Jhanvi snarled back angrily at Jatin. She despised herself for failing to produce proof against him but the fact she was a Goel, the only sister of K.G. helped her to not give up the battle or settle accounts. 'If he was worried as a senior, he could have confronted me the night before, at the club or the next morning in his office, instead he played me. He indeed provoked me to accept the challenge and to spend a night with him like a pervert. Even blind can tell he is as invested in this shady scenario as I am.'

What so ever, she did not vocal her thoughts, keeping quiet was the wisest option for now, especially when caught red-handed. But No, The Great 'Duck' Professor Jatin would not call a ceasefire, 'He seemed to enjoy entertaining my brother, his statements are adding gasoline to my blazing castle.'

"Goly, I didn't anticipate her to grow up to be that brazen and obtuse. Girls from decent households ...." Jhanvi snapped before he finished speaking, "Professor Aggarwal, Don't you feel a bit weird interfering in other people's family affairs?"

Jatin sensed her fury and decided to shut his mouth.

If not for Karan's interference, their cold war may have come to an end. To avoid awkwardness and keep the discussion going he shifted gears and said, "..... heard Vinu Uncle is trying to persuade private estates near Aggarsain to expand. When can we expect a new wing of Aggarsain or expansion as several private hospitals are reselling to Aggarwal's at market prices, would there be a merger or chain?" Karan continued to ramble on, oblivious to the fact that Jatin was nodding along with him but paying more attention to the third person in the room.

"Proud of him, even at this age he is active in comparison to you," Karan chuckled, giving a pat on Jatin's forearm catching his attention instantly. For a minute both pondered, none aware of the other's reaction... What happened?

After their uncomfortable exchange, the two buddies looked eager to part ways for seperate reasons. Karan straightened up and stared at Jhanvi with firmness as he said, "Then it's decided, Jatin will be your guardian from now on." Jhanvi was blindsided by Karan's final choice. Caught off guard she pondered, 'Is he asking me or informing me!'?'

As she waited, she grew impatient, thinking, 'Karan, my dearest Bhai, you are not blind, are you? Instead of assisting me... why are you so willing to go out and grasp hold of people's shoulders.?' Jhanvi knew she had to use her wits and face her fears."Bhai, How can you? Are you out of your mind?"

"If anyone is out of mind, it's you, Jhanvi."

" I don't understand why you're letting me crash at his apartment. People have a lot of questions when a guy and a woman wish to live together. Come on Bhai, Wake up!"

"Don't worry, I've known Jatin for a long time. I can trust him with anything since he knows me so well. Plus, he has nothing but apathy for you and just likes males." Despite her objections, Karan remained stern on his stance, and those who know, knows well, the effect of his remarks was greater than that of the tsunami. She turned to her professor with a look of astonishment on her face. There was no way for Jatin to get out of this predicament; he couldn't lie to himself or her brother about how he really felt about her. He blinked his eyes and swallowed the knot in his throat.

She took his silence as his affirmation, but never in her wildest imagination could she have imagined the man in question would validate himself after their tragic confrontation.

Hearing her brother's remarks, the mischievous/evil began to mentally dance to a lively tune. Initially, she was so enraged by his deception that she desired to destroy every piece in the room, but now.. She has changed her mind and is considering other alternatives. Having learned her lesson, she should confirm the news with the two guys again. Possibilities of being duped are more. 'Better to confirm before spreading this rumor,' With the notion she inquired, "What are you talking about?"

To tame her enthusiasm, she bit her lips; the pressure on the record button rose; she had to gather evidence without fail in order to shock him and Aggarsain. Thousands of thoughts ran through her head as she awaited official confirmation.

'No wonder he was always so cold and indifferent to the girls in campus.'

'No surprise he avoided my drunken attempt to kiss him that night. It turned out to be GAY issues. She was leaping with delight, which surprised Jatin. The source of Jhanvi's excitement was obvious to anyone with even a little intelligence. He was perplexed, "Didn't she feel my bulge when she touched me? "How naive is she?" As he saw it, he gently turned down the corners of his mouth his eyes and lips turned a shade darker.

