7

. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐

After a while...

Mahika stepped into the canteen.

And just like always-

Silence didn't fall... but attention did.

Every head turned.

Her icy eyes...
Her open, slightly wavy hair falling effortlessly over her shoulders...
Her calm yet dangerous aura...

It was impossible not to look at her.

Even those who had only heard about her till now...

Were now witnessing her presence.

At one corner-

Soni sat with her group.

The moment she saw Mahika, she nudged her friends.

Sachin whispered-

"Arey... ma'am yahan kya kar rahi hai?"
("Hey... what is ma'am doing here?")

Rupali smacked his head lightly-

"Canteen mein log kya karte hain? Khane hi aate hain na!"
("What do people do in a canteen? Of course they come to eat!")

Mahika scanned the entire canteen once.

Her sharp gaze searching.

And then-

She spotted Sanju.

Sitting at a table... waving her hand excitedly like a child.

Mahika walked toward her and calmly pulled a chair.

Sat down.

Without saying much.

Sanju immediately opened her tiffin.

Seeing that-

Mahika also took out her own lunchbox...

The one Malini ji had packed for her in the morning.

She didn't know anyone here...
And she wasn't interested in making conversations either.

So sitting with Sanju... was enough.

Sanju, being Sanju...

Was just about to order samosas.

But suddenly-

Mahika looked at her.

Not just looked-

Stared.

That one cold, sharp glare.

Sanju froze.

Her hand stopped mid-air.

She nervously asked-

"Kya hua di...?"
("What happened, di...?")

Even though Mahika had become her favorite...

That look still scared her.

Mahika spoke in a commanding tone-

"Aunty ne lunch diya hai... woh khao."
("Aunty has given you lunch... eat that.")

Sanju was about to argue...

But one more glance from Mahika-

And she quietly opened her tiffin.

Started eating.

Everyone in the canteen was watching this scene.

Whispers started again-

Who is she?
Why is Sanju so close to her?
Why does she listen to her like that?

But no one dared to approach.

While eating, Sanju said softly-

"Waise ma'am... achha hua aap yahan aa gayi."
("Ma'am... it's good you came here.")

"Ab mujhe kisi se dar nahi lagega... aur koi mujhe pareshaan bhi nahi karega."
("Now I won't be scared of anyone... no one will trouble me anymore.")

For a split second-

Mahika's eyes darkened.

Dangerously.

She lowered her gaze slightly and asked-

"Kyu... kaun pareshaan karta hai tumhe?"
("Why... who troubles you?")

Sanju wiped her hands with a tissue and sighed-

"Main second year mein hoon... aur seniors..."
("I'm in second year... and seniors...")

"Jab bhi hume dekhte hain... juniors ko tang karna shuru kar dete hain."
("Whenever they see us... they start harassing juniors.")

She looked at Mahika again-

"Aur ek ladko ka group hai... jo hamesha sabko pareshaan karta hai."
("And there's a group of boys... who constantly trouble everyone.")

"Kuch ladkiyan bhi unke saath hain."
("Some girls are also involved.")

Mahika lifted her face-

Her expression unreadable.

"Complaint kyun nahi karte?"
("Why don't you complain?")

Sanju's face fell slightly-

"Kiya hai di..."
("We did...")

"Par unme se kisi ke father MLA hain..."
("But one of them has an MLA father...")

"Thoda investigation hota hai... phir chhod dete hain."
("There's some investigation... then they're let go.")

Then suddenly-

She smiled brightly again-

"Par ab aap ho na... mujhe koi tension nahi!"
("But now you're here... I'm not worried anymore!")

Mahika looked at her.

Deeply.

As if reading something beyond her words.

Then she said slowly-

"Kisi par aankh band karke bharosa nahi karna chahiye..."
("You should never blindly trust anyone...")

"Tumhare paale hue sher bhi... kab tumhe kha jaaye... pata nahi chalta."
("Even a lion you raise... might one day devour you... without warning.")

Sanju blinked.

Confused.

She didn't fully understand...

But something about her tone...

Felt heavy.

Without explaining further-

Mahika packed her tiffin.

Placed it in her bag.

And walked out of the canteen.

Just like that.

Sanju quickly grabbed her bag and ran after her.

Mahika was walking fast.

Very fast.

