CHAPTER 161

What Truly Happened in That Gang Fight

♡

[Flashback - One Year Ago]

Raghavendra grunted as a kick landed in his gut. He curled on the wet ground, arms wrapped around his stomach. Samar's group had dragged him into a fight against another district's gang. He hadn't wanted to come, but once he was there he had no choice but to fight back.

Chaos surrounded him. Through the fighting bodies he caught sight of three figures in suits standing under an umbrella at the edge of the alley. One held the umbrella, another lit a cigarette for the man in the middle. Then the middle man waved and left. The remaining man turned, eyes locking onto Raghavendra for a brief second before sliding a switchblade from his jacket.

Raghavendra's blood ran cold when he realised the target was the same boy who had just kicked him.

Adrenaline overrode the pain. He pushed himself up and forced his way through the crowd.

Samar, who had just knocked someone down, saw Raghavendra lunge forward. A second later the enemy gang member slumped against him. A knife was buried in the boy's stomach.

Time slowed. Samar watched Raghavendra pull the knife out and freeze at the blood on his hands. A man in a suit walked away as if nothing had happened, his own hand bleeding.

Sirens wailed in the distance.

"Shit!" Samar sprinted over, grabbed Raghavendra by the collar, and slapped him hard. "Get the fuck out of here, you psycho! If you get caught we're both dead!"

He shoved him. Raghavendra ran. When he looked back once, he saw Samar pick up the knife and wipe the handle clean with his own shirt.

Only a year later did Raghavendra understand: Samar had wiped away his fingerprints.

[Present]

Maya sat at her desk, reclining, fingertips tapping the surface. Raghavendra had told her everything—how he hadn't been the one to stab the boy, yet still felt responsible because the attack had been meant as a lesson for him. Those people who claimed to be his family had used the incident to brand their mark on him.

"So he already knew about the Kaals..." she murmured, eyes sharp.

She stretched her neck, then stood up.

"Those people... they planned to ruin him by making him carry the weight of someone's death. I'm going to destroy them."

CHAPTER 162

If I Kill Someone… Will I Be in Trouble?

♡

Vikram looked up when three soft knocks sounded on the door of his study, followed by his daughter's voice.

"Come in."

He put down his pen and moved to the couches. Maya followed and sat across from him. He rested one leg over the other, propping his jaw on his knuckles.

"Is there something you need?" he asked calmly. One look at her face told him this was not a casual visit.

"Papa, I have a question." Maya took a deep breath. "If... I kill someone, will I be in trouble?"

Vikram stared at her without changing expression, though the question clearly caught him off guard. Of all the things he had expected, this was not one of them.

Maya cleared her throat. "I mean, I wouldn't do the dirty work myself. But if I hired someone—a hitman—would I be in trouble?"

A full minute of silence passed. Vikram's eyes never left hers. He knew his daughter well enough to recognise when she was serious.

"What kind of trouble do you mean?" he asked in his usual warm baritone.

"Will you get angry?"

"Yes. Definitely."

"Will you disown me?"

"No. I will cover it up." He lowered his hand to the armrest. "But covering it up does not mean I won't lock you in a temple or a hospital. Do you have an urge to kill?"

"Urge?" Maya frowned. "Papa, I'm not a psychopath."

"Then why are you asking?"

"Because I want to kill someone. It's not just an urge. It's a desire. A necessity. One hundred percent. No regrets."

Vikram's expression grew even flatter. "In other words, there's nothing wrong with your head and you simply want to hire someone to kill another person?"

"Exactly."

"Aren't you worried this conversation alone is enough to earn you a ticket to the temple before you become a murderer?"

She shook her head. "Why a temple? If you wanted to stop me you could have said jail or a mental hospital."

"Maya." Vikram leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "I will give you everything I can. But taking a life is not something to treat lightly. No matter how angry someone makes you, there are legal ways."

"I know that." She leaned back, frowning. "But Papa... do you think you could kill someone?"

He was quiet for a moment. "Everyone is capable of murder."

"So am I," she answered calmly. "If someone hurt you and the law did nothing, I would take justice into my own hands. Wouldn't you do the same? What if someone drugged me and violated me? Or abducted me, killed me, and threw my body in a river?"

Vikram's jaw tightened. He could not even bear to imagine those scenarios. He already knew the answer—he would not stop at killing. He would make them suffer for a very long time.

"Explain why you want to go to this extreme," he said, pushing the dark thoughts away. "What has this person done?"

"Nothing yet."

His brows furrowed. "So you want to prevent something you believe they will do?"

"Yes."

"Maya, you are my daughter and I have always been proud of you. But you cannot consider this option if the person has not done anything. We do not know the future."

"You're right. We don't know the future." She bit her tongue, knowing full well what the future held. "But I'm not talking about only one person."

"Not just one?"

"It's an underground organisation, Papa."

Vikram straightened, expression turning solemn. "Maya, what do you mean? How did you get involved with any criminal organisation?"

She pressed her lips together, then adjusted her posture to face him directly.

"Kaal."

The moment the name left her mouth, his back stiffened and his pupils dilated.

