On the morning of 14 October, Sachi's phone began ringing before the sun had properly risen.It was Urvi.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAREST SISTER!" she yelled in a pitch that could crack glass.
Half-asleep, Sachi laughed. "Thank you, Urvi…"
"You should've cancelled your business trip! We could've spent the entire day together—just me, you and mom!"
Before she could reply, their mother took the phone.
"Happy birthday, Sachi. At least eat something sweet today," she said, in that familiar motherly tone, and hung up.
Sachi stretched, rolled out of bed, and reminded herself—another meeting. It wasn't new. Honestly, she had stopped expecting birthdays to be anything else.
At the Manjrekar Mansion, the entire family had gathered for their usual Friday lunch. The long dining table was crowded with dishes—paneer, pasta, biryani, roasted vegetables, soups, everything that could possibly fit. Conversations flowed only in one direction: business.
Disha, MM's daughter and the globe-trotting aunt everyone adored, had flown in from overseas. She teased her nephews as always, pulling Sushant into a side hug and poking Yuvan playfully.
"I heard someone rebuilt Panvel Magnus Mall?" she asked, eyebrows raised.
MM, visibly proud, said, "Yuvan did. The footfall has doubled. The boy surprised all of us."
Disha looked at him with a proud smirk.
But Sanjay couldn't tolerate it. Any praise for Yuvan tasted bitter to him.
"Mall?" he scoffed. "He just got lucky. If I hadn't fixed the budgeting—"
Yuvan set his fork down, his voice calm but sharp."Budget manipulation is your expertise since five years, Uncle. Not mine."
The table went silent at once.Sanjay's jaw clenched, and he quickly changed the topic as if nothing had happened.
Disha hid a smile behind her glass of juice.
Yuvan's phone kept buzzing.He ignored it once. Twice. Then finally checked it under the table.
Branding Team Group: Happy Birthday, Sachi!Yuvan's heart jolted. Sachi's birthday?He pushed his chair back suddenly.
"Where are you going?" Sushant whispered.
"Work," Yuvan muttered and walked out before anyone could stop him.
He drove straight to Sachi's house, rang the bell—empty.Called her—no reply.Anxiety twisted sharply inside him.
He dialed Urvi.
"Where is Sachi?"
"In Bangalore! Business trip. She left last night. Why, what happened?"
But he had already ended the call.
Meanwhile, in Bangalore, the sun was slowly dipping behind the buildings when Sachi stepped out of her final meeting of the day. The street lights flickered to life, casting a soft glow over her off-white midi dress, the gentle flare swaying with each step, puff sleeves brushing lightly against her arms.
Another birthday ending like every other—quiet, ordinary, unnoticed.
She lifted her head—
—and froze.
There, leaning casually against a car, was Yuvan.
Arms crossed.Eyes fixed on her the second she appeared.His expression somewhere between anger and relief.
He walked toward her, "How long," he said, his voice low, "are you planning to make me wait?"
Sachi stopped breathing.
She blinked once.Twice.Then slowly lifted her hand and touched his cheek—just to be sure this wasn't another one of her tired hallucinations.
He was warm. Real.
Her voice trembled. "Yuvan… you're here? In Bangalore?"
He smirked, teasing, "No, no. I'm your imagination. Bangalore is next to my balcony."
She hit his arm lightly. "Tell me the truth!"
He shrugged, the corners of his lips lifting."I have a meeting… with your birthday."
Sachi's throat tightened.Nobody had ever shown up for her like this.
"You're crazy," she whispered.
"For you?" He leaned slightly closer. "A little."
He opened the car door for her.
"Come on," he said softly. "I'm taking you somewhere."
She looked at him, confused but smiling despite herself."And where exactly are we going?"
"You'll see," he replied, eyes warm,"But first… happy birthday."
The car slowed to a halt in front of a gleaming glass entrance.Yuvan glanced at his phone—a message from Varun.
"Everything is ready."
He exhaled quietly. Perfect.
Sachi looked up, her eyes widening."Yuvan… this is—this is a five-star hotel."
"Hmm," he said casually, stepping out to open her door.
Inside, the lobby was warm and luxurious—soft golden lighting, tall indoor plants, the faint scent of white lilies in the air, and polished marble floors that reflected the chandeliers above. Guests moved around quietly, dressed in elegant evening wear.
