The company's logo overhead glowed like a rainbow against the porch's yellow light, while the occasional honk from the traffic screamed the restless rhythm of the city.

Rudraksh stood at the exit – eyes squinting, jaw clenched – as the cold night air bit into his skin like sharp needles. He exhaled, his breath misting into tiny puffs of smoke. His grip tightened around the bag's strap as he strode toward the parking lot, yanking the keys out of his pocket—when his gaze fell upon him.

Karan was leaning against his grey car, one foot propped against the door and the other planted firmly on the ground, hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket. His face was pinched – eyebrows furrowed, lips pressed together as if holding back words. The cold air had reddened his nose and cheeks, giving him a faintly comical look.

Rudraksh looked away, his eyes fixing on his bike parked beside Karan's car, as he moved with a fluid motion.

"Rudraksh!" Karan called out sharply, his footsteps pounding against the pavement.

Rudraksh swung his leg over his bike, kicked the engine to life, and drove away, leaving Karan standing alone in the cold.

Karan's face crumpled as he watched his friend disappear into the shallow night, swallowed by the sea of steel, flesh, and nature. One hand hung limply by his side while the other scrubbed over his forehead, fingers digging into his scalp.

"Damn it! Why are you so stubborn, Rudraksh?!" he burst out, kicking hard at the air.

"What happened?"

Dhriti stood before him, tilting her head.

Karan's expression smoothed; he slid his hands into his pockets, composing himself. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he asked in a neutral tone, "You're still here, Ms. Vashishth?"

Dhriti's face broke into a bright, enigmatic smile. "Yeah! The new CEO asked me to brief the feedback we received after our latest launch to Rudraksh." Her gaze dropped, cheeks flushing a delicate pink as she fidgeted with the corner of her shirt. "He said I'll be sharing every detail with Rudraksh to turn that failure into a success. And that Rudraksh will handle everything. The new CEO is just a replacement until Rudraksh reclaims his position."

Karan's eyebrows shot up as he watched a storm of expressions sweep across her face in just a few seconds. "You know, we're taught pronouns in school for a reason."

Dhriti's nose wrinkled as she looked up at him. "Huh?"

"Never mind," Karan muttered with a shrug. "I didn't see your scooter, so I thought you'd left."

Dhriti nodded slowly, her mouth slightly open. "Ahh… Vaishnavi took it. She said something urgent came up." A shy smile spread across her lips, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "And I thought Rudraksh would drop me, like that day."

Karan's lips pressed into a thin line as he stretched his neck slightly, chin tilting as he took in the fading light. Exhaling, he looked back at her, his tone even. "Do you need a lift? It's getting dark."

Dhriti clasped her hands around her stomach, her eyes searching Karan's face. "You wouldn't mind?"

Karan shrugged. "Why would I? Get in, I'll drop you."

The car door swung open, revealing the soft glow of the interior lights. Dhriti slid into the passenger seat, the leather creaking softly beneath her. Karan settled into the driver's seat, the door thudding shut behind him. The gentle hum of the engine filled the silence, along with the steady whoosh of the tires against the road.

Dhriti's eyes roamed over the car's interior, lingering on the sleek dashboard and smooth leather seats. She shifted slightly, resting her elbow on the window's rim as she turned to face Karan.

"Can I ask you something?" Her voice was low, her head tilted to one side.

Karan's gaze remained fixed on the road, his expression neutral. "Hm?"

"Rudraksh doesn't have a car?"

Karan's forehead creased. "What do you mean?" he asked flatly.

Dhriti adjusted her position, her eyes focusing on some distant point in the darkness outside. "Rudraksh established this company, right? But he doesn't really reflect that image… you know?" Her voice trailed off, hands gesturing vaguely, palms up.

Karan's frown deepened, his eyes flicking briefly toward her before returning to the road. "What image?" His grip tightened on the steering wheel.

"The one we see in movies!" Her eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, "You know—like, he's already so attractive and handsome, but he needs to work out a bit more to get that hot, sexy CEO look!"

