Sakshi lost count of the days and weeks spent with Ayush on the terrace of Chocobar Café. Though she was reluctant to meet him regularly for fear of someone spotting them, Vinnati encouraged her to go on. Her days in the college were spent awaiting the evening bell. Masking her face, she would cross the road to the café and reserve seats for Ayush and her by the corner. From the window, she would peek with a smile while he parked his bike and adjusted his hair in the rearview mirror. Then he would join her upstairs for accounts classes and interesting conversations.

They discovered they had plenty in common. A love for Indian music, cricket, kittens and puppies, films, hill stations, friendship and family values- they agreed on almost everything except the debate between tea and coffee.

When she had a couple of bad days at college or home, she closed her eyes and rested on his shoulders, sharing earphones and playing their favourite songs. Whenever his boss blasted him at work, he poured out his feelings to her. She listened without interrupting and then comforted him. He got accustomed to calling her 'yaara', and it fluttered her heart every single time.

Her only fear was his reaction upon knowing her father's profession. He mentioned in one of their first meetings how a politician caused his mother's death. A part of her heart knew he wasn't that sort of guy, still, she was mortified at the thought. With the elections in less than a week, her mind tormented her to reveal the truth.

Puffy clouds scudded across the golden skies and a quiet warmth filled the café. Ayush patted a tissue on his face after guzzling his cup of coffee. He picked a chunky chocolate chip cookie and crunched on it while lifting his brows at Sakshi, who was seated beside him.

"What happened, yaara?"

"How is your father?"

"He's much better now. His sugar levels are high though, but he's on medication."

"I know how it is. My mom is a diabetic too. I make special food and snacks for her."

"Same thing with me. I buy sugar-free chocolates and biscuits for Papa."

She gave a half-smile and circled her finger on the table. "There's something I need to tell you, but you might hate me after that."

He paused and scrutinised her with worried eyes. "I can never do such a thing."

Mixed feelings surged and ebbed through her heart like restless tides. She leaned closer to him, breathing the sea breeze cologne lingering on his body.

Staring at her lap, she let out a deep sigh. "My father is a politician. His name is Udayveer Rana, the Vice President of Sunehra Jeevan Dal."

He didn't reply. She looked up, sure that he was fuming. Her heart skipped a beat seeing his amused smile.

"Why would I hate you for that?"

"Because of what happened to your mother."

He bit back a smile. "Ohh, you're right! Why didn't I think of that? I don't like you, yaara! Whatever happened was your fault."

It took a moment for her to realise his sarcasm. She smiled and dropped her head on his shoulder. "You're not upset?"

"Of course not."

Relief spread through her veins. "I was afraid you would break our friendship."

"That's silly. Just because one man from that field ruined things doesn't mean your father is the same. I'm sure he is a good person because he raised an amazing girl like you," he said, making her blush.

She placed a hand on his arm. "Sorry, for misunderstanding you."

He smiled softly and held her hand, feeling her warmth and the sweet floral fragrance she carried. A feeling of tranquillity enclosed them as they searched each other's eyes. Everything around was a mere haze.

"Do y'all want anything else?" The waiter's groggy voice snapped them out of their dream world.

Sakshi straightened her spine and moved aside from Ayush, her cheeks the colour of scarlet.

"Would you like something else?" Ayush asked her.

"I'm done, thank you," she said.

"We're done, please make the final bill," he told the waiter, and the latter nodded and left.

Sakshi covered her face with her dupatta and packed her belongings. After paying the bill, they stood at the fringe of the road, waiting to cross to the other side. Though his bike was parked right there, he made sure to cross the road with her hand-in-hand and say goodbye.

Just as the traffic light turned green and Sakshi set her foot ahead, Ayush stopped her. He pointed to a kitten huddled in a corner of the platform. "Look there!"

Sakshi raced to it and bent down. The snow-white furry kitten trembled and scrunched its teeny pink nose as she stretched her hand to cup its face. Its sapphire eyes shined bright in the dim corner.

