19

The first light of dawn crept slowly into the room, brushing against the curtains and spilling in soft golden streaks. The gentle warmth of the early sunrise caressed Vani's face, nudging her out of the deep slumber she had finally fallen into on the balcony couch.

Her eyelashes fluttered as if resisting the light, and then her eyes opened-sleepy, heavy, but calmer than the night before. She rubbed them lazily, stretching out her arms with a small yawn.

For a moment, she just sat there, gazing at the sky that was painted with soft pinks and oranges. The world outside seemed so peaceful, like the chaos of last night had never existed.

Finally, pulling her blanket closer, she stood up and walked back inside. Her sketchbook was still lying on the couch; she picked it up carefully, hugging it to her chest as though it held something precious.

Inside the room, Pranvi was still curled under her blanket, hair all messy, sleeping like a child who had no care in the world. Vani smiled faintly at the sight.

She placed the sketchbook on her desk, then moved toward the wardrobe. Picking out her clothes for the day, she quickly freshened up, tying her hair neatly and slipping into a simple kurta.

As she adjusted her clothes, she glanced at the clock. "Almost time," she muttered under her breath.

Turning back to Pranvi, she shook her lightly.

"Pranvi, uth. Main hospital ja rahi hoon."

Pranvi groaned, burying her face into the pillow. "Mmm... abhi to subah hui hai..."

"Subah hi to hospital jaana hota hai. Chal, uth!" Vani said, tying her watch around her wrist.

Pranvi peeked from under the blanket, her voice still groggy. "Haan theek hai... tu chal... main abhi uthti hoon."

"Bye," Vani said softly, picking up her bag.

Pranvi finally sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Bye... aur haan, khud ka dhyaan rakhna."

Vani smiled and nodded before leaving the room.

The soft click of the door echoed faintly as Vani stepped out, leaving Pranvi behind in the quiet room.

The corridor of their apartment was still, only the faint humming of a ceiling fan somewhere breaking the silence. Vani wrapped her dupatta tighter around herself as she walked down, her mind still hovering over the sketches she had drawn last night.

The cold air outside greeted her the moment she stepped out of the building. The city was still half-asleep. Only a few tea stalls were open, with sleepy vendors pouring steaming cups of chai for early risers. A few bikers rushed past, and the chirping of birds filled the silence in between.

Vani took an cab, sitting by the window. As the city started waking up around her, she leaned her head slightly against the side, gazing out at the familiar streets. Her reflection on the auto glass looked tired yet peaceful-last night's restlessness had faded, at least for now.

At the hospital gates, she paid the driver, adjusted her bag, and walked in with her usual confident steps. The buzz of morning activity had already begun-nurses rushing with files, interns adjusting their coats, and the faint smell of disinfectants mixing with fresh air.

Vani slipped into her work mode instantly, greeting a few colleagues and heading toward her department.

Back in the apartment, Pranvi finally dragged herself out of bed. Her hair was still in tangles, and her blanket had half-fallen to the floor. She squinted at the clock, mumbling, "Bas... paanch minute aur."

But then she remembered she had her own shift later in the day. With a small groan, she got up, tying her hair into a messy bun and shuffling toward the washroom.

After freshening up, she made herself a cup of tea, standing in the kitchen by the window. The world outside looked brighter now, filled with the sound of rickshaws, vegetable vendors calling out prices, and children running to school. She leaned against the counter, sipping slowly, her thoughts drifting to Vani.

Pranvi couldn't help but smile. That girl barely slept but still manages to get up this early...

Her eyes then fell on the sketchbook lying on the desk. Curiosity sparked inside her. She walked over, flipped it open gently, and her lips curved into a soft grin.

A beautifully drawn tree... and a half-finished treehouse.

"She really still thinks about this," Pranvi whispered, her eyes softening. She remembered how Vani once told her about wanting a treehouse as a child-a little escape from the world, high up, hidden among the leaves.

Pranvi carefully closed the sketchbook and kept it back. "Childhood dreams," she murmured, smiling to herself before finishing her tea and getting ready for the day.

The waiter placed the pastry between them with two small forks. The rich smell of chocolate filled the table.

