I was about to have a test this Monday, so I couldn't publish this chapter on Saturday because I was busy studying but turns out, it got postponed.

I don't know how to feel about this. I am happy but also I worked hard for that test so I don't know.

But now I have a test on Wednesday of another subject so, I'll be busy on Tuesday and won't be able to publish my chapter then. And I know I have already said that I will be irregular, but I don't want to go about a week without publishing a single chapter. So here we are with another chapter.

Her

I stood outside QuantumTech's newly redesigned building, staring up at the sleek, modern facade. The cold January air bit at my skin, but it didn't bother me much. I'd handled worse in London winters, and this one was no different. My breath fogged in the air as I checked the time on my phone. Dante and Bhaiya would be here any minute.

"Ready to show them?" I muttered to myself, pushing down the mix of excitement and nerves swirling in my chest. I'd poured months into this project.

"Let's get this over with." I glanced up as Dante approached, his usual grin tugging at his lips. His arm slid around my shoulders like it belonged there. "Can't wait to see what you've done, Petardo."

Bhaiya trailed behind him, quieter than usual. His smile was thin, his eyes tired. I didn't need to ask to know something was off, but I pushed it aside.

I opened the door, leading them inside. "Let's start the tour."

The reception area gleamed under the overhead lights. Glass walls reflected the minimalist furniture, and the open-concept design allowed natural light to flood the space. Everything was new, everything was exactly how I'd pictured it.

Dante whistled low, his eyes sweeping the room. "Damn. You outdid yourself, Petardo."

"Thanks." I couldn't hide the smile that tugged at my lips. "I wanted to make sure it matched the innovation you guys bring to the table."

But when I glanced at Bhaiya, his reaction wasn't the one I'd hoped for. He gave a small nod, barely looking around before offering a mumbled, "Yeah, it's good."

My brows furrowed. Something wasn't right. Bhaiya hadn't been himself all day.

"You okay, Bhaiya?" I kept my tone light, but concern edged in despite myself.

"Yeah," he said, voice flat. "Just tired."

I didn't push. Dante caught my eye, the unspoken exchange between us clear. We both knew Bhaiya wasn't fine.

The tour ended, and we headed back to the house. I suggested we watch a movie, thinking it might take the edge off whatever was bothering Bhaiya. He didn't argue, so we settled in, wine in hand, as Om Shanti Om played on the screen.

I sank into the couch next to Dante, his arm slipping around my shoulders again. Bhaiya sat on the far side, distant, nursing his wine in silence.

Then the scene came-the one where Deepika's dupatta gets stuck in Shah Rukh Khan's watch. I smiled, a soft chuckle escaping me.

Dante glanced down, eyebrow raised. "What's so special about that part?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's Shah Rukh Khan. Do I need to explain more?"

"Right." His voice was teasing, but there was a hint of something else there-jealousy, maybe. "Seems a bit unrealistic. Scarves don't just magically get stuck in watches."

"Correction - a dupatta, not a scarf and you're missing the point." I nudged him, "It's romantic. Something you wouldn't get."

He scoffed, feigning offense. "It's just stupid."

"Fine, it depends from perspective to perspective." I leaned over and kissed his cheek.

But Bhaiya's mood pulled me back to reality. He set his empty wine glass down, stretching slowly before muttering, "I'm going to bed."

I glanced at the clock. "Bhaiya, it's early. You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah." He didn't meet my eyes, just shrugged and disappeared down the hall.

The knot in my stomach tightened. Dante's hand traced small circles on my arm, his voice low. "He's been off all day."

I nodded, but then something clicked. My heart sank. "What's the date today?"

Dante frowned, checking his phone. "January 31st. Why?"

I closed my eyes. "That's why. It's the anniversary of the accident. The day Dad died."

Understanding softened Dante's features. "Should we talk to him?"

"No," I whispered, my voice tight. "When Bhaiya's like this, he needs space. He won't talk about it."

Dante pulled me closer, his lips brushing my temple in a silent gesture of comfort. I nestled into him, trying to focus on the movie, but my mind was miles away.

When I felt the weight of the day pull me under, I drifted off against Dante's chest, his warmth lulling me to sleep.

Him

I shifted slightly when I realized Tara had fallen asleep, her body relaxed against mine. I carefully untangled myself, lifting her gently in my arms. She mumbled something as I carried her to her room, but her eyes stayed closed. After tucking her in, I stood for a moment, watching her peaceful face.

But my thoughts were elsewhere. Arjun.

I hesitated outside his door before knocking softly. "Come in," came his tired voice.

I stepped inside, finding him lying on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. He looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I sat on the edge of the bed without a word.

"You've been quiet," I said after a long pause. "Want to talk?"

Arjun sighed, eyes still fixed on the ceiling. "Not really."

"Look, I get it. You don't have to pretend everything's fine. It's okay not to be okay."

Silence.

"I said I'm fine," he snapped, sitting up abruptly. His eyes met mine, anger flashing. "You think talking about it will help? It doesn't."

I stayed calm, keeping my voice steady. "I'm not saying it'll fix everything, but bottling it up isn't helping either."

His frustration bubbled over, and before I could say another word, he stood up, pacing the room. "You don't understand! You can't understand what it's like to carry this."

A vase shattered against the wall, pieces scattering across the floor.

***********