"It is scared," she told Ayush.

"Don't worry," he said half-kneeling beside her. Taking the kitten in his arms, he gently wiggled it from side to side. It eased down and mewed softly. She was amazed by the tenderness in his eyes.

"Woah, that was fast!"

"Remember I told you about my Chachi?"

"From Mumbai?"

He nodded. "She loves cats. I've seen her doing this to a couple of restless kittens."

"That's sweet. Aww, he likes you." She said as the kitten snuggled up between his chest and arms.

She yanked her phone from the bag and stealthily clicked a candid picture of the adorable sight to set it as her wallpaper.

"I must get this little guy to an animal shelter. They'll find him a good owner."

"Can I adopt him?"

"Really?!"

"Yes, I'd love to!"

Ayush scratched the kitten's head and placed it in her arms. "There, little buddy. This beautiful person will keep you safe."

Sakshi rolled her kohl-smudged eyes and stroked the kitten's fur. "He's so white and fuzzy! I think I'll call him Barfoo."

"Haha, Barfoo?"

"He reminds me of baraf, pure white snow."

"Sounds perfect. Are you sure it won't be a problem?"

"I'm sure."

"Alright."

They crossed to the other side with Barfoo and Sakshi stopped under the awning of her college.

"Take care, yaara."

"You too. Thanks for everything, especially for Barfoo."

"You're welcome. Hey, I forgot to tell you- Gaurav has opened a new fancy store!"

"Ohh, when?"

"Yesterday. He's got the latest collection of bangles and earrings. Would you like to visit and do some shopping?"

"You don't even have to ask! When can we visit?" she asked, expressing her desire for him to accompany her.

"This weekend?"

"Unfortunately, I can't make it due to the elections."

"Okay, then tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow is good. Can we cut our class?"

"Haha, definitely. You're already thorough with most of the portions."

"Thank you. See you tomorrow!"

"Likewise!" He crossed the road and got onto his bike and waved out to her. She smiled gracefully while clutching Barfoo as he rode away into the distance.

•••

While Ranveer stationed his jeep,

Sakshi blinked at the footwear cluttering the verandah of the Rana Haveli- orthopaedic shoes, embellished juttis, and glossy brown leather boots. She groaned seeing the night-black car stationed in the corner.

"Why have they come over?"

The thought of facing the Vardhans and their perverted son churned her stomach.

"They just wanted to visit. Be nice to them, okay?"

"Bhaiyya, I told you Hemant tried to misbehave with me during the anniversary party."

Ranveer glared in exasperation. "He was drunk and out of his mind. Give him a chance."

"For what?"

"For anything- friendship, marriage, whatever."

"Don't tell me Babaji is planning such a horrible thing."

"Haha! Not just Baba. Kushwant Uncle and his wife too."

"Enough joking, Bhaiyya!"

"Maa has kept a dress in your room. Also, leave that kitten in the storeroom. Hemant doesn't like animals."

"Cause he himself is one," she whispered underneath her breath.

"Did you say something?"

"I-I can't leave him there. He's too small."

"Okay, give him to me."

She tried to give Barfoo to him, but the kitten hissed and punched his little paws in the air.

"He's not comfortable. I'll go through the other door and leave him with Lajo Aunty."

"Make it fast. They want to see you," he said.

"Okay, Bhaiyya."

She sneaked to the backyard and found Lajo watering the neem and tulsi plants with a dented watering can.

The woman's eyes broadened in delight. "Arrey! Sakshi Beti found a new friend."

"He was shivering on the footpath near my college."

"Tch-tch, poor thing."

"Can you watch over him? The Vardhan family is waiting to see me."

"Sure, Beti."

Lajo set the watering can aside and carried Barfoo. To Sakshi's surprise, he didn't protest and settled in her wrinkled hands.

"I'll take care of him, you get ready. The Vardhans are very impatient."

"That's true. Thank you again."