"Have you heard of that organisation, Papa?"

His mouth opened slightly. "The people you want to kill..."

"...are from that organisation," she finished. "They haven't done anything yet, but they will."

"And why would they?"

"Because of Raghavendra, Papa. He is the son of a member of that organisation. His father's surname is Kaal."

CHAPTER 163

Life Could Sometimes Be Funny

♡

"It's because of Raghavendra, Papa. He is the son of a member of that organisation. His father's surname is Kaal."

Vikram's mind went blank for a moment. His grip on the armrest tightened as he tried to process the words.

"Raghavendra... is the son of a notorious criminal? That international organisation—Kaal?"

Maya nodded, biting her lower lip. She was not surprised her father knew the name. People in their circle usually did. The world of the rich was far more dangerous than most realised.

"How strange..." Vikram whispered, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest. "This world seems so vast, yet so small."

"Papa, are you going to kick him out?" she asked worriedly.

"Naturally."

"But... Raghavendra is our family now. Shouldn't we protect him?"

"Maya, why did you come here talking about hiring someone?" he asked calmly. When she stayed silent he continued, "Exactly. You are a smart young lady. That is why you already understand the only real way to protect him is to get blood on your hands."

"So you will still kick him out?"

"Why?" A glint appeared in his eyes. "Will you threaten to leave home with him?"

"No." She held his gaze steadily. "You said it yourself—I am smart. Running away with him would be stupid. I would not have the money to support myself, let alone protect both of us."

She raised her chin. "If you send him away I will be sad, but I will not blame you. I know you would do it for my sake. Still, I will do everything in my power to protect him. I will not allow the people who abandoned him to return and control his life for their own twisted reasons."

Father and daughter stared at each other in silence. Vikram's jaw tightened, then slowly relaxed.

"Rest for tonight," he said at last. "I will think about this. Do not do anything foolish."

Maya swallowed and nodded. "Alright. I understand."

She stood, said goodnight, and walked to the door. Just as she reached it, Vikram spoke again.

"About Raghavendra and that organisation... do not tell anyone. Especially not a single word to the Malhotras."

"The Malhotras?"

"Yes."

"Alright. I wasn't planning to tell anyone anyway."

When he waved her off, she left.

Silence filled the study. Vikram kept his eyes on the closed door, still tapping the armrest.

"Kaal..." he murmured, standing and walking to the decanter. He poured a glass of wine and stood by the window, staring at the dark garden.

Maya believed he knew about the organisation only because of politics and business. She did not know how personal the connection was.

"He must have taken after his mother," Vikram muttered. "Ranbir Malhotra has already met him once."

A cold glint crossed his eyes as he remembered the restaurant encounter. "If Ranbir Malhotra finds out whose son he is, he will try to kill him."

He raised the glass to his lips. I should have finished both of them years ago if I had known it would touch my daughter.

He walked to the bookshelf, tipped out an old book, and carried it to his desk. Opening it carefully, he removed a photograph from twenty-six years ago.

Three boys in school uniforms stood at the school gates. On one side was a young Vikram, aloof and unsmiling. On the other side was Ranbir Malhotra, grinning mischievously with a bandage on his cheek, flexing like a bodybuilder. Squatting in the middle was a boy with longish hair and a smirk that never reached his eyes, the kindest of the three.

"Dhanraj..." Vikram whispered, staring at the face in the middle with deep regret. "Life is funny, isn't it? You were the kindest... and you became a monster."

CHAPTER 164

A Place to Belong

♡

Raghavendra raised his fist to knock on Lakshya's door, then hesitated and lowered it again. He and Maya had agreed he would check on Lakshya or stay the night, so he had only stayed at the Chauhan mansion long enough to change clothes.

I don't want him to gloat, he thought, taking a step back. Should I just leave?

He turned to go, but his feet carried him up the stairs to the rooftop instead. He needed a moment to think of an excuse in case Lakshya started teasing him.

When he reached the rooftop he froze. A figure was sitting on the railing.

In three long strides he grabbed the back of Lakshya's shirt and yanked him inward. Lakshya landed hard on the concrete with a loud "Ouch!"

"Aw... what the—?!" Lakshya looked up, saw Raghavendra, and glared. "Are you trying to kill me?!"

"I'm stopping you from killing yourself. If you can't handle being poor, swallow your pride and go home."

"Who said I was going to kill myself?!"

"Then why were you sitting on the railing?"

Lakshya pointed over the edge. "There's another level below. Even if I fell I'd just climb back up."

Raghavendra looked and saw the architectural ledge. His expression went flat.

"Tsk." Lakshya sat up, rubbing his hip. "What are you doing here?"

"Getting some air."

"Not on the rooftop—why are you in this building? Where's Maya?"

"Home."

"So you came back. Why?"

"She was worried about you being alone."

Lakshya let out a short laugh. "She doesn't need to worry. Being alone isn't new to me. I've been alone since I was a child. This is nothing."

"At least before you were alone in a comfortable place," Raghavendra said, sitting down against the wall. "Isn't it better to cry in a car than on a bicycle? You're broke now, so I doubt you even have a bicycle."

