✿HAPPY READING

Author's Pov

Next Morning

Sultan stirred in the hospital. His eyes opened slowly. He looked around and noticed Raghav speaking to a doctor. His gaze shifted across the room, searching for something or maybe someone, but she wasn't there. He tried to sit up and immediately winced in pain.

Raghu noticed and rushed toward him. "Sultan! How are you?"

"Not dead," he replied dryly.

"When did you all get here?" Krishiv asked.

"Last night. When I called you, a girl answered. She told us you were here," Raghu explained.

"The doctors said you'll recover soon," Raghu added. But Krishiv wasn't listening fully.

"Did she tell her name?" he asked.

"No, Sultan. She didn't. Instead She just lectured that it's Allah who wanted to save you, that's why you survived, and she had nothing to do with it," Raghu replied.

Krishiv's lips curved faintly.

"Hmm..." he murmured.

"She even paid the hospital bill. The doctor said she didn't have cash, so she requested them to start your treatment first and left her gold chain as security."

Something dark flickered in Krishiv's eyes. "Bring me her chain."

"I already collected it," Raghu said, taking out a thin, delicate old design gold chain. Sultan took it and stared at it for a long moment before closing his fist tightly around it. Then his eyes moved to his bandaged arms. Something clicked in his mind.

"Where's the dupatta?" he asked suddenly.

"What dupatta, Sultan?" Raghav asked, confused.

"The one wrapped around my arms and shoulders. Call the nurse or doctor who treated me."

Raghu looked at him for a moment but stepped out to call the nurse. She entered nervously.

"Where is the dupatta that was wrapped around me?" Sultan asked coldly.

"Sir... it was dirty. Someone probably threw it away," she replied cautiously. His expression changed instantly.

"Get it back. Right now."

"Sir, but.."

"I SAID GET IT BACK," he growled, his voice dropping dangerously. "Or I'll burn this entire hospital down with everyone inside it."

The nurse's face turned pale. Even Raghu hesitated.

"S-sultan, what is so important about..."

Krishiv shot him a deadly glare.

"I'll find it," Raghav said quickly and hurried out.

Sultan exhaled slowly and looked at the chain again resting in his palm.

"Who are you?" he murmured under his breath. "And why are you taking over my mind?" His jaw tightened.

"This will be dangerous for you..."

And for the first time, Krishiv didn't look angry. He looked unsettled.

KRISHIV entered the house, his shoulders still wrapped in bandages.

"Bhaiya?" Jiya gasped.

Everyone in the hall turned toward him.

"Oye, Lalla! What have you done now?" his tauji demanded.

"Nothing, Tauji. Just a bullet," he said casually, almost shrugging as he walked past them.

His chachi and cousins gasped in shock. His uncle, however, remained silent.

Raghav followed behind him.

"Oye Raghu, found anything or not?" his uncle asked sharply.

"Yes, tauji. We're looking into it," Raghu replied respectfully.

KRISHIV continued upstairs to his room. Raghav followed.

"Are you planning to sleep here with me too?" Krishiv snapped without turning.

"Sultan, I w..."

"Niklo." Raghu hesitated for a second, then quietly stepped back and closed the door behind him.

(Get out)

Krishiv removed the shawl wrapped around him. Because of his injuries, he couldn't wear a shirt properly.

Then his eyes fell on the dupattas hidden beneath the shawl.

One was a multicolored cotton dupatta, clean, untouched, still faintly carrying her fragrance.

The other was peach-colored, now stained with his blood, the one she had wrapped around his wounds.

He placed the bloodstained one aside, thinking he would get it cleaned later. Then he picked up the multicolored dupatta.

Slowly, he lay back on the bed, over his stomach. His shoulders throbbed with pain, but his gaze remained fixed on the soft fabric in his hands.

After a moment, he lifted it and placed it over his face. He inhaled deeply. The faint rosy scent was still there. Soothing. Calming. Something he had never known he needed.

