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Deepak and Rahul were still asleep, lost in the heaviness of the night that hadn’t quite left them yet.

Morning had already arrived, and Deepak’s mother, Rajni, had knocked on the door twice, urging him to wake up. But neither of him moved.

Rahul’s phone had been ringing for a long time now, the sound slicing through the silence of the room.

Deepak stirred at last, groggy and irritated.

He rubbed his eyes and turned his head, only to find Rahul sleeping like Kumbhkaran, completely unaware of the world.

Annoyance surged through him.

Without a second thought, Deepak shoved Rahul with his foot. Rahul lost balance and fell off the bed with a thud, hitting his head and leg.

A faint groan escaped his lips as he struggled to sit up. The haze of alcohol still clouded his mind he couldn’t even tell where he was.

Deepak picked up Rahul’s phone and threw it onto him.

“It’s Bhavya calling,” he snapped. “It’s been ringing forever. Pick it up!”

The name hit Rahul like a jolt. In an instant, the remnants of his intoxication began to fade.

He grabbed the phone, staring at the screen for a moment before answering.

Clearing his throat, he tried to steady his voice.“Hello…”

On the other end, Bhavya’s voice carried a mix of concern and fatigue.

“Rahul, where are you? You didn’t come home. I just got back from duty…”

Rahul hesitated for a split second before replying, “Yeah… I stepped out with Deepak… just for some fresh air. I’m at his place.”

There was a brief pause.

“Oh… okay,” she said softly, before disconnecting the call.

The room fell silent again.

Deepak stood up, running a hand through his hair, frustration still evident on his face.

“When will you ever change?” he muttered. “Get up and leave. If my mom sees you like this, what will she think?”

Rahul sat there, dazed. His mind felt like it was spinning in circles, thoughts colliding but making no sense.

He couldn’t fully grasp what was happening only a strange emptiness lingered inside him.

A sharp knock echoed through the room once again.

“Deepak, wake up, beta… don’t you have to go to the station today?” Rajni’s voice came from outside, gentle yet firm.

Deepak shut his eyes for a brief second, trying to gather himself. “Yes, Maa… I’m coming,” he replied, his voice still heavy with sleep.

He got up reluctantly and walked toward the washroom. Turning on the tap, he splashed cold water on his face. The chill sent a slight shiver through him, forcing his senses awake.

He picked up his toothbrush, brushing away the remnants of the night, trying to clear his mind along with it.

For a moment, everything felt normal.

After finishing, he stepped out, wiping his face with his hands, and moved toward the hanger to grab his towel.

But before he could reach it, Rahul suddenly rushed past him.

Without a word, Rahul slipped into the washroom and slammed the door shut from inside.

Click.

The sound of the lock echoed louder than it should have.

Deepak froze for a second, staring at the closed door in disbelief. Then his expression hardened, irritation rising like heat in his chest.

Deepak’s patience finally snapped.

“Rahul, I swear—I’m going to kill you!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the room, sharp with anger.

From inside the washroom, the sound of running water grew louder, almost as if Rahul was deliberately ignoring him.

Then, over the splash, his calm, almost careless voice came out—

“First give me the towel… let me bathe. You can kill me after that.”

For a second, Deepak just stood there, stunned by the audacity.

Then frustration burst out of him in a string of curses.“You’re unbelievable… completely shameless!”

Grabbing the towel, he marched toward the door and threw it down right outside the washroom with force.

“Take it and disappear!” he barked.

Without waiting for a response.

Deepak turned away, his footsteps heavy with irritation as he walked out of the room.

The door remained shut. The water kept running.

Inside the washroom, the steady stream of water fell over Rahul, but it couldn’t wash away what clung to him.

His thoughts.

His past.

Her.

Rahul stood still under the shower, eyes closed, breathing uneven as if he was trying to hold something inside from breaking apart.

Why can’t I forget you, Ishani…?

The question rose again, heavier than before.

Years had passed. Life had moved forward at least for her. She has a child now.

A family. A life that no longer had space for him.

And yet… he was still stuck in the same place.

Still remembering the way she used to smile.

Still hearing her voice in the quiet moments.

Still feeling her presence in memories that refused to fade.

A sharp guilt pierced through him.

This is wrong… he thought. She’s someone else’s now.

But the heart didn’t listen.

No matter how much he tried to bury it, ignore it, distract himself she kept finding her way back. In silence. In loneliness. In the spaces he couldn’t fill.

He clenched his fists under the water, his jaw tightening.

“I shouldn’t be thinking like this…” he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the sound of the shower.

But the truth was cruel.

He still wanted her.

Not just as a memory… but as if she could still come back. As if everything could somehow be undone.

And that thought made him feel even worse.

Rahul let out a long, heavy breath, the kind that carried exhaustion more than relief. It felt like he had been fighting this for years… and losing every single time.

No matter how far he tried to run from her—

She was still there.

Inside him.

Unmoved. Unforgotten.

He opened his eyes slowly, staring at nothing, water still dripping from his face.