"True." Lakshya spread his arms on the dirty floor. "But who said I'm going to cry? Don't look down on me just because I'm poor."

"I'm not looking down on you."

"Not literally."

"I'm not stupid."

Lakshya laughed, then winced. "Ouch... my back..."

"I guess she worried for nothing," Raghavendra muttered. Lakshya seemed fine—still joking, still full of energy.

"Life is funny, don't you think?" Lakshya said after a while, staring at the starless sky.

"How so?"

"Back then I called everyone a peasant and never cared about money. I thought the only problem was how you spent it. Now I can't even buy you two a proper meal on day one. It's pathetic."

"You gave us candy."

Lakshya glanced at him. "Candy can make someone happy, but I wanted to give Maya the world."

"You don't have to."

"Why? Because you'll do it?" Lakshya snorted. "Fat chance. I'm poor now and you got lucky with her father's sympathy, but just wait. I'll be the one marrying her."

"Fat chance," Raghavendra replied calmly. "But good luck."

"Oy!" Lakshya sat up and pointed at him. "You two aren't married yet! Until you exchange vows there's still a chance!"

He kept going while Raghavendra tugged his earlobes and wondered why he had come back. Deep down, though, he was relieved the other boy was alright.

Lakshya, for his part, was more grateful for the company than he would ever admit. At least the silence that had been eating him alive was gone for a while.

CHAPTER 165

Night Call

♡

When Maya returned to her room she leaned against the closed door and exhaled deeply.

"Not a word to the Malhotras, huh?" she whispered, recalling her father's warning. "I didn't expect that."

She was not dense. Vikram clearly knew more about the organisation than he had let on. In her previous life she and the adult Raghavendra had rarely discussed his work—it was too dangerous. Now she almost regretted not asking more questions.

She threw herself onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.

"Am I capable of killing someone?"

Killing was easier said than done. Even as an adult she had never murdered anyone herself. The upper world ruined people with money and the law; the underground used blood. She had always stayed on the cleaner side.

"I am," she whispered after a long silence. "I won't let him go through that again, even if it means getting blood on my hands."

A hard glint entered her eyes. She had promised to protect him. She was already halfway to changing both their futures. She would not allow the people who abandoned him to control his life again.

"Even if I die from those illnesses later... I will have no regrets. As long as he lives a good life."

She thought of Samar—the boy who had wiped the fingerprints from the knife a year ago. Was he only greedy, or was someone higher up pressuring him?

"Lakshya running away isn't helping either," she muttered, suddenly frustrated. "Ugh... I wish Raghavendra was here so we could just... kiss and forget everything for a while."

Her cheeks heated as memories of the last few nights surfaced. The usual Raghavendra was distant and careful. The Raghavendra who kissed her was something else entirely.

"I can't believe I'm fantasising about a sixteen-year-old... and we haven't even gone all the way. I'm hopeless." She groaned and buried her face in the pillow. "He'd be terrified if he knew... or maybe not."

The bed felt too big and too cold without him. She had only slept in his room for two nights, yet she already missed his presence.

Just as she was lamenting, her phone lit up on the nightstand. She almost ignored it, then crawled over and picked it up.

Shashank Malhotra's name flashed on the screen.

She frowned. They were not close enough for late-night calls. Her thumb hovered over the decline button, then, out of pure curiosity and a desire to vent, she answered.

CHAPTER 166

Night Call II

♡

"Young Master Malhotra, didn't you say I wasn't your type? Your actions say otherwise," Maya greeted dryly. "Do you have any idea what time it is? This better be important or I'll make you pay for it."

Silence answered her.

She checked the screen to make sure the call was still connected, then put the phone back to her ear.

"Young Master Malhotra...? Are you trying to creep me out? Breathing slowly and then hanging up would be more effective if you want me to stay awake all night."

A rough, slightly slurred voice finally came through. "I think... I must have gone crazy. Why did I even call you just to hear your nonsense?"

Maya frowned. "Yes, you definitely have. You know I could say much worse. Gosh, do you know what time it is?"

More silence. She rolled her eyes. She had never liked Shashank's arrogance, even if she could admit his face was pleasant.

"Why did you pick up?" he asked after another long pause.

"Did you call just to ask stupid questions? Of course I answered—I assumed it was important. Turns out it was a scam."

"Right..."

She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. There was no point getting angry when she was already using him as a target for her own frustration.

"Ugh... I hate drunk phone calls, but fine. Let's hear it. I'm curious what Young Master Malhotra has to say."

"How did you know I was drinking?"

"Anyone can tell. Your tone, and the fact that you would never call me without a perfect excuse if you were sober."

"I doubt anyone can tell."

"What?"

On the other end of the line, Shashank loosened his tie and lay flat on the dark hotel bed. "No one ever notices when I'm drunk, even after they keep pouring."

"Business meeting, then." Maya was not surprised. At this age he was already deep in company affairs; drinking was part of the job. She had lived that life herself once.

"You should learn to refuse," she muttered. "You're the boss. Who would take offence?"

