After few hours, kanak Opened her eyes, everyone was sleeping near her, one on bed, so one on floor, so one on couch, but Surendra was sitting near her list in deep thoughts ,he was awake.

Due to kanak's movement,his line of thought was broken. "Kanak , are you ok?", Surendra questioned her worriedly.

"I'm fine", kanak said, her voice low.

With their sudden movement and voice, everyone got up, and showered a lot of questions to kanak.

" Who were they?". "Did they hurt you, or something else?". "Are you now?" ,"How are you feeling?".

Kanak looked at them and chuckled, " I'm fine, and they didn't did anything bad with me".

" Kanak, there is no need to take any stress and afterwards you will answer the questions, right know you just need to sleep and rest", Surendra said, his voice laced with the command.

Kanak quietly nodded and everyone left from there, giving her space to sleep.

In the morning —

After sleeping for good hours, kanak finally broke her chain of sleep and came out of the room.

Tej, prachi and sapna were already awake, preparing breakfast. As they saw kanak coming, they made her sit down on coach and sat along with her.

"Kanak, know tell me what exactly happened?", prachi questioned her.

" I was coming back from office and someone caught me from behind, and someone gave me chloroform, and I fainted after that what happened I don't remember ".

"Kanak, just tell me the name, I will make sure that person lives his rest of life in prison ", sapna angrily said.

"Sapna, shaant ho ja, me thik hu or mein bhi nhi janti vo log kon the, kyuki jab me vaha se bhagi tab mere piche koi or tha or jungle ke ander koi or tha", kanak said her revelation shocking everyone.

" What??", tej being shocked shouted.

" Yes, I was kidnapped by someone else but when I ran into the forest , I saw few people standing under a tree trying to find me, they all have one common thing between them was a sword tatoo on their wrist, and the people who kidnapped me, did not have anything like this, they all have a small batch—marking them as the workers of Malhotra".

"Kanak, did you remember there faces or know who they can be?", tej questioned her.

" I really don't remember there faces , but I feel them to be someone I'm thinking right know "kanak said her voice was filled with suspense.

" Ha, ho sakta hai yeh log vahi ho jiske baare me hum soch rahe hai", sapna said.

Everyone nodded on her remark, " wait, let me find out who were they?", sapna said and called someone.

Next day, kanak was feeling more better than before. She went to college after many days, but was feeling a lot of emotions at a time.

As she enter the class everything was still and quite, no one was present there, the dim lights occupying the room.

As she took one step closer , the lights of the room turned on, with the shouting voice,"WELCOME".

Kanak was utterly shocked to see everyone ready The room was decorated with fairy lights and yellow and white balloons — her favorite colors. A banner hung from the whiteboard:

“We’re Sorry, Kanak. We Miss You.”

As the lights flickered on, her entire class stood in a semicircle, holding up cards — each one had a personal apology from a classmate, with something they appreciated about her written underneath.

One of them stepped forward — Dev, the unofficial class clown, and ironically.

He looked at her, eyes honest. “Kanak, we messed up. We were stupid, childish, and we betrayed the one person who always had our back. This isn't enough to make up for it, but… it’s a start.”

Another classmate, David handed her a small wooden box. Inside were 28 handwritten notes — one from each classmate, each expressing remorse and sharing a memory of how she had helped them.

Jonathan was in a red saree, lipstick smeared, wig slightly crooked, trying (and failing) to walk in heels. Vedansh had squeezed himself into a banana costume and kept dramatically slipping on the floor. Adi had turned himself into a giant paper heart, split down the middle with a jagged crack drawn in black marker. Two of the boys were literally a two-man horse, one holding a sign: “Will gallop for forgiveness!”

Before Kanak could say anything, the classroom speakers started playing the dramatic tune of a Bollywood heartbreak song. One guy got on a pretend mic and recited:

"O Kanak, our queen so wise,Without you, we're samosas without fries..."

It was pure madness. Every boy had committed to the act — one was even crawling on the floor in a baby costume, bottle in hand, crying loudly, “Mummyyy… I mean Kanakkk…”

Kanak stared, lips trembling. She tried to hold it in. She really did. But then Jonathan tripped in his saree, landed on Vedansh the Banana, and they both tumbled into a desk like falling dominoes. That was it.