A quiet defeat settled within him.

He couldn’t forget her.

Maybe… he never would.

After a while, he turned off the shower and stepped out.

Drying himself quickly, he walked into the room and opened Deepak’s cupboard, pulling out a set of his clothes the ones he had worn here before, as if he belonged.

He got dressed in silence and then stepped out of the room.

Outside, the morning felt normal again.

Deepak was sitting at the table, having breakfast. The moment his eyes fell on Rahul, irritation flickered across his face.

Before Rahul could say anything, Rajni turned toward him and froze.

“Rahul?” she said, surprised. “Why are you coming out of Deepak’s room? Were you inside all this time?”

Rahul opened his mouth to answer, but before he could speak, Deepak cut in casually—“Yeah, Maa. He stayed with me last night.”

Rajni blinked, a little taken aback.

“Oh… I didn’t even know,” she said, then softened instantly. “It’s alright. Rahul, come have breakfast.”

She smiled warmly. “I learned this dish from Divya. Tell me how it tastes.”

Rahul sat down quietly. For a moment, his mind was still elsewhere, tangled in thoughts he couldn’t escape. But he picked up a bite anyway.

“It’s good, aunty,” he said softly.

Rajni’s face lit up with a gentle smile.

Rajni smiled warmly as she watched them eat.

“Divya has become such a great chef,” she said proudly. “I’ve learned a little from her… not as good, but still.”

Deepak looked up at her, softening. “Maa, the food is really good.”

Rajni’s face lit up with happiness. “Wait,” she said suddenly, “I’ll call Bhavya too. The poor girl must be eating alone… Rahul is here as well.”

Rahul gave a small nod. “Hmm… okay, aunty.”

Rajni quickly dialed Bhavya’s number. At first, Bhavya refused her voice tired from the long night shift but after a little insistence, she finally agreed.

A while later, Bhavya arrived.

Fresh from a shower, but exhaustion still clinging to her face, she stepped into the house quietly.

Rajni welcomed her with a gentle smile.

“Come, Bhavya,” she said. “They were already eating, so I thought I should call you too.”

Rajni looked at Bhavya, noticing the tiredness clearly written on her face.

“Bhavya beta,” she said gently, “you look exhausted. Didn’t you sleep last night?”

Bhavya gave a faint, tired smile.

“No, aunty,” she replied quietly. “My duty has shifted to night from yesterday. I just came back in the morning… had a bath, but I’m really tired.”

Rajni’s expression softened with concern.

“Oh, I see,” she said warmly. “Come, sit. Eat something first.”

Bhavya nodded slightly and sat down, her movements slow, drained.

Across the table, Deepak glanced at Rahul.

Then again.

A thought crossed his mind and his expression changed instantly.

So that’s why…

That idiot drank last night because Bhavya wasn’t home.

He looked at Rahul with a subtle, knowing smirk, shaking his head slightly.

Rahul, however, remained quiet focused on his plate, as if nothing had happened.

But Deepak kept watching him.

Because now.

Things were starting to make sense.

Rahul didn’t look at her.

Not even once.

His eyes remained fixed on his plate, as if avoiding something he didn’t want to face.

Bhavya noticed. A flicker of irritation crossed her eyes.

Deepak, sitting beside them, felt the tension immediately.

Bas… this ‘Hitler’ shouldn’t find out Rahul drank last night, he thought nervously.

Before the silence could grow heavier

The door opened.

A girl walked in confidently, followed by a slightly older woman behind her.

The girl’s eyes immediately found Rahul.

She smiled brightly."Hey, hottie.”

Rahul looked up, his expression blank, almost distant. No reaction. No smile.

The girl winked at him playfully.

Bhavya’s grip on her spoon tightened.

Her eyes burned with silent anger as she watched the interaction.

Deepak quickly interrupted. “I’m here too, you know.”

The girl turned toward him dramatically. “Ohhh… my boyfriend!” she said, grinning. “You’re looking extra handsome today.”

Before she could say anything more, the woman behind her grabbed her ear sharply.

“Have some manners!” she scolded. “You’re a girl. They are older than you!”

The girl Kiara whined, trying to free herself. “But Maa! You were the one who told me to impress one of them and make him your son-in-law. Both are IPS officers!”

Deepak choked on his food, coughing in shock.

Rahul remained silent, continuing to eat as if none of this concerned him.

Bhavya, however, looked furious now her gaze shifting between Rahul and Kiara.

Kiara’s mother, Prabha, sighed in embarrassment. “She’s mad, beta… don’t take her seriously. She talks nonsense.”

Then she looked at Deepak with concern. “Are you okay beta?”

Deepak coughed, nodding. “Y-yeah, aunty… I’m fine.”

Just then, Rajni walked in and noticed them.

Her face brightened instantly. “Arre, Prabha ji! Why are you pulling my child’s ear like that? Leave her!”

Kiara immediately switched expressions, pretending to cry as she

ran toward Rajni.