A soft, tired chuckle. "Right..."

"Gosh, you're boring..."

"What are you thinking?"

"Are you flirting with me right now?"

"I'm trying to keep you entertained." He laughed shortly. "Stay on the line. I might regret this tomorrow, but I'm upset and silence is the last thing I want right now."

Maya opened her mouth to refuse, then closed it. She disliked the teenage version of Shashank, but the adult version she remembered had not been completely terrible. He was still young. There was room for him to change.

And she understood the crushing weight of silence better than most.

He's desperate to talk to someone, she realised. But in his world there's probably no one he can call for something this 'irrelevant'.

"Did you fall asleep?" his voice came again. "Or did she hang up?"

"I'm still here," she answered lazily.

"Oh..."

"Don't misunderstand this kind deed. I'm only staying because I feel bad for not feeling bad about your problems."

"That's better. I won't misunderstand."

"Mhm."

"So what were you thinking?"

"Nothing. It's... nothing."

"I see."

"What about you?"

"Nothing," he answered in the same tone. "It's... nothing."

They both understood. Their minds were simply too full and too tired to put anything into words.

"Maya," he called after another minute.

She hummed in reply.

"Nothing."

"Don't call me for no reason." She yawned.

"Just checking."

"That I'm still here?"

"Mhm."

"Don't kill yourself." She yawned again and rolled onto her side, letting the phone rest against her ear. "I'm sleepy."

She moved the phone onto the pillow beside her head and closed her eyes, hoping he would hang up or the battery would die.

On the other end, Shashank stayed silent, staring at the dark ceiling, phone still pressed to his ear. A small, tired smile appeared when he heard her breathing even out into sleep.

"Funny, isn't it?" he murmured. "You're always there for everyone when they need someone, but when you need someone the most, the last person you expect is the only one who answers."

His eyes softened.

"Good night, Maya Chauhan. I still don't like you... but I appreciate you."

CHAPTER 167

He Was Fine

♡

The next day...

Since Raghavendra had stayed over at Lakshya's place, Maya had to make her way to school alone for the first time in a long while. Vikram, understandably, offered to drive her instead.

In the past, she'd have simply asked to be dropped at her usual bus stop. But after their conversation the night before, she didn't bother asking, letting the driver continue past it.

"Thought Raghav came back last night." Vikram broke the tense silence in the back seat.

"He stayed out," she murmured, glancing over. "Lakshya ran away from home, and Raghav was worried since Lakshya rented a place near school. The area's completely different from what he grew up around, so Raghav didn't want him alone there."

Vikram's brow lifted, glancing at her. "Lakshya did?"

"Mhm. He looked really determined about it."

His mouth opened, then closed again. He exhaled, leaning back, propping his elbow against the door's armrest.

"And why exactly would he run away from home?" he asked, mostly to keep the conversation going.

"Probably got scolded because of me?"

Vikram glanced at her. "Because of you?"

"Papa, I told on him to his father, remember?" She sighed shortly. "I was just worried since he'd been hanging around the wrong crowd. Didn't think he'd get scolded badly enough to actually leave home."

"Did he tell you that was the reason?"

"No, but what else could it be?"

"Maya." Vikram shifted to face her fully. "Believe me or not, I doubt that's actually the reason."

"Papa, you don't need to make me feel better."

"I'm not." He shook his head. "I just know Ranbir. He might scold his sons, sure, but usually for an entirely different reason."

"Huh?"

He exhaled. "That man doesn't scold his sons harshly. Might sound like I'm defending him, I'm not. He wouldn't scold Lakshya for skipping class, but for getting caught. That's just who Ranbir is."

"Then why did Lakshya actually run away?" She frowned. "Already thought it was strange, but he seemed genuinely resolved. He's arrogant, sure, but getting himself some rundown apartment means it's something deeper."

"Not sure, and honestly, not really my business to speculate," he said, catching her glance. "Should I let his father know? So you don't have to worry?"

"Papa, how could I do that? I am worried, but I don't want to get tangled in their family issues." Her frown deepened, sighing. "All I can really do is offer him support. And Raghav's with him, so that's probably enough for now."

"I see..." Vikram nodded, understanding.

Silence settled between them for a while. He glanced at her occasionally, watching her sigh repeatedly.

Last night she'd been alarmingly determined, saying things about wanting someone dead. As a father, that had genuinely worried him on multiple levels. But talking with her now, he felt some of that worry ease. At least she didn't seem fully invested in that particular dark impulse anymore.

Vikram turned his gaze toward the window instead.

'Raghav and Lakshya...' he thought. 'They remind me of Ranbir and Dhanraj.'

Something unreadable flickered in his eyes, recalling a friendship from his own past. Life had been far simpler back then.

'Life sure has a strange way of coming full circle.'

The rest of the drive passed quietly. Occasionally Maya would chat with him about his plans for the day, until he dropped her off at her usual stop.

After a warm goodbye, she walked the rest of the way. Early, since she'd skipped the bus's usual route entirely.

"Maya!"

She turned, spotting Sara jogging across the street. She stopped, smiling until Sara reached her.

