The cold evening air bit at Rudraksh's skin like a thousand needles, making his eyes squint and jaw clenched as he exhaled, his breath misting into tiny puffs of smoke. The company's logo made its existence like a king in the midst of the porch light's glow casting above. The occasional honk of traffic horns were slicing through the night air. His grip tightened around the bag's strap as made his way towards the parking lot with long strides, yanking the keys out from his pocket.

Karan was leaning against his grey car with one foot propped against the door, the other planted firmly on the ground, and hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket in an attempt to get some warmth. His face was pinched with eyebrows furrowed in concern, and lips pursed as if holding back words. The cold air had reddened his nose and cheeks, giving him a faintly comical look that was at odds with the worry etched on his face.

The sound of firm footsteps perked up his ears, and his gaze lifted following the sound. "Rudraksh!" The urgency in his voice seemed to get lost in the wind. His voice cracked slightly, betraying his concern. He took a step forward, his eyes never leaving Rudraksh's face.

Rudraksh's eyes remained fixed on the bike, his jaw clenched, and body moved with a fluid motion. The bike's leather seat creaked softly as he swung his leg over it, the sound followed by the roar of the engine as it sprang to life beneath him. The echoes of the bike's engine deepened, and the bike shot forward into the night, leaving Karan standing alone in the cold. The only sound was the fading hum of the engine and the soft crunch of gravel beneath his feet.

Karan's face crumpled, his lips compressing into a thin line as he watched Rudraksh disappear into the shallow night. His jaw clenched, the muscle in his cheek twitching with frustration. One hand hung limply by his side, while the other scrubbed over his forehead, his fingers kneading into his scalp. A deep sigh escaped his lips, carrying the weight of his exasperation. "Damn! Why are you so stubborn, Rudraksh!?" The words burst forth, followed by a harsh kick that sent his foot flying into the air. The sound of gravel crunching beneath footsteps made Karan's head swivel.

"What happened?" Dhriti stood before him, her eyes sparkling like stars in the dim light as she spoke in a soft voice.

Karan's expression smoothed, his hands sliding into his pockets as he composed himself. "You are still here, Ms. Vashishth?" Narrowing his eyes slightly, he asked in a neutral tone.

Dhriti's face broke into a big enigmatic smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "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, and fingers fidgeted with the corner of her shirt. "He said I will be sharing every detail with Rudraksh in order to make that failure a successful one. And that, Rudraksh will be the one who will be handling everything, the new CEO is just a replacement till Rudraksh reclaims his position."

Karan's eyebrows shot up, his eyes dancing with amusement as he witnessed the tsunami of expression across her face in just a few seconds. "You know, we are taught pronouns in schools for a reason." His voice was laced with sarcasm, and eyes glinting with judgement.

Dhriti's face scrunched up, her nose wrinkling in distaste. "Huh?."

"Nevermind." Karan's lips twitched, his eyebrows rising for a fleeting second before the neutral expression took place. "I didn't see your scooter. So, I thought you left."

Dhriti nodded slowly, her mouth gaping slightly. "Ahh... Vaishnavi took it. She said some urgent work has come up." A shy smile spread across her lips, and her voice fell into a whisper. "And, I thought Rudraksh will drop me like that day."

Karan's lips pressed into a thin line as his eyebrows lifted in amusement laced with disbelief. His gaze drifted upward to the grey velvety sky as he stretched his neck, his chin tilting upward slightly to take in the changing light. The air was growing cooler, carrying the rustle of leaves from the nearby trees, their soft fluttering sounds weaving in and out of the silence. "Do you need a lift? It's getting dark." His words accompanied by the softening of his features as he asked in a low and gentle voice.

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

Karan shrugged, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Why would I mind? Come inside. 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 soft hum of the engine accompanied their silent ride, the only sound was the gentle whoosh of the tires on the road.

Dhriti's eyes roamed around the car's interior, her gaze lingering on the sleek dashboard and the smooth leather seats. She shifted in her seat, her elbow resting on the window's rim as she turned to face Karan, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

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

Karan's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, his expression neutral, but his eyebrows rose slightly in response. "Yeah?"