"What does it have to do with you? Don't press the matter." Karan rebuked, solemnly.

"What?" 'No, you can't wreck my strategy, Bhai' she thought to herself. Her mind and heart were bursting with the new information, but then, the astonishment was replaced by a smug grin; a 'wow:' thought entered her mind, 'my brother and professor had cleared the path for me. Regardless, we will be living together, and I shall gather plenty of proof myself,' the musketeer within her was ecstatic, the earlier quarrel was forgotten. However, a snarl of Karan destroyed her castle of dreams."What WHAT? You will relocate to his residence tomorrow. You will be under Jatin's watch, Jhanu, and I believe I am being overly generous with your living costs. Beginning immediately, I will cut your monthly living expenditures in half. Your cards will be locked and there is no use in arguing over this decision of mine. I'll make sure, all your cards are frozen."

Jhanvi wasn't prepared for how quickly her euphoria would fade. Suddenly, the thought that she was about to go insane struck her. Just how could he do that? She was now receiving a monthly of rupees 40,000 but he cut it in half for her. To what extent can we trust one another? What about her medical expenses!! "Brother, if you wish for me to starve to death, tell me frankly. Why are you waiting for me to make a mistake so you can punish me like this? Have I ever done anything to warrant a complaint in all the years I've been staying in the hostel?." Then why this torture suddenly? Then why the abrupt onslaught of torture? This is my first mistake, can't it be overlooked? I swear not to do this again, Bhai. She roared like a wounded tigress.

"Mistake? It's a blunder, Jhanu, you were about to ruin your life."

"Was I only at fault?"

"No, it was my fault; I should have handled your spending from the beginning. I should have monitored your whereabouts and routine from day one. I erred in granting you your freedom.Otherwise, you would not have led us to this day." She stumbled back two steps after losing yet another argument of the day. He cannot be so harsh to his only sibling right? The whole city of Mumbai feared his trickery. Her eyes were filled with tears, but Karan would not flinch as he called his assistant, Sushant.

After a prolonged pause, "I have placed a hold on your credit card. If you squander your time, you may simply abandon your studies and return home."

The decision was implemented, and her brother was the toughest with her. He trusted others above his own blood when she had just a few months to live.

"Mark my words, Bhai, one day you will regret doing this. Karan was afraid that he would pardon his sister after a few more such words so he avoided her.

Jhanvi glanced at Jatin with accusing eyes. Jatin met hers before averting his eyes. 'She didn't wear glasses, so no way. Those eyes were more menacing and pitiful without the spectacles. Undoubtedly, he would feel the effects of her peppers. He could feel the heat emanating from her eyes. He saw Karan's takeover of her bank accounts as too extreme. However, he did know Karan, who was equally as stubborn as his sister. Jhanvi quit after realizing her apologies were ineffective.

Karan signaled Jhanvi to follow him and reminded Jatin to care for his little sister as he prepared to return with her.

Jatin approached Karan with reassuring words, "Don't take this matter to heart; we learned about it on time." Nobody but the three of us would ever know what happened here today."

Karan nodded and bumped his knuckles with his friend in understanding. A customary greeting they adhere to at all times.

"Karan, I can drop her off at the hostel as it is on my way. Jatin made a proposal.Karan studied his watch and nodded, "Thank you, Jit.."

"Stop being so formal!" Two of them did not care to solicit her opinion before leaving the room one after the other. She was lagging behind. Jhanvi, feeling dejected, shook her fist angrily at their backs as they reminisce about the good old days. She did not anticipate that they would turn around to see if she was with them or not, as they were a bit ahead of her. She turned around to hide her face, she felt trapped. Karan did not turn to look since he was aware of his sister's temperament. Jatin was unaware of Jhanvi's nature, he turned and gawked at her fists in the air. Just then, Karan's phone rang and he left to answer the call. As she heard her brother's footsteps dissipate, she confronted Jatin in a quiet voice, "you did it on purpose. You knew my brother, you intentionally told me to come here and also informed my brother." Jatin nodded affably and stated. "Your assertion and reasoning are both correct." Jatin said, Just like a teacher would value the student's proper response."You!" Jhanvi's ire was rising as she took in his regal features and calm responses; but Jatin stopped before muttering "Zipper"