She giggled, bouncing slightly in her seat, lost in her fantasy.

"The badass attitude, success at the top, a Lamborghini, bodyguards, a big mansion, and… a beautiful, shy girlfriend." Her voice softened into a whisper at the last words, her cheeks blooming crimson.

Karan's lips twisted as he blinked. Rolling his eyes, he focused back on the road. His knuckles whitened as he shifted gears with a little more force than necessary.

Dhriti's smile faltered at the sight of his clenched jaw. She looked down, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Then she whispered, "So, what happened?"

Karan's lips curved into a fleeting smile that vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Nothing. Just… friends' things."

Dhriti's face scrunched in thought before it suddenly lit up. "Hey! Happy birthday, by the way!" She clapped her hands together.

Karan gave an awkward smile, glancing at her briefly. "Thank you? But it's after two days."

Dhriti's face fell. "Oh." She paused, then grinned widely. "But that's Sunday! So happy birthday in advance!" She tucked a few stray hairs neatly behind her ear.

Karan's laughter was low and smooth, his palm gliding over the steering wheel with practiced ease. "Thank you, then."

The car leaned slightly as he took a curve, their bodies swaying in reflex.

His smile turned into a faintly smug grin. "By the way, how do you know?"

Dhriti lowered her head, eyes fixed on her palms resting on her lap. "You mean… the wrong birth date." She paused, smiling shyly. "I've noted everyone's birth date. But I guess I messed up." Her voice dropped to a whisper.

Karan's eyebrows shot up, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Everyone's birth date?" he whispered.

Dhriti nodded proudly. "Yes!"

"Rud—"

"13th February!" Dhriti interjected before he could finish.

"Ah-ha!" Karan's laughter echoed through the car's interior.

Dhriti's gaze fell to her feet, her teeth tugging at her lower lip as she fidgeted with a button on her shirt.

Their bodies jolted forward in unison as the car screeched to a halt, the sudden stop throwing them slightly off balance.

Dhriti's trance broke, and she blinked, glancing around as her eyes adjusted to the dim light outside.

She turned to Karan with a small smile. "Thank you for the lift."

Karan nodded, his hands still gripping the steering wheel.

Dhriti turned, reaching for the door handle.

"Dhriti?" Karan's voice was low, his tone serious.

"Yes?" Dhriti's head swiveled back, her eyes locking onto his.

Karan darted his tongue out to moisten his dried lips. His fingers drummed lightly against the steering wheel. Clearing his throat, he pulled a small, warm smile onto his face. "Don't get me wrong."

Dhriti's eyebrows furrowed, her expression uncertain.

Karan's smile wavered, though he forced it to stay. "If it's only a crush, that's fine. But don't let this fleeting feeling turn into something deeper. Take it as friendly advice from a brother." His voice carried a calm, paternal weight. "That man is not in the mood for any kind of relationship. You'll only hurt yourself."

Dhriti sat still, a half-sad smile curving her lips. She pressed them into a thin line, her gaze dropping to the floor. After a quiet moment, she nodded and stepped out of the car.

Karan's expression hardened as he watched her leave. "I'm not letting these kinds of women hover around my buddy again," he muttered under his breath. "Thank me later, bro."

He pressed the accelerator, the car roaring back to life, and the hum of the engine trailed off into the night.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

"We're stuck!" Navya's terrified voice made both girls snap their heads toward her.

"Hey, don't worry. We'll get an auto," Ira said, gently patting her back.

Navya's eyes welled up, tears spilling down her cheeks. She wiped her nose with the corner of her dupatta, the fabric fluttering with each sniffle. "We won't get one." Her voice trembled, lips curling downward as she cried harder. "Even the shops are closed... the crowd has scattered. We're doomed." Her hands clutched the corners of her dupatta, twisting the fabric in distress.

Ira's lips pressed tightly together, her eyes shutting briefly in frustration at the sight of Navya's tears.

"Stop crying like a kid, Navya!" Nidhi snapped.

Navya's sniffles faltered, her voice coming out muffled between trembling lips. "Why are you scolding me?"