Varun picked up a fork dramatically, cutting a piece and holding it out. "For my angry baby."

Swara raised an eyebrow. "Main apne haath se kha lungi."

"Arre, bas ek bite. Mana mat karo," he insisted, leaning closer with the fork.

She tried to hide her smile but finally opened her mouth, letting him feed her. The sweetness melted instantly on her tongue.

"Hmm... not bad," she muttered.

Varun placed a hand on his chest in mock offense. "Not bad? Yeh toh world's best pastry hai, aur tum keh rahi ho not bad?"

Swara smirked, cutting another piece and shoving it toward his mouth. "Khud taste kar lo. Shayad tumhe samajh aaye."

He leaned forward obediently, and as soon as he took the bite, she smirked. "Dekha? Thoda zyada meetha hai."

"Sweet toh main bhi hoon. Phir bhi tumhe complaint rehti hai," he replied, winking.

Swara rolled her eyes, trying to hide her blush. "Overconfidence ki bhi limit hoti hai, Mr. Varun."

Varun leaned his elbow on the table, chin resting on his palm, just staring at her. "Main toh bas soch raha hoon, Jaipur jaake tumhari life kitni busy ho jaayegi. Mere liye time milega bhi?"

Swara sighed, her voice softer this time. "Of course milega. You know mujhe kaam ke saath balance karna aata hai. Tum bas apna drama band karo."

"Drama?" He gasped, clutching his chest. "Main toh apni dil ki baat keh raha tha."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Haan haan, dil ki baat. Tumhara dil sirf pastries aur excuses ke liye dhadakta hai."

"Galat! Mera dil sirf tumhare liye dhadakta hai." He winked again, and she couldn't help but laugh louder this time, covering her face with her hand.

They spent the next half an hour teasing each other, stealing bites of pastry, and talking about random little things-her new job, his office colleagues, even silly things like which café had better coffee.

Finally, when it was time to leave, Varun reached across the table again, his voice dropping a little. "Promise me Jaipur jaake tum mujhe bhool nahi jaogi."

Swara's expression softened. She squeezed his hand gently. "Pagal... tumhe bhoolna bhi possible hai kya?"

His smile widened, a little boyish this time, and he stood up, pulling out her chair for her.

As they walked out of the café together, side by side, Swara realized that no matter how much he irritated her, she couldn't imagine her days without these silly little moments.

Pranvi entered the hospital that morning with her usual composed steps, her tote bag slung neatly on her shoulder. The corridors smelled of antiseptic and freshly brewed coffee. Nurses hurried by, interns balanced files, and the distant echo of monitors beeped in rhythm with life itself.

Her mind was still caught up in Swara's call last night, but as soon as her heels clicked against the marble floor toward Ishan's cabin, something else demanded her attention.

Two young staff members stood near the corner, whispering animatedly, their voices pitched just enough to reach her ears.

"It's obvious, isn't it? Radhika ma'am and Ishan sir... I mean, look at them. Both are so brilliant, same level, same wavelength..." one of them whispered, giggling softly.

"And she's gorgeous! Honestly, they look perfect together. Yesterday I even saw Radhika ma'am holding his hand while leaving the OT."

The other girl gasped dramatically, leaning closer.

"Really? You're not lying?"

"Not at all! And listen, this one's bigger-when she came yesterday, I swear I saw them hug near the corridor. Everyone pretended not to notice but I'm telling you, something's there!"

Their laughter trickled out, light but sharp enough to cut into Pranvi's chest.

Her jaw tightened. A sudden surge of heat rose in her face as if her entire body had been set on fire. Her fingers curled against her bag strap, knuckles whitening.

She took a step forward, her heels clicking louder than usual.

"Excuse me," her voice was calm but edged with steel. The two girls froze like schoolchildren caught cheating in class.

Pranvi's eyes burned into theirs. "What are you both doing here? Gossiping? Do you think this hospital runs on your silly stories?" Her voice rose, sharp enough to slice through the quiet corridor.

Both lowered their heads instantly. "S-sorry, ma'am. We didn't-"

"Didn't what? Didn't realize you're being paid to work not to spread rumors?" she snapped. "If you're here for gossiping, then go home. Otherwise, get back to your duties right now."