Sanju called out-

"Mahika ma'am!"

Mahika stopped.

Took a deep breath.

Turned back.

Looked at her questioningly.

Sanju came closer and said softly-

"Woh... kya hum aaj saath mein ghar chale?"
("Can we go home together today?")

Then she made an innocent face-

"Please di..."

Mahika didn't say anything.

Just nodded.

And continued walking.

After college-

Mahika and Sanju returned home together.

But the moment they stepped inside-

Something felt... different.

The house wasn't quiet like usual.

It was alive.

Voices echoed softly from different corners, footsteps, faint laughter-

A warmth that wasn't always there.

Sanju looked around with a small smile, but Mahika... she simply observed.

Silently.

Carefully.

Yash ji had already returned from the office.
Malini ji was in the kitchen.
Tej stood beside her like an excited child, listing dishes one after another-

His voice full of energy.

And Malini ji... just smiled, shaking her head while continuing to cook.

Upstairs-

Tahiri had been waiting.

Waiting... and waiting.

At first, she had sat patiently on Mahika's bed.

Then impatiently.

Then restlessly.

And finally-

She stood up.

Muttering to herself under her breath-

"Kitni der laga di..."
("Why is she taking so long...")

She stepped out of the room and began walking down the stairs.

Her mind distracted.
Her thoughts elsewhere.

And that's when-

Her foot slipped.

Time slowed.

Her body tilted forward-

Balance lost-

And she was about to fall straight down the stairs-

When suddenly-

A strong hand grabbed her wrist.

Pulled her back.

Hard.

Straight into a firm chest.

Tahiri's breath hitched.

Her eyes widened.

Her hands instinctively clutched onto the fabric in front of her.

For a moment-

She couldn't even process what just happened.

Then-

A deep, steady voice echoed above her-

"Miss... aap theek hain?"
("Miss... are you okay?")

His voice wasn't just concerned-

It carried a strange calmness.

A strength.

She slowly lifted her gaze.

And then-

She saw him.

A young man stood in front of her.

Tall.
Sharp features.
And dressed in an Indian Army uniform-

That instantly gave him a different aura.

Not just handsome-

Commanding. Grounded. Dangerous in a silent way.

Tahiri forgot to breathe.

Her fingers were still gripping his shirt.

His hand still held her arm.

Neither moved.

Neither spoke.

He asked again-

Softer this time-

"Aap theek hain?"
("Are you okay?")

But this time-

He wasn't fully present either.

Because now-

He was looking into her eyes.

Deep.

Dark.

Endless.

And something about those eyes...

Pulled him in.

Like falling into a depth you don't want to escape.

Seconds passed.

Or maybe minutes.

Neither of them knew.

They were still standing there-

Too close.

Too still.

Too lost.

As if the world around them had paused.

At that exact moment-

Mahika and Sanju entered.

Climbing the stairs.

Talking casually-

Until-

They both stopped.

Mid-step.

Because what they saw...

Didn't make sense.

Tahiri.

And a man.

Standing dangerously close.

Lost in each other.

Sanju blinked.

Mahika's eyes narrowed slightly.

They exchanged a quick glance-

What is going on?

Mahika called out-

But no response.

Not even a blink.

Sanju frowned, then leaned closer to the boy's ear and shouted-

"RONIT BHAI!"

The effect was instant.

Ronit jerked back slightly-

As if someone snapped him out of a trance.

Tahiri also blinked rapidly-

Reality crashing back in.

She stepped back immediately-

Almost too quickly-

And ended up bumping into someone behind her.

She turned-

And froze.

Mahika.

Standing there.

Watching her.

Not angry.

Not shocked.

Just... watching.

And somehow-

That was worse.

Sanju broke the silence with an awkward laugh-

"Arey kya ho gaya aap dono ko?"
("What happened to you both?")

Then she looked at Ronit-

"Aur aap yahan kaise?"
("And what are you doing here?")

Ronit exhaled softly, running a hand through his hair before placing it gently on Sanju's head-

"Bas tujhe dekhne aaya tha... dekh liya."
("Just came to see you... and now I have.")

Sanju grinned instantly-

"Main bilkul theek hoon!"
("I'm perfectly fine!")

