly amused

Maahi stammered briefly, “A… bb… Y y yes! Definitely, I am more than capable for this post!”

She muttered under her breath, shaking her head slightly,

“Just ignore this…”

expression: embarrassed, trying to regain composure

“Ye to rooj ka h,” she muttered quietly.

(“This is just my everyday luck.”)

Dhruv said sharply,

“Follow me.”

They walked through the office together, the echo of her heels matching the quiet rhythm of his steps. Maahi, trying to keep pace, nearly bumped into a water cooler, muttering under her breath,

MAAHI___

“Bas ek din Maahi, bas ek hi din… Aaj apni harkate sambhal le.”

(Just one day… just one day… today, keep your acts under control.)

Dhruv glanced at her sideways.

DHRUV____

“Do you always walk like a whirlwind?” he asked dryly.

She blinked, smiled sheepishly, and said casually,

“Sir… bas energy zyada hai, control kam.”

(Sir… just lots of energy, little control.)

she said sheepish, playful and shrug her shoulders.

He didn’t react outwardly, only raised a single eyebrow.

DHRUV___

“You will need brains, speed, discretion,” he said after a pause, his tone serious. “Mistakes here… they cost more than just money.”

MAAHI____

“Yes, sir. I understand,” Maahi replied crisply, trying not to trip again on her heels. Internally, she grumbled,

“Acchaaa… sidha sidha hume gadha bol rha h… Hhh jaise khud to kankhajure ki trha, hume kabse ghure nhi Jaa rha.” she muttered

(Oh great… he’s calling me a fool… Hhh, like he’s a perfect rock, and I can’t go anywhere.)

He stopped at a smaller office beside his main room and gestured for her to sit. He leaned back slightly, studying her.

DHRUV ____

“You have confidence,” he said casually, “but confidence without efficiency… is dangerous.”

Maahi muttered under her breath, her tone humorous but annoyed,

“Confidence to bhot h, par tum jaise khankajure ke saamne to har kisi ka confidence phurr ho jae.”

(Confidence is there, but in front of someone like him, anyone’s confidence would just vanish.)

she said in her mind with playful eye-roll, slight smirk to herself.

Dhruv said with a calm, commanding tone, “Miss Malhotra.”

MAAHI___

“Yes, yes, sir,” she replied hurriedly, her voice slightly squeaky but determined.

He assessed her silently, expression unreadable.

Then

Maahi smirked lightly, ignoring the tiny sting of critique.

“Then I’ll make sure my efficiency keeps up with my confidence… aur thoda extra masala bhi daal dungi, sir.”

(Then I’ll make sure my efficiency keeps up with my confidence… and add a little extra spice, sir.)

While  playfully ,confidence, dramatically tilting her head)

For a moment, Dhruv looked like he was assessing whether she was serious or just another overconfident applicant. Then he gave a slow nod.

DHRUV______

“Good. We’ll see if you survive your first week. That will tell me everything.”

Maahi pulled out her notepad, flipping it open as if ready to take notes on every word. She accidentally dropped her pen. She bent to pick it up, muttering,

“Kya yaar, shuruat se hi tension!”

(What the heck, stress right from the start!)

MAAHI_____

“Challenge accepted, sir,” she said dramatically, holding the pen tightly with renewed confidence.

A faint smirk crossed Dhruv’s face—one he immediately tried to hide. Something about her had caught his attention—not her experience, not her resume—but her attitude. She didn’t flinch. She didn’t fawn. She wasn’t scared. And that… intrigued him.

As she walked back to the elevator, whispering to herself, half amused, half nervous,

“This is going to be… interesting. Bas Maahi, tujhe hr kadam phuk phuk kr rkhna padega.”

(This is going to be… interesting. Maahi, you’ll have to tread carefully at every step.)

And from his office, Dhruv watched her go, thinking quietly, with a light smirk on his lips:

“Interesting… indeed. And clumsy. Very clumsy… yet somehow charming.” 😏

Dhruv in his mind while smirking 

I will enjoy working with you Miss Malhotra.😏

Somewhere

The evening had just begun to settle over the city, wrapping everything in a slow, glowing calm that existed only on the surface.

The sky stretched wide above-painted in soft shades of orange, amber, and fading gold-slowly surrendering to the approaching dusk. Streetlights flickered alive one by one, casting long shadows across the roads. The air carried a blend of honking horns, distant chatter, and the restless rhythm of a city that never truly paused.

Amid this controlled chaos-

A girl rode her scooty, weaving through traffic with practiced ease.

She wore a simple long kurta, the fabric moving gently with the wind. Her dupatta trailed behind her like a soft ribbon, occasionally brushing against her arm. A delivery box was tightly secured at the back of her scooty.

Her posture was straight.

Steady.

Unapologetically confident.

Her face held sharp, well-defined features. Her eyes-deep, expressive-carried a quiet strength, the kind that didn't demand attention... yet couldn't be ignored.

But right now-

That calm strength was buried under irritation. 😤

Her brows were slightly furrowed, lips pressed faintly as she maneuvered through yet another reckless vehicle cutting across her path.

SHE____

"Ya Allah... ye log gaadi chala rahe hain ya sheher par qayamat nazil karne nikle hain..."

(Oh God... are these people driving or trying to bring destruction upon the city...)

She leaned slightly to the side, narrowly avoiding another vehicle, her reflexes sharp and practiced.

SHE___

"Seedha chalana bhi ek saleeqa hota hai... magar har kisi ko ata nahi hota..."