The girls murmured another apology and scurried away, their faces flushed.

Pranvi exhaled, but her anger didn't fade. In fact, it only grew, pounding inside her chest. She turned back toward Ishan's cabin. Her fingers touched the handle, ready to push it open-ready to prove those girls wrong.

But then, through the glass panel, her eyes caught the scene inside.

Ishan sat in his chair, relaxed, flipping through some reports. Radhika stood beside him, leaning in close. Her face glowed with a smile as she bent forward. In one swift, affectionate motion, she reached out and pulled his cheek playfully. Ishan chuckled faintly.

Before Pranvi could blink, Radhika bent lower and pressed a kiss against his cheek.

The world stilled.

Her breath stopped halfway, caught painfully in her throat. Her heart hammered, then sank, like it was being crushed under invisible weight. For a second, she forgot how to breathe. Her grip on her bag strap tightened so fiercely her nails dug into her palm.

Her vision blurred-not from lack of sleep, but from the tears that pooled instantly in her eyes.

No. She couldn't stand here. Not like this.

Her feet moved before her mind did. She turned abruptly, her sandals echoing loud against the floor, running down the corridor blindly until she found the washroom. She pushed the door open and locked it behind her, her back pressing against the cold wooden surface.

The silence of the room caged her, amplifying the storm inside.

Her lips trembled as she whispered to herself, "Why... why did I see that?"

She stumbled to the sink and gripped its edge, her reflection staring back with hollow eyes, trembling lips, and wet lashes.

Pranvi's POV

How could she? How could Radhika just... kiss him like that? And he-he didn't even stop her. He didn't move away.

Is she really his girlfriend? Was I stupid all this time, living in my little bubble, thinking he didn't have anyone?

Riya told me once-she said Ishan wasn't dating anyone. I believed her. I trusted her words, I trusted... him. But what if he kept it hidden? What if he wanted it to be a secret? What if all this while, I was nothing but a fool watching from the sidelines?

I pressed my palms against my face, feeling hot tears slip through my fingers. My heart hurt in ways I couldn't describe-like tiny needles pricking from the inside.

Why, God? Why did I have to see that? Why today, of all days?

My mind kept replaying the scene like a broken record-her hand on his cheek, that kiss. I wanted to unsee it, erase it from my head, but it wouldn't stop. The image kept flashing again and again until it felt unbearable.

I shouldn't have come here. I should've walked straight past those gossiping girls. But no, my stupid curiosity pushed me. And now here I am, crying like a fool in the washroom.

For a moment, I closed my eyes, trying to breathe. But all I saw was him-his smile, his calm voice, his kindness. And her, standing beside him like she belonged there.

It hurt. It hurt more than anything.

POV ended

She wiped them quickly with a tissue, not wanting anyone to see her weakness. She couldn't let this break her completely-not here, not at work.

Straightening her coat, she fixed her hair and forced her face into some semblance of composure. With one last deep breath, she unlocked the washroom door and stepped out.

Her eyes were still slightly red, but her posture was steady.

She turned away from Ishan's cabin entirely. She couldn't go in there now-not with her heart so raw. Instead, she diverted to the patients' ward.

Her steps softened when she entered the first room. A young boy, barely twelve, lay in bed with his mother at his side. His fragile smile was enough to chip away at her sadness, if only for a moment.

"Good morning," she greeted, her voice steadier than she felt. "How are you feeling today?"

The boy beamed weakly. "Better, doctor."

Pranvi smiled back, though her chest still ached. She adjusted his IV drip, checked his vitals, and offered the mother a reassuring nod. "He's improving. Keep encouraging him, alright?"

As she moved from one patient to another, she clung to her professional mask. It was the only thing holding her together.

Inside, though, her mind kept whispering the same questions.

Was Radhika really his girlfriend?

Or was she just imagining things?

And if it was true... why did it hurt this much?

Pranvi came out of the patient's ward with her notepad clutched tightly against her chest. She had gone in smiling, politely greeting each patient, asking about their recovery, their medicines, and assuring them that everything was on track. But the moment she stepped into the corridor, her smile faded. The air suddenly felt heavier, like she was carrying an invisible weight.