The sudden ringing of a phone broke the tension.

Ira's calm voice answered, "Hello."

Her tone shifted, irritation slipping in. "Yeah, yeah, We're looking for an auto." She placed a hand at the small of her back, exhaling sharply.

"We were deep inside the ruins when the announcement was made, so it took time to get outside. And now-" Her words were cut off mid-sentence.

"Do you know how to ride a bike?" she asked, shutting her eyes in irritation.

"Then hang up. It's still six; We'll get an auto." Her hand moved swiftly, swiping her finger across the screen to end the call.

"Who was it?" Navya's trembling voice made Ira turn toward her.

"Bhaiya," Ira replied, slipping the phone into her jeans pocket. "Listen, let's walk to the main road. We'll definitely get a vehicle from there. Come on, fast!" She patted Navya's arm and took off toward the main road.

Nidhi's hurried footsteps followed, accompanied by the jingling of Navya's anklets.

Soon, Nidhi's steps matched Ira's - both running in rhythm toward the main road. Ira's face contorted occasionally as sharp cramps kicked in, her eyebrows furrowing in discomfort.

"Nidhi! Ira!"

Their footsteps halted abruptly. They turned toward the voice.

Navya lay on the road, her hand stretched toward them, her face smeared with tears and dust. "My ankle's sprained!" she cried, her lips quivering as she struggled to stand.

Both Nidhi and Ira exhaled in unison, their faces a mix of annoyance and concern.

Ira placed her hands on her hips, massaging her lower back with her palms, her eyes shutting briefly in frustration. "Umm... you go get her. I'll stop anything I see," she instructed, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her throat felt dry, and she swallowed hard.

"Okay!" Nidhi nodded, unzipping her jacket. Her nose scrunched, eyes narrowing with exhaustion as she ran back to Navya.

Ira watched her go, then turned her attention to the road.

With a swift motion, she pulled down the zipper of her jacket, revealing the plain white T-shirt beneath. Her hand reached for the laces tied around her throat, and in an instant, she tugged them free. The cap slid off her head, revealing a messy bun with loose strands framing her face.

Huffing and puffing, she covered long strides on the road, her face twisted in pain. Her ears perked up at the sound of a honk, and her eyes lit up with hope.

"Auto! Stop!" she called out, her voice carrying across the road. "Hey! Please, stop!"

The auto whizzed past, making her features scrunch in frustration. Gulping down the lump in her throat, she whispered, "Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. Don't lose hope." Her fists clenched by her sides in determination. "Yay," she muttered, rallying herself.

With newfound motivation, she inhaled deeply and pushed forward to bridge the remaining distance to the main road. Catching glimpses of occasional trucks and vehicles passing by, a hopeful smile spread across her face.

She stood at the roadside where a few others were waiting for transport, their faces painted with the same mixture of hope and fear.

The rustle of fabric and shuffling of feet filled the air as another auto approached.

Ira's face lit up. She turned back to look for the girls, scanning the dimly lit road behind her.

Nidhi flashed a quick smile as she approached, adjusting Navya on her back.

Navya raised a hand above her head, grinning widely, her fingers wiggling in excitement.

The jacket that once covered Nidhi now wrapped Navya in its warmth, its sleeves dangling loosely around her arms. In her other hand, she clutched the shopping bag tightly, its straps pressed into her fist.

Ira's eyes crinkled as she took in the sight. Raising a hand, palm facing upward, she gestured for them to hurry.

The auto slowed down, its tires screeching softly against the pavement.

A head poked out from the driver's seat, revealing a tired face. "How many people are there?" he asked in a gruff voice.

"Three!" a middle-aged woman sitting in the front seat replied firmly. Her bulky frame occupied most of the space, and the other women inside followed her lead.

"Six!" Ira's raised voice caught their attention, her innocent face glowing with hope.

The woman's eyebrows shot up.

"You children will also come?" she asked skeptically.

Ira nodded. "Yes."