“See, aunty!” she complained dramatically. “Look how I’m being abused. Please tell your son to send my mother to jail!”

Deepak burst out laughing at her words.

Prabha shot Kiara an angry look, while Rajni couldn’t help but laugh softly too.

Prabha let out a tired sigh, shaking her head in frustration.

“This girl is going to drive me mad one day,” she said. “I came to ask Deepak for help just to drop Kiara to college on his way to the police station… and she made me forget everything with her nonsense.”

Rajni smiled gently, trying to calm her.“Arre, Prabha ji… let it go now,” she said. “How long will you keep holding Kiara back like this? She can go to college on her own too. You can’t always wait for someone to take her.”

Prabha sighed again, still half-annoyed, half-worried, as the two women continued talking.

Meanwhile, Kiara quietly slipped away from them and walked toward Bhavya.

Tilting her head slightly, she studied her for a moment before speaking with a playful curiosity—“Why do you always look so serious, Bhavya di?”

Bhavya slowly lifted her eyes and looked at her… but said nothing.

Kiara didn’t stop.

“You know,” she continued casually, “Deepak is right. Calling you Hitler actually suits you.”

Deepak almost dropped his spoon.

“What?!” he blurted, staring at Kiara in shock, then immediately turning toward Bhavya. “Maa kasam, I didn’t say it like that!”

Bhavya didn’t react to him. She simply stood up, ignoring both of them, her face calm but distant.

Her eyes shifted to Rahul.

“Rahul… aren’t you going to the station today?”

Rahul nodded slightly. “Hmm… I am.”

He stood up quietly.

Bhavya spoke again, her voice steady. “I’m going too. I need to sleep.”

Rahul glanced at her for a brief moment, then said softly, “Let’s go.”

Without another word, the two of them walked out together.

Kiara watched them leave, then leaned slightly toward Deepak, whispering as if sharing a secret—

“They’re always together, aren’t they? Both in the police, both acting the same… how do they live such a boring life?”

Deepak smirked faintly, shaking his head.“Leave them. Boring people are meant to stay boring.”

Kiara turned her gaze back to him, a teasing smile forming on her lips.

“But you’re not boring…” she said slowly. “So how are you friends with them?”

Deepak paused for a second, then shrugged lightly, a half-smile playing on his face.“I don’t know… but I am.”

Kiara glanced toward the door where Rahul and Bhavya had just left, then turned back to Deepak, a playful spark in her eyes.

“Just don’t turn into them, okay, Mr. Handsome,” she said with a teasing smile. “I like you better like this… fun.”

Deepak lifted his eyebrow slightly, a confident smirk settling on his lips.

“Relax, Miss Gorgeous,” he replied. “As long as you’re around, I don’t think that’s happening.”

Kiara looked at him for a second longer than before, her smile softening just a little.

“You shouldn’t talk to me like that,” she said quietly, though the teasing tone hadn’t fully left. “What if I actually fall for you?”

Deepak leaned back casually, completely unfazed.

“Then I’d say I’m pretty lucky,” he said. “Getting a girl like you isn’t exactly a bad deal.”

Kiara let out a small laugh, shaking her head as if trying to hide the effect his words had on her.

“Wow… you’ve really improved,” she said. “Your flirting is getting better. Clearly, my influence.”

Deepak laughed at that, the tension of the earlier moments fading into something lighter.

Deepak adjusted his watch as he stepped out of his room, now fully ready.

His usual confidence had returned, calm and composed.

“Kiara, let’s go,” he called out casually.

Kiara, who had been waiting, instantly perked up. “Finally

Together, they walked out, their presence carrying a casual warmth uncomplicated, effortless.

At the same time—

Rahul entered the police station, his expression completely different.

The softness, the confusion from earlier… all of it was gone. In its place was a cold, controlled stillness.

“Sir,” Pandey quickly approached him. “Are you alright?”

Rahul gave a brief nod. “Hmm.”

Pandey hesitated, about to continue, but Rahul didn’t give him the chance.

“Pandey,” he said sharply, his voice

firm enough to stop him mid-sentence, “bring me the FIR copy.”

A pause then, colder.

“And stop talking. Focus on your work. There’s a lot pending.”

Pandey straightened immediately. “Yes, sir.”

He hurried away without another word.

Rahul moved forward, his steps steady, his face unreadable.

To everyone around him, he was just the same officer as always strict, disciplined, distant.

The evening had settled in.

The house was quiet too quiet.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Once. Twice. Then again… and again impatient, relentless.

Bhavya stirred from her half-sleep, frowning as she glanced at the clock.

It’s early… Rahul never comes home at this time, she thought.

The bell rang again.

With a sigh, she got up and walked toward the door, her steps slow but cautious.

As she opened it—Divya stood there.

Before Bhavya could even react, Divya pushed past her, annoyance clear on her face.

“Why did it take you so long to open the door?” she snapped, walking straight inside as if she owned the place.