Then, as if nothing had happened-

She grabbed Mahika's hand excitedly-

"Aao, aapko meri favourite di se milati hoon!"
("Come, let me introduce you to my favorite di!")

She pulled Mahika forward-

"Yeh hai Mahika di... inhone hi mujhe us din bachaya tha!"
("This is Mahika di... she saved me that day!")

Then pointing at Tahiri-

"Aur yeh hain Tahiri di... Mahika di ki friend... nahi..."
("And this is Tahiri di... Mahika di's friend... no-")

She corrected herself with a smile-

"Behen jaisi."
("Like her sister.")

Ronit turned toward Mahika.

Gave a polite nod.

"Hello."

Mahika looked at him.

Straight.

Cold.

Unreadable.

No response.

Not even a nod.

Ronit felt the awkwardness settle in.

Something about her gaze...

Felt like she was analyzing him.

Measuring him.

Then he turned toward Tahiri again-

"Hello."

This time-

Tahiri smiled.

Soft. Warm. Beautiful.

"Hello."

And just like that-

The air shifted slightly again.

Ronit gently ruffled Sanju's hair-

"Ja, fresh ho ja... neeche aa ja."
("Go freshen up... come downstairs.")

"Tej bhi aaya hai."
("Tej is here too.")

Sanju lit up-

"Bas abhi aayi!"
("I'll be right there!")

And ran off.

Ronit took one last glance-

Not at Mahika.

But at Taahiri.

Then turned-

And walked downstairs.

The hallway fell silent again.

But something had changed.

Not loudly.
Not clearly.

But deeply.

Because that moment-

That accidental fall-

That unintended touch-

That stolen eye contact-

It wasn't just coincidence.

It was-

A beginning.

🎶__________________________________________________________
🦋🎶

Ronit had just turned and walked away.

But Taahiri's eyes...

They didn't follow logic.

They followed him.

Every step he took... her gaze stayed there.

As if something inside her had quietly... shifted.

A soft sigh escaped her lips-

"Haaye... kitna sona munda hai..."
("God... what a handsome guy he is...")

She didn't even realize she said it out loud.

Her voice carried a softness...

Something dreamy.

Something unfamiliar.

Mahika heard her.

Of course she did.

But she didn't react.

Didn't tease.

Didn't question.

She simply turned-

And walked away.

As if nothing mattered.

As if these things were beneath her notice.

A few seconds passed.

Then Taahiri blinked.

Once.

Twice.

And suddenly-

Awareness crashed back.

She looked around.

Empty.

No one there.

No Ronit.
No Mahika.

Just her.

Standing there...

Like a fool.

She groaned softly-

"Yeh Mahi bhi na... mujhe akela chhod ke chali gayi..."
("This Mahi... she just left me alone here...")

"Main kabse uska wait kar rahi thi..."
("I was waiting for her for so long...")

She stomped her foot slightly-

Childish. Annoyed.

Then turned and walked toward Mahika's room.

Meanwhile-

Downstairs...

The air was different.

Heavier.

Sharper.

Ronit walked straight into Yash ji's room.

Tej saw him.

Of course he did.

And like always-

Food in hand.

Curiosity in eyes.

He followed him.

Inside-

Yash ji stood near the window.

Looking outside.

But clearly-

Thinking something else.

Ayaan was already there.

Silent.

Still.

Dangerously calm.

Ronit entered.

Tej followed, casually sitting on the couch, eating his pav bhaji like nothing serious was happening.

Ronit glanced at him-

And shook his head in disbelief.

Without even looking-

Ayaan spoke-

"Batayiye... kyun bulaya hai aapne?"
("Tell me... why did you call us?")

Yash ji didn't turn.

His voice was low-

Controlled.

"Tumhe shayad pata hai..."
("You probably already know...")

"Abhi tak mujhe yeh nahi pata chala..."
("I still don't know...")

"Jinhone Sanju ke saath woh sab karne ki koshish ki..."
("The ones who tried to do that to Sanju...")

"Woh pakde gaye ya nahi."
("Were they caught or not.")

Tej put his plate aside.

Took a sip of water.

Then spoke-

"Uncle... jab humne pata kiya tha..."
("Uncle... when we investigated...")

"Woh chaar ladke the..."
("There were four boys...")