Sachi walked beside him, still stunned."Yuvan… what is all this? Why are we here?"
"You'll see," he said, not slowing down.
They took a private elevator to the top floor.When the doors opened, a gust of cool night breeze greeted them.
The rooftop restaurant was breathtaking.
Soft fairy lights draped overhead like falling stars.The entire space was empty—no guests, no noise.Just a dimly lit path leading to a single table overlooking the entire Bangalore skyline.
Sky-scrapers glowed like scattered jewels.Traffic lights shimmered far below like restless fireflies.The wind carried the faint scent of rain and city lights.
They sat at the table, and without delay, waiters appeared—silent, professional—serving dishes one by one.Warm breads, creamy soups, Italian entrées, light desserts… every plate looked like art.
Sachi laughed softly."This is too much."
"I'm just feeding you," Yuvan replied. "Not adopting you."
She nearly choked on her drink.He smirked.
After the last dish, the lights dimmed subtly and a small cake—white, elegant, delicate—was brought to their table. A tiny sparkler glowed on top.
She cut the cake together, feeding each other a piece—her hands trembling more than she wanted to admit.Once the cake was taken away, Yuvan stood.
"Come with me."
He guided her toward the glass balcony.
The night air was cool.The world below sparkled.Before she could speak—
BOOM!
A burst of colour exploded in the sky.
Fireworks.
Red, gold, blue—dancing in the night like blossoms of light.Sachi gasped, her hand instinctively reaching for his arm.
"Yuvan… this is beautiful…"
"I know," he said quietly.
Her breath hitched.
When the fireworks slowly faded, he turned and picked up a bouquet resting nearby—wrapped in soft cream paper.
Sachi froze.
"For you," Yuvan said, offering them. "Happy birthday, Sachi."
She took the bouquet with trembling fingers.Her eyes stung instantly. Sachi felt her heart climb into her throat.
She had never felt like this.Never been celebrated like this.
She was on cloud nine—floating, breathless, dizzy with warmth.
For the first time in her life, her birthday didn't feel empty. It felt unforgettable.
The night before felt like a dream, Yuvan had dropped her outside her hotel, stepped out of the car, and handed her a tiny paper bag.
She frowned."What's this?"
"Tonight's restaurant bill," he said straight-faced.
"What?! Are you serious?"
His lips twitched, unable to hide the smirk."Open it when you reach your room. And inform me if you plan to take a loan."
Before she could throw the paper bag at him, he stepped back, smile softening.
"Goodnight, Sachi."
He stayed there until she entered the lobby and disappeared from sight.Only then he turned and drove away.
Inside her room, Sachi opened the bag—expecting mischief—but found a small velvet box.Inside lay a delicate silver chain, and on it, a four-leaf clover pendant placed slightly off-center on the right side.
Lucky.Unique.Just like her.
Next day, Yuvan arrived at her hotel by noon.
"Come down," he said. "I need help."
"With what?"
"Shopping. For someone with good taste. Which is unfortunately not me."
She rolled her eyes but came down anyway.
Her outfit was simple yet bright—an off-white midi skirt, a light blue sweatshirt, and that silver necklace resting neatly over the fabric.
Yuvan noticed it instantly.But all he said was a quiet:
"Looks good on you."
They shopped at boutiques—him pretending to decide, her actually deciding everything.Then they played air hockey in a game zone, and he sulked because she beat him.
Later, they ate roadside chaat, laughing over messy plates, clicking photos like tourists.
And finally, a movie.
At interval, Sachi went to the restroom, humming softly. Her reflection looked… happy. More than usual.
Two women entered behind her, giggling loudly.
"I can't wait for the rest of the date!""Me too—movies and street food… best combo."
Sachi froze.
Movies. Street food. Shopping..
Her smile slowly faded.
Wait… isn't this exactly what couples do on dates?
Her heart began hammering.
No. No, no. This isn't a date. He just needed company. That's it.
But memories flashed one after another:
How he drove to Bangalore for her birthday.The fireworks.The clover pendant.The way he watched her when she looked away.
Her throat tightened.