His breathing slowly steadied as he closed his eyes, the dupatta still covering his face and head, as if, for the first time in years, he had found a strange kind of peace. He didn't know why and how, but it was calming his heart.

Next Morning

Arshi got ready for college. Her hijab was neatly wrapped, covering her hair perfectly. She came downstairs and sat at the dining table for breakfast. She was quiet but thinking about something.

After finishing her food, she stood up.

"Mamu... actually I need to ask you something," she said softly.

Kashif stopped tying his shoelaces and looked at her. "Yes beta, what is it?" he asked gently.

"Mamu, we have been given a project in college. We have to visit some NGOs and some official places. Then we have to write thesis and submit it. So today I planned to visit a few places. I'll go with my friend Jiya. Can I go?" she asked, a little unsure.

Kashif smiled. "Of course you can go. Just take care of yourself. And if anything happens, call me."

Arshi's face brightened. "Ji mamu," she said happily.

She followed Reyan outside. He was also going to his college and would drop her on the way.

Inside the house, Kashif finished tying his shoelaces.

His wife came with his lunch box. "Here, take your lunch," she said.

Then she looked around. "Where are the children?"

"They left. Why?" Kashif asked.

"Aaj Ahad aa raha hai, remember? You forgot to tell Noori!" she reminded him.

"Oh, I completely forgot!" Kashif said, surprised.

"It's okay. I'll tell her in the evening when she comes back," he said quickly and took his lunch.

Before leaving, he gently kissed his wife's forehead. She smiled warmly and waved as he walked away.

At College

Arshi was sitting with Jiya.

"Jiya, are you sure we should visit those places?" Arshi asked. She looked unsure because she didn't know much about those NGOs and the orphanage.

"Yes, I'm sure," Jiya said confidently. "I've visited them before. We'll get a lot of information for our assignment."

Arshi nodded slowly.

Jiya looked at her seriously. "You asked permission at home, right?"

"Yes," Arshi replied.

"Then let's go. If we visit all places, it might get late," Jiya said.

They walked outside where Jiya's bike was parked.

Arshi's eyes widened in excitement. "You know how to ride this?"

Jiya grinned proudly. "Your friend knows everything. Just watch!" she winked.

Arshi laughed softly, feeling a little relaxed.

"Okay then teach me too.." she said.

"Done meri jaan!," jiya replied.

On the Other Side

KRISHIV walked out of his house. His shoulders were still slightly stiff from the injury, but he didn't show any weakness. He was dressed in black shirt, sleeves fold, his bracelet hanging low over his wrist. Two buttons undone, showing his toned upper body.

Raghav was waiting for him.

"Did you find out anything?" Krishiv asked directly.

"Sultan, she is new. She came from outside the city. It will take some time to get full details," Raghav replied.

Krishiv paused for a moment. "Then let's ask her directly," he said calmly and walked toward the car.

Raghav quickly sat in the driver's seat.

"let's Go to the college," Krishiv ordered.

The car stopped at a traffic signal.

A beggar wearing a simple kurta and turban came near the window. He looked at Krishiv carefully and smiled strangely.

"Jaa aaj teri kismat tujhe mil jayegi! The old man said.

("Today, your fate will meet you." )

Krishiv turned toward him with a slight smirk. "Mai kismat ke bharose nahi chalata baba, mai apni kismat khud banata hu!"

("I don't depend on fate. I create my own fate.")

The old man shook his head. "Kismat likhne wala to bas ek hi hai beta, hum sab to uske bande hain, uski dikhayi hui raah par hi chalte hain."

("Only one writes fate, son. We all walk on the path shown by Him.")

Krishiv took out some money and handed it to the beggar.

"I make my own path," he repeated firmly.

The beggar pointed toward the sky. "Raah banana usi ka kaam hai. Uska khel wo hi Jane, wo kab tumhari kismat kaha badal de koi nahi janta. Usse mat jhutlana, wo sbka malik hai! Uske aage sab jhukte hain!"