"Aur ussi din police ko chakma deke bhaag gaye."
("And that same day, they escaped the police.")

Yash ji finally turned-

Eyes sharp.

"Mujhe pata hai woh bhaag gaye..."
("I know they escaped...")

"Par kaise?"
("But how?")

"Police unhe pakad nahi paayi..."
("The police couldn't catch them...")

"Aur mujhe yeh jaan na hai."
("And I want to know why.")

Then his gaze shifted to Ayaan-

"Yeh kaam isne liya tha."
("He took responsibility for this.")

Ayaan stayed silent.

But Ronit spoke-

"Haan uncle... police apna kaam kar rahi thi..."
("Yes uncle... the police were doing their job...")

"Lekin Ayaan ne unhe dhoond liya tha."
("But Ayaan found them.")

Yash ji's expression changed-

"Matlab woh pakde gaye?"
("So they were caught?")

"Toh unhe aisi saza milni chahiye..."
("Then they should be punished so badly...")

But before he could finish-

Ronit cut in-

Calm.

But heavy.

"Uncle... pehle poori baat suniye..."
("Uncle... listen completely first...")

"Woh mile the..."
("They were found...")

"Lekin zinda nahi."
("But not alive.")

Silence.

"Kya matlab... zinda nahi?"
("What do you mean... not alive?")

Tej leaned forward-

"Unki laash jungle ke paas mili..."
("Their bodies were found near the forest...")

"Pehchaan bhi mushkil thi..."
("They were barely recognizable...")

"Aur jab check kiya..."
("And when we checked...")

"Woh wahi ladke the..."
("They were the same boys...")

"Jinhone Sanju ke saath..."
("Who tried with Sanju...")

He didn't finish.

He didn't need to.

Ayaan finally spoke-

His voice colder than before-

"Abhi tak nahi pata kisne kiya..."
("We still don't know who did it...")

"Lekin jisne bhi kiya..."
("But whoever did it...")

"Bohot safai se kiya."
("Did it very cleanly.")

His eyes darkened-

"Aur aasaan maut nahi di."
("And didn't give them an easy death.")

"Unhe bohot berahmi se maara gaya hai."
("They were killed brutally.")

Tej added-

Almost impressed-

"Aur sirf maara nahi..."
("And not just killed...")

"Torture kiya gaya tha..."
("They were tortured...")

"Unke... private parts tak nahi the."
("Even their private parts were gone.")

Yash ji stiffened.

Tej continued-

"Aur jab unke baare mein pata kiya..."
("And when we looked into their history...")

"Unhone bahut ladkiyon ke saath..."
("They had done this to many girls...")

"Kuch ko toh maar bhi diya tha."
("Some they even killed.")

He exhaled-

"Lagta hai kisi ki behen ya beti ka badla hai."
("Feels like someone's revenge.")

Yash ji slowly nodded-

"Jisne bhi kiya... sahi kiya."
("Whoever did it... did right.")

Ayaan replied instantly-

"Lekin kanoon tod kar."
("But by breaking the law.")

Yash ji scoffed-

"Tum lage raho kanoon ke saath..."
("You keep sticking to your law...")

"Shukar manao Sanju ke saath kuch nahi hua."
("Be thankful nothing happened to Sanju.")

The moment-

Sanju's name was mentioned-

Something inside Ayaan shifted.

His jaw tightened.

His eyes turned dark.

Possessive.

Protective.

Dangerous.

His doll...

He couldn't even imagine-

A single tear in her eyes.

Without a word-

He walked out.

Ronit watched him go-

Then said quietly-

"Uncle... agar woh zinda hote..."
("Uncle... if they were alive...")

"Ayaan unhe apne tareeke se saza deta."
("Ayaan would've punished them in his own way.")

"Kanoon ke andar rehte hue..."
("Within the law...")

"Par maut se bhi buri hoti."
("But worse than death.")

Yash ji just nodded.

Ronit glanced at Tej-

Who had already resumed eating.

He shook his head again-

And walked out.

Tej quickly followed-

Still chewing-

Ayaan was heading upstairs.

Ronit behind him.

Tej trailing with his plate.

And then-

They saw them.

Taahiri.

And Mahika.

Coming downstairs.

The moment Mahika saw Ayaan-

She stopped.

Not slowed down.
Not hesitated.