Just as she turned the corner, she saw Ishan walking toward her with his usual casual stride. His coat was half-open, stethoscope hanging carelessly around his neck, as if he had all the time in the world. There was that familiar confident smile on his face, the one that usually made her feel warm. But today... it only made her chest tighten.

"Hi," he said lightly, stopping right in front of her.

Pranvi didn't look at him. Her eyes stayed fixed on her notepad as she replied flatly, "Hi."

Ishan raised an eyebrow. That wasn't her usual tone. Normally, she would at least glance up, if not give him a small smile.

"Have you finished with your schedule?" he asked, tilting his head toward her notes. "Let's go to the cafeteria. I'm starving."

Pranvi hesitated. She could feel his eyes on her, searching for the usual enthusiasm in her expression. She lifted her gaze slowly, and for a second, their eyes met. Something in her heart almost broke right there, but she quickly dropped her eyes again.

"N...no," she said, stumbling over her words. "I have... some work."

"Work?" Ishan repeated, frowning slightly. "Right now? You've been running around all morning. A quick coffee won't kill you."

"I really can't," she insisted, her voice tighter than before. She shifted uncomfortably, adjusting the strap of her bag as if it suddenly weighed a ton.

Ishan watched her carefully. "Okay..." he said slowly, his tone softer now. "I thought... we three could have a treat together."

Pranvi's brows furrowed. She turned her head toward him, finally giving him her full attention. Her lips parted slightly, her voice almost caught in her throat. "We three?" she asked, trying to keep her tone even.

"Yeah," he said casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Me, Radhika, and you."

The name hit her like a punch to the stomach. Radhika. She didn't flinch outwardly, but her insides twisted. Her grip on the notepad tightened so much her knuckles turned pale. She opened her mouth but no words came out. Instead, silence stretched between them.

Ishan, oblivious to her turmoil, went on cheerfully, "You know, it's really something worth celebrating. She insisted I join her. I thought I'd call you too. It'll be fun, right?"

Fun?

Pranvi's mind screamed.

Celebrate? Was he... going to announce his relationship officially? Was that what this was?

Her thoughts raced faster than her heartbeat. Every word she had overheard from those gossiping girls earlier replayed in her mind. They held hands... they hugged... they looked perfect together... And now here he was, speaking of "celebrations" with her, like twisting the knife deeper without even knowing it.

She pressed her lips together to stop them from trembling. She didn't trust herself to speak.

"And if not lunch, then dinner!" Ishan continued, still oblivious. "I'll call Vani and Aman too. The more, the merrier. It'll be nice to have everyone together after so long."

Her ears heard his words, but her heart only echoed one question, Why her? Why Radhika?

Pranvi couldn't bring herself to answer. She only gave a stiff nod and turned on her heel. Her steps were quick, almost desperate, as though she needed to escape before her emotions betrayed her in front of him.

"I'll text you, okay?" Ishan called after her, sounding slightly puzzled by her coldness.

She didn't stop. Didn't look back. She just walked down the hallway, clutching her notepad against her chest as though it were the only thing holding her together.

Ishan stood there, watching her retreating figure. His smile had faded now, replaced by a small frown. Something was off. He could sense it. The Pranvi he knew was never this... distant.

"What happened to her?" he murmured under his breath, running a hand through his hair. For the first time, he felt unsettled.

Meanwhile, Pranvi turned a corner, her legs trembling. She spotted the washroom nearby and slipped inside before anyone could see her face. Once the door was locked, she leaned against the sink, her breath shaky, eyes burning.

She whispered to herself, voice breaking, "Why does it hurt so much?"

Her reflection in the mirror stared back at her, tired and vulnerable. And for the first time in a long time, she couldn't hold back anymore. A tear slipped down her cheek, then another. She quickly wiped them, shaking her head, forcing herself to straighten up.

She couldn't afford to fall apart here. Not now. Not in front of anyone.

By the time she stepped out again, her expression was neutral, her posture composed. She put her notepad back under her arm and walked toward the wards as though nothing had happened. But inside, her heart carried a storm no one else could see.