( "The one above makes the path. Don't challenge him. He can change your destiny anytime. In front of Him, everyone bows.")

Krishiv looked at the old man for a few seconds, then turned his face away.

The signal turned green and Raghu drove the car.

The beggar's voice echoed behind them, "tumko wo hi milega jiski tum talash kar rahe ho, par waise nahi jaise tum chahte ho!"

( "You will get what you are searching for... but not the way you want!")

Raghav looked at Krishiv nervously. "Sultan... what was he saying?"

Krishiv lit his cigarette calmly. "Thousands of people say thousands of things every day. Will you remember all of them?"

Raghu was still thinking. "Sometimes such things become true."

Krishiv exhaled smoke slowly. "Ye duniya hi Maya hai, yaha sach dhundna bewakufi hai isliye apne kaam se kaam rakho!"

("This world is an illusion. Looking for the truth here is foolishness. Focus on your work." )

Raghu immediately went silent.

.

.

.

The car stopped outside the college.

Krishiv stepped out. His presence was strong and commanding. Some students looked at him secretly. Some stared openly. But he didn't even glance at anyone and walked straight toward the Principal's office.

The Principal immediately stood up nervously. "Sultan... you are here?" he asked respectfully, pulling a chair for him.

"I need some information," Krishiv said calmly, sitting down.

"Yes, please tell me," the Principal said, still standing.

Raghav stepped forward. "We need information about the girl who hit the MLA's son that day. Call her."

The Principal's face turned pale. He swallowed nervously.

"S-sir... she's just a student... maybe we can handle it internally.."

Before he could finish, Krishiv looked at him firmly. The look was cold and powerful. The Principal immediately stopped talking.

"It might take some time to find her file. She is a new student," the Principal said nervously.

"You have time till tomorrow," Krishiv said as he stood up and put on his goggles.

"CALL HER!" he said calmly but his voice was terrifying.

"N-no sir we can't. Her classes are over. She has already left," the Principal replied.

Krishiv turned and walked out without another word. Outside, Raghu followed him.

"Sultan, if you want, we can get her information from outside sources.."

Krishiv suddenly turned and looked at him sharply. Raghu immediately went silent. Krishiv didn't want her to be the centre of attention, it might be dangerous for her.

As they walked toward the car, Krishiv scoffed under his breath with a faint smirk, "Fate will meet me?"

But deep inside, he's unsettled. He wasn't angry on her, neither on her words. The way she shouted at him, spoke to him. No one ever dared, neither he will bear it from anyone. Then why her? Why her audacity isn't furring him but gaining his attention.

And that feeling disturbed him more than anything else.

"Uff ye Chingari!" he muttered as his lips curved upward.

.

.

For the whole day, Arshi and Jiya visited different places. They spoke to the staff of NGOs, asked questions about their problems, and tried to understand what changes had come because of government policies. They carefully noted everything, whether the organizations were really improving or just running for namesake.

They also clicked a few pictures to make their assignment more detailed and attractive. By the time they were done, it was already 5 p.m. Both of them were tired and very hungry.

Jiya looked at Arshi and said, "Let's go to my house and eat something. It's nearby!" Jiya quickly sat on her bike.

Arshi shook her head. "No, no. I should go home. I didn't tell Mamu about this."

Jiya rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh come on! Nothing will happen. Anyway, your brother will take time to come pick you up. You can wait at my place till then."

Arshi's eyes sparkled in curiosity. She didn't want to lie at home, but she was hungry too. After thinking for a moment, she messaged Reyan and asked Jiya for her address. She sent it to him so he would know where she was.

Then she quietly sat behind Jiya on the bike. They rode away.

After a few minutes, Jiya's bike stopped in front of a beautiful house.

Arshi's eyes widened slightly. She had never asked about Jiya's family before.

"Your house is so beautiful!" Arshi said honestly.

