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
Reyansh chuckled, understanding the game. He opened his mouth wide and let out a playful, exaggerated "Ahh!" in response. Avi giggled, then toddled back to Saarayu, eager to continue their medical charade.Saarayu watched the interaction, a warm feeling blossoming in her chest. The sight of Reyansh playing with Avi filled her with a sense of tenderness. It was clear how much he cared for his niece, even if she mistook him for her father."Alright, little doctor," Saarayu said, adjusting the stethoscope on Avi's neck. "Let's see who else needs a check-up!"The sight of Reyansh's playful interaction with Avi brought a smile to Saarayu's lips. The blush that crept onto her cheeks, however, was a different story. It wasn't the adorable kind that mirrored Avi's innocent joy.The joy on Avi's face was infectious. In a burst of happy energy, she abandoned the stethoscope and launched herself at Saarayu, burying her face in the crook of Saarayu's neck. A giggle escaped her lips, and a deligh
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
Reyansh shook his head, the exhaustion a mere shadow compared to the emotional turmoil he was in. "I'm not hungry," he mumbled, his voice thick with despair. "I should take Avi home. Thanks for looking after her."Saarayu hesitated, a flicker of worry crossing her features. Before he could turn away, she reached out and gently placed a hand on his arm. The warmth of her touch sent a jolt through him, a sudden awareness of her presence cutting through the fog in his mind."Sit," she said, guiding him towards the chair with a surprising strength. Reyansh opened his mouth to protest, but the words wouldn't come. He felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, both physical and emotional. Seeing her concern, he allowed himself to be led to the table, his hand lingering in hers for a moment longer than necessary.Saarayu pulled out another chair and sat down next to him. She had prepared a simple meal, but the aroma that filled the air was warm and comforting. Without a word, she start
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
"There have been some… threats," he admitted cautiously. "Someone seems to be after me, for reasons I don't understand. That's why there was an… incident yesterday."Dr. Sudha's eyes widened in alarm. "Threats? What kind of threats?" She looked around the room, her gaze flitting to the windows and doors as if searching for a hidden danger."I'm not sure," Reyansh hedgedAs everyone settled onto the couches, Saarayu emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming pot of coffee and a tray of mugs. The tension in the room was palpable, a mix of concern and curiosity hanging heavy in the air.Dr. Sudha reached out and took a sip of the coffee Saarayu offered, sending her a grateful smile. "Thank you, dear," she murmured. Then, turning back to Reyansh, she continued, "There's something you should know, Reyansh. Back in our college days, as part of a cultural activity to win prize money, I approached your parents for an interview. Your father, a brilliant businessman they said, and your
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
"Who is this little angel, Sudha?" he rasped, his voice weak but filled with a hint of amusement.Dr. Sudha knelt beside the couch, placing a hand on Avi's head. "This, Raghu," she explained, her voice filled with tenderness, "is Avi. The little one I told you about from Reyansh's place."Avi, ever the social butterfly, approached Dr. Raghu cautiously, her gaze flitting between his kind eyes and the unfamiliar surroundings. She shyly extended a chubby hand towards him, a silent question hanging in the air.Dr. Raghu's smile softened further. He reached out and gently grasped Avi's tiny fingers in his own, his touch light and careful. A wave of warmth washed over him, a sense of unexpected connection with this curious child."Well, hello there, Avi," he croaked, his voice barely a whisper. "It's very nice to meet you.""Well, hello there, Avi," he croaked, his voice barely a whisper. "It's very nice to meet you."In that quiet moment, a connection sparked. Dr. Raghu, recovering from a