He's twenty-one. I'm twenty-six.He's… Yuvan.And me? No. I cannot—
She walked out quickly.
Yuvan was leaning against the wall, popcorn in hand.
"Finally. Come fast, the interval is over."
But the moment he saw her face, his expression changed.
"Sachi? What happened?"
She shook her head."Nothing. Let's go."
But she didn't laugh during the second half.Didn't look at him.Didn't joke.
Her mind was running in circles.
This isn't love. This can't be love. He's just… nice to me. That's all.
When the movie ended, Yuvan finally stopped walking and blocked her path.
"Sachi. Enough. What's wrong?"
She looked up at him.
Something sharp twisted inside her chest.
Before she could overthink, she lifted her hands and cupped his cheeks—pulling him down to her height, staring right into his eyes.
Warm.Intense.Close.
No. I don't see love. I can't see love. Her breath trembled.
She let go abruptly.
"It's nothing," she said, voice too calm. "Cool."
Then she turned and walked away.
For a full second, Yuvan stood frozen.
Her touch lingered on his skin, burning.
His face flushed red—shock, confusion, something else he didn't dare name.
Then—
"Sachi!"
He rushed after her.
Two weeks after the Bangalore trip, things were finally settling.Until one morning, the entire Branding floor buzzed with whispers.
The meeting room at TRP Foods felt suffocating, filled with the legal team, senior managers, and tension so thick it clung to the walls. Sachi sat straight, fingers interlocked tightly on the file placed in front of her. The legal head began questioning her about the confidential report leak.
Sachi's voice was calm, steady."I have never mishandled any internal document. You can check my mail logs, my accesses, and timelines. None of it matches the leak."
Yuvan walked in last. Calm. Sharp. His presence alone shifted the entire energy of the room. He took the seat beside Sachi, his jaw tight, eyes scanning everyone as if daring them to breathe wrong.
The legal head began, "Ms. Sachi, the report leak—"
"We'll need time," Yuvan cut in, leaning back casually but his voice held steel. "Unless you want to accuse my employee without a shred of validated evidence."
TRP Foods manager scoffed. "Yuvan, come on. Everyone knows she's—"
Yuvan's eyes didn't even flicker."Oh? You've solved the case already? Wonderful. Should we put your name on the report too—Chief Inspector of Assumptions?"
A few people coughed to hide their smiles. went stiff, his face darkening.
The meeting continued, but Yuvan handled every question thrown at Sachi, every doubt, every jab. He dismantled each allegation with evidence, logic, and that arrogant ease he was known for. By the end, the legal team had no choice but to agree to a formal investigation rather than a direct accusation.
Sachi looked at Yuvan, surprised but grateful. Yet she continued defending herself, explaining each point logically, refusing to crumble even under pressure. The legal team noticed it. Yuvan noticed it. Everyone did.
The meeting ended only because Yuvan firmly said,"Give me a day. I'll bring the real data."
And no one dared argue.
Next day, by noon, Yuvan had already traced every login trail, access stamp, and IP routing. He presented everything with a clarity that left no room for doubt.
"Here," he said, placing the final sheet in front of the legal team. "Sachi did nothing. This access wasn't hers. And now you know whose it was."
The room fell silent.
Sachi exhaled shakily. She had been brave yesterday, but today… she finally felt the tension leave her shoulders.
And the matter was closed.
The parking lot was quiet when Sachi walked toward Yuvan's car. She saw him leaning against the door, scrolling through his phone.
"Ready?" he asked while looking up.
But before Sachi could respond, a man with his face covered sprang from the shadows behind her.
Everything happened in a heartbeat.
"Sachi!"Yuvan lunged forward, grabbing her and pulling her behind him as the man swung the sharp object. It scraped Yuvan's shoulder—deep enough to bleed.
Yuvan didn't even flinch. He pushed Sachi aside gently, then went after the attacker.The man fought back, wild and desperate, but Yuvan didn't let him get close to her again.
Sachi shouted for help, voice shaking."Guards! Someone help!"
She dialed the police with trembling fingers as the guards finally arrived and pinned the man down. Yuvan ripped the mask off—
And everyone froze.
"The head chef…?" Sachi whispered.
Yuvan's expression turned dark."I knew it. You leaked the reports."