Stopped. Completely.

As if someone had pressed pause on her entire existence.

Her breath caught somewhere between her chest and throat, refusing to move further.
Her fingers, which had been loosely holding the railing, tightened unconsciously.

And then-

Her heartbeat.

It didn't just quicken.

It lost control.

Wild. Unsteady. Almost violent.

Again.

Without her permission.
Without any reason she could understand.

Her eyes lifted-slowly, almost involuntarily-and settled on him.

Ayaan.

Standing right there.

And suddenly, everything around her blurred into nothingness.

The walls, the voices, the faint sounds of movement-

Gone.

There was only him.

And the unbearable chaos inside her.

Her brows knit together slightly, confusion flickering across her face.
Almost instinctively, she placed her hand lightly against her chest-

As if trying to calm the storm raging inside.

What is happening to me...?

The question echoed within her, louder than anything else.

Because this-

This loss of control-

It wasn't like her.

Not even close.

---

Ayaan stopped too.

Right in front of her.

Not because he had to.

But because something about the way she looked at him-

Made him.

His sharp eyes settled on her face.

Observing.

Reading.

Not casually.

Not briefly.

But with a depth that matched hers.

He noticed it instantly-

The way she was looking at him.

It wasn't normal curiosity.
It wasn't admiration either.

It was something else.

Something intense.

Almost as if she was trying to understand him... or worse-

As if she already knew something she shouldn't.

For a moment-

He didn't look away.

Neither did she.

Their gazes locked.

And in that silence-

Something passed between them.

Unspoken. Undefined.

But heavy.

Too heavy for a first meeting.
Too familiar for strangers.

Time stretched.

The air thickened.

And just when it felt like something was about to break-

His phone rang.

Sharp. Sudden. Disruptive.

The sound sliced through the moment like a blade.

Ayaan blinked once.

The intensity faded-just slightly.

He broke eye contact, pulling his phone out, stepping aside without a word.

And just like that-

The moment shattered.

---

Behind him-

Tej had been walking up casually, still holding his plate.

But the second his eyes landed on Mahika-

He froze.

Mid-step.

Mid-bite.

His entire expression changed.

The spoon in his hand slowly lowered.

And without thinking-

He quickly hid the plate behind his back.

As if that would somehow make him look more presentable.

His free hand moved to his hair, fixing it hurriedly.

His eyes, however-

Didn't leave her.

Not even for a second.

Leaning slightly toward Ronit, he whispered-

"Yeh kaun hai...?"
("Who is she...?")

There was genuine curiosity in his voice.

And something else-

Interest.

A lot of it.

Then, almost under his breath-

"Kitni khoobsurat hai..."
("She's so beautiful...")

Ronit didn't even look at him properly.

He just pushed him aside lightly, clearly unimpressed-

"Itna interest hai toh khud pooch le."
("If you're so interested, go ask yourself.")

And walked ahead, his attention already elsewhere.

---

Tej didn't need a second invitation.

Confidence returned to him instantly.

He straightened his posture, a wide smile forming on his lips as he stepped forward-

Directly toward Mahika.

"Hello..."

His voice was smooth. Friendly. Slightly playful.

"Mera naam Tej hai."
("My name is Tej.")

Then, with a hint of pride, he added-

"Major Tej..."

A brief pause.

And then-

"Ayaan ka sabse kareebi dost."
("Ayaan's closest friend.")

---

The name.

Just one name.

But the effect-

Immediate.

The moment Mahika heard it-

Her attention shifted.

Not gradually.

Not subtly.

But instantly.

From Tej-

Back to Ayaan.

Her eyes found him again, almost as if they were drawn there against her will.

And that feeling-

That strange, unsettling pull-

Returned.

Stronger this time.

Darker.

Deeper.

It wasn't just curiosity anymore.

It wasn't just confusion.

It felt like something buried-

Something hidden-

Was slowly waking up inside her.

Something she didn't understand.

Something she couldn't control.

And something-

That was far more dangerous than she was ready to admit.

🎶__________________________________________________________
🦋🎶

Tej smiled casually as he extended his hand toward Taahiri.

She blinked once, slightly confused, but then smiled politely and shook his hand.

"Hello..."

But before the moment could settle-

Tej turned toward Mahika, his confidence still intact, and stretched his hand forward.