"Rudraksh doesn't have a car?" Dhriti's brow furrowed slightly, her fingers drummed a beat on the armrest.

Karan's face contorted in confusion. "What do you mean?"

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

Karan's forehead lines deepened, his eyes flicking towards Dhriti before returning to the road. "What image?" His voice was composed, but a hint of irritation crept into his tone, and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

Dhriti's eyes sparkled as she spoke, her hands clenching tightly in excitement. "That image that we see in movies! You know, like, of course he is so attractive and handsome, but he needs to work out more in order to get that hot and sexy CEO look!" She giggled, bouncing up and down in her seat overjoyed by her fantasy. "The badass attitude, success at top, a big Lamborghini, so many guards, a big mansion, and... beautiful shy girlfriend." Her voice fell into a whisper as the last word escaped her lips, flushing her cheeks into a crimson blush.

Karan's lips twisted in distaste as he blinked in disbelief. His lips pressed tightly together, and jaw clenching in annoyance. Rolling his eyes heavenward, he brought back his focus on driving, the atmosphere in the car was growing increasingly awkward. His knuckles turned white as he shifted the gears with a bit more force than necessary.

Dhriti's smile faltered, and she looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. She turned to Karan, her head cocked to the side, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, what happened?"

Karan's lips curled up slightly, a fleeting smile that vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Nothing. Just friends' things." His focus remained on the road ahead, his eyes fixed on the winding path.

Dhriti's face crumpled into deep thoughts before it lit up like a lantern. "Hey! Happy birthday, by the way!" She clapped her hands together, the sound echoing through the car like a joyful exclamation mark.

Karan's face broke into an awkward smile as he turned to her side. "Thank you? But, it's after two days." He spoke in a neutral voice before quickly looking back at the road.

Dhriti's face fell, her eyebrows dipping in embarrassment. "Oh." She paused, then grinned widely. "But that would be Sunday! So, happy birthday in advance." She tugged the loose strands behind her ear, her fingers elegantly tucking the stray hairs into place.

Karan's laughter was low and smooth, his palm rolling over the steering wheel with practiced ease. "Thank you, then." The car leaned slightly to one side as he navigated a curve, their bodies swaying in reflex.

Karan's smile turned into a smug grin. "By the way, how do you know?"

Dhriti's head cocked to the side, his eyes darted down in embarrassment. "You mean the wrong birth date." Her whispered tone took a note of excitement as she continued, "I've noted everyone's birth date. But, guess I messed up." Her voice dropped to a whisper, and she looked down, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Karan's eyebrows shot up, and he pressed his words with a teasing smile. "Everyone's birth date?" His voice was laced with skepticism, and he chuckled softly.

Dhriti nodded proudly, her eyes shone with that list spark once again. "Yes!"

"Rud-"

"13th February!" Before Karan could say more, Dhriti interjected.

"Aha!" Karan's laughter echoed through the car's interior, his body shaking slightly.

Dhriti's gaze fell to her feet, her teeth biting her lower lip as she fidgeted with the button of her shirt. Their bodies jerked forward in unison as the car screeched to a halt, the sudden stop throwing them slightly off balance.

Dhriti's spell broke, and she looked around, her eyes adjusting to the dim light outside. She turned towards Karan, a small smile on her face. "Thank you for the lift." Her voice was soft, her words barely above a whisper.

Karan nodded, his hands still gripping the steering wheel. His knuckles were white, and his face was set in a determined expression. Dhriti turned, her hand reaching for the door handle.

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

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

Karan's tongue darted out, moisturizing his dried lips. His fingers drummed against the steering wheel, the sound echoing through the car. Clearing his throat, he pulled a small, warm smile onto his face. "Don't get me wrong." His words were cautious, his tone measured.

Dhriti's face contorted in confusion, her eyebrows furrowing. Her gaze locked onto Karan's, searching for answers.

Karan's smile faltered as he force to keep that polite smile onto his face. "If it's only a crush, then it's fine. But, don't let this fleeting feeling turn into some deep emotion. Take it as a friendly advice from a brother." His words were laced with a paternal tone, but his eyes betrayed a deeper concern. "That man is in no mood of getting into any kind of relationship. You will only hurt yourself."