The man spat angrily, "She deserved it!"
"You tried to frame her," Yuvan snapped, grabbing his collar. "And then tried to hurt her?"
The police arrived just in time to stop Yuvan from punching him again. The chef finally broke down and confessed—his grudge, his plan, everything.
TRP Foods declared Sachi's name cleared immediately. Theissue was officially resolved.
At the Hospital
Sachi sat beside Yuvan as the nurse cleaned and dressed his wound. Yuvan winced once—only once—but kept his eyes on Sachi the whole time.
"You're overreacting," he teased. "It's a small cut."
Sachi glared at him, though her eyes were still full of fear."Be quiet. You got hurt because of me."
"And I'd do it again," he said simply.
She looked away, heart pounding uncontrollably.
After the dressing was done, he nudged her gently."Stop worrying so much. You look like you'll cry."
"Shut up," she muttered, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her.
In that moment—him smiling even through the pain, teasing her just to make her feel better, protecting her without hesitation—Sachi finally realized what she had been denying for weeks.
She was in love with Yuvan. And it terrified and warmed her at the same time.
The final outfit for Kabir's concert was displayed on the mannequin—minimal, modern, and perfectly aligned with his stage persona. Clean lines, a sharp silhouette, and just the right touch of contemporary detail.
Kabir stood in front of it, arms folded, staring longer than usual.
Then he exhaled, a rare smile pulling at his lips."This is… perfect," he said. "Exactly what I had in mind. Thank you, Urvi."
Urvi's nervous shoulders finally relaxed."I'm glad you like it."
After Kabir left, Shreya walked over, arms crossed, smirking proudly."You know, Kabir is extremely picky," she said. "Earlier we used to make five, ten, sometimes twenty drafts until he chose one. But you made him agree in one shot."She placed a hand on Urvi's shoulder. "I made the right choice hiring you."
Urvi's eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Shreya."
But not everyone was pleased.
A few designers standing nearby exchanged looks—tight smiles, tight hearts.
As soon as Shreya walked away, whispers started.
Urvi ignored it, burying her annoyance in work.
She was also working through the weekend, and Sachi, missing her sister, decided to surprise her at the boutique. She also wanted to meet Shreya.
The meeting with Shreya went well—short, warm, and genuine.
But as Sachi walked toward the design section to find Urvi, she slowed down. She heard two of the designers whispering behind a stack of fabric rolls.
"That Urvi thinks she's somebody just because Kabir approved her design.""Please. He probably liked her face more than the outfit."
"She just got lucky.""Lucky? Please. She must have flirted her way into Kabir's good books.""Exactly. One design and he agrees? Something's fishy."
Sachi's eyes turned icy.
She stepped into view, her voice calm but razor sharp.
"Funny," she said, "If confidence feels like seduction to you, maybe your insecurity is louder than your talent."
The two women went speechless, their faces draining of color.
Sachi gave them one final glance—polite, deadly—and walked away.
She found Urvi, who brightened immediately at seeing her."What a surprise!"
Saturday night, the three of them—Sachi, Urvi, and their mother—sat together on the living room floor, eating, gossiping, and letting the comfort of family wash away the stress.
Sachi watched Urvi laugh freely and thought:Let them talk. My sister's talent will shut them all up eventually.
Monday morning Sachi was coming outside the building, tying her hair into a loose ponytail, her tote bag on her shoulder when a familiar black BMW rolled into the lane and stopped right in front of her.
The window slid down.
Yuvan.
He didn't get out immediately.He just sat there, elbow resting on the window frame, eyes fixed on her with that unreadable expression she had begun to know too well—half irritation, half relief, and a whole lot of something else.
Sachi blinked. "You…here?"
Yuvan stepped out of the car, shutting the door with a soft thud.His eyes swept over her—her simple lilac light brown shirt, white flare pant, the little silver clover necklace he'd gifted on her birthday.
"Good morning, Miss I-Disappear-Without-Informing."
Sachi frowned. "I did not disappear—"
"Really?"He folded his arms."I was calling you like an idiot, and you're here having a family sleepover?"
She winced. "I didn't realise—"
"Exactly."He took a step closer."You didn't realise someone was worried."
Sachi froze.