"You're early," Sara noted, adjusting her bag.

"Papa dropped me off," Maya explained simply.

They continued together at an easy pace. A few other students were out this early too, though nowhere near the usual crowd.

"Sara, how's home?" Maya asked, remembering Sara's habit of avoiding it.

"Same as always." Sara smiled awkwardly, and Maya took that as her cue to drop it. "Don't worry, I'm used to it. But thanks."

"You know I'm always here if you want to vent, right?"

Sara's smile softened. "That's exactly why I'm grateful." She laughed. "Anyway, don't you live near Raghav? Isn't that why you two always walk together? Is he absent today? Sick? You two didn't fight, did you?"

"No." Maya laughed. "Raghav's probably just going to be late."

"Ohh..."

"Also, why would you assume we fought? Even if we had, we'd probably just ignore each other."

"Just concerned." Sara smacked her lips. "Samar's back at school, and those guys are bad news."

"Right..."

"They used to bully Raghav."

"He got bullied, but people assume they're his friends now."

"That's because they eventually did become friends."

"Huh..." Maya glanced at her, careful not to trip. "What makes everyone think that?"

"They just... suddenly seemed like friends?" Sara shrugged. "Not sure of the actual story, but there was a sudden shift between Samarand Raghav before Samar got sent to juvie. Not gradual, just sudden. Weird, but nobody wanted to pry, didn't want to become their next target."

Sara leaned in, whispering. "They're genuinely terrifying. Heard they've assaulted girls and filmed it to blackmail them."

"That's... horrible." Maya frowned, watching Sara pull back with a shrug.

"Could just be rumors, but there's usually some truth behind it."

Maya sighed. "So they're actually dangerous, then."

"That's why I'm a little worried Raghav's absent."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Yesterday, remember?" Sara frowned, sighing. "You got under Viraj's skin. He might target you. Don't worry, though, we won't leave you alone if they try anything."

"Ahh, haha..." Maya laughed, looking at Sara warmly. "That's sweet, but don't worry, I can handle myself."

"Still doesn't hurt having backup. Pretty sure plenty of our classmates would step in if things got bad."

Maya laughed again, shaking her head at Sara's determination. Glancing down, she noticed Sara's shoes, sneakers today, unusual for her.

Winter High wasn't strict about uniforms, mostly because the student body had given administration little choice but to loosen the rules.

Despite that, Sara had always followed the dress code, practically the class role model. Seeing her break it for the first time since Maya transferred told her something clearly.

Sara had come prepared for the worst today.

"You didn't get in trouble yesterday, did you?" Sara turned to her, catching Maya's gentle smile. "Hm? Something on my face?"

"Nothing." Maya shook her head, deciding not to mention the sneakers. "Just, something happened yesterday and we had to leave early."

"Yeah, heard about it. We were all worried, Fiza and Amrita especially. Only calmed down once we heard your uncle picked you up."

"Yes, sorry for the worry."

"It's fine. Better than hearing you and Raghav got beaten up."

"Haha, we're fine. Raghav's fine too."

They chatted the rest of the way to the gates, smiling and laughing like usual. No rush, still early, but once they reached the classroom, both paused at the door.

"Maya, did you say Raghav was fine?" Sara asked awkwardly, eyes fixed inside.

"Uh, he was..." Maya winced. "...but I think they, had quite a night."

She sighed, glancing at Sara. Both of them turned their attention to the two boys, Raghavendra and Lakshya, staring back at them from their seats, dark circles heavy under their eyes.

CHAPTER 168

The Worst Morning Ever

♡

Maya and Sara exchanged an awkward smile, silently agreeing not to approach either boy just yet. Both Raghavendra and Lakshya looked like they were in a fragile state.

"Let's drop our bags and wait outside," Maya whispered, and Sara nodded.

"Good plan," Sara agreed quietly.

They tiptoed in carefully, treading lightly under Raghavendra's stare. Lakshya had already turned away, arms folded on his desk, forehead resting against them. As they set their bags down, Maya's brows lifted.

"Pst."

She turned slowly toward Raghavendra, tilting her head.

"Come here," he said, voice rough, weak, crooking a finger.

She glanced at Sara for support, only to get a nervous smile in return. Sara wasn't scared of Samaror the other bullies. Her fear of Raghavendra, though, was impossible to hide. She'd take a bullet for Maya, just not from someone who wouldn't actually hurt her in the first place.

'Raghav would hurt me, not you,' Sara conveyed silently, raising a weak fist of encouragement. 'Fighting. You'll survive whatever this is.'

'Sara, I cannot believe you.' Maya exhaled, eyeing Raghavendra warily. Normally she'd throw herself at him without hesitation. Not when he looked like he hadn't slept and could murder someone on sight.

Reminded her of the saying, better to joke with someone drunk than someone freshly woken.

'He won't blame me for letting him sleep at Lakshya's, right?' she wondered, hesitantly stepping away from her desk. 'What did they even do all night to end up like this? Why did I think this was a good idea?'

"Hey, Raghav..." She approached his desk cautiously. "...did I do something?"