Bhavya stayed where she was for a moment, watching her in silence, slightly taken aback.

Then she closed the door and turned.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her tone calm but questioning.

Divya didn’t answer immediately.

She walked to the table, poured herself a glass of water, and drank it in one go.like she had been holding onto her frustration for too long.

Then she looked at Bhavya.

“What do you mean, what am I doing here?” she said bluntly. “This is my brother’s house. I can come here anytime I want.”

Bhavya crossed her arms lightly, her gaze steady.

“You can… but coming all the way from Banaras to Delhi like this?” she paused, then added quietly, “Did you fight with your husband?”

Divya met her eyes without hesitation.“Yes. I did.”

For a second, silence hung between them.

Bhavya exhaled softly, as if deciding not to get involved.

“Fine,” she said simply. “Do whatever you want.”

She turned, about to walk toward her room.

But Divya’s voice stopped her.

“Where’s the alcohol?”

Bhavya paused mid-step and turned back slowly.“What alcohol?”

Divya raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.“The one you drink. Where is it?”

Bhavya’s expression hardened slightly.“I don’t drink.”

Divya let out a short, disbelieving laugh.“Stop lying. I saw you last time,” she said, stepping closer. “Now tell me… where is it?”

Bhavya didn’t respond immediately.

Divya folded her arms, giving Bhavya a look full of challenges.

“Fine,” she said coolly. “Don’t tell me. I’ll find it myself.”

Without waiting, she started searching opening drawers, checking shelves, moving things around as if she had every right to.

Bhavya stood there, watching.

Her jaw tightened.

Her fingers curled slightly.

For a moment, it felt like something inside her might snap.

Control yourself… she told herself. She’s Rahul’s sister… Rahul’s sister… Rahul’s sister…

Her breathing quickened. She closed her eyes briefly, taking a few fast, deep breaths, forcing the anger back down.

Then, finally—

“Di…”

Divya turned toward her.

“Yes?”

Bhavya straightened, her voice calm again, controlled.“It’s in the kitchen. The lower drawer.”

A slow smirk spread across Divya’s face.“See? That wasn’t so hard.”

She walked off confidently toward the kitchen, opened the drawer, and pulled out the bottle.

Pouring some into a glass, she mixed it with water and took a long sip.

“God… I needed this,” she muttered, exhaling in relief.

Bhavya didn’t respond. She simply turned, ready to walk back to her room.

“Hey—wait,” Divya called out.

Bhavya stopped but didn’t turn fully.

“At least listen to me,” Divya said, her tone shifting slightly. “Vaibhav and I had a fight.”

Bhavya’s expression didn’t change.

“So? What am I supposed to do about that?” she replied flatly.

Divya frowned. “Just listen, okay? And tell me who’s right and who’s wrong.”

She took another sip, then added, her voice quieter this time—

“Ishani isn’t even picking up my calls. It’s been three months… we haven’t talked properly.”

There was a hint of something real now. Not attitude. Not arrogance.

Loneliness.

“I don’t even have any real friends,” she muttered.

Bhavya slowly turned to face her.

Her eyes studied Divya for a moment, something shifting beneath her calm exterior.

“Ishani?” she asked quietly. “Why aren’t you talking to her? She’s your

best friend, isn’t she?”

The question lingered in the air Heavy.

Divya let out a small, frustrated breath, shaking her head.

“I don’t know,” she said. “She just… isn’t talking to me. Whenever I call, it’s always busy. Always.”

Carrying the bottle and her glass, she walked back and dropped onto the sofa, her movements heavy, almost careless.

She poured another drink, the liquid sloshing softly as she raised it to her lips and took a long sip.

Bhavya stood there for a moment, watching her.

“You didn’t try to find out why?” she asked, her tone steady but probing.

Divya leaned back against the sofa, eyes half-lidded as she swirled the drink in her glass.

“No,” she replied simply. “If there’s a problem,she’ll tell me herself. Like always.”

Another sip.

“I believe in giving personal space.”

For a second, the room fell silent.

Bhavya stared at her.

Personal space?

Hearing those words from Divya felt almost unreal.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze fixed on her sharp, questioning, almost piercing through her calm.

Divya, however, remained completely at ease, as if she hadn’t just said something that contradicted everything about her behavior.

Bhavya let out a quiet, almost disbelieving breath.

“Personal space…?” she repeated slowly.

Divya didn’t look up, still focused on her drink. “Yes. What’s so strange about that?”

Bhavya took a step closer, her eyes fixed on her now.

“What’s strange,” she said, her voice calm but edged with something sharper, “is hearing you say it.”

Divya’s hand paused mid-air. She finally looked up.

“What do you mean?”

Bhavya let out a faint, humorless smile.

“You barge into people’s lives without knocking… you question everything, interfere in everything,” she said, each word measured. “And now you’re talking about personal space?”

Divya’s expression hardened slightly. “I’m not interfering. I’m just asking.”

“No,” Bhavya cut in, her voice firmer now. “You don’t ask, Divya di. You impose.”