She burst out laughing.

The kind of laughter she hadn’t felt in days — loud, unstoppable, tear-inducing. The classroom went silent for a second, unsure if it was a good sign. But when she doubled over, and gasping, “You absolute idiots,” they knew — they’d cracked her armor.

They circled around her singing, " We're sorry , very sorry aab jaane do", they sang the wrong lyrics making her laugh.

But kanak still tried to act that she she angry and tried to leave the class but they all come in front of her not letting her go.

As she once again began to leave, Surendra held her hand from behind continuing singing

" Tum hi mujhse ruth gaye to kisse baat Karu mein, jee utha hu mein tumse milkar, tum jo ho to hu mein"

Kanak looked at Surendra, his eyes holding the regret and the guilt he is feeling.

Kanak stopped and looked at them, everyone held their ears asking for an apology. Kanak was not able to stop her and finally broke the silence," it's okay, I have forgiven you all".

Everyone jumped with joy, shouting, dev came running and took kanak in his arms circling her around. They all burst in laughter.

Finally they all settle down on their places, and kanak collected her gifts and letters given by them. Surendra came and sat near her, but kanak soon turned her face away from him ignoring him.

Before Surendra could speak further, the professor enter the class beginning his lecture.

"Kanak, are you still not talking to us, right now you said you have forgiven us, and just know you ignored me", Surendra spoke slowly to kanak.

"Who is talking?,everyone be silent", professor said.

Kanak looked at surendra first and then took a pen and notebook and started writing something on it. As soon she finished her writing she passed it to Surendra.

Surendra took the copy and started reading it," Yes, I have forgiven everyone except you, I have not forgive you"

Surendra looked at her with the face —pleasing her to forgive him.

"He took the pen and started writing something, and passed it to kanak. She began reading,"please kanak you have forgiven everyone why not me?", he said his face looking like a cute child .

But kanak still ignored his writings and focused herself in writing. Soon the lecture ended and kanak came out of the class, but Surendra follow her from behind, "Surendra, stop being a child and go ".

But instead of leaving he took her duppata and gilded it tightly from behind , roaming in the corridors, everyone was shocked to see Surendra like this, but he didn't cared about anyone, he was behind her asking for an apology.

"Kanak, sorry na please talk to me , jaana", Surendra said.

"Stop calling me jaana, you know I hate these words, and Surendra leave me everyone is looking at us", kanak said trying to free her dupatta from his hold, but his hold was getting tighter and tighter.

"Agar tum hi mujhse baat nhi karogi to hamre ghar ki Satyanarayan ki pooja me kaise bethenge"

Surendra said making kanak shocked, "I'm not your wife and I'm not going to sit with you", kanak said making face.

" You will sit with me in pooja, after all you are going to marry me only ", Surendra said his voice confident and full of tease.

" No way, I will never marry you", kanak said and jerked her duppata from his hand and left from there making a face.

"Don't make faces", Surendra said from behind.

As 2 days passed of Surendra trying to make up with kanak, at night everyone was present in thier building's garden, only kanak and Surendra was not there.

"Where is kanak ?", garv asked sapna.

"Someone called her from office regarding some email, so she is busy with that work but she will come as soon she finishes", sapna said.

Kanak who was in apartment, knocked on Surendra's door , unknown that only Surendra is present there, she knocked for 2 times but no one came, the door was already opened, she sneaked inside the room, and saw Surendra in the room shirtless.

"Sorry, I didn't mean— like.. I don't know you were here", kanak stumbled on her words , trying to explain Surendra.

Surendra grab the opportunity to tease her, came near her.

" I know kanak you are here to take advantage of me, I know you have never saw someone handsome like me, that's why", Surendra said smirk on his face.

" Kya, tumse bhi sunder ladke dekhe hai mene, zada uchlo mat, and I have came here just to take my earbuds from garv", kanak said turning her face to him.

Kanak looked at the cupboard on the up side the earbuds were present, she tried to jump and catch it but was not able to do it.