He blinked slowly, eyes droopy from exhaustion, jaw resting against his knuckles, watching her approach at a snail's pace. The obvious confusion and guilt in her expression, like she'd already assumed she was in trouble, looked almost endearing.

Part of him wanted to actually be angry, just to see what she'd do to make it up to him. But he wasn't quite that heartless, no matter how much that particular part of him tried denying otherwise.

"Hmm?" Her brows lifted, misplaced innocence in her eyes, watching him crook his finger again. She pressed her lips together, leaning over his desk until they were eye to eye.

"What is it?" she asked quietly, while Sara did her best to stay completely silent, holding her breath, ready to wake Lakshya the second Raghavendra snapped.

"Closer." He blinked slowly, watching her lean in further, assuming he wanted to whisper something. As she did, his eyes flicked toward Sara.

The moment their eyes met, Sara's breath caught. That wasn't what shocked her, though, her eyes went wide the very next second.

"Raghav—" Maya's eyes went wide, voice caught in her throat as he closed the distance, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

She blinked twice, mouth falling open, trying to process what had just happened.

"Want to catch some air on the rooftop before class starts?" he asked lazily, brushing his thumb across the corner of her mouth. "Think I need to recharge. And forget."

SLAM!

Maya flinched as Lakshya slammed both hands on his desk, followed by loud cursing. "Damn it!"

She turned, finding him already on his feet, palms flat against his desk. She flinched again as his eyes locked onto her, blazing, like she was the only thing he could see.

"Maya!" Lakshya shouted, and she stepped back instinctively, only to feel an arm wrap around her waist. She ended up pressed against Raghavendra's desk, gasping, realizing he was openly showing affection in front of everyone.

He was never this touchy with an audience around! And now he'd not only kissed her, he was holding her right in front of Lakshya!

What had actually happened?!

"Oy, Raghavendra Rathore." Lakshya lifted his chin, glaring furiously at the arm around her waist. "Remove that arm, or should I remove it for you?"

Raghavendra's expression stayed flat, pulling her closer instead. Rather than answering, he looked up at her wide eyes.

"Maya, can we kiss?" he asked, leaving her completely speechless while Sara's jaw dropped entirely.

'What did I just witness?' Sara thought, horrified. 'No, no. Not that. What is even happening?'

"Maya." She flinched as Lakshya crossed the room in a few strides, grabbing her arm.

"Can we kiss?"

"What...?" She blinked repeatedly, glancing between the two of them. After several seconds, it hit her, they were both dead serious! "Why are you two asking like I hand these out for free?"

"Right?" Raghavendra shrugged, unbothered. "He clearly doesn't get it. Forgive him."

"At least I'm asking for consent." Lakshya's grip tightened around her wrist, determination written across his face. "Maya, we're friends, aren't we?"

"What...?"

"Do me a favor. Please." He stared at her, sincere, nearly desperate. "I'm ready for you to defile me. Make me forget. Please."

"..."

Maya stared between the two of them, entirely lost for words at their absurd requests. Not that Raghavendra wanting affection was absurd in itself, they'd kiss for hours until their lips ached, but showing it publicly like this was strange. They'd agreed to keep things private, after all.

"Wait, wait." She pulled free from Lakshya's loosened grip and peeled Raghavendra's arm off her waist. Stepping back, she faced them both, arms crossed defensively over her chest.

"What is actually wrong with you two?" she asked, incredulous. "Are you... on something right now?"

"What?" Raghavendra frowned while Lakshya looked at her, dismayed.

"If not, why are you making these ridiculous requests?" She continued, glancing at Sara, whose expression had gone entirely blank, brain apparently short-circuited. Maya almost felt bad for her.

"It's not ridiculous," Raghavendra replied, while Lakshya added, "how is it ridiculous? Nothing even happened."

"Are you sure?"

Both boys glanced at each other, slowly. They held eye contact for a solid three seconds before looking away simultaneously, gagging in disgust.

"Damn it!" Lakshya retched, wiping his mouth, fleeing the room like he might actually be sick. Raghavendra shot up from his seat, marching to the window, throwing it open.

"Damn it..." he muttered, covering his mouth with his fist, visibly rattled.

Watching their dramatic reactions, Maya's brows furrowed. She glanced at Sara, who matched her confusion, both staring at Raghavendra by the window, then at the open door Lakshya had fled through.

'What is wrong with them?'

Whatever had happened, they clearly weren't getting any answers. Both boys would sooner take the secret to their graves than let anyone find out.

What actually happened the night before...

Raghavendra stared at Lakshya, distressed. He hadn't slept at all, thanks to him. Lakshya kept jumping and yelling at every strange noise. The faint squeaking of rats hadn't helped either.

"Want to grab a drink?" Raghavendra exhaled, sitting upright in the middle of the mostly empty studio apartment where they'd planned to sleep. Floor sleeping, since there was barely any furniture.

"Are you always a bad influence?"

"For the hundredth time, never said I was." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "If you don't want one, should I just knock you out instead? I want to sleep."