Aman sat hunched over a pile of files, his eyes scanning rows of numbers and prescriptions. His fingers pressed lightly against his temple as if the weight of the hospital's chaos had settled there. The clock ticked softly in the background, and the room smelt faintly of ink and sanitizer.

"Sir, aapne bulaya?" A ward boy stood at the door, clutching another file nervously.

Aman lifted his head without removing his glasses. "Haan. Call Dr. Vani."

The boy nodded quickly, relieved to be dismissed, and hurried out.

Aman sighed, leaning back in his chair. He pinched the bridge of his nose. That girl... she'll probably come here with some new drama again.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, the door swung open without a knock.

"Haa... Aman, you called me?" Vani's sing-song voice filled the room, and she strolled in casually, not looking even remotely professional.

Aman slowly lowered his glasses, raising one eyebrow. "We are in a hospital."

"To?" She tilted her head innocently.

His jaw tightened. "To... can't you give some respect to your senior?"

"I can," she said promptly, flashing a mischievous smile.

"Thank God," Aman muttered under his breath, relieved for a second only for her to add, "But here, it's just the two of us na... toh kya zarurat hai?"

He closed his file with a sharp thud. "Seriously?"

She bit back a laugh, tilting forward on the chair opposite his desk. "Arre, itna gussa mat karo. Senior sahab."

Aman exhaled heavily. "Sit."

Vani plopped down on the chair with exaggerated grace, folding her hands as though she were in class.

"Let's do one thing," Aman said finally, eyes narrowing.

"Kya?" she asked, leaning in with genuine curiosity.

"In hospital, you call me sir. Outside, you can call me by my name." His voice was steady, authoritative.

Vani smirked instantly. "Fine. But ek shart pe."

Aman's suspicion grew. "Kya?"

She grinned. "Ek tang pe dance karke dikhao."

"What??" Aman's eyes widened. "Pagal ho gayi ho?"

"Toh fir soch lo..." she shrugged dramatically.

"I... mein... main yeh pagalpan nahi karne wala!" He gestured wildly with his pen, looking genuinely offended.

Vani leaned back comfortably. "Theek hai. Thoda simple kar deti hoon. Dono tangon par nach lo."

Aman almost dropped his file. "You really need to consult a neurologist."

"I already have one at home," she shot back with a smug smile. "So I don't need another."

He closed his eyes in defeat. "Unbelievable."

"Chalo, ab karo na dance," she pressed, her eyes twinkling.

Aman finally gave in with a long sigh. "Bas..."

Vani clapped softly like a kid. "Yesss!"

Rolling his shoulders, Aman sat upright, made two quick circular movements with his hands as if he was warming up, then moved his upper body side-to-side stiffly in his chair. "Enough," he said after two seconds flat. "I won't do it anymore."

Vani burst into laughter, her voice echoing in the silent cabin. "Oh my God, Aman! Tumhare dance dekhke toh patients bhi bhag jaayenge!"

He rolled his eyes. "Be quiet."

"Fine, fine," she said, still giggling.

Aman flipped open the file again, trying to hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. Just then, his phone buzzed. He checked and read Ishan's message in their group chat:

"Dinner tonight? Everyone free? We can go together after hospital."

"Dinner plan ban gaya," Aman said casually, putting his phone down.

"Nice," Vani nodded. "But I'll have to change first. Ghar jaana padega."

"Ohh..." Aman thought for a moment. "Theek hai. We'll pick you both from your place."

"Done."

Vani stood up, adjusting her dupatta, and started walking toward the door. Aman bent back over his file, already immersed in notes again.

But just as she reached the doorway, she turned with a sly grin and shouted loudly, "Bye, Mr. Chuhe ke fufaji!"

And before Aman could even lift his head, she bolted out of the room, her laughter trailing behind her in the corridor.

Aman froze, blinking in disbelief. Then, despite himself, he chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Pagal..." he whispered under his breath, a faint smile finally breaking through his stern face.

Pranvi stood in front of the mirror, running the brush through her hair for what felt like the tenth time. She had already changed twice, yet nothing seemed good enough. Her reflection stared back, but her mind... her mind was far away.

Ishan... dinner... and with her? The thought made her blood boil. She threw the brush on the bed and muttered, "I'll kill Radhika."