"Aur aap...?"
(And you...?)

For a second-

Nothing happened.

Mahika didn't even look at him.

Didn't acknowledge him.

Didn't react.

As if he didn't exist.

As if the entire world didn't exist.

Her eyes-

Were still locked on Ayaan.

Standing a little distance away.

Completely engrossed in his phone call.

Serious. Focused. Distant.

And Mahika-

Was lost.

Utterly lost.

It didn't go unnoticed.

Not by Taahiri.

Not by Ronit.

Not even by Tej.

All three of them followed her gaze-

And instantly understood.

Her entire attention...

Her entire existence in that moment-

Was centered around one person.

Ayaan.

Taahiri frowned slightly, confusion clouding her face.

She looked at Mahika like she was seeing someone entirely different.

What is wrong with her...?

This wasn't normal.

Not for Mahika.

Not even close.

Ronit, on the other hand, leaned back slightly, observing quietly.

A faint, almost knowing expression crossed his face.

So... she's like the rest too...

He thought.

Another girl.

Another admirer.

Another one drawn to Ayaan like gravity.

But-

Mahika didn't care.

Not about what anyone thought.

Not about how it looked.

Not about anything at all.

Because right now-

She was too busy watching her Major Sahab.

Her eyes moved slowly.

Deliberately.

From his shoulders-

To his chest-

To the way his uniform fit him perfectly.

The sharpness.

The authority.

The undeniable pull.

Then to his face.

His jawline.

His hair.

Every detail.

She wasn't just looking.

She was scanning him.

As if trying to memorize every inch.

Every feature.

Every expression.

And then-

Her gaze stopped.

At his lips.

Moving slightly as he spoke on the phone.

Calm.

Controlled.

Unaware.

And something-

Shifted inside her.

A strange, unfamiliar sensation.

A sudden wave.

A pull she had never felt before.

Her breath grew uneven.

Her thoughts blurred.

Her heartbeat-again-began to race.

But this time-

It was different.

Deeper.

More dangerous.

Without realizing-

She took a step forward.

Then another.

And another.

Slowly.

Drawn.

As if under a spell.

Her entire focus-

Still on his lips.

Nothing else existed.

Not the people around her.

Not the place.

Not even herself.

She was getting closer.

Closer.

Just a few more steps-

And she would have reached him.

But-

At that exact moment-

The call ended.

Ayaan lowered his phone.

Turned.

And without sparing a single glance at anyone-

Walked past.

Straight toward his room.

Mahika stopped.

Abruptly.

As if reality hit her all at once.

Her steps froze mid-motion.

Her fingers curled into tight fists.

Her jaw clenched.

And her eyes-

Darkened.

A storm brewing within them.

Something about him leaving like that-

Without noticing her-

Without even looking-

Didn't sit right with her.

Didn't feel right.

At all.

Ronit followed Ayaan upstairs, his expression unreadable.

Tej stood there, completely lost.

"Yeh abhi kya hua...?"
(What just happened...?)

He muttered under his breath.

Still trying to process everything.

Because whatever that was-

It wasn't normal.

And Mahika-

She didn't feel normal either.

But Taahiri-

The moment she looked at Mahika-

Her heart dropped.

Mahika's eyes-

They weren't just dark anymore.

They were turning red.

Burning.

With anger.

With something far more dangerous.

And Taahiri knew.

This side of Mahika-

Was not something anyone should witness.

Because when Mahika lost control of her anger-

Even she didn't know what she might do.

Panic flickered in Taahiri's eyes.

Without wasting a second, she rushed forward, grabbing Mahika's hand tightly.

"Mahi, chalo... abhi."
(Mahi, come... right now.)

And without giving her a chance to resist-

She pulled her away.

Straight toward her room.

Tej stood there, still confused.

Still thinking.

Why was she looking at Ayaan like that...?

Something about it-

Didn't feel right.

Didn't feel simple.

He shook his head slightly and walked toward Ayaan's room as well.

Inside the room-

Mahika walked straight into the bathroom without saying a word.

The door shut behind her.

Taahiri stood there.

Staring at it.

Lost in deep thought.

Something was changing.

And she could feel it.

Night fell slowly.

Quietly.

But the uneasiness remained.