Dhriti remained glued to the seat, a half-sad smile on her face. She pressed her lips into a thin line, her eyes dropping to the floor. After a moment, she nodded her head, the motion barely perceptible. She opened the door, the soft creak of the hinges echoing through the night air.

As she stepped out of the car, Karan's expression turned serious. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched. "I'm not gonna let these kinds of women around my buddy. Thank me later, bro." He pressed the accelerator, the car roaring back to life, and the humming of the engine followed his departure.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

"We are stuck!" Navya's terrified voice pierced the air, making both girls snap their heads towards her in unison.

"Hey, don't worry. We will get an auto." Ira's soft, calming voice accompanied a gentle pat on Navya's back.

Navya's eyes welled up with tears, and she started wiping her nose with the corner of her pink dupatta, the fabric fluttering with each sniffle. "We will not get it." Her voice trembled, lips curling downward as she cried more. "Even the shops are closed... The crowd has scattered. We are doomed." Her hands clutched the corners of her dupatta, twisting the fabric in distress.

Ira's lips compressed tight, her eyes shutting in frustration at the sight of Navya's tears. Before she could react, an another voice cut through the air. "Stop crying like a kid, Navya!" Ira's head snapped towards the voice, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

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

The ringing of a phone diverted their attention. Ira's calm voice spoke up, "Hello." Her tone turned irritated as she listened.

"Yeah, yeah, we are looking for an auto." She put a hand at the back of her waist.

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

"Do you know how to ride a bike?" Ira's eyes shut in irritation, her jaw clenched in annoyance as she questioned.

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

"Who was it?" Navya's trembling voice made Ira's head turn towards her, her eyes locking onto Navya's tear-stained face.

"Bhaiya," Ira replied, slipping the phone into her Jean's pocket. She turned towards them, her face set in determination. "Listen, let's walk to the main road. We will definitely get a vehicle from there. C'mon fast!" She patted Navya's arm, her hand moving swiftly as she took off towards the main road.

The urgent footsteps of Nidhi followed, accompanied by the jingling of Navya's anklets. Nidhi's footsteps came in parallel with Ira's, synchronizing in a rhythm as they ran towards the main road. Ira's face contorted occasionally as sharp cramps kicked in, her brow furrowing in discomfort.

"Nidhi! Ira!" Their footsteps halted abruptly as they stopped and turned towards the voice. Navya lay on the road, her hand extended towards them, face smeared with tears and dust. "My ankle sprained!" Her lips quivered as she struggled to stand up.

Both Nidhi and Ira exhaled an exhausted breath, their faces contorting in a mix of annoyance and concern. Ira put 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," Ira 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 narrowed in 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 worn inside. Her hand reached for the laces tied around her throat, and in an instant, it was pulled, the cap sliding down her head, revealing a messy bun, strands distraught loosely.

Huffing and puffing, Ira's feet covered long strides on the road, her face twisted in pain. Her ears perked up at the honking sound, and her eyes lit up in hope. "Auto! Stop!" she called out, her voice carrying across the road. "Hey! Please, stop!"

The auto passed by, making her features scrunched in frustration. Gulping the lump formed in her throat, she whispered, "Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. Don't lose hope." Her fists clenched in determination by her sides. "Yay!"

With newfound motivation, Ira breathed deeply and moved to bridge the remaining distance to the main road. Seeing the glimpse of occasional trucks and vehicles passing through the road, a hopeful smile spread on her face. She stood by the side where a few people were waiting for some vehicles in deep seated hope and fear.

The rustle of fabrics and sounds of footsteps filled the air at the sight of an auto approaching them. Ira's face lit up in hope. She turned back to find the girls, her eyes scanning the road behind her.

Nidhi flashed Ira a quick smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she managed her pace on the road while adjusting Navya on her back. Navya raised a hand above her head, flashing a wide grin, her fingers wiggling in excitement. The jacket once on Nidhi's skin now clad Navya in its warmth, its sleeves dangling loosely around her arms. Her other hand clutched the shopping bag, its straps clutched into her fist.