From across the room, Vani who was busy adjusting her earrings- nearly dropped one in shock. "Whattt? Why would you kill your mother?"

Pranvi spun around. "Pagal hai kya? Why would I kill my mom!"

Vani's brows knitted together. "Arre... but that's your mother's name na? Radhika aunty."

Pranvi's lips parted, and for a split second she froze. Shit. "No, no... I was talking about... umm... Instagram pe ek influencer hai Radhika naam ki. Usi ki baat kar rahi thi. Mujhe pasand nahi vo."

Vani gave her a look that was somewhere between disbelief and amusement. "Acha... toh ab tum influencers ke liye itni emotional ho gayi ho?"

"Haan," Pranvi snapped quickly, turning back to the mirror as if it would hide her flushed cheeks.

"Hmm," Vani hummed dramatically, slipping her earrings in. "Samajh gayi main. Kahin aur hi problem hai tumhari."

Pranvi shot her a sharp glance, but Vani just grinned, clearly enjoying how restless her friend was.

Pranvi's eyes darted inside Aman's car, searching for Ishan instinctively. When she didn't see him, she asked, "Ishan nahi aya?"

Aman shook his head. "Nahi, he'll come with Radhika."

The name hit her like a slap. Radhika again. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she quickly looked away, afraid her face might betray the storm brewing inside.

"Ohh..." she said softly, almost like she hadn't cared. But the way her hand fidgeted with her dupatta gave her away.

Vani, standing beside her, caught the little change and grinned mischievously. "Kya hua? Achanak mood off? Abhi toh ready hoke full glow kar rahi thi."

Pranvi rolled her eyes. "Bas... thoda headache hai."

Vani tilted her head, unconvinced but not pressing further. Instead, she giggled. "Mujhe toh laga tumhara woh influencer wali Radhika yaad aa gayi."

"Vani!" Pranvi hissed, giving her a warning look.

"Kya? Tumne hi toh bola tha pasand nahi hai tumhe usse. Ab Aman bol raha hai dinner mein bhi Radhika aa rahi hai... coincidence suna hai kabhi?" Vani laughed, slipping into the backseat with her usual carefree energy.

Pranvi exhaled sharply, muttering under her breath, kaash coincidence hi hota. She climbed into the car after her.

Aman adjusted his seatbelt and glanced at them through the mirror. "Tum dono ready ho na? Varna mujhe lagta hai dinner cancel karna padega."

"Ready, ready," Vani said quickly, nudging Pranvi's arm. "Waise bhi mujhe free khana miss karne ka mood nahi hai."

Pranvi forced a small smile, her heart still restless. She couldn't stop replaying the words in her head. He'll come with Radhika.

"Aman, it's so boring, please play a song."

"Hmmm... wait." Aman tapped on his playlist.

The first beats echoed inside the car- Chammak Challo.

Vani immediately scrunched her nose. "Kya laga rahe ho yaar, kuch acha sa lagao, calming sa."

"Ab calming kya lagau? Wait, tum hi laga lo ." Aman passed her the aux.

Vani smirked. "Sad song lagau? Unmein hi toh maza aata hai."

"Haan haan, lagao. Waise bhi bina breakup ke sad songs are the best," Aman chuckled, winking at Pranvi through the rearview mirror.

Tune jo na kaha, main woh sunta raha...

As the first line flowed, Pranvi's heartbeat slowed. It was like someone had plucked the thoughts from her chest and put them into words.

Khamakha bewajah, khwaab bunta raha...

Her eyes softened. She thought of Ishan, of the thousand small dreams she built silently-dreams she never admitted, not even to Vani.

Vani, on the other hand, leaned back, enjoying the melody. "Wah... Arijit is magic."

Aman shrugged. "Arijit ka matlab hi dard hai." He laughed, but Pranvi's lips pressed into a thin line.

Jaane kiski humein lag gayi hai nazar...

A faint ache tightened in Pranvi's chest. Maybe it was the universe itself that always pushed Ishan towards Radhika and left her stranded.

Is sheher mein na apna thikana raha...

Her eyes flicked outside the window. The streetlights blurred, as if even the city had nowhere for her feelings to hide.

