Reyansh couldn't help but steal glances at Saarayu across the table. Dressed in the simple blue salwar, she radiated a quiet confidence that felt strangely elegant. The way she effortlessly handled Avi, her face alight with affection, sparked a warmth in his chest.As they talked, a connection he hadn't anticipated began to bloom between them. It wasn't just about the shared danger or the responsibility of caring for Avi. There was a spark of something deeper, a sense of understanding and shared purpose that drew him in.He found himself captivated by her every word, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled, the strength that resonated in her voice. A silent question formed in his mind: could there be more to this, beyond the immediate crisis? The thought sent a tremor through him, a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty.••••The morning sun glinted off the college building as Reyansh pulled his car to a stop. Saarayu, still radiating calm despite the whirlwind

In a horrifying blur of movement, the car slammed into Mr. Kapoor, the sickening thud of impact echoing through the bustling street. Mr. Kapoor's body crumpled to the ground, a crimson stain blossoming on his crisp white shirt.Reyansh's world tilted on its axis. He lunged forward, a primal scream tearing from his throat. Ignoring the stunned gasps of onlookers, he reached Mr. Kapoor's side. His fingers brushed against a warm, sticky wetness, confirming his worst fears.Panic threatened to consume him, but a flicker of determination forced itself through the haze. He couldn't lose Mr. Kapoor too. Scooping Mr. Kapoor's limp body into his arms, Reyansh sprinted towards his car, adrenaline masking the growing weight.He flung open the car door, cradling Mr. Kapoor as gently as possible. Every bump in the road sent a fresh wave of agony through Reyansh's heart. He slammed the car into gear, ignoring the red lights, his mind focused solely on getting Mr. Kapoor to the nearest hospital.The

The first sliver of sunlight peeked through the blinds, painting golden stripes across the floor of the guest room. Reyansh, his eyes etched with exhaustion, stood by the window, a deep frown creasing his brow. He hadn't slept a wink, his mind replaying the events of the previous day on a relentless loop.With a heavy sigh, he turned towards the door. He needed to face Saarayu, to discuss the plan that had formed in the quiet hours of the night. He needed to be honest with her, however much it might hurt.He pushed open the door and found Saarayu in the kitchen, humming softly as she poured cereal into a bowl. Avi, perched on a highchair, clapped her hands in delight as colorful flakes tumbled onto her spoon.The sight of them, a picture of domestic normalcy, sent a pang through Reyansh's chest. Yet, it also fueled his resolve. This peaceful scene, this makeshift family, was exactly what he was fighting for.Saarayu looked up as he entered, her smile faltering slightly when she saw hi

Avi's lower lip trembled, her eyes flitting between Saarayu's reassuring smile and Dr. Sudha's kind but unfamiliar face. The promise of ice cream was tempting, a sweet reward, but leaving Saarayu's side was a daunting prospect. Sensing Avi's hesitation, Saarayu knelt before her. "It'll just be for a little while, my little love," she explained, tucking a stray curl behind Avi's ear. "Dr. Sudha is a very nice lady, and she'll take good care of you. Besides, wouldn't you like to see the ducks at the park? They might even share their bread crumbs with you!" The image of fluffy ducks and yummy treats sparked a flicker of curiosity in Avi's eyes. The fear of the unknown began to recede, replaced by the allure of a new adventure. Reyansh watched the exchange, a silent understanding dawning on him. He saw the love and care Saarayu showered on Avi, the way she could soothe the little girl's anxieties with a simple word or a playful promise. He knew, in that moment, that Avi had found

Back in their own apartment, the familiar buzz of the city seeped in through the open windows. Saarayu busied herself in the kitchen, the rhythmic clinking of pots and pans a comforting sound. A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes as she glanced towards the living room, where Avi sat sprawled on a colorful play mat, surrounded by a sea of scattered toys. "Well, miss adventurer," Saarayu said in a mock-stern tone, her voice laced with playful reprimand, "you left me all alone today, didn't you?"Avi, momentarily distracted from her toys, looked up at Saarayu with wide, innocent eyes. A tiny frown creased her forehead, her lower lip trembling ever so slightly. "Mamma no happy?" she babbled, her voice barely a whisper.Saarayu couldn't help but melt at the sight. Hiding a smile behind her hand, she walked towards Avi and scooped her up in a hug. The warmth of the little girl's body pressed against hers filled Saarayu with a sense of unexpected affection."Oh, you silly goose,"