A brief silence.

The air shifted.

Divya straightened a little, her tone turning defensive. “At least I care. I don’t act cold and detached like you.”

Bhavya’s eyes flickered, but she didn’t step back.

“Caring doesn’t mean crossing boundaries,” she replied. “And control isn’t the same as concern.”

Divya gave a dry laugh, taking another sip. “Wow. So now I’m controlling too?”

Bhavya didn’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

That one word landed heavily.

Divya’s grip tightened around the glass. “You don’t even know me.”

“And you think you know everyone else?” Bhavya shot back instantly.

Silence fell again thicker this time.

Divya looked away for a second, her jaw tightening.

The confidence in her posture cracked… just slightly.

“My best friend isn’t talking to me,” she said, quieter now. “My husband and I just fought. And you’re standing here judging me.”

Bhavya’s expression didn’t soften immediately but something in her eyes shifted.

“I’m not judging you,” she said, more controlled now. “I’m just pointing out what you refuse to see.”

Divya looked back at her, hurt flashing for a brief moment behind the attitude.

“And what is that?”

Bhavya held her gaze.

“That maybe… people don’t need space from you because they don’t care,” she said slowly. “Maybe they need space because you don’t know how to give it.”

The words hung in the air.

Heavy.

Unavoidable.

Divya didn’t reply this time.

Divya looked at Bhavya, her eyes searching now, the sharpness in her tone softening just a little.

“Why do you dislike me so much?” she asked. “Have I ever done something that is wrong to you?”

Bhavya let out a slow breath, but this time she didn’t hold back.

“Yes,” she said.

Divya froze.

Bhavya’s voice grew firmer, the frustration finally surfacing.

“You forced Rahul… you pressured him to marry me,” she said. “And now he can’t even talk to me properly. Everything between us has become awkward.”

Her eyes didn’t waver.

“All because of you, Divya di.”

The words hit harder than expected.

Divya stared at her, hurt flickering across her face.

For a moment, she didn’t speak then her expression was tightened, defensive but emotional.

“So what was I supposed to do?” she shot back. “Just watch my brother stay alone forever?”

Her voice rose, not in anger but in helplessness.“He’s not young anymore. He needs to get married. He needs someone in his life.”

She pointed toward Bhavya slightly, her tone turning intense.

“And you’re the right girl! You understand him… you know his weaknesses… you’ve been with him for years. You studied together, cleared UPSC together.”

Her voice softened, almost pleading now.“That’s why I pushed him… toward you.”

Then she added, more quietly but directly—“And you like him too… don’t you?”

The moment those words left her mouth.

Bhavya’s breath hitched.

Her body went still.

Her eyes hardened instantly, something sharp and guarded rising within them.

She hated this.

Hated when someone stepped into her personal space… tried to read her… define her feelings.

It felt invasive.

Uncomfortable.

Her voice, when she spoke, was colder now.

“Don’t,” she said quietly.

Divya frowned slightly. “Don’t what?”

Bhavya’s gaze locked onto hers.

“Don’t assume things about me,” she said. “And don’t try to understand my feelings like you already know them.”

A pause.

Then, even sharper.“My life isn’t something you get to analyze.”

Silence filled the room again.

Divya leaned back against the sofa, her eyes slightly unfocused, the effect of alcohol clear in her voice and movements.

“Okay… fine,” she muttered, waving her hand lazily. “Sorry. I won’t pressure Rahul to get married anymore.”

She gave a faint, careless smile.

“Happy now?”

Bhavya didn’t respond. She just stood there, watching her silent, unreadable.

After a moment, Divya pushed herself up unsteadily and walked toward her.

Stopping close, she looked straight into Bhavya’s eyes.

“I know you love him,” she said softly.

Bhavya’s expression snapped.

“Don’t talk nonsense,” she said sharply. “I don’t love anyone.”

Divya went quiet.

For a second, she just looked at her… then gently held her hand.

“Okay,” she said calmly. “You don’t love him.”

A pause.

“Then I’ll find another girl for Rahul… and get him married.”

The words landed harder than they should have.

Bhavya’s fingers stiffened in her grip.

Something twisted inside her uncomfortable, sharp, undeniable.

She pulled her hand back instantly.

“Do whatever you want,” she said coldly.

Without another word, she turned and walked away, her steps quick, almost restless.

The door of her room shut with a loud bang.

Divya watched her go.

And then—She laughed softly.

A knowing, almost amused smile playing on her lips.

“Liar…” she whispered under her breath.

She walked back to the sofa, picked up the bottle, and poured herself another drink.

A little while later.

The door opened.

Deepak stepped inside, only to freeze at the sight in front of him.

Divya… sitting there… drinking.

“Didi… what are you doing?” he asked, rushing forward.

He grabbed the bottle from her hand, frowning. “You’re drinking? What will Rahul or Vaibhav jiju say?”

Divya didn’t even flinch.

“Let them say whatever they want,” she replied casually.