For a moment the irritation in his eyes softened… melted… changed.Concern flickered there—real, raw, unhidden.
His voice dropped.
"You were upset yesterday. You barely spoke in the car. What did you expect me to do? Just go home and sleep?"
"Forget it. You're safe. That's what matters."
He opened the passenger door for her.
"Come on. You're having breakfast with me.I deserve compensation for Saturday night's emotional damage."
Sachi stared at him.
"Emotional damage?"
He smirked.
"Yes. Don't argue. Get in."
And Sachi… for once… didn't argue.
She slipped into the car, heart thudding, as Yuvan walked around to the driver's side with a small smile he couldn't hide anymore.
Sachi finally found her voice. "By the way," she said as she settled in, "your bike… you didn't bring it today?"
He buckled up, and answered in the most casual tone—
"It got a small scratch. So I dumped it."
Sachi's head snapped toward him."What?! "Wait… wait… wait. You threw away a Harley Davidson because of a scratch?"
Yuvan shrugged, completely unbothered."It bothered me."
Sachi froze.
Then she slowly turned toward him again.He smirked, enjoying her meltdown."Didn't throw it away. I parked it in the old garage. It's dead to me now."
"Dead to me—?" Sachi pressed her hand to her forehead."Do you know how many people would give their kidneys for that bike?"
He raised an eyebrow."You want it? I'll give it to you."
She choked on air."No! I— that's not the point!" It really looked cool on you.
Yuvan finally laughed, a real one that softened his whole expression.
But when the laughter faded, he glanced at her again — quietly, almost unconsciously relieved that she was here, safe, arguing with him like always.
The Branding floor was unusually loud for a weekday.Rekha and Hitesh were arguing over which campaign tagline sucked less, Megha was laughing at both of them, and Neha and Ricky were pretending to work while shamelessly listening.
Megha said, "Guys… what is happening?"
Rekha dramatically threw her pen at the table.
"Your creative team is BORED."
Ricky added, "Correct. We need food, fun, and a break from these sad humans."
Hitesh threw him a look. "Who are you calling sad? Your face alone causes depression."
Everyone burst out laughing.
Rekha clapped her hands like a kindergarten teacher."Okay listen up. Let's go for dinner after office."
Megha gasped. "YES. Team dinner!"
Neha jumped to her feet. "I'm in. I need biryani energy."
Ricky: "I need momos."
Hitesh: "I need peace. So please don't sit next to me."
Sachi smiled despite herself. "Alright, alright. Let's plan. Who all are coming?"
The group exchanged a wicked glance.
"YUVAN."They said it together like a loyal cult.
Sachi choked on air. "What? Why him?"
Neha smirked. "Team dinner means full team."
Ricky wiggled his brows. "Plus we get free food if a VP comes."
Hitesh added, "Exactly. Use hierarchy for humanity."The elevator dinged — and Yuvan stepped out, sleeves rolled, looking devastatingly calm and boss-like.
The entire team suddenly became overly innocent.
Megha pushed Sachi forward like a sacrificial goat."Yuvan, we're planning a small team bonding dinner. You and SM are invited."
Yuvan glanced at Sachi. "Fine," he said calmly."I'll come."
Everyone cheered.
"And SM too?" Megha asked.
"Yeah," Yuvan nodded. "Tell him."
Ricky grinned. "Done. Dinner at 8.
Later that evening the restaurant buzzed with light music, warm lights, and the noisy chaos of Sachi's team.Yuvan sat beside Sachi, sleeves rolled, posture relaxed—but Sachi could sense he was more tired than usual.
Ricky was retelling an exaggerated office story, Neha and Megha laughed so loudly half the restaurant looked, and SM kept shaking his head like he regretted knowing all of them.
Sachi leaned toward Yuvan."You okay? You look… serious."
He shook his head lightly."I'm fine."
But he wasn't. She could see it.
Halfway through dinner—just when Neha was trying to convince Yuvan to taste something spicy—his phone vibrated.
One glance at the screen.His expression changed.
A sharp tension.Shoulders stiff.Jaw clenched.
Yuvan stood abruptly. "I have to go," he said curtly, already stepping away.
Sachi's heart dropped."Yuvan—?"
He didn't even hear her.He was already out the door.
The table fell silent.