The woman twisted her lips in disapproval. "What has happened to the parents of today? They let their daughters wander alone like this. Don't they know it's unsafe for girls these days?"

Ira rolled her eyes, closing them briefly in restrained frustration.

Nidhi finally caught up, Navya still clinging to her back, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.

"Did you get seats?" Nidhi asked, her voice barely above a whisper, gesturing for Navya to get down.

"Get in fast!" the auto driver called out, revving the engine impatiently.

The women inside shuffled around, making a bit of space for the girls.

Ira ducked her head, inspecting the cramped interior. Two women sat in one row, their frames taking up most of the space, while another woman sat in the opposite seat, her sharp eyes fixed on Ira.

Ira shrugged internally before turning to the girls. "I'll sit with these two aunties. You both sit there, okay?"

Both nodded and climbed in, one after the other.

As the auto pulled away, the roar of the engine and the gust of wind filled their ears, carrying with it the scent of exhaust fumes and nearby crop fields.

They exhaled a collective sigh of relief as the vehicle picked up speed.

Almost in unison, all three reached for their phones, fingers dancing rapidly over the screens. The bluish glow illuminated their tired yet relieved faces as they informed their families of their whereabouts, their thumbs flying across the keyboard.

Ira inhaled deeply and turned her face toward the side, letting the cool night air soothe her. Closing her eyes, she felt the tension slowly melt from her shoulders.

The women's chatter continued in the background, their voices rising and falling in an unbroken rhythm against the hum of the night.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

The large iron gate creaked open, hinges groaning in protest as two constables pulled it wide. Rudraksh eased the bike forward into the lawn, the soft grass beneath the tires a soothing contrast to the rough city roads behind him. He braked gently, shoes brushing the ground, then kicked the stand down and twisted the handlebars to the right before stepping off.

With practiced ease, he tugged down the zipper of his black jacket and unclasped the helmet straps. Lifting it off, he exhaled a puff of warm air that mingled with the cool breeze. The chill brushed against his damp hair and skin, raising goosebumps along his neck. He ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it absently until it stuck out around his forehead and ears.

When he looked up, his eyebrows furrowed at the sight of the main gate still open. But before the thought could settle, a burst of cheerful giggles reached him. The faint tension in his jaw melted into a quiet warmth, and a slow, genuine smile spread across his face.

💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

"Di!" Rudraksh's eyes sparkled as he spotted his sister, quickly closing the distance between them with long, eager strides.

Antara, wrapped in a vibrant red saree adorned with round green patches, turned around. The soft jingling of her jewelry and the gentle rustle of her pallu filled the air. "My fireball!" Her long black hair swayed down her back as she approached with open arms, enveloping him in a warm hug.

Rudraksh's hands instinctively wrapped around her shoulders, his face nestling into her neck. A wide grin spread across his face, and his eyes shone with a mix of joy and nostalgia.

Antara's fingers stroked his hair, tangling in the strands as she cradled the back of his head.

"How are you, Di?" His voice, filled with affection and concern, was muffled against her saree pleats.

Antara pulled back, her hands resting on his shoulders, and gazed into his eyes. "You didn't talk to your di for months, and now are asking how I am?"

Rudraksh's head hung low, his chin almost touching his chest, as a small, hesitant smile played on his lips.

Antara studied her younger brother's troubled expression. Her fingers brushed against his forehead, gently pushing back the messy hair that had fallen across his eyebrows, revealing the jagged scar above his left eyebrow.

"What is this, huh?" Her voice grew heavier. "You didn't even think for once about us? Why do you always hurt yourself, Rudraksh?" Her voice trembled beneath her stern scolding. "How many times have I told you that I'm always here for you? Always. You can share your problems with me. But no—you have to gather everything inside until you erupt like a volcano."

Rudraksh's lips curved into a soft smile, and he once again wrapped his arms around his sister's back, pulling her into a tight hug. "I'm sorry... From now on, I'll never hide anything from you. Promise."

Antara's hands stilled on his hair, her fingers relaxing as she absorbed his apology.