Jiya smiled proudly. "Come inside."

She held Arshi's wrist gently and pulled her in.

As Arshi stepped inside, she looked around in amazement. The house was big and elegant. There were expensive furniture pieces, soft lights, and beautiful paintings on the walls. Some were family pictures. Arshi felt small and surprised at the same time. Everything looked perfect.

"It's really very beautiful," she repeated softly.

"Okay, okay, now come. I'll introduce you to my mom," Jiya said excitedly.

She called out loudly, "Mummy! Look, my friend is here! Please give us something to eat!"

Her mother came out of the kitchen. She first looked at Jiya, then her eyes moved to Arshi , who was standing quietly in her black abaya.

For a second, her mother paused. There was a slight hesitation in her eyes, maybe because she hadn't expected this. But then she smiled politely.

"What will you eat, beta?" she asked kindly.

"Aunty, please don't take trouble. I was just leaving..." Arshi said softly. She suddenly felt shy and slightly uncomfortable.

"Arre, stop being formal," Jiya said quickly. "Mummy, we're going to my room. Please send something there."

Without giving Arshi more time to speak, Jiya pulled her toward her room.

Inside Jiya's Room,

Arshi sighed. "You're crazy. You're troubling your mother for no reason."

Jiya laughed. "There's no trouble. We even have a cook at home to help and multiple staff just for the kitchen. So don't worry."

Arshi looked shocked. "I didn't know you were this rich. What do you guys do? Sell drugs or something?" she said jokingly.

Jiya burst into laughter. "Let me change first. Then I'll tell you everything!"

She walked into the bathroom.

Arshi sat quietly on the edge of the bed. She looked around carefully.

Jiya's bedroom was very pretty. There was a soft bed with fluffy cushions. Fairy lights were wrapped around the window, giving a warm glow. A neat study table stood in one corner. The room was painted in white and peach shades. A small wind chime near a glass door made soft jingling sounds. Maybe the door opened into the garden.

Arshi smiled softly.

The room felt warm, peaceful, and truly girlish. For a moment, her heart felt heavy. This was the kind of room she had always wanted, decorated the way she liked, arranged by her own choice.

But she never got the chance.

She looked around once more, admiring everything quietly. There was no jealousy in her heart. Just a silent wish.

Jiya came out of the bathroom, drying her hair with a towel. At the same time, her mother entered the room carrying a tray of snacks.

She looked at Arshi with a gentle smile.

"Beta, what is your name?" she asked warmly.

"Arshi," she replied with a soft smile.

Jiya's mother nodded kindly. "You should visit more often. This girl doesn't make friends easily. I don't know how she became friends with you. She didn't threaten you, right?" she joked.

Arshi laughed lightly. "No, aunty. She didn't threaten me."

Jiya came and sat in front of Arshi. "Oh please, at least remove your veil now. No one will come here," she said casually.

Arshi hesitated for a second, then nodded. She slowly removed the face veil so her face could be seen. Her hijab and abaya remained the same.

Jiya's mother looked at her carefully.

"Ohhh, now I understand why you wear this. You're so beautiful, someone might give you an evil eye immediately," she teased gently.

Arshi felt shy but smiled politely. "No, aunty. It's nothing like that. I'm just used to wearing it."

Jiya picked up a pakoda and grinned. "No, seriously. You look very cute. You should hide your moon-like face carefully."

Arshi laughed and pointed at Jiya. "Look who is talking! Aunty, now I understand why she is so beautiful. She got your genes!"

Jiya's mother laughed loudly.

"Aunty, in your younger days you must have been dangerous for hearts, right?" Arshi teased again playfully.

Jiya's mother pretended to feel shy. "Oh stop it! I'm not that special. Now you girls eat properly. If you need anything, call me. I'll go check on her father. He was calling me."

"Yes yes, aunty, please go. Uncle must be missing you already. If someone has such a beautiful wife, no one would want her far away, right Jiya?" Arshi said dramatically.

