The clock ticked, a relentless metronome to Reyansh's growing unease. Fifteen minutes to a preordained disaster. He wasn't nervous, exactly, but trapped. Trapped in a tuxedo that felt more like a straightjacket and a life his father envisioned, not him.Sure, he looked the part of a billionaire's son on a date. The crisp white shirt hugged his broad shoulders, the black bowtie a stark contrast. The tailored tuxedo, a recent shopping spree "courtesy" of his enthusiastic Mom, fit perfectly. Yet, it felt like a costume.His fingers, accustomed to the smooth caress of guitar strings, felt alien around the stiff collar. The cologne his Dad insisted on reeked of old money, suffocating the rockstar wannabe simmering beneath the surface.Six more grueling months of internship and he'd finally be a doctor, the coveted MBBS a badge of honor. Then, the real dream - Cardiac Surgery. But his father, in his infinite business-oriented wisdom, seemed obsessed with him inheriting the empire.A blind d

As the heavy oak door slammed shut behind Reyansh, Shila let out a shaky breath, the anger momentarily draining from her face."Wow," she murmured, sinking back onto the plush bed. "That was… intense."Ken scoffed, running a hand through his mussed hair. "The nerve of him, showing up here like that. Did you see the look on his face when he saw us?" A cruel smile played on his lips.Shila shivered, a flicker of unease crossing her features. "It was… satisfying, in a way. But also a little scary. What if he…""Don't worry, darling," Ken interrupted, pulling her close. "He's nothing. A broke has-been with a screaming kid. We've got nothing to fear from him.""But what about the music?" Shila whispered, her voice laced with a hint of concern. "He'll know… he'll recognize his own work."Ken chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "So? We'll just keep feeding him scraps, enough to keep him quiet. Besides, who cares about a ghostwriter, right? The world only sees the star on stage."Shila remained

His classmates, surprised by the initial aggression, stumbled back a step. But the one holding Avi held his ground, a cruel glint in his eyes. "Not until you entertain us a bit, Malhotra," he taunted.Avi's cries grew louder, her tiny body trembling. Reyansh knew he couldn't take another moment. He lunged again, this time with a speed and precision that surprised everyone. Years of hidden training in martial arts kicked in, his movements fluid and powerful.The classmate holding Avi barely had time to react before Reyansh's elbow connected with his solar plexus, the impact knocking the wind out of him. With a gasp, he doubled over, releasing his grip on Avi.Instinctively, Reyansh scooped her up before she hit the floor, cradling her close. The other classmates, momentarily stunned, finally reacted. They lunged towards him, a pack of wolves attacking a lone wolf pup.But Reyansh was a whirlwind of controlled fury. He met their attacks with practiced ease, his movements a blur of block

A genuine smile lit up Saarayu's face. "Wow, that's amazing! All the very best, Reyansh," she said, her voice filled with warmth. Reyansh felt a flutter in his chest at the sound of his name."Thank you, Saarayu," he replied, surprised by the unexpected connection he felt despite their brief encounter.Suddenly, a flicker of surprise crossed her face. "Oh, I apologize, Reyansh sir," she stammered, her voice dropping slightly. "I'm actually a third-year M.B.B.S student myself."Reyansh stopped walking abruptly, a wave of emotions washing over him. He'd been about to ask her to be friends, the ghosts of his past threatening to pull him back. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile. "Nothing really," he said, his voice strained. "Just lost in thought for a moment.""This must be the principal's office," Saarayu said, halting in front of the large oak door. Glancing around at the festive decorations and excited chatter, Reyansh noticed the college was buzzing. "Wow, is there a special eve

"Yeh!" she declared, her bright eyes sparkling with delight."Such a good girl you are, aren't you, baby?" Reyansh cooed, his heart overflowing with love.Avi, nestled comfortably in his arms, simply grinned and bounced a happy, "Yess!"The warmth of the reunion with Avi lingered as Reyansh scanned the living room. Everything was neat and tidy, a testament to the nanny's attentiveness."Thank you for taking such good care of everything," he said with a genuine smile.The nanny beamed. "Of course, sir. Is there anything you'd like me to prepare for dinner?"Reyansh shook his head. "Thank you, but tonight I'll handle it.Her eyes crinkled at the corners. "Certainly, sir. Enjoy your evening sir"With a grateful nod, Reyansh saw the nanny out the door. Now it was just him and Avi."Ice cream!" Avi squealed, pointing at her face with a mischievous glint in her eyes. He knew that look all too well - it meant she'd been plotting sweet, sticky mayhem.Completely forgotten. He'd promised choco