Due to her jumping, her waist was visible, the curve— which was attracting Surendra more and more. Surendra started loosing his control, started coming near her.

Kanak felt someone's presence behind her and turned around only to see Surendra standing very close to her.

Kanak's back touched the cupboard and Surendra's hand moved to touch kanak's waist.

"Wha..what are you do..doing?", kanak said loosing her senses too.

"What I'm doing, you tell me?", Surendra questioned moving more closer to her ears, his lips touching her ears.

"You..—", kanak stopped midway.

"Continue jaana , lemme see your confidence under my touch", Surendra said, grabbing her neck and kissing it slowly.

His touch have goosebumps to kanak, her body felt different sensations she never felt before.She was feeling comfortable under his touch.

"Fuck you drive me insane", Surendra said not able to control himself, he grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him , giving wet kisses to her neck.

Kanak tights her grip around his shoulder.

Soon kanak realised for what purpose she was here and in what is she doing right know?, she pushed Surendra slightly and before he could stop her and continue she ran from there.

Surendra was happy to see her reaction, here kanak ran towards her room and closed the door leaning against it gasping.

Everyone settle in the canteen, discussing about the new year eve.

"Finally!, A new year , I'm going to meet my family after a long time", prachi said , excitement evident in her voice.

"Yes broo, I'm done with the college, I want to meet my family now", tej said, exciting about new year and family gathering.

" Means , you all four are going to your hometown to meet your family", yash said.

"No—", kanak said but stopped midway.

"Why no kanak, aren't you going to meet your family?", sapna asked her.

"Actually, I have a lot of work in company, and others with family and children had already taken the leave, and the upcoming project is very important, so I have decided not take leave and continue working" , kanak explained them.

"But this is new year and on new year everyone should bj with their family", tej said.

" Yes , I know but I can't go, and also I really don't want to go right know", kanak said, but Surendra already knew that something is off, she is hiding something.

"Let's end this discussion right now here, you all can continue it at home", garv said, settling the dispute.

At night all four girls were sitting, and eating their food.

"When do you all are leaving?", kanak initiated the talk.

" Tomorrow morning we all are going including you kanak", sapna said.

"I have already informed you about the project and it's really important and moreover no one is at home ", kanak refused them completely.

" Why no one is there, it's new year and they would be at home, did you talk to them?", prachi questioned her.

" Yes, I called them , and unhone mujhe bataya ki bua ki tabiyat thik nhi hai, she is not well, that's why they all are going to her place", kanak told them.

" So, come with us", tejeshvi said excitedly.

" No, I have project and you all should go", kanak said.

"But, here you will be all alone", prachi said her voice full of worry.

" Don't worry, I will be at office whole day and I'm not afraid to be alone, moreover if you all stay here, I will feel guilty that because of me you all were not able to meet your family, so it's my humble request to you all that you all will go and meet your family ", kanak explained them, pleading herself.

"Okay, then we will go", sapna said.

They were started their packing and kanak was helping all of them, they all were going by one train only .

Early in the morning, kanak had already prepared the breakfast for them, they all were ready and were taking their luggage out.

Kanak, garv, yash and Naman all went to railway station for their departure, after the goodbye Kanak left for office.

At office garv, Naman and yash called kanak multiple times to aske her if she has eaten, and should not take stress, and many questions, as their girlfriends had told them to take care of her.

Kanak got free from her office early in the evening, was on her way to get auto to reach her office. She sighed in relief already thinking about what she’d cook for dinner—or maybe she’d just order momos and curl up with her book.

Then a honk.

Not loud, not obnoxious. But deliberate.

She turned to look.

A sleek black Royal Enfield stood at the curb. And on it—helmet off, casual jacket on, with that irritatingly confident smirk—was Surendra.

"Need a lift, Kanak?" he asked, one eyebrow arched.

"No", she said again engrossed in her phone and started walking.

"I'm talking to you", he said.

" But I'm not", kanak shot him back.

"I'm really asking you , need a lift jaana", He asked again teasing her.

She folded her arms. "Why would I ever get on a bike with you?"

"Because I'm offering you free pasta and a nice drive, you'll remember ".