She shifted uncomfortably, brushing away a loose strand of hair to mask her sudden silence.

The song played on for another minute.

"Let's change," Aman broke in, tapping the steering. "Maza ni aa raha."

Toota hua saaz hoon main, khud se hi naaraz hoon main...

The next lines hit Pranvi harder. Her lips parted slightly-was this car secretly conspiring against her tonight?

Seene mein jo kahin pe dabi hai, aisi koi aawaaz hoon main...

A lump formed in her throat. Every hidden word she never dared to confess felt like it was echoing right here. She stole a glance at Vani, praying she wouldn't notice.

Vani was humming happily, lost in her own drama-free world.

Sun le mujhe tu bin kahe, kab tak khaamoshi dil sahe...

Pranvi clenched her fists softly in her lap. Kab tak? She asked herself too. Kab tak she'd keep quiet about Ishan, while Radhika roamed so freely around him.

"Yehh..." her voice cracked a little. "Ni, doosra."

Aman laughed. "Arre wah, bade mood swings aa rahe hai tumhe." He switched quickly.

Kya uss gali mein kabhi tera jaana hua...

The words wrapped around the car, melancholic.

Pranvi froze. That gali, that street-so many memories she had shared with Ishan during late hospital hours, little talks, stolen glances. She wasn't ready to revisit them now.

"Aree yaarrr, yeh bhi ni," she said quickly, her voice sharper than she meant. "Doosra lagao."

Aman raised his brows, amused. "Bhai, playlist se tumhe problem hai ya zindagi se?"

Vani burst into laughter. "Haan seriously, tumhe har gaana trigger kar raha hai kya?"

Pranvi forced a smile, but her heart was racing.

Finally, Aman tapped again.

Paas aaye... dooriyaan phir bhi kam na huyi... ek adhuri si humari kahaani rahi...

The lyrics hung heavy in the air.

Pranvi's world slowed. The lines stabbed her gently but deeply. She turned her face towards the window so no one would notice the way her eyes shimmered.

Rang tha, noor tha, jab kareeb tu tha... ek jannat sa tha yeh jahaan...

She imagined Ishan sitting with Radhika right now, maybe laughing, maybe not even realizing how she felt. And in that moment, everything did feel incomplete.

She blinked quickly, forcing the tears back in. A smile tugged at her lips, but it was the kind that hurt more than it healed.

Aman glanced at the mirror and caught her face turned away, but said nothing.

When the song finally ended, Aman cheerfully skipped forward.

The next beat was completely different,

Mere saiyyan ji se aaj maine breakup kar liya...

Vani burst out laughing immediately. "Ohhh my god!"

But before the chorus could even settle, Pranvi shouted, "STOP IT!"

Aman jerked in surprise and instantly hit the brakes so hard that Vani lurched forward in her seat.

"Arree!" Vani shrieked.

Aman's eyes widened. "Car rokdi maine! Kya hua?"

"Car ni, SONG!" Pranvi snapped, her voice a mixture of panic and irritation.

There was a beat of silence.

"Ohhh....haa ruko" . He quickly shut the track.

Vani turned, studying her. "Kya hua? Why so hyper?"

Pranvi swallowed hard, fumbling with her dupatta. "Kuch ni... vo... song ki wajah se headache ho raha tha."

Vani and Aman exchanged a look, then shrugged in unison.

"Acha..." they said together, letting it slide.

Pranvi leaned her head against the window, forcing a calm expression. But deep inside, she was shaken more than ever how easily a few songs had peeled open the feelings she fought so hard to bury.

Vani, Pranvi, and Aman sat around a circular table. The waiter had just placed water glasses in front of them, and the faint clinking of cutlery mixed with the soft music playing in the background.

"Jab-jab tere paas main aaya ik sukun mila"

Pranvi's fingers trembled slightly as she lifted the glass of water. Her heart echoed the lyrics peace, that's exactly what she had always felt when Ishan was around.

"Jise main tha bhoolta aaya woh wajud mila"

Her lips brushed the rim of the glass, but she didn't drink. Her eyes flickered towards the entrance as if waiting for something...or someone.