Lakshya clicked his tongue irritably. "Why are you even here?! If you want sleep so badly, go back to the comfort of the Chauhan mansion."

Raghavendra pressed his lips together, looking up, then back at Lakshya, nodding.

"You're right." He pushed himself up. "Should just head back. At least I won't have to listen to your screaming."

"Oy!" Lakshya lunged, grabbing the hem of his shirt, stopping him. "Where are you going?"

"Home."

"What? Leaving me here alone?! What if the rats bite me and I die?!"

"Bury you?"

Lakshya's grip tightened. "Was joking, okay? First night here, and I'll go crazy if I'm—ahhh!!!" He shot to his feet, accidentally yanking Raghavendra's shirt down as a cockroach flew toward him.

The abrupt, adrenaline-fueled movement sent Raghavendra slipping, falling with a thud. Everything happened in an instant, both of them freezing as a soft, dreadful smacking sound registered in their ears, leaving a traumatizing sensation lingering on both their lips.

CHAPTER 169

Spill The Tea

♡

Maya watched Raghavendra's back with concern while he stood at the open window, breathing. She snapped back to attention as Sara suddenly grabbed her arm, dragging her outside the classroom.

"Maya, are you okay?" Sara grabbed her shoulders, standing several feet from the door.

"Huh?"

"Raghav just... he didn't... kiss you, right?"

"Ah..." Sara's question hit like a switch flipping, dragging Maya fully into the realization. She stood frozen, blank, staring back at Sara.

Right.

He'd just called her over and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. Not only that, he'd invited her to the rooftop, alone, for what sounded suspiciously like more than "recharging." Not literally his exact wording, but that's certainly how it landed.

Sara gasped, covering her mouth. "You and Raghav... since when?"

"Hehe..." Maya laughed, rubbing her neck. "About two weeks now, actually."

"Oh my..."

"Kept it quiet to avoid drama. Didn't want to keep it from you girls, honestly, just been waiting for the right moment," Maya explained, watching Sara's reaction carefully. Hard to read exactly, but clearly some level of shock.

After all, out of her three friends, Sara had always been the most guarded around Raghavendra. Maya never understood why, always cautious around him for some reason. She'd even once asked Raghavendra if he'd scared Sara somehow, but he'd shaken his head.

"Sara?" Maya asked carefully. "You okay?"

"Yes! I mean..." Sara cleared her throat. "Are you?"

"Of course."

"You weren't pressured into it, were you?"

"No." Maya frowned at the uncharacteristically blunt question.

Sensing her displeasure, Sara sighed deeply. "Sorry if that sounded harsh."

"It's fine, but can I ask why you've always been so cautious around him?" Maya asked, genuinely curious. "I get being wary given his history with the delinquents, but we've been friends with him since last term. Feels a little unfair, not trusting him despite how he's actually behaved."

"Maya..." Sara exhaled, glancing past Maya's shoulder to check if Raghavendra was coming out. Confirming no one was listening, she refocused.

"I know he's good to you, but he's not always easy on everyone else." Sara placed her hands on Maya's shoulders. "He's never actually hurt anyone, but I always felt like he wasn't thrilled about you being close with us. Do you know what it's like getting glared at by him?"

"..." Maya stayed quiet, absorbing this.

The more she listened, the clearer it became, Sara didn't dislike Raghavendra because of his reputation. She was scared he'd try to keep Maya entirely to himself. Traced back, probably, to when Maya used to skip class just to trail after him constantly.

"Ha ha..." Maya laughed awkwardly. 'In other words, that was on me and Raghav both.'

"So..." Sara huffed. "Be careful, always. If he ever hurts you, I'm telling Fiza so she can beat him up."

"Sara, boyish as Fiza acts, I don't think she should be your designated sacrifice here." Maya's mouth twitched.

"What sacrifice?"

Both of them jumped at Fiza's voice from behind. Turning, they found Fiza and Amrita tilting their heads curiously.

"What are you two whispering about over here?" Fiza asked, brows knitting. "Wow, can't believe you're already gossiping without us."

"Spill it, fill us in!" Amrita chimed in, skipping over. "What's this early morning gossip session about?"

"Haha, it's nothing." Maya glanced ahead, finding Fiza already standing right in front of them.

"Yeah, nothing." Sara nodded, feeling a little guilty for using Fiza's name as a threat against Raghavendra.

"Oh, come on!" Fiza threw an arm around Sara, pulling her in. "Tell us! Are we keeping secrets now?"

Amrita hooked an arm through Maya's, tugging. "Exactly. So unfair! Aren't we friends? Spill!"

Fiza and Amrita pressed hard enough that Sara and Maya were forced to invent some passable filler gossip. Fortunately, neither of the other two picked up on it, getting fully absorbed in the fake conversation as they all headed back inside.

Amrita and Fiza had long since grown used to seeing Raghavendra around whenever Maya was present. They also knew the two lived close and commuted together regularly. Not much reason to pay it any special attention, so they kept chatting normally.

Settling into their seats, Maya glanced toward Raghavendra. Still standing at the window, hadn't moved an inch.