(Driving straight is also a manner... but not everyone possesses it...)

Her fingers tightened around the handle unconsciously as she exhaled in frustration, eyes scanning the road ahead with alert precision.

____

"Upar se waqt ki pabandi ka taqaza alag... agar der ho gayi to logon ki shikayatein khatam hi nahi hoti..."

(On top of that, the pressure of time... if I get late, people never stop complaining...)

She slightly leaned forward, accelerating just a bit-trying to make up for lost time-

When suddenly-

Everything changed.

A black car cut sharply through the traffic-

Too fast.

Too sudden.

Too careless.

It appeared right in front of her-almost out of nowhere.

Her eyes widened instantly.

Her body reacted before her thoughts could catch up-

She pressed the horn repeatedly-

But there was no response.

SCREEECH!!!

The harsh sound of brakes tore through the air-

THUD! 💥

The impact wasn't violent enough to throw her down-

But it was enough to shake her completely.

Her scooty jerked sharply to one side.

Her foot hit the ground instantly-hard-just in time to keep herself from falling.

The delivery box rattled dangerously behind her, almost tipping over before settling back.

For a moment-everything froze.

Then-

Her anger erupted. 🔥

SHE___

"Ya Allah! Aapki nigaahein kahaan masroof hain janaab ? Sadak par chal rahe hain ya khwabon ki duniya mein?"

(Oh God! Where are your eyes even focused? Are you driving on the road or lost in dreams?)

_

____

"Yeh sadak hai janaab, koi maidan-e-jung nahi jahan aap talwar ki raftaar se daudte phiren!"

(This is a road, sir, not a battlefield where you can charge like a sword!)

The car door opened slowly.

A man stepped out-calm, composed, dangerously controlled.

HIM____

"You came in the way."

Silence.

SHE____

"SubhanAllah... khata aapki aur ilzaam hum par? Kya khoob insaaf hai aapka..."

(Wow... the mistake is yours and you blame me? What a fine sense of justice...)

_

_____

"Waah janaab... aaj tak aisa ajeeb-o-gareeb faisla nahi dekha."

(Wow sir... I've never seen such a strange judgment before.)

HIM___

Mind your language.

SHE____

"Lehja? Janaab, aap jaise logon ke liye lehja nahi, alfaaz tez karne padte hain..."

(Tone? Sir, for people like you, one doesn't change tone... one sharpens words...)

HIM____

"You're crossing your limits."

SHE_____

"Hudood ki baat aap kar rahe hain? Jinhein sadak par chalne ki adaab tak haasil nahi?"

(You talk about limits? When you don't even have the manners to drive on the road?)

HIM_____

"Do you even know who you're talking to?"

SHE____

"Pehle aap ye bataiye... kya aap is sadak ke malik hain, ya phir itni jaldi mein hain ke duniya hi chhodni ho?"

(First you tell me... are you the owner of this road, or are you in such a hurry like you're about to leave this world?)

HIM____

"Aakhir Aap ho kaun, mohtarma?"

She straightened-confidence taking over completely.

SHE____

"Aap humein nahi jaante?"

(You don't know me?)

_____

"Arre janaab... humari bakery ka naam to sheher ke mohtaram logon ki zabaan par rehta hai..."

(Sir... even the most respected people in the city know my bakery...)

SHE____

"'Sweet Sins Bakery'... shayad aap ne suna nahi."

('Sweet Sins Bakery'... perhaps you haven't heard of it.)

_______

"Haye... itni wasi duniya aur itni kam maloomaat..."

(Such a vast world... and such little awareness...)

"Naam yaad rakhiyega..."

_____

"Taara Beg." 🔥

(Remember the name... Taara Beg.)

The name settled heavily in the air.

Dev Singhania looked at her-this time not just annoyed, but intrigued.

Because she didn't step back.

Didn't hesitate.

She challenged him.

Meanwhile, she turned back to her scooty, still muttering-

SHE___

"Ya Allah... kaise kaise logon se paala padta hai..."

(Oh God... what kind of people one has to deal with...)

Taara sped away on her scooty, the evening breeze tugging at her dupatta as if mocking her irritation. Her figure grew smaller in the distance, weaving through traffic with the same sharp confidence she'd carried since the first second.

For a moment, the street seemed quieter-almost emptier.

But then Dev Singhania's eyes caught something glinting on the asphalt.

The locket.

He bent down, picked it up effortlessly, and held it between his fingers. The subtle weight of it felt oddly significant, almost like it carried a story only he could sense.

A light smirk appeared on his face.

DEV (thinking to himself , teasingly):

"Well... that was something. A girl who drives like a tornado, yells like she owns the world, and still manages to drop her precious locket in my path. Seriously... does she do this on purpose?"

He turned the locket over, examining it as if it had secrets written in its small, delicate frame.

DEV (softly, amused, ):

"Taara Beg... you're a handful. A real handful. And somehow... I think I like that. Maybe too much trouble for a calm evening, but hey... where's the fun without a little chaos?"

He slipped the locket into his pocket, still studying the spot where she had vanished. The faint sound of her scooty fading into the distance made him chuckle quietly.

DEV (muttering under his breath, playful):

"Unbelievable... Who drops a locket and drives off like nothing happened? Only in my life, apparently."

And just like that, the city, the evening, and even the chaos around them seemed to pause for a single, teasing heartbeat-because Dev already knew that Taara Beg was not just trouble... she was unforgettable trouble with a side of mischief.

...............,.........................................................

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