Megha whispered, "What happened to him?"
Sachi stared at the glass door, unsettled."I… don't know."
After the dinner everyone dispersed one by one.
Sachi checked her phone.No message.No missed calls.
She dialed him.Ring… ring… ring…
No answer.
She tried again.
Still nothing.
A strange worry settled in her chest.This wasn't like him.
ABANDONED BUILDING
A dim, rotting warehouse near the outskirts.Broken windows.A rusted shutter half-open, wind whistling through it.
Inside, two men held another man—bloodied, half-conscious, slumped against a chair.
Footsteps echoed.
Yuvan entered.
Not the calm, sarcastic VP.Not the playful man Sachi saw every day.
This was a different Yuvan—sharp, furious, dangerous.
One of the men straightened."Sir, we caught him. He still refuses to talk."
Yuvan's eyes were cold."You're sure it's him?"
"Yes, sir," the man said.
Yuvan walked toward the man in the chair.
The man trembled."I—I don't know anything—please—"
Yuvan grabbed his collar and lifted his face.
"Then let's help you remember."
The interrogation was brutal—questions, denials, punches, choking silence—until finally… the man broke.
"STOP! I'll speak—I'll tell everything!"
Yuvan stepped back, breathing hard.
The man sobbed."That day… I was there for interview for a driver…"
"And?" Yuvan growled.
The man trembled harder.
"I heard Keshav talking on the phone. He said… 'As promised, keep the money ready. We'll end it today.'"
Yuvan's fists clenched.
"What else?"
"T–that's all! I swear! I swear on my life!"
The warehouse seemed to freeze.
The man continued, terrified."Please! It has nothing to do with me!"
Yuvan leaned closer, voice deadly soft.
"Where is Keshav now?"
The man hesitated.
A punch.A scream.
Finally—"At… at his village! Khed! He's hiding there!"
Silence.
Yuvan stepped back, expression unreadable.
He turned to his men.
"Throw him out."
The man was dragged out screaming.
Yuvan exhaled sharply, trying to control the storm inside him.
"Send two people to Khed. Keep eyes on him. Don't approach until I say."
"Yes, sir."
Yuvan walked out of the warehouse, the night swallowing him whole.
For the first time in years…he had a new piece of the truth about his parents' accident.
The next two days at the office felt strange for Sachi.Yuvan was… present, but distant.
Not rude.Not cold.Just… somewhere else in his head.
He attended meetings, gave approvals, even teased her once or twice—but his eyes had a heaviness she had never seen before. A storm brewing behind them.
At night, she replayed the dinner scene—how he had left abruptly, that tension in his jaw, that restless energy. And the way he avoided talking about it afterwards.
She told herself not to worry.
She failed.
Present Day at Office
Ricky, Rekha, Hitesh, Megha, everyone sat together eating chaat during a break. Conversations floated around harmlessly—workload, clients, memes—until Ricky suddenly nudged Sachi.
"Sachi, why do you look like someone stole your sandwich?"
Sachi snapped out of her thoughts. "Huh? Nothing. I'm fine."
Megha raised an eyebrow. "You've been zoning out for two days. No smile, not even one lecture. Something is wrong."
"It's nothing, guys," Sachi insisted.
Ricky leaned forward dramatically. "It's Yuvan, right?"
Sachi choked on her coffee. "What?! No!"
"Ahh, confirmed," Hitesh muttered.
Rekha giggled. "The way you reacted is the biggest proof."
Sachi shot them a glare. "Stop imagining nonsense."
They all shared knowing looks.
Later That Evening
After office hours, the building gates were buzzing with employees leaving, cabs honking, and tired chatter filling the air.
Sachi stepped out, adjusting her bag, ready to head home—until she halted.
Because right outside the building gate, leaning casually on a sleek black Harley, stood Yuvan.
The golden streetlight caught the edges of his messy hair, his black joggers and black T-shirt making him look effortlessly striking, like someone straight out of a late-evening commercial. He looked exhausted… yet alert the second he saw her.
"Yuvan?" she walked toward him, frowning. "Why didn't you come to office today?"
He tapped the bike lightly."I brought my Harley back."
She squinted. "Great, thank god you didn't throw away"
"No," he said with a straight face, "I bought new one. Same model. Thought you liked this one."