This isn't a trap, right?" she asked, squinting.

"If it is, it's a very expensive one. I only trap people with five-star food."

She rolled her eyes. "I can buy my own food, thanks."

"Of course you can. But wouldn’t it taste better after hearing me admit I was a jerk?"

Kanak hesitated.

She could walk away. She probably should.

But something in his eyes—not smugness, not flirtation, but a strange sincerity—made her pause.

“…Fine,” she said slowly, “But I swear, if you drive like a maniac, I’m getting off mid-traffic.”

He grinned like he’d just won a war. "Helmet’s in the back. Let’s go."

She hadn’t been on a bike in years. At first, she sat stiffly behind him, holding the seat edges like a safety net. But as they weaved through city streets, the wind tangling in her hair, the scent of wet leaves and roadside chai drifting by, something shifted. She loosened her grip and eventually—reluctantly—rested her hands on his shoulders.

“Not bad, huh?” he called over the roar of the engine, the speed not so fast as she is afraid of speed.

“Shut up and drive,” she shouted back, but he caught the small smile she tried to hide.

They left the main city and headed toward a quieter neighborhood lined with gulmohar trees and tiny cafes. Eventually, he stopped outside a cozy Italian place with ivy-covered walls and yellow lights glowing like fireflies.

“This is…” she looked around. “Unexpected.”

“I figured enemies can eat pasta without throwing forks.”

She laughed. “Let’s find out.”

The Italian café was warm, its windows fogging up slightly from the winter chill outside. Inside, fairy lights coiled around beams and shelves, and the soft hum of an old jazz song played in the background.

Kanak and Surendra sat across from each other, their pasta plates now mostly empty, a half-eaten lava cake between them.

Kanak sipped her hot chocolate slowly, trying not to enjoy the evening too much. It wasn’t a date. Definitely not.

“You’ve got chocolate on your lip,” Surendra said, motioning with his finger.

She rolled her eyes and wiped it with a napkin. “Better?”

“No,” he said casually. “But I didn’t want to make it weird by reaching over.”

“Wow. Growth,” she muttered, half-smiling.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments, the kind that only comes after the invisible wall between two people begins to melt. Then Surendra leaned back, drumming his fingers on the table.

“So…” he started, almost too casually. “There’s this New Year’s party my family throwing. It’s a little over the top, but… you should come.”

Kanak looked up slowly. “Why?”

He blinked. “Why not?”

"What I will do there, you will be meeting your guests and I will be standing in a corner trying to adjust", she said refusing.

Surendra hesitated, his tone softening. “You won’t be alone. I’ll be with you.”

Kanak raised a skeptical brow. “You’ll disappear in ten minutes.”

He leaned forward, eyes serious for a moment—rare for him. “I won’t. I promise. If you come, I’ll stay by your side. I’ll introduce you to people you’ll actually like. Or we can just hang out near the snacks and judge everyone’s outfits.”

She looked at him, unsure whether to be amused or moved.

“You’re really trying hard, huh?” she asked.

He gave a sheepish smile. “Maybe I just want to start the new year not as your enemy.”

She stared down at her cup. The steam had faded, but the warmth lingered.

“…It’s not a date,” she said finally.

His smile widened, but he kept his voice even. “Of course not. Just two former office rivals celebrating arbitrary time cycles together.”

She shook her head, smiling despite herself. “If I come, I’m bringing backup.”

“You mean snacks or people?”

“Maybe both.”

He laughed. “Deal.”

Outside the café, the air was colder now, and Kanak wrapped her scarf tighter. Surendra started his bike and looked over at her.

“I’ll will be there to pick you up”, he said.

Kanak nodded and sat on bike, enjoying the cold breeze touching her face. The silence wasn't awkward— it was more free and comfortable.

She rested her chin lightly on his shoulder, not meaning to, but not moving either.

As they neared her building, she tapped his shoulder.

“Stop here. I’ll walk the rest.”

He slowed down and pulled over.

“Kanak,” he said, handing her the helmet, “Thanks for coming.”

She handed it back. “Thanks for… not being a total jerk today.”

He laughed.

