It was four in the evening. Priya (Naina) sat on the soft couch of the second floor, a sanctuary only for her and her two brothers - a mini-hall designed for their studies and quiet time, separate from the main downstairs area where guests were received. She was engrossed in her books, while her little cousin brother sat on the floor, diligently working on his homework.
The doorbell chimed, and moments later, her aunt ushered in two visitors: Jaya and Manik. Jaya explained to Priya's aunt that they had come to check on Priya's health. Her aunt, ever gracious, directed them upstairs.
"Look who's here!" her aunt announced as she reached the second-floor hall. Jaya smiled, and Priya (Naina)'s surprise quickly turned to a genuine happiness at seeing her friend. But then her gaze fell on Manik, and her smile faltered, replaced by shock. She had not expected him, not here, in her home. Unwilling to face him, she pointedly ignored him, directing all her attention to Jaya, who was asking about her recovery. Priya's aunt soon left to prepare snacks and drinks for the guests.
Manik's eyes never left Priya (Naina) from the moment he stepped onto the second floor. He knew why she was ignoring him - the kiss, the unwanted embrace, the fear he had instilled in her. Yet, it stung. He felt a pang of hurt, then anger. Why couldn't she understand him?
Priya (Naina) continued her conversation with Jaya, a shield against Manik's relentless stare. A few moments later, her aunt returned with a tray: snacks and juice for Priya (Naina) and her little cousin, tea for Jaya, and a coffee for Manik. Priya (Naina), a coffee lover, reached for the steaming mug, but her aunt gently redirected her. "Juice, dear. It's good for your fever. Your mother or I would be so sad and angry if you got sick again." Knowing her mother's concern, Priya (Naina) didn't argue, taking the juice instead. Manik observed her every subtle reaction.
After nearly three or four hours of conversation and lighthearted interaction with Jaya, it was time for them to leave. Jaya hugged Priya (Naina) goodbye. Manik simply watched Priya (Naina), a silent, intense stare, before turning to follow Jaya out. Priya (Naina) felt an immense wave of relief wash over her. She couldn't have endured his continuous gaze much longer. That night, after dinner with her family, she went to bed, hoping for undisturbed sleep.
Meanwhile, after dropping Jaya at her aunt's house, Manik reached his own home later that night. His mind replayed the image of Priya (Naina) in her simple, long white dress and matching sweater jacket - so effortlessly beautiful. But her blatant disregard for him, her persistent ignorance, gnawed at him. He wouldn't tolerate it. He vowed to do something, anything, to make her come closer.
The next morning, it was back to her routine: college, studies, and the comfortable rhythm of home.
Days turned into a blur of routine for both Priya (Naina) and Manik.
Then came an invitation that would disrupt everything. Jaya and Anjali informed Priya (Naina) and Shweta that they were planning a trip to Anjali's beach house villa, located somewhere between Mumbai and Pune. Shweta immediately agreed, but Priya (Naina) hesitated. "No," she said, thinking of the remote internship she'd secretly started a few months ago - a recommendation from her professor, driven by her exceptional coding skills. She didn't want to neglect her work, and more importantly, she didn't want to be around Manik. But Jaya, Anjali, and even Shweta began to beg, promising she could do her assignments whenever she pleased, assuring her no one would disturb her. Reluctantly, Priya (Naina) agreed. She asked her family for permission, which they happily granted.