Jiya's mother laughed even more. "You naughty girl!" she said affectionately before walking out of the room.

The room felt lighter now.

Kiara entered the guest room. She was dressed in a black top with structured shoulders and high-waist pants. She looked confident and elegant.

She called the maid. "Please inform Sultan that Kiara is here."

"Madam, Sir hasn't returned yet," the maid replied politely.

Kiara nodded. "Okay I'll wait. Tell him I came when he'll be back," she said calmly. The maid nodded and left.

Kiara stepped into the corridor. Suddenly, she saw a cat walking across the hallway. Her eyes widened in fear.

Without thinking, she quickly ran and opened the nearest door, slipping inside and shutting it behind her. The door closed with a click. She leaned against it and took a deep breath.

Most rich people loved pets. But Kiara was always scared of cats.

Just when she thought she was safe, she heard a soft "meow" again.

Her heart started pounding loudly.

In panic, she turned too quickly. Her heels twisted, and she lost her balance. She closed her eyes, thinking she would fall.

But instead of hitting the floor, she felt a strong hand grab her waist. A warm breath brushed against her neck.

Her eyes slowly opened. Jai stood in front of her.

He had just come out of the shower. A towel was wrapped around his lower body. His upper body was bare. His wet hair fell messily on his forehead, making him look extremely handsome.

Kiara swallowed nervously. Her heartbeat grew faster. For a moment, neither of them moved. His hand was still around her waist, even though she had already regained her balance.

Suddenly, she became aware of how close they were. She looked away quickly. She tried to step back, but before she could, his grip tightened and he pulled her closer. Her soft body pressed against his hard plains.

Her eyes widened in shock.

"W-what are you doing?" she asked, her voice slightly shaking. He didn't loosen his hold. Instead, he lifted his other hand and gently tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Still afraid of cats... my little tigress?" he asked with a teasing smile. Her face twisted in anger.

"Leave me, you asshole! And don't you dare call me that!" she snapped, hitting his chest lightly to push him away.

He only smirked at her reaction.

"Still the same temper," he said calmly.

Her eyes began to shine with unshed tears, but her anger was stronger than her hurt.

"At least I am real," she said sharply. "I don't wear different faces like some people." His expression changed instantly. His hand loosened.

She pushed him hard this time. He stumbled a little, but his eyes never left her.

"If you ever touch me again, I swear I will break your hands," she said through clenched teeth. Then she turned and walked out. His heart felt heavy with something he didn't understand.

"And Still the same hatred!" he murmured softly. Outside, Kiara wiped the corner of her eyes angrily.

Her mood was completely ruined.

She didn't want to see anyone now.

She just wanted to leave.

"Yaar, your room is so beautiful," Arshi said, looking around in admiration.

Jiya grinned. "And you know what? In our guest room, there are many exclusive pictures, freedom fighters, political leaders, and many more. It might be helpful for your assignment. Come, I'll show you."

"Wait, my phone isn't charged," Arshi said.

"Give it to me, I'll put it on charge," Jiya replied, taking her phone and plugging it in. Then she led Arshi toward the guest room.

Before entering, Arshi immediately adjusted her niqab so that only her eyes were visible. As they stepped inside, Arshi's eyes sparkled. The room was huge, decorated with elegant showpieces, framed photographs, and certificates displayed proudly on the walls. Jiya began explaining some of the pictures.

Suddenly, Jiya's eyes caught something, her parcel. A smile curved on her lips.

"You wait here. Look around, I'll just come," Jiya said.

"Arey, where are you go..." Arshi started.

"I'll be back! You check everything!" Jiya called out while running away.

Arshi sighed softly and turned her attention back to the room.

Meanwhile, Krishiv entered the hall when a maid approached him.

"Sir, Kiara ma'am is here to meet you. She's in the guest room," the maid informed him. Krishiv's jaw tightened. He had ignored Kiara many times before, but now it seemed he would have to confront her directly.