Mahika didn't come downstairs for dinner.

Again.

So Malini ji sent her food to her room.

At the dining table-

Taahiri kept glancing at Ayaan.

Observing him.

Thinking.

Analyzing.

Piece by piece.

Every reaction.

Every moment.

Every memory.

Later that night-

In her room-

Taahiri stood near the window, the lights turned off.

The cool night breeze brushed against her face.

But her mind-

Was far from calm.

Her thoughts circled around one person.

Mahika.

Every time Mahika looked at Ayaan-

There was something in her eyes.

Something different.

Something intense.

Something...

Unfamiliar.

And every time Ayaan came near her-

Mahika changed.

Completely.

Taahiri had noticed it before too.

The very first time Mahika saw him-

That look.

That reaction.

It wasn't normal.

It couldn't be.

Then again-

That morning.

On the terrace, where Mahika was there.

When Taahiri was teaching Sanju-

And Ayaan had arrived-

The way Mahika's gaze got stuck on him.

Like she forgot everything else.

And today-

It was even clearer.

Too clear to ignore.

Taahiri closed her eyes for a moment.

Then whispered softly-

"Kya jo main soch rahi hoon... woh sach hai...?"
(Is what I'm thinking... actually true...?)

Her fingers tightened slightly against the window frame.

"Kya sach mein Mahi ko Major Ayaan se pyaar ho gaya hai...?"
(Has Mahi really fallen in love with Major Ayaan...?)

She shook her head immediately.

"Nahi... yeh kaise ho sakta hai...?"
(No... how is that even possible...?)

But then-

A small smile appeared.

Soft.

Hopeful.

"Agar aisa hai... toh mujhse zyada khush koi nahi hoga..."
(If that's true... no one would be happier than me...)

Her expression turned thoughtful again.

"Par... kya Mahi ko iska ehsaas hai...?"
(But... does Mahi even realize it...?)

A pause.

Then a firm whisper-

"Nahi... bilkul nahi."
(No... absolutely not.)

Her eyes sharpened slightly.

"Ab mujhe kuch karna hoga..."
(Now I'll have to do something...)

She looked up at the moon-

Hidden behind drifting clouds.

"Please God... jo main soch rahi hoon... woh sach ho."
(Please God... let what I'm thinking be true.)

Inside another room-

Mahika lay on her bed.

Her laptop closed beside her.

But sleep-

Was nowhere near her.

Her eyes remained open.

Restless.

Unsettled.

Again and again-

The same face appeared before her.

Ayaan.

His eyes.

His presence.

His voice.

And then-

His lips.

She sat up suddenly.

Frustrated.

Confused.

Restless.

Walking toward the window, she pushed it open.

Cool air rushed in.

But it did nothing to calm her.

She looked outside.

At the night sky.

At the moon playing hide and seek behind the clouds.

And whispered-

"Kyun...? Aakhir kyun...?"
(Why...? Why is this happening...?)

Her voice trembled slightly.

"Mere saath aisa kyun ho raha hai...?"
(Why is this happening to me...?)

Her hand moved to her chest again.

"Us insaan ko dekhte hi... dil itna tez kyun dhadakta hai...?"
(Why does my heart race so much the moment I see him...?)

Silence answered her.

She closed her eyes tightly.

Trying to regain control.

"Is dil ko rokna hoga..."
(I have to stop this heart...)

A deep breath.

"Aage badhne nahi dena hoga..."
(I can't let this go any further...)

But then-

She looked at the moon again.

And slowly-

His face appeared within it.

Ayaan.

And then-

Those lips.

Moving.

Speaking.

Haunting.

A shiver ran through her.

That same strange feeling returned.

Deeper.

More consuming.

Her lips parted slightly as she whispered to the night-

"Tere hothon ko dekhkar ek baat uthi..."
(Looking at your lips, a thought arose...)

Her eyes softened.

Lost.

"Zehen mein... woh lafz kitne nasheele honge... jo inse hoke guzarte hain..."
(In my mind... how intoxicating must be the words that pass through them...)

And just like that-

She stood there.

Under the silent sky.

Completely unaware-

That this wasn't just a passing feeling anymore.

It was something far deeper.

Something inevitable.

And something-

That would change everything.

🎶__________________________________________________________
🦋🎶

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