She reached for the bottle, trying to snatch it back.“Give it to me.”

But Deepak held it firmly. “No, didi. Leave it.”

“Deepak—” she tried again, pulling at it.

“No,” he insisted.

The struggle between them grew.

And just then.

Bhavya walked in.

Her eyes fell on them.

On the bottle.

On Divya.

Something inside her snapped.

Without a word, she stepped forward, grabbed the bottle from Deepak’s hand.

And before either of them could react.

She raised it to her lips…

And drank.

All of it.

In one go.

Deepak and Divya stood there.

Frozen.

Shock written all over their faces.

Bhavya lowered the empty bottle slowly, her breathing slightly uneven, her eyes blazing with something far deeper than anger.

She turned to Deepak first.

“You should go home now,” she said, her voice calm but distant.

Then her eyes shifted to Divya.

“And you… go to your room.”

A brief pause.

“This is my house,” she added, her tone turning colder, “not a zoo where people keep shouting like this.”

The words hit instantly.

Deepak’s expression hardened. “Excuse me?” he said, stepping forward. “What do you mean by your house?”

Divya straightened too, clearly offended.

“This is my brother’s house,” she snapped. “Who are you to talk like that?”

Deepak joined in, irritation rising.

“Yeah, and Rahul is my friend. I can come here whenever I want.”

Bhavya didn’t step back.

Her eyes moved between them, steady, unshaken.

“I don’t care whose house it is,” she said. “But as long as I’m here, there will be some basic decency.”

Her voice remained low.

But every word carried weight.

“No shouting. No drama.”

Divya let out a sarcastic laugh. “Oh really? And since when did you start making rules here?”

Bhavya’s gaze sharpened.

“Since people forgot how to behave.”

Silence.

Tense. Thick.

Deepak clenched his jaw, clearly not liking this version of Bhavya.

“Don’t cross your limits,” he warned.

Bhavya didn’t react to the warning.

“If having limits bothers you,” she said calmly, “then maybe you should leave.”

That was it.

Deepak’s patience finally broke.

“Enough, Bhavya!” he snapped, stepping closer. “Stop acting like you run this place.”

Bhavya didn’t flinch.

“Then stop behaving like you don’t understand limits,” she replied, her voice low and steady.

That calmness irritated him even more.

Without thinking, he grabbed her wrist.

“Mind your—”

But he didn’t get to finish.

In one swift motion, Bhavya freed her hand, twisting out of his grip with ease.

Before Deepak could react, she pushed him back hard enough to throw him off balance.

He stumbled.

For a moment, confusion flashed across his face.“What the—”

He tried to steady himself, but his pride had already taken over. He stepped forward again, this time more aggressively.

Bhavya didn’t step back.

She met him head on blocking him, redirecting his movement, and within seconds, he lost balance again, stumbling back further than before.

Silence.

Deepak stood there, breathing unevenly now not because he was hurt, but because he was shocked.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Not like this.

Bhavya straightened calmly, as if nothing had just occurred.

Her eyes locked onto his.

“I said,” she spoke quietly, each word precise, “don’t cross your limits.”

Divya stood to the side, completely still, her expression frozen in disbelief.

Deepak didn’t move.

Divya quickly stepped in between them, raising her hand slightly.

“Bas… enough,” she said firmly, her tone calmer now. “Bhavya, you go. We won’t create any more noise. Happy?”

Bhavya looked at both of them for a moment her gaze was unreadable, distant.

Then, without a word, she turned and walked away.

The sound of her door closing echoed softly.

Deepak’s eyes followed her till the last second, anger still burning in them.

Divya exhaled and looked at him. “Okay… calm down.”

Deepak made a face, clearly not over it. He grabbed a glass, poured himself

a drink, and took a quick sip.

“Great,” he muttered sarcastically. “Finished. There’s no alcohol left now.”

Divya leaned back casually.

“She’s hidden more,” she said. “In the lower drawer.”

Deepak didn’t waste a second. He walked straight to the drawer, opened it, and pulled out another bottle.

Pour. Drink.

This time, slower.

His frustration started spilling out with every sip.

“I don’t know what she thinks of herself,” he said, shaking his head. “She’s always been like this… same attitude.”

He took another drink.

“Always controlling… always acting superior.”

Divya sat quietly on the sofa, listening.

Deepak kept going words flowing more freely now, his anger mixing with the alcohol.

“She talks like she owns everything,” he scoffed. “As if no one else matters.”

Divya didn’t interrupt.

She just watched him.

Letting him speak.

Letting it all come out.

Deepak leaned back on the sofa, his grip loose around the glass, eyes slightly unfocused.

For a while, he stayed quiet… then suddenly spoke.

“You know when I even started talking properly with Bhavya?” he muttered.

Divya looked at him. “Hmm?”

Deepak let out a dry laugh.

“I don’t even remember… it just happened.”

He took a slow sip.

“But Deeksha…” his voice softened instantly, “with her, it was different.”

Divya didn’t interrupt.