'Zipper'!' She put out her hands and lightly caressed her own back, almost without thinking.'oh!' She realized she'd forgotten to pull it up completely. Anyone walking behind her could see her naked back. She gritted her teeth and reached for the zipper, but was unable to draw it up. Even with all that effort, it barely managed to lift up by a centimeter. Jatin leaned against the wall and watched as she struggled. Jhanvi wanted to avoid more public embarrassment by asking for assistance," I can't reach it, help me pull it up.''

Jatin leaned closer and reiterated, "Pull up or down?"

"You!" shocked, she turned around to face him. However, as a result of this movement, her hair became tangled in the zipper, causing her pain, "Ahhh...it hurts!"
"Why are you screaming?" Jatin frowned.

"I'm not screaming." Its because of this movement, her hair got twisted in the zipper, "Ahhh...it hurts! I didn't scream... it really hurts... " Her eyes were filled with mist and were red.

"OK, relax, I'll be gentle," Jatin approached her cautiously with a stiff smile on his face. Carefully he scooped up her zippered silky, curly, and smooth hair. Jatin subconsciously played with her looks after removing it. His eyes darkened as they rested on the woman's half-exposed gorgeous back.

'What's taking so long?' She thought aloud, "Did you take it out?" Jhanvi did not dare to move, but after some time, she realized he was gay and might not be able to assist with women's clothing. Should she return to the room he had reserved for them? But does it imply she needs to parade in the same state.?

"It could take time,"

"I guessed, you would be of no help" she cried. Jatin twisted his lips as he refuted, "Just stay still, it won't take any longer," She relaxed but scowled, thinking he sounded strange. Jatin no longer teased her as he pushed the zipper up to the top of her and murmured, "okay" She spun around and lifted her hand to inspect it. She hurried out quickly after verifying that the zipper was closed. "You didn't even have a word of appreciation?" Jatin hastened to follow her movements.

After staring at him thoughtfully for a moment, Jhanvi finally asked, "Do you deserve gratitude after what you've done to me?" then she weighed her reasons for a moment and choked out two words, "Thank you." He raised his eyebrows and remained silent. Then, two individuals boarded the elevator together. The air was silent for a few seconds while the elevator descended gradually. A few seconds later, Jhanvi recalled something and yelled at Jatin, "you you, putrid scoundrel!" Jatin placed a hand in his pocket, loosened his tie with the other, and turned to face her, asking, "What's wrong with me?"

"You... what you just said was clearly molestation!" Jhanvi suddenly comprehended why the words sounded strange, and her cheeks flushed as she realized why they sounded so strange. Jatin's attitude remained unchanging, and he stated gravely, "Science has failed to assimilate the problem with insignificant individuals like you."

Appalled, Jhanvi carefully examined his facial expressions to decipher his statement, "Insignificant? You mean I am Insignificant?" The previous argument was forgotten, she jumped to a new one.

Jhanvi examined him with amazement. He genuinely stated that she was miserable. She believed she had become a pretty young lady, and He.... used such terms to describe her? Jatin nodded in confirmation, "At such a young age, your ideas are so dirty; as a medical student, you should concentrate on your studies and spend more time working with your seniors." Jhanvi was on the verge of exploding as she retorted, " I set a trap to tarnish my repo, I? It's you.. you did it on purpose!"

'Why is he so capable of transforming white lies into bitter truths?' Jhanvi bit her lips. Her furious eyes turned crimson. After a heavy snort, she averted her sight and said, "I don't want to chat at length with idiots, I've learned, and don't talk at length with pretending fools either." Jatin retorted.

Neither Jatin nor Jhanvi was prepared to back down as they spared back and forth. They were engaged in a verbal war when the elevator doors abruptly opened.