Sakshi went to her room, freshened up and put on the magenta anarkali, gold necklace set, and pink glass bangles her mother had left on the bed. She looked more beautiful than ever. Which meant more suggestive stares from Hemant. She spread the dupatta over her chest and fixed it to her shoulders with safety pins, knowing well that no one would ask Hemant to look away, instead, they would advise her to cover up.

For a moment, she wondered how romantic it would be to dress up like this for Ayush. His affectionate eyes never made her uncomfortable.

She trudged downstairs with heaviness in her ribs.

The Vardhan family was seated on the L-shaped sofa with Udayveer and Pushpa sitting right across them. Kushwant Vardhan twirled the corners of his bushy grey moustache and guffawed at some joke cracked by Udayveer. His wife Kalpana Vardhan sipped on iced lemon juice with a smug smile. While their parents were engrossed in a conversation, Hemant licked his lips and winked at Sakshi. She gulped and focused on his parents.

Sakshi joined her palms and forced a smile. "Namaste, Uncle and Aunty ji."

"Oho, namaste, my child!" Kushwant said.

"Good evening, Sakshi dear," Kalpana said.

"There's another human seated here, haha! Good evening, Sakshiji," Hemant said

"H-hello," she managed to mutter.

"Sit down, my child," Kushwant said.

She swallowed hard and sat gingerly beside her mother.

"How was your day at college?"

"It was good, Uncleji."

"When are your exams?"

"Around a month from now."

"Pushpa Behen was telling me that you prepare special diabetic food."

"Yes, Uncleji."

"Do you like my home?"

"W-what?" She cast a perplexed gaze on her parents.

"Don't confuse her, Kushwaa Bhai," Udayveer said.

"Alright, let us get to the point. Your father and I have been friends for ages. We want to take this friendship to the next level," Kushwant said.

Her chest tightened into the tightest knot.

Udayveer beamed. "Haanji. We are planning to get you and Hemant Beta engaged."

Stark dread glittered in her eyes. The blood that rushed to her face whenever she saw Ayush drained quickly, turning her cheeks pale and dry. She couldn't tolerate a minute of Hemant's presence. The idea of marrying him was . . . impossible.

Mustering courage, she widened her shoulders. "Uncleji, Babaji, I'd like to say something."

"Go on, Beta," Kushwant said.

"I have my exams-"

"We are planning the engagement after your exam."

"I want to study further and do my MBA."

Kalpana covered her mouth and laughed. "We are not from the 1950's Beta. You can study after marriage. I too finished my high school after marriage."

"Wait, let's ask her. Sakshi Beta, when do you want to get married?"

Udayveer snorted. "O, Kushwaa! She's just a child."

"Keep quiet, Uday. You tell me a date within this year, Sakshi."

"A-after some months?"

"Okay, your Baba and I will decide something. Don't worry."

"Uncle, can I have some juice?" Hemant asked.

"Don't ask, Beta. Demand it out loud. This is your house."

"Okay, Uncle. I want more juice."

"Sakshi, go bring a glass of juice. What are you waiting for?"

"She's already lost in thought about the wedding, Haha!" Kushwant said.

"Who is she marrying after all?" Hemant said, raising his collar.

Sakshi darted to the kitchen, fighting back tears. The roars of laughter echoed in the living room, driving her over the edge. With sweaty fingers, she poured a glass of refreshing juice for the man she loathed and served it to him.

She returned to her room and busies herself with arranging her chaotic study table. Unfamiliar footsteps closed in on her door. She turned around, coming face to face with Hemant. Before she uttered a word, he placed a hand on his lips.

"Shh, I wanted a big help from you."

"What?" she asked, stepping back with a frown.

He stared at his hand and flicked his fingernails. "I'm feeling sick."

"How does it matter to me?"

"Don't you care about your future husband's health?"

The tea she drank a while ago rose to her throat. Resisting her urge to puke, she said, "If you're sick I suggest you consult a doctor."

"This is a sickness of the soul. It can be cured only by your lips."

She cringed at his words. "Hemant!"

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