'Now, what exactly is the actual issue here,' she wondered internally, chin propped on her elbow. Her eyes drifted to the empty seat beside hers, Lakshya's usual spot.

'Is he going to skip again?' she wondered, recalling how he'd bolted like he couldn't stand being in the same room as Raghavendra. 'He better not, or I'm dragging him back myself, whatever it takes.'

She stayed quiet as more classmates trickled in, filling the room with usual morning noise. Her mood soured further as first period started and Lakshya still hadn't returned.

CHAPTER 170

One Can't Have It All

♡

Maya raised her hand midway through third period, signaling to use the restroom. The teacher nodded, continuing the lecture uninterrupted. Standing, she glanced at Raghavendra's seat to let him know she'd be back, only to find him fast asleep at his desk.

'Been a while since I've seen him sleep in class, guess they really had a rough night.' She shook her head mentally, certain something significant had gone down. Whatever it was, clearly a big deal.

She left the classroom quietly, pausing in the hallway. Instead of heading toward the restroom, she turned toward the stairs, going after Lakshya instead. She'd promised herself she'd drag him back by force if he skipped again.

"I swear if I catch him with those delinquents again, I'm knocking some sense into him." She cracked her knuckles, irritated. "He better not be there."

Her eyes sharpened, fully prepared to physically intervene if necessary. She could tolerate his tantrums and general obliviousness, but she wasn't letting him wreck his future and carry that record forever.

Even without being especially close to him in her old life, she'd known enough about his struggles. Their circles had overlapped constantly, given how tightly connected the Chauhans and Malhotras were. Rumors and stories had always trickled through regardless.

'Back then, Lakshya always seemed to resent Shashank. Everyone painted him as the problem child, but wasn't it because it kept the elders and uncles focused on protecting Shashank instead?' She gritted her teeth.

Nobody had ever explained that side to her outright, but she was sharp enough to connect the pieces, Lakshya was genuinely intelligent, just as capable as Shashank, if he'd cared about the business at all. But in a family as wealthy and powerful as the Malhotras, internal tension was inevitable. He hadn't wanted to become another problem for his brother, not in that particular sense.

'Even so, it's not fair to him.' Her frown deepened as she approached the delinquents' usual spot behind the school. 'I won't let him grow up just hearing constant comparisons to his brother.'

Complicated as it sounded, all she really wanted was to help him live a little more freely. She wasn't naive enough to think she could stop the elders' comparisons outright, she couldn't control what other people said. But she could help him build enough resilience that it stopped defining him. Watching him spiral toward the delinquents instead would only weaken that resolve, giving people more ammunition against him permanently.

"That idiot..." She gritted her teeth, stopping at the delinquents' spot, calling out, "Lakshya!"

The group, lounging or gambling this early in the morning, turned toward her, confused about why the school beauty was back again.

"Huh? Where's he at?" She frowned, scanning faces, no sign of Lakshya. "Anyone seen him?"

"The pretty boy?" someone asked, and she nodded. "Haven't seen him here."

"Oh..." She nodded, somewhat relieved.

"Think I saw him heading to the rooftop!" someone called out.

"Oh!" Her eyes lit up, hadn't checked there yet, assuming he'd be with this crowd again. "Thanks for the help!"

She turned to leave, then paused, walking backward, facing them with a smile.

"You guys are nicer than I expected," she remarked, hands on her hips. "Curious why you're all here instead of class, though?"

"Boooring!" someone yelled, basically booing the question.

"Hey, pretty girl. You're gorgeous, but if you're here to lecture us, might as well leave. Unless you want to date me, in which case, I don't mind getting scolded by my girlfriend into becoming a better man for my future wife."

'Wow, did I just get promoted to wife in one sentence?' Her eye twitched, staring at him in disbelief. She crossed her arms, lips pressed thin.

"So you guys have no actual plans, just skipping for fun?" she asked, met with blank stares all around. "Alright, so you're all technically available for side work?"

"Ah?? Are you messing with us?"

"Too lazy to even climb stairs today, that's why I'm sleeping here!" someone complained irritably. "How am I supposed to make my auntie proud doing anything productive?"

Her expression twisted, listening to that particular logic. 'These idiots...' A vein pulsed at her temple, gritting her teeth, reminding herself not to resort to violence.

"Anyone interested, I'm offering decent pay." She smiled, forming an ok gesture with her hand. "Simple job. Just spread word to Samarand his crew that I hired you all to beat him up."

"Huh???" Every one of them wrinkled their nose, staring at her like she'd lost it.

"You want us to actually fight that crazy juvenile kid?" someone asked, watching her shake her head.

"No, I said it clearly. Not asking you to actually beat him up. Just let it get around that I hired you guys for that. Obviously you won't actually do it, since none of you want to die, right?" Her angelic smile stayed fixed, entirely at odds with her request. "Basically, you'd be sending me straight to hell. How's that sound?"

The group exchanged confused glances, then looked back at her, tilting their heads collectively, deciding she might be gorgeous, but was also clearly a little unhinged, deliberately courting trouble like this. Guess nobody gets everything.