"If you two are done with your Ram-Bharat milap, then please make this annoying toddler loosen his grip on my hair!" Vardhaman's exasperated voice echoed through the living room.

Rudraksh's body shook with suppressed laughter, while Antara's eyes sparkled with amusement as they turned toward Vardhaman, who was lying on the sofa with the toddler sitting on his chest, clinging to his hair with tiny, determined fists.

The toddler's face was alight with giggles, while Vardhaman shouted, "Hey, stop it! Or I'll throw you out of my house to some demon's place!"

The toddler giggled louder, as if Vardhaman's threat were fuel to the engine of his happiness.

Rudraksh's laughter finally broke free - a deep, rumbling sound that mingled with Antara's high-pitched laugh, making Vardhaman's face twist into a mock scowl.

Antara pointed a finger at Vardhaman, her voice playful. "Aey, Vardhaman! Don't you dare threaten my son. He doesn't fear anyone." Sitting beside him, she reached out her hands and gently pried her son's fingers loose from Vardhaman's hair.

Vardhaman's face softened with relief.

Rudraksh sat down beside Antara on the sofa, extending his hands toward the baby. "Come here, champ." His husky voice took on a softer, high-pitched tone, and the baby's eyes lit up as he reached for Rudraksh.

"Whoosh!" Vardhaman exhaled a long breath, placing a hand on his chest. "Ah, go, go, pull his hair."

Rudraksh's hands enveloped the baby's tiny fists as he gently pulled him into a standing position between his legs. The baby's limbs trembled as Rudraksh began making silly faces, contorting his features into absurd expressions. His own laughter bubbled up, and he couldn't help but chuckle at his antics.

The baby's face scrunched up before his lips curled into a soft giggle. "Rud!" he squealed, his bum bouncing up and down as he struggled to maintain his balance.

Rudraksh's laughter deepened, and he pulled the baby into a tight hug. The baby's giggles echoed through the room, mingling with Antara's and Rudraksh's laughter.

Vardhaman watched the scene, a warm smile spreading across his face.

Rudraksh swayed the baby gently by holding his fists in each hand. "I'm not Rud, baby. Say ma-ma."

Vardhaman rested his head against the sofa, a tired smile playing on his lips. "Be glad, Bhaiya. He's not calling you Rude."

"Rude!" The baby's face lit up as he repeated the word.

Antara extended a palm toward Vardhaman. He slapped his palm against hers, holding his stomach as the room erupted in a chaos of clapping and laughter.

Rudraksh side-eyed them, clicking his tongue, then turned his focus back to the little guy. "Baby, say ma-ma. Ma-ma." He leaned forward, his face inches from the baby's.

The baby brought his palm near his mouth, tapping it against his lips. "Ma!" His head lolled toward Antara, who was gazing at him affectionately, her elbow resting on the sofa head and her knuckles pressed against her temple. "Ma! Ma! Ma!" The baby's hands fluttered toward her, and she cooed him back into her arms, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

Vardhaman patted Rudraksh's shoulder, his lips pressed together in a suppressed grin. "Bhaiya, better luck next time. Or wait till someone calls you pa-pa." His voice mimicked Rudraksh's earlier playful tone, but it faltered as soon as his elder brother's serious gaze fell upon him. His eyes dropped, and he murmured, "Sorry."

Rudraksh stood up, his movements abrupt. "I'll go change." His firm footsteps echoed through the room, slowly muffling as he walked up the stairs.

Antara turned to Vardhaman, her expression serious. "Control your tongue, Vardhaman." She stroked her son's hair, her hand gentle.

Vardhaman's face fell, and he caressed the baby's hand, which was playing with Antara's saree fabric. "I just wanted to lighten his mood, Di. Till when will he be like this?"

Antara sighed, exhaling a slow breath. "I'll talk to him about it tonight. Don't worry. Everything will be fine." Her warm smile accompanied a reassuring pat on Vardhaman's back, and the baby's giggle filled the air, adding a note of hope to her quiet promise.

A/N: Any thoughts on Antara, or Dhriti?