Muttering under his breath, he walked toward the guest room.

Krishiv's Pov

As I entered the room, I spoke loudly, thinking it was Kiara.

"Why the hell are you following me? I told you not to...." But the moment I slammed the door shut, a girl in an abaya turned around.

And I froze. It's her.

Yes... I know it's her. I would recognize her anywhere from her mere presence. She looked straight at me, her hands resting on her waist.

"Excuse me, aap jaise Sade hue kaddu ki shakal wale ka pichhe hum kyu karenge, Aur aap yaha aaye kaise, huh?" she shot back.

("Excuse me? Why would I follow someone who looks like a rotten pumpkin? And how did you even get here?" )

Her eyes were blazing with anger.

The same eyes that had disturbed my peace for days.

"Wait! did she just call me a rotten pumpkin? Does she even know how girls die just for my single glance!!"

I stared at her from head to toe. She would barely reach my shoulders. Small, hardly five feet tall... yet her attitude was sky-high.

I leaned back against the door and tilted my head slightly.

"This is my house. And you walk into my house and ask me what I'm doing here? Interesting."

For a second, her confidence faltered. But the real question was, what was she doing here? And on top of that, she just called me a pumpkin?

No one dared to speak to me like that.

And here this tiny five-foot Chingari was throwing attitude at me.

Interesting!!

"A... your house? Don't lie," she said again, pointing a finger at me.

I narrowed my eyes.

"What's your name?" I asked calmly.

I had been trying to find information about her. And now she was standing right in front of me, in my house, arguing fearlessly.

"Why should I tell you?" she replied instantly. Her chin lifted stubbornly.

I felt something unfamiliar, not anger....Curiosity.

This girl had no idea who she was talking to. And yet... she wasn't scared.

Not even a little. And that made her far more dangerous than she realized.

She looked at me with irritation.

"And why did you close the door? Move aside," she said and stepped forward to open it. She tried to turn the knob.

It didn't open. My eyebrows pulled together slightly. Why isn't it opening?

She turned toward me and glared.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I almost wanted to ask but I waited for her reaction.

"How did you lock this door?" she demanded, pointing her finger at me again. I glanced at the door and walked toward it. I turned the knob myself.

It still didn't open. I looked back at her.

Those same almond-shaped brown eyes were staring at me angrily.

Those eyes...

"Now how are we supposed to get out?" she asked again, her voice filled with frustration.

"Take out your phone and call someone!" she ordered. I tilted my head slightly.

She was seriously ordering me in my own house.

"I don't have my phone right now," I said calmly. I lied. I have my phone and spare keys both. But I wanted to spend some time with her. It's just curiosity nothing else. I wanted to observe her more. I mean her act...just her nature nothing else.

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"What? Are you serious?" she asked.

She walked past me, and her scent reached me. That same soft rosy smell.

For a second, I closed my eyes without realizing. I took a slow breath. Why does that smell calm me? She began banging on the door, calling Jiya loudly.

I walked casually to the sofa and sat down, watching her.

After some time, she stopped hitting the door. Maybe she understood no one was coming. She walked back and sat on the opposite sofa, keeping the distance between us. I studied her quietly.

I don't know what it is about her..

But she carries something. Something that makes you stop and look.

She glanced at me sharply, then quickly looked away. Without saying anything, I took out the gold chain from my pocket.

"Take this," I said, holding it toward her.

She turned and looked at it. Her eyes widened. Not in anger this time. Maybe In shock. Damn I wanted to see more reactions not just her eyes but also how her face looks when she changes her emotions. When she gets angry, when she's surprised, how does she look? A question rose in my heart.

An urge to see the face behind that veil. When someone's eyes are so heavenly then what would her face look like?

She took the chain slowly, like it was something extremely precious.

She held it carefully in her palm, staring at it. Her fingers tightened around it.

And then I noticed, Her eyes were shining.

Was she... crying?

