Avin's POV:
After June left, Ishaan stepped aside to take a call from the promotion team for his upcoming OTT series, his voice fading as he paced near the edge of the parking area.
The silence didn't last long.
"So.." Eisha said, turning toward me with a knowing look, "what are you hiding from me?"
"What?" I frowned, trying to play it off, though my expression probably gave me away.
"Don't tell me you broke up with Gia."
I exhaled slowly and nodded.
Her eyes widened. "Why?"
"You're asking like I was the one who ended it" I said, running a hand through my hair. "She likes someone else now."
"What?" Eisha's voice softened, more surprised than sympathetic. "And you just… let it go?"
"What else was I supposed to do?" I shrugged, though it felt heavier than it should. "If she loves someone else, then that's it." I paused briefly, my jaw tightening. "Besides… I was already feeling suffocated."
The words hung there, heavier than I intended.
"Dude!"
Ishaan suddenly appeared between us, full volume as usual. "Let's go. If my dad finds out I'm still here, I'm dead."
I nodded, grateful for the interruption. I took the driver's seat while Ishaan slid into the passenger side, still scrolling through his phone. Eisha followed behind us in her car.
A few turns later, Ishaan glanced up. "Bro, there's a band clubhouse nearby. Can we stop? I want to check some samples for my next film."
"Fine" I said, steering toward it.
The streets grew quieter, dim streetlights stretching shadows across the road. Just as I slowed the car-
"Hey… isn't that June?"
My hands are still on the wheel.
I followed his gaze.
And there she was.
Standing beneath a flickering streetlight, her figure outlined in a dull yellow glow. Her arms were slightly crossed, her posture tense. And in front of her-
Him.
The same guy.
My jaw clenched instantly.
Why was she with him?
The memory of that day flashed back, sharp and irritating. The way he had spoken to her. The arrogance. The disrespect.
It still didn't sit right.
June's expression was serious, almost guarded, while he spoke with exaggerated gestures, like he was confessing something important.
My grip on the steering wheel tightened.
"Oh!" Ishaan muttered, leaning back. "So this is her 'important work.'"
"That's not it." I said immediately, my voice sharper than I intended.
He raised an eyebrow. "Could be. Wait! oh, that's Neer Singhal. I know him."
I glanced at him. "You know him?"
"He was supposed to compose for my last project..." Ishaan said, brushing his hair back. "Backed out last minute with some excuse about damaged equipment. Not reliable."
"So he's a singer?"
"Yeah. Not big yet, but talented. If he stopped making excuses, he'd actually go somewhere."
"Hm."
My attention shifted back to June.
Something felt off.
She had been furious with him that day. There was no way she'd willingly meet him like this.
Unless.
Neer stepped closer.
Too close.
He reached out, attempting to pull her into a hug.
Something snapped.
"Is he harassing her?" Ishaan said, already opening the door.
I was out before he finished the sentence.
My steps were quick, heavy against the pavement as I closed the distance. My pulse thudded in my ears.
I tapped Neer's shoulder.
"Hey."
He turned.
My fist landed before he could speak.
The impact echoed in the quiet street as he stumbled back, shock written all over his face.
"What the 🐟?!" he shouted, trying to regain balance.
"Are you okay, June?" Ishaan asked, moving to her side.
She nodded, but her expression was unreadable.
I grabbed Neer by his collar, pulling him forward. "What do you think you're doing?" I said, my voice was low but burning.
"The hell is wrong with you?" he snapped back.
That was enough.
I punched him again.
And again.
Each hit came faster, harder, fueled by something I couldn't name anymore. He tried to block, to step away, but I didn't give him the chance.
"Avin, stop!"
June's voice cut through, but it felt distant.
"You think you can just-"
Another hit.
Blood appeared at the corner of his lips.
"Avin!"
This time her hand gripped my shoulder, firm, desperate.
Ishaan stepped in, pulling me back with force. "That's enough! People are starting to look. Control yourself!"
My chest rose and fell rapidly, breath uneven. Sweat slid down my temple, strands of hair falling into my eyes.
I turned to June.
And froze.
She looked scared.
Not relieved.
Not grateful.
Scared.
The anger inside me faltered for a second.
I cupped her face gently, my voice lowering. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, but didn't meet my eyes.
Something about that didn't feel right.
I let go and turned back to Neer, pulling him up from the ground. "I'll cover your hospital bills" I said coldly.
"I'll sue you" he muttered, wiping the blood from his lip before walking off.
Silence lingered for a second.
Then-
"What do you think of yourself?!"
I turned.
June's eyes are burned with anger now.
"Do you think this is a film?" she said, her voice shaking but sharp. "You don't get to decide things for me. Please, Avin… don't interfere in my personal life."
Ouch. That. Hit. Me.
"He was trying to help you" Ishaan said.
"I don't need help!" she snapped. "I can take care of myself. I don't need anyone babysitting me."
Her gaze shifted to me.
"My brain clearly wasn't working when I signed a contract with him."
That… stung.
"So? You weren't forced" I said, my tone tightening.
"I was" she shot back. "By myself."
The silence that followed was heavier than anything before.
"I don't want to talk to you right now" she said, her voice breaking slightly. "I'm leaving."
She turned, walking quickly to her car.
For a second, I thought she might stop.
She didn't.
The engine started, headlights cutting through the dim street.
And then she was gone.
I just stood there, staring at the empty road, her words replaying in my head louder than the sound of her car disappearing into the night.