“I used to talk to her every day,” Deepak continued. “Morning… night… random calls… stupid fights…” a faint smile appeared. “She never got tired of me.”

A pause.

The smile faded.

“And now?” he said quietly. “Nothing. Just silence.”

Divya shifted slightly, watching him more seriously now.

“I miss her,” Deepak admitted again. “A lot. Like… a lot.”

He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.

“I try to move on, okay? I really try. But I can’t… I don’t know how to forget her.”

Divya exhaled slowly, her own voice slightly heavy.

“Hey… it’s okay,” she said. “I’m here, right?”

Deepak frowned a little. “You?”

Divya nodded confidently.

“Yeah. I’ll bring Deeksha back.”

Deepak blinked, confused. “What?”

“I’ll find her… and bring her to you,” Divya said, almost proudly.

Deepak sat up a little, hope flicker in his eyes.

“Really, didi?” he asked softly. “You’ll bring her back?”

Divya nodded again.

“Yes. I will. Then you won’t have to miss her anymore.”

Deepak looked at her for a moment… holding onto those words.

“Didi…” he said quietly, a small smile forming, “you’re the best.”

Divya smirked slightly. “I know.”

Deepak let out a faint laugh.

The door opened slowly.

Bhavya walked in her steps were unsteady, her eyes heavy with alcohol.

She looked at both of them sitting there… then moved closer.

“Didi…” she said softly, her voice breaking a little, “bring Rahul back for me too…”

Deepak and Divya both turned to look at her.

Deepak frowned immediately.

“No, didi,” he said quickly. “Don’t bring anything for her. She’s always fighting with me.”

Bhavya’s eyes filled instantly.

The alcohol made everything heavier louder.

“No…” she shook her head, her voice trembling. “No, didi… please… I want Rahul.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks.

“Please bring him back… to me…”

Deepak got irritated again.

“No, didi! You’re my sister, right? Listen to me don’t give Rahul to her.”

Bhavya turned toward him sharply, anger flashing through her tears.

Before things could escalate again,

Divya raised both hands.

“Okay, okay… calm down, both of you.”

She looked at Bhavya.

“If you want Rahul… then say sorry to Deepak first.”

Bhavya blinked, trying to process.

“Sorry?” she repeated softly.

Divya nodded. “Yes. Say sorry.”

Bhavya slowly turned toward Deepak.

For a moment, she just looked at him… then.

She held her ears lightly, like a child.

“Sorry, Deepak,” she said, her voice small. “I won’t fight with you anymore… I promise.”

Deepak looked surprised.

“Really? No more fighting?” he asked.

Bhavya shook her head. “No… not at all.”

Deepak’s expression softened instantly.

“Okay…” he said, a small smile forming. “Then it’s fine.”

He turned to Divya.“Didi… give Rahul to her.”

Divya smiled faintly, amused at both of them.

“Hmm,” she said, nodding. “I’ll bring Deeksha for you… and Rahul for her.”

Bhavya looked up instantly, hoping to light her teary eyes.

“Really?” she whispered.

Divya nodded again.“Yes… I’ll bring them both.”

For a moment.

All three of them sat there lost in their own haze, the room heavy with alcohol and emotions.

Divya suddenly sniffed, her eyes filling again.

“My fight… with Vaibhav,” she mumbled, her words slurring. “We had a fight…”

Bhavya immediately leaned forward.

“Why, didi? What happened?”

Divya made a face, almost like a child complaining.

“He made me take so many medicines… so many,” she said, holding up her fingers vaguely. “I don’t want to take that many medicines.”

Bhavya’s expression changed instantly and offended on her behalf.

“What?!” she exclaimed. “That’s so bad! Vaibhav jiju is so mean!”

Deepak blinked, watching the two of them like this was some strange show.

Bhavya sat up straighter.

“Call him. Right now,” she said firmly. “I’ll talk to him.”

Divya looked at her with wide, emotional eyes.“Really? You’ll scold him for me?”

Bhavya nodded seriously.

“Yes. I will. You call him.”

Divya fumbled with her phone, pressing random buttons before finally managing to call.

The phone rang once…

Twice…

Then—

“Divya?” Vaibhav’s voice came through immediately, filled with concern. “You reached Delhi safely, right?”

Before Divya could say anything.

Bhavya snatched the phone.

“Yes, she reached Delhi,” she said sharply. “You bloody misogynist!”

There was a pause on the other side.

“Excuse me?” Vaibhav said, confused. “Who is this?”

Bhavya didn’t back down.

“Doesn’t matter who I am,” she replied, her tone fierce despite her unsteady voice. “You tell me why are you troubling my didi like this?”

Deepak covered his face with his hand, trying not to laugh at the situation.

Divya just sat there, watching Bhavya

like she was her personal hero.

And Bhavya.

Completely serious.

Ready to fight.

Even in her drunken state.

Vaibhav on the other side got startled.