"Jab aaye mausam gam ke tujhe yaad kiya"

She blinked hard. Why was this song playing now, of all moments? As if the universe wanted to remind her of the very person she tried so hard to push out of her heart.

"Ho jab sehme tanhapan se tujhe yaad kiya"

Her chest tightened. Tanhapan? Loneliness? The words felt like needles against her heart, each line peeling away the façade she wore.

Just then, the glass door opened.

Ishan walked in, casual yet effortlessly magnetic, like he carried the whole room's attention with him.

"Dil sambhal ja zara, phir mohabbat karne chala hai tu"

Pranvi's heart skipped. Sambhal? She almost laughed bitterly in her head. How was she supposed to "sambhal" herself when the reason for her chaos had just entered?

"Dil yahin ruk ja zara, phir mohabbat karne chala hai tu"

The dim yellow lights above flickered across Ishan's face, making him look unreal for a second. And then, her stomach dropped, he wasn't alone.

Ishan pulled a chair and looked behind. "Radhika, sit here," he said casually, as if it was the most natural thing.

"Aisa kyun kar hua jaanun na main, jaanun na"

Pranvi's world blurred for a fraction of a second. She bit her lip so tightly she thought it might bleed. Why him, why her, why now? She had no answers.

"O dil sambhal ja zara, phir mohabbat karne chala hai tu"

Her knuckles whitened against the glass. Her throat felt heavy, like every suppressed feeling was begging to break out.

She couldn't sit there any longer. Pushing her chair slightly back, she stood. "Excuse me," she whispered, her voice tight, and without waiting for anyone's response, walked off.

"Jis raah pe hai ghar tera, aksar wahan se haan main hoon ghuzra"

Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she walked away. A lump swelled in her throat, tears threatening to spill but she blinked them back, forcing herself to look composed.

"Shaayad yehi dil mein rahaa, tu mujkho mil jaaye kya pataa"

She wanted to laugh at her own stupidity. Mil jaaye? What was she even thinking? He was sitting with someone else, smiling with her.

She turned the corner toward the washroom. Suddenly, a commotion caught her attention.

A girl, dressed in a red dress, was throwing her heels literally at a boy. "Cheap! You were cheating on me? Go to hell!" she screamed.

Gasps spread among nearby tables. The boy dodged, embarrassed, trying to calm her down, but she wasn't done. She picked up a bottle from the table and flung it, thankfully, it missed.

Her rage wasn't just noise. She marched up to him, grabbed his collar, and spat out words dripping with betrayal.

"I used to love you, and this is what you did? I will kill you. Get out! And don't you dare show me your face again!"

The boy stammered something but, seeing the fire in her eyes, turned and ran. People whispered, laughed, some shook their heads, but the girl didn't care.

She stormed into the washroom, brushing past Pranvi.

Inside, Pranvi stood by the sink, splashing cool water on her face, trying to douse the frustration burning her chest. She wiped her cheeks and reapplied a thin layer of lip balm, a small attempt at normalcy.

The same girl stood beside her now, adjusting her hair in the mirror. Their eyes met briefly in the reflection.

"You know," the girl said calmly, her voice still edged with anger, "we should never cry for men. They're all cheap. Kabhi idhar, kabhi udhar."

Pranvi blinked, surprised by the bluntness. "Why?" she asked softly, curiosity overpowering her sadness.

The girl looked at her directly, her lipstick slightly smudged but her eyes fierce.

"See, I had a breakup. He cheated. Now if I cry or harm myself what's the point? It wasn't my fault. And even if I do, it won't affect him. He'll just say sorry, maybe, then move on. No harm done to him. But me? I'd destroy myself."

She shrugged, fixing her eyeliner as if she hadn't just detonated an emotional truth-bomb.

"So why should we? Why should we ruin our lives for those cheapsters?"

With that, she slung her purse over her shoulder and walked out, leaving behind a silence heavier than her words.

Pranvi stared at her reflection. Her moist eyes glimmered under the bathroom lights, but her lips curled into a faint, broken smile. The girl's words echoed inside her head. She was right. Why should I? It's not my fault. Why cry for someone who doesn't even know?

Taking a deep breath, Pranvi muttered to herself, almost as a promise, "Leave it. Just ignore. He doesn't deserve my tears."