She took a few steps, then turned.

“You still owe me dessert.”

His eyes lit up. “Lava cake next time?”

She nodded. “Maybe.”

And with that, she walked away—leaving behind the tension of old rivalries, and carrying with her the strange, unfamiliar warmth of something new beginning.

Next morning kanak had cleaned the house, completed her office work, when Surendra, garv , Naman and yash enter the house.

"Guess what kanak, we have brought lunch for you, c'mon let's eat", they all settle on their seat and started eating.

After teasing kanak a bit and laughing till their stomach hurt they all left from there after lunch except surendra.

"Surendra, is there any theme for the party?", she asked him.

He looked at her ,"what do you want to wear, will be the theme of the party".

Kanak chuckled at his statement, "I'm not joking, I have one maroon colour of saree, which I haven't wore for once, and I want to wear it"

"Great, actually the party's theme is maroon only, so you should wear it", Surendra said.

"Okay, then I will be ready by 8", kanak informed him.

Surendra nodded and left from there, as he came downstairs, he called someone, " change party's theme from black to maroon ".

"But sir at last moment —", vipul asked.

" Yes at last moment, it needs to be maroon for all the VIP guest", Surendra ordered .

Surendra directly went to his office,"what is so urgent vipu that you have called me here?".

"Sir , there is one parcel for you", vipul said, his voice low from the fear of Surendra's anger.

"Just for a mere parcel you have called me here", Surendra questioned his voice showing anger.

"Sir, that parcel contains a gift for you on the occasion of new year which is sent by Mastermind", vipul said , tension lingering in the air.

Surendra with a sheepish smile moved towards his cabin, and looked at the parcel, opening it.

He opens the box cautiously. Inside:

A single white flower — a Raat ki Rani (Night Jasmine), but oddly, it’s blooming in daylight.

A vintage magnifying glass, its handle engraved with something in Sanskrit.

A folded parchment, hand-written in elegant Devanagari script.

A note which states -

"What you searched for at every turn,stood before you every single day.

You have eyes, yet you fail to see —The truth hides in the shadow of thee."

— Mastermind

("जिसे खोजता रहा तू हर मोड़ पर,

वो तेरे सामने था हर रोज़ मगर।

आँखें हैं तेरी, पर देख नहीं पाता,

सच है वो जो तेरे साये में छुप जाता।)

Surendra folds the letter and kept it inside the drawer and quietly went out of the cabin.

Later at night, Surendra leaned against the side of his porsche, one hand in his pocket and other on tapping his car keys. The white breeze touching his face.

He checked his watch.

Then, the sound of footsteps.

He looked up, and just for once his time, his world stopped.

Kanak came down wearing a maroon saree— no heavy embroidery , just silk that carry elegance , the blouse sleeveless, revealing her more confidence, her waist curved perfectly looking, her neck adorned with a single, thin chain with a small pendant resting above her collar bones. Her earnings dancing with her every movement.

Her hair parted to the side, pinned gently,with a few soft waves brushing her shoulder.

Surendra noticing everything— it's wasn't list, it was admiration, a pure admiration , his heart beating differently.

The maroon against her skin felt like poetry, only he can read.

She reached him with a smile, "sorry for the wait".

Surendra half smiling," worth the wait ".

"Maroon. of all colors. Why does it looks like it belongs to her?"

As they sat inside the car, Surendra took a last glimpse of kanak and started driving.

"Maroon suits you".

" Really, I thought it would not suit me".

"It's really suiting you, you look very pretty in this".

"Thank you ".

"Can I ask you something?", Surendra questioned.

Kanak nodded.

"Why didn't you went with your friends to your family?"the sudden question surprised kanak.

" I have already —", kanak was interrupted by Surendra.

" It's a lie kanak, I know everyone gets leave for festivals, I'm the owner of the company, and I have already talked to Mr. Patel, he told me that everyone got the leave but you asked him personally to cancel your leave, why?", Surendra asked her, his voice demanding the truth.

" Yes, it's true, it's just because I don't want to go, and please don't question me further", kanak said turning her face outside the window.

Surendra understanding her didn't question any further.

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