"Thank you," she said softly. Her voice was hoarse.

"This... this is my grandmother's last memory," she whispered, holding it tightly against her chest.

And I froze. She gave her grandmother's last gift...To a doctor. For me? To save me?

For a moment, I just stared at her.

I am not used to this. No one has ever given up something precious for me. People fear me. Respect me. Follow my orders.

But care? No. No one has ever cared like that. Is she real? Or am I imagining this? She could give something so precious for the one she hates. How will she act if she falls in love?

For the first time in a long while, I felt something strange inside my chest.

Not anger. Not dominance. Something heavier. And I didn't know how to deal with it.

I Couldn't stop myself asking.

"Don't you hate me?" I asked quietly. "Then why did you give something so precious for me?"

She looked at me. Those eyes... they really are beautiful. Not just by appearance, But because of what they hold.

"My Allah teaches us to hate the sin, not the sinner," she said softly. "And nothing is more valuable than someone's life."

Her simple words hit me harder than any bullet ever could. Something inside my chest shifted.

I looked away. She is pure. So pure that even looking at her feels wrong... like I am staining something clean just by watching it.

She sat quietly, staring at her lap. Maybe she didn't want to look at me. Why would she? She's something pure like kanha murli, a sacred melody and I am the unworthy sin-stained shadow.

For the first I felt smaller but then just like that I bury that thought.

After a few seconds, I spoke again.

"What do you study?" I asked, curious without meaning to be. She looked at me again.

"Luchhe lafange gundo se baat nahi krte hum," she said and turned her face away.

("I don't talk to shameless goons,")

Did she just call me that? For a second, I just sat there, stunned.

My jaw tightened. Then i felt amusement. This tiny creature really has guts.

"Do you even know who I am?" I asked slowly.

"I don't even want to know," she replied flatly. Then suddenly her anger rose.

"I don't know what you think of yourself. Don't you feel ashamed? You also have a mother, a sister at home. But if some other girl's respect is ruined, that doesn't matter to you, right?"

So she still believes I forced that girl to withdraw her complaint. Fine. Let her think that. I leaned back slightly.

"You know I'm a bad man," I said with a smirk. "Don't you think I can do anything to you right now? We're alone."

Her eyes widened slightly. Good. She should be scared. But instead of fear... It's Fire.

She stood up.

"Dekhiye..." she said pointing her fingers at me.

"Hum shaadi se pehle kuch nahi dekhte, thode purane khayal ke hai hum!" I said pushing her limits.

Her eyes narrowed more.

"Hume apki baat se koi fark nahi padta aur na hi hum aapse darne wale hain, aur rahi baat kuch karne ki toh, hallak se jaan nikal lenge apki agar himmat bhi ki toh. Hume kamzor smjhne ki galti mat kariyega," her every word was like fire.

("Your talks don't affect me neither I'm afraid of you " she said firmly. "And if you even try to think evil about me, I swear I will ruin you. Don't ever mistake me for weak. ")

Her eyes were blazing. Not scared. Not shaking. Burning.

She turned and walked toward the door. And I just sat there.

She just warned me. Before I could say anything, the door suddenly opened.

I looked up. Jiya stood there.

"Sorry! I completely forgot!" Jiya said quickly.

"It's okay. I don't know how the door got locked," she replied calmly.

"Bhaiya? When did you come?" Jiya asked nervously.

"Yeh aaye isliye ye wali musibat ayi" she said loudly, making sure I heard it. My lips curled slightly. This girl!!

("He came, and that's why this door problem happened.")

Jiya swallowed nervously, her eyes widened.

"W-well... someone has come to pick you up," she said quickly and held her hand.

She walked out without looking at me again. I leaned back and slowly spread my arms.

A small smile formed on my lips.

So this is what fire feels like when you stand close to it.

Not weak. Not soft. A real fire.

And for the first time in my life...

I didn't feel like extinguishing it.

I felt like watching it burn.