Ira's eyes crinkled at the corners as she witnessed the sight before her. She raised a hand towards them, her palm facing upwards, gesturing to them to move fast. The auto's engine turned slow as it stopped in front of them, its tires screeching softly on the pavement.

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

"Three!" a middle-aged woman with a heavy body answered in a firm voice. She sat in the front seat, her bulk taking up most of the space, the other ladies followed her suit.

"Six!!" Ira's raised voice caught their attention, her innocent face looking at them with hopeful eyes. The woman's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"You children will also come?" the woman asked in a surprised tone, her voice laced with skepticism.

Ira's eyes narrowed in confusion, her brow furrowing. "Yes," she answered, her voice tinged with a feigned politeness.

The woman twisted her lips in disapproval. "What has happened to the parents of today, they leave their daughters to wander alone like this. Don't they know the circumstances are not so good regarding girls."

Ira rolled her eyes, closing them briefly in frustration. Nidhi joined her side, with Navya still on her back, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Did you get seats?" Nidhi asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she gestured to Navya to get down.

"Get inside fast!" the auto driver announced, accelerating the engine. The women inside the auto shuffled around, making space for the girls.

Ira ducked her head inside the auto, examining the cramped space. Two women sat in one row, their bulk taking up most of the space, while one woman sat in another, her eyes fixed on Ira. Ira shrugged internally before facing the girls. "I sit with these two women, and you both sit here, okay?"

Both girls nodded before getting inside the auto, one-by-one. As the auto pulled away, the roar of the engine and the gust of air passed through their ears, carrying the scent of exhaust fumes and nearby fields. They exhaled a collective sigh of relief as the auto picked up speed.

All their hands moved in unison as they took out their phones, fingers dancing on the screen, the light from the screens illuminating their desperate yet relieved faces. Their faces wore a mask of mixed emotions as they informed their families about their whereabouts, their thumbs flying across the keyboard.

Ira's face contorted in confusion, her brow furrowing as she stared at her phone. "Why is no one picking my calls?" she muttered to herself, her fingers scrolling through her contacts with a hint of frustration.

She shook her head a little, before muttering to herself. "Hope everything is fine." Her fingers ran swiftly on the screen as she left a message about her arrival.

Her eyes met Nidhi's, who raised her eyebrows in inquiry. Ira blinked, shaking her head, her lips curling upward in a gentle arc. Her smile deepened at the sight of Navya's sleeping head lolled on Nidhi's shoulder. Navya's mouth hung slightly open, her gentle breathing was a stark contrast to the cacophony of the women's loud talking in the background.

Ira inhaled deeply, turning her face to the side, letting the cool night air soothe her stressed mind. She closed her eyes in relief, feeling the tension melt away from her shoulders. The women's chatter continued unabated, their voices rising and falling in a lively cadence.

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The bike screeched to a halt outside the bungalow, its tires skidding slightly on the gravel. The big front iron door creaked open, its hinges groaning in protest as two constables pulled the doors wide. The sound echoed through the night air, mingling with the distant chirping of birds.

Rudraksh kicked the accelerator, plunging the bike inside the lawn with a slow speed. The grassy ground beneath the tires was a soothing change from the concrete roads he had left behind. As soon as he applied the brakes, his shoes touched the ground, the soles making soft crunching sounds on the gravel.

With a swift motion, he kicked the stand and twisted the handles to the right, the bike leaning slightly as he swung his leg over the seat. His hands reached for the keys, twisting them before pulling them out and sliding them into his pants pocket.

Next, his hands moved to the zip of his black jacket, tugging it down with a soft rasp. The other hand reached for the black helmet, pulling it off his head with a gentle tug on the straps. He puffed out a trail of hot air through his lips, feeling the cool evening breeze caress his hair. Running a hand through the roots, he mussed his hair, making it stick out in every direction around his forehead and ears.

As he looked up, his eyebrows knitted together at the sight of the opened main gate. The giggling sound of a toddler, accompanied by cheerful voices, perked his ears. A wave of curiosity and excitement rushed through his body, and a deep, warm smile spread across his face.

A/N: A pretty filler part.

By the way, what do you think about Dhriti's and Karan's interactions?

And, the interactions between the three girls?