Her heart skipped."What?" You bought new bike?
"Yuvan, who buys a whole new Harley because of this 'you liked it' logic?" "Seriously, you're impossible."
"Hmm," he tilted his head, studying her expression. "So… why are you glaring at me? I just came to see you."
That made her stop.
"Why?" she whispered.
He held her gaze for a moment too long.Then—softly, without drama—
"I missed you."
Her breath hitched.Her heartbeat faltered.Her throat tightened painfully.
"You— you could've called," she managed.
"I wanted to see you in person," he replied simply.
Her chest felt too full, too warm, too dangerous.
They spoke for a few minutes more—mostly teasing, mostly him trying to irritate her, mostly her pretending she wasn't secretly melting.
Finally, she stepped back.
"Okay… I'm leaving. Bye."
"Hmm," he nodded, hands in pockets, watching her walk away.
She walked almost away from the building.
Then her pulse refused to calm.
His words kept echoing, louder and louder in her chest. Sachi suddenly stopped.
Her heart was pounding so violently she felt it in her fingertips.She turned around.
Sachi was running. Her heels clicked violently against the pavement, her breath burning in her chest.
Even if I sound stupid. Even if it's out of my league. She kept repeating it like a prayer, like a battle cry.
Sachi stumbled to a stop in front of him, panting hard, clutching her knees for a second before she forced herself upright.
"Sachi?" he frowned. "Why are you back again? Is someone chasing you?"
She shook her head, still catching her breath."I— I need to tell you something."
He blinked, confused. "What?"
Her chest rose and fell rapidly. Her voice trembled.
"I'm in love with you."
Silence.
Pure silence.
He froze, the casual, playful expression on his face vanished.
Then—
"Sachi… no."
Her stomach dropped.
"No?" she whispered.
"I don't see you that way," he said gently but firmly. The rejection hit her like a punch.Her fingers went numb.Her breath caught in her throat.
For a moment, she couldn't move.Couldn't speak.Couldn't even blink.
Only one thought echoed in her mind: This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
The world around her faded—cars, lights, evening breeze—everything.
Yuvan saw her breaking, and something in his own expression softened painfully.
"Sachi…" he said quietly. "Listen to me."
She didn't lift her head.
He exhaled, eyes dropping for a moment as if dragging out a memory he rarely spoke about.
"Do you remember the first time we met?"
Her breath stilled.
"That day," he continued, "when my classmates were cornering me."His lips curved in a sad, distant smile."You showed up there with big angry eyes—walked in like some storm and saved me."
Sachi blinked, and tried to remember.
"You didn't know me," he said softly. "But you still fought for me. And that day… you changed something in me."
He looked right at her.
"I admire you. A lot."A quiet pause."I like the way you're brave. Focused. Strong.You're—" he breathed out, almost helplessly,"—you're someone I look up to."
Her throat tightened painfully.
"But that's all it is," he finished gently. "Admiration. Respect. Gratitude. Nothing more."
She stood still, absorbing every word like a blow to the chest—slow, burning, humiliating.
Her head stayed lowered, hair falling over her face.
After a long, suffocating moment, she finally lifted her chin.
A stiff, shaky smile curved on her lips—a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Yuvan… it's embarrassing."Her voice was small, fragile."I'll… I'll just take a leave."
She didn't wait for him to respond.
She turned around. And walked away.
Not fast.Not slow.Just… quietly.
As if holding every piece of herself in place so they wouldn't fall apart.
Behind her, Yuvan didn't move.He stood there, jaw clenched, eyes following her shrinking figure—expression unreadable, chest rising and falling heavily.
And for the first time that evening…
He looked like the one who couldn't breathe.
That night, Yuvan didn't sleep.
He lay awake, staring at his ceiling, replaying Sachi's voice again and again.
I'm in love with you.
And the way her smile trembled when she walked away…
He turned on his side, restless.Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her expression—shocked, hurt, trying to mask her humiliation.
His chest tightened.
"What the hell did I do…" he muttered, rubbing his face.
All night, he kept wondering the same thing— How bad must she have felt?How much courage did it take for her to say that?And I…?
He groaned into his pillow."I could've said it better… I could've been gentler…"