Third person's pov!

The park buzzed with life—children's laughter, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the occasional bark of a dog chasing after a ball. Shraddha sat cross-legged on the soft grass, baby Vidyut cradled in her arms as Kriti toddled nearby under Vaiga's watchful eye.

Siddhu leaned back against a tree, a lazy grin plastered on his face. Drishti stood beside him, her elbow nudging him sharply.

"Aren't you ashamed to roam around with girls all the time?" Drishti teased, her tone playful but exaggeratedly scornful.

Siddhu arched an eyebrow, giving her a slow, unimpressed once-over.

"Girls? Excuse me, I only see grown women here. Some more grown than others," he said, pointedly glancing at her.

Vaiga, holding Kriti's tiny hand, smiled as she caught the comment. Laya laughed outright.

"More grown?" Drishti asked, gasping, trying to seem offended. "How dare you? For your information, I am in my prime of youth."

"Prime of your youth? Yes, exactly. You strike off as an anti-aging cream advertisement." Siddhu said sarcastically..

"Better than looking like a sleep- deprived puppy trying to survive on caffeine and sarcasm," Drishti shot back, her smile deepening.

"Coffee helps me stay sane. But your presence, however... "Siddhu trailed off shaking his head dramatically, as he took a sip of coffee from the paper cup.

"Oh, grow up, Siddhu," Drishti murmured, rolling her eyes.

"But then who would keep you company in your immaturity?" Siddhu shot back, coming closer.

"Will you two ever grow up?" Vaiga chuckled, shaking her head.

"They wouldn't be Siddhu bhai and Drishti di if they did." Laya grinned.

The group had grown so accustomed to their arguing by now that nobody really paid attention.

"Chiddhu funny!" Suddenly giggling, Kriti grabbed on Siddhu's hand.

"I am, aren't I?" Lifting Kriti, Siddhu murmured and spun her around. "Kritu gets me, see."

Chaahat watched the exchange and had a small, amused smile. Reserved as she was, she seemed to be enjoying the humorous banter coming from the sides.

Shraddha trailed rather behind the group at this time. Her walk halted when she spotted Dhruv's figure hiding in the distance. His tall form reclined lazily against a tree, his naughty eyes fixed on her.

Shraddha shot him a scowl, silently urging him to leave, but Dhruv merely winked in reply, boiling her wrath.

"Is there a problem, Shrey?" Siddhu asked.

"Nothing," She answered, rapidly plastering on a smile. "Just zoned out for a second."

"Really? You have been staring over your shoulder as though you were expecting someone to leap from the bushes." Not quite convinced, Siddhu wrinkled his face.

"It's truly nothing. Just the breeze playing about with my hair." Shraddha dismissed him with a wave.

"If you say so." He arched a dubious eyebrow but moved past it.

Shraddha turned back toward the trees. Dhruv was still there, his gaze fixed on her, his face half amused and half challenging. She exhaled slowly, hoping nobody else noticed her flushed cheeks or the butterflies that seemed to flutter inconveniently in her stomach. He's impossible, she thought, her glare returning.

The sun hung low on the horizon as the group lazed around the park. Coffee cup warmth crept into their palms, and a peaceful friendship descended among them.

Kriti toddled between them, her laughter filling the space as Shraddha handed her a little cookie. Quietly gurgling on Laya's lap, baby Vidyut's little sounds matched the rustling leaves.

"Let's take Kriti with us to the rides. She has long been staring at them." Siddhu stood and stretched when the coffee was finished.

The others nodded in agreement and headed toward the park's little entertainment area.

Setting Kriti on the merry-go-round, Siddhu gently pushed, her small hands on the bars. The ride spun slowly at first, then a little faster, and Kriti's laughter rang out like the sweetest music. Her joy was infectious; Shraddha and Vaiga laughed along, and even Chaahat's reserved smile grew wider.

"Come on, it's my turn to make her laugh." Drishti pulled Siddhu and Kriti toward the see-saw next.

Drishti sat on one end with Kriti perched securely on her lap, while Siddhu balanced on the other side. With a push of his legs, Drishti's side rose, and Kriti squealed in delight, her face flushed with excitement.

"Chiddhu! Up!" She called out, her little arms waving in the air.

Vaiga couldn't stop snapping pictures, her phone capturing every giggle and grin. She sent a few to Abhay, who replied almost instantly: 'Aww! I miss you all..'

The happy atmosphere turned sour when some nearby rogues started whispering loudly among themselves. Their laughter was rough and unpleasant, their voices carried throughout the park.

"Look at him," one of them jeered, pointing at Siddhu. "Handling five hot chicks at the same time. Lucky bast*rd."

Siddhu stiffened, his fists clenching at his sides. His jaw ticked as he turned toward them, fury etched across his face.

"Don't be stupid," Laya said quickly, grabbing his arm. "There are five of them, Siddhu bhai. Don't give them an excuse."

"Let's just ignore it," Vaiga said firmly, but her voice betrayed a trace of discomfort.

"Ignore it?" Drishti remarked, her eyes ablaze. "You want to let it slide? They are harassing us."

"If they keep at it, we'll call the police." Chaahat advised, her tone cool but firm.

Though tension permeated the group, they tried to concentrate on Kriti and Vidyut. One of the rogues sauntered nearer at this point, grinning cruelly. His hand flew out and touched Shraddha's butt inappropriately as he passed by.

Shraddha froze, her breath hitching in shock. For a moment, the world seemed to stop. The others stared, their expressions shifting from disbelief to anger as loud laughter erupted from the group of thugs.

"You son of a—" Siddhu growled, lunging toward the thug. But before he could close the distance, the man let out a pained yelp and crumpled to the ground.

Startled, they turned to find Dhruv towering over him with burning eyes. He raised his leg once more, crashing his foot into the thug's chest with sufficient force to knock the wind out of him.

"Touch her again, and I will break every bone in your pathetic body," Dhruv spat, his voice low and menacing.

A/N

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