“Divya? Hello? Are you—”

“No!” Bhavya cut him off dramatically. “This is not Divya. This is… her lawyer.”

Deepak immediately choked on his laugh and turned away.

Vaibhav blinked. “Her… what?”

“Lawyer!” Bhavya repeated proudly. “And right now, you are under investigation.”

Divya sat beside her, nodding very seriously.

“Haan… investigation…”

Vaibhav rubbed his forehead. “Okay… what is going on?”

“What is going on?” Bhavya gasped. “YOU tell me what is going on! Why are you feeding my didi so many medicines? Do you think she’s a pharmacy??”

Deepak lost it, covering his mouth.

Vaibhav tried to stay calm.

“They are prescribed medicines—”

“Ohhh, prescribed?” Bhavya said sarcastically. “So now you’re a doctor too? Multi-talented, wow.”

Divya clapped slowly. “Wah…”

Vaibhav took a deep breath.“Is she drunk?”

Bhavya pointed at the phone dramatically.“See! SEE! He changed the topic. Classic male behavior.”

Deepak whispered, laughing,

“Classic…”

Bhavya continued, now fully unstoppable.“All men are the same. First they act sweet, then they become controlling, then they say ‘take medicines, take medicines’… like bro, chill!”

Divya nodded aggressively. “Haan chill…”

Vaibhav sighed, defeated.

“Can I please talk to my wife?”

Bhavya paused, and looked at Divya.

“Didi, do you want to talk to this… suspicious man?”

Divya squinted at the phone. “Nahi…”

Bhavya went back instantly.

“You heard her,” she said firmly. “She has rejected your request.”

Deepak burst out laughing loudly this time.

Vaibhav tried one last time.

“Just make sure she’s okay—”

“Oh, she’s fine,” Bhavya said proudly. “She’s with me. I’m handling everything.”

Then she added dramatically.“And listen… don’t trouble her again. Otherwise I’ll file a case.”

“A case??” Vaibhav said, completely confused.

“Yes!” Bhavya nodded seriously. “Mental harassment case.”

Divya gasped. “Haan… bada wala case…”

Deepak almost fell off the sofa laughing.

Vaibhav went silent for a second… then sighed.“…Okay. I’ll call tomorrow.”

“Good decision,” Bhavya said like a judge.

And cut.

Silence.

Then Bhavya turned to Divya with pride shining in her eyes.

“Handled.”

Divya looked at her like she was a superhero.“You are amazing…”

Vaibhav stared at his phone in shock.

“…What just happened to my life?”

It was around 11 p.m. when Rahul reached home.

His phone was still warm in his hand Vaibhav’s worried voice echoed in his mind.

“I think Divya has been drinking… please check on her. I’m really worried.”

That was enough.

Rahul had left the station early.

Now, as he pushed the door open.

He froze.

Deepak… Divya… and Bhavya.

All three of them were lying there, half-conscious, the smell of alcohol filling the room.

For a moment, Rahul just stood there, staring.Disbelief.

These three… drinking? Together?

He let out a quiet breath, running a hand through his hair.

“Unbelievable…” he muttered under his breath.

Carefully stepping around them, he picked up his phone and called

Vaibhav.

“Yeah,” Rahul said calmly, glancing once at Divya didi, “she’s fine.”

“Are you sure?” Vaibhav’s voice was still tense.

“Yes. Don’t worry,” Rahul replied. “She’s safe.”

There was a pause.

Then Vaibhav said, “I’m still coming to Delhi.”

Rahul raised an eyebrow, a faint smile forming despite everything.

“Alright,” he said lightly. “Come. Take her back tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Vaibhav replied.

The call ended.

Rahul stood there for a second longer… then quietly walked to his room.

After freshening up, he sat down on his bed.

The silence in his room felt different.

Heavy.

He opened his drawer and took out his diary.

For a moment, he just stared at the blank page.

Then slowly.

He began to write.

Ishani…

Today I tried to stay busy… so I wouldn’t think about you.

But the more I distracted myself… the more you came back.

His grip on the pen tightened slightly.

You’re not here… and still, I see you everywhere.

Why does it feel like I’m stuck in this loop…?

He paused, exhaling deeply.

I want to break out of it.

I really do.

A drop fell onto the page.

He didn’t even realize when his eyes had filled.

I don’t know why you won’t leave my heart… or my mind.

I’m tired, Ishani.

Running from everything… from everyone…

I don’t have the strength for it anymore.

He wiped his face quickly, but more tears followed.

Didi is here now… tomorrow she’ll talk about marriage again.

I don’t even know what I’ll say.

I don’t understand anything anymore.

His writing slowed.

Softer.

I wish you were here…

You could listen… maybe answer me…

But you’re not.

Silence.

Only the sound of his breath.

A tear dropped onto the page, smudging the ink.

He stared at it for a long moment.

Then, slowly, he wrote the last line.

Good night, Ishani.

Only yours… Rahul.

He closed the diary gently.

The room fell quiet again.

But inside him.

Nothing was quiet.

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