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"Behind every bully is a story of pain, but repeating the cycle only deepens the wound."

SANA came downstairs and found Sidharth arranging a table with what looked like a carefully prepared meal. She glanced at the items he was serving-a plate of plain pasta mixed with lightly sautéed carrots, peas, and zucchini, accompanied by a bowl of fruit and yogurt. It was clearly a healthy, balanced lunch.

She pouted as she took in the sight. "This all looks way too healthy for me," she mumbled, her lips forming a small frown.

Sidharth glanced up at her. "Have a seat," he said, motioning to the couch and patting the empty spot beside him.

With a small smile, Sana plopped down next to him and eagerly picked up the plate of pasta. However, her enthusiasm vanished the moment she took a bite. The pasta was bland, almost tasteless, and completely unappealing to her. She grimaced but quickly masked her expression, not wanting to hurt him.

"Did you order this?" Sana asked casually, trying to keep her tone neutral and avoid offending him.

For a moment, Sidharth hesitated. Should he admit that he'd cooked it himself? Would she hate it even more if she knew? Finally, he decided against it.

"Yes, I did," he lied smoothly, though his heart raced as he awaited her reaction. "Is it good?"

Sana forced a smile, determined not to upset him. "It's nice."

But Sidharth wasn't fooled. He caught the slight downturn of her lips, the way her eyes avoided his. "Is it bad?" he asked, his tone sharp, his gaze piercing.

"Um... no, it's delicious," she insisted, shoving another forkful into her mouth in an exaggerated show of enthusiasm.

"Don't lie to me, dammit," he snapped, suddenly yanking the plate out of her hands.

"Sidharth!" she exclaimed in shock. "Give it back!"

Ignoring her protests, he got up and walked toward the kitchen, taking both the plate of pasta and the bowl of fruit and yogurt with him.

"Sidharth, come back with it!" she called after him, her voice tinged with guilt.

"Shut up and wait," he barked over his shoulder. "I'll get you something better."

Sana sank back into the couch, staring after him in stunned silence. "What did I do now, God?" she whispered to herself, feeling miserable.

In the kitchen, Sidharth stormed into the trash can and threw the food away-plate and all. Frustration bubbled inside him as he opened the refrigerator, scanning its contents. All he saw were the same boring, bland options he always ate.

"I can't even do one thing right," he muttered bitterly, slamming the refrigerator door shut.

Manisha's cruel words echoed in his mind like a haunting melody: "Disgusting. You can't even do this one thing right. How will anyone ever love you? You piece of shit!"

He gripped the counter tightly, his hands trembling. "I don't deserve love. I don't deserve anything good," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he grabbed his phone and demeanour and ordered pizza and wings online. The delivery would take thirty minutes, which gave him time to talk to Sana.

When he returned to the living room, his face was carefully composed, showing no trace of the turmoil he'd just experienced.

Sana perked up at his appearance, but before she could speak, he interrupted her. "I ordered pizza and wings for you. It'll be here in thirty minutes. Now come sit," he said, patting the empty space on the couch.

She blinked in surprise, then cautiously approached him. "Are you okay?" she asked hesitantly.

"I'm fine," he said flatly, motioning for her to sit down.

Reluctantly, Sana sat beside him. "Sidharth, if my lie upset you, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. The food was good-healthy, even. It's just that I'm not used to eating that way-"

He cut her off. "It's okay, Sana. I'm not upset about the food. What bothers me is when people lie to my face to make me feel better. I see that as manipulation. Just be honest with me next time, alright?"

Sana nodded, taken aback by the sincerity in his tone. "Okay," she said quietly.

Sidharth frowned slightly, surprised at how easily she conceded. He had expected her to argue, to push back. "What's wrong with her? How is she giving in so easily?" he wondered, studying her carefully.

Meanwhile, Sana was just as perplexed. "Manipulation through lies? What is he even talking about? This man is such a mystery," she thought to herself.

"Anyway," Sidharth said, standing up abruptly, "you wait here. I need to change before I drop you off at your house. I'll be back in ten minutes."

"Wait! Aren't we supposed to talk while eating?" she protested.

"I remember," he said with a smirk. "But for now, you're not eating."

With that, he strode out of the room, leaving Sana fuming.

"Jerk. A mysterious jerk," she muttered under her breath, crossing her arms in irritation.

Sidharth came downstairs exactly ten minutes later, freshly showered and dressed in casual but sharp attire. His damp hair and crisp scent filled the room, drawing Sana's attention. She pouted as she noticed him looking so refreshed while she felt anything but dirty.

"You took a shower?" she asked, crossing her arms. "That's not fair. I want one too."

Sidharth smirked, sitting next to her on the couch. "Not my fault you didn't bring extra clothes." He picked up his phone, scrolling through it without another word.

Sana glanced at him, silently observing. Lately, he'd started sitting next to her instead of across the room. She considered this a small victory, a step forward in their otherwise complicated dynamic.

"Your food will arrive in ten minutes," he said suddenly, breaking the silence.

"I'm not hungry," she mumbled, leaning back against the couch.

"Fine. Wait until it arrives. Then I'll drop you off, and you can take the pizza and wings home. I don't eat that stuff," he said flatly, setting his phone aside.

Sana frowned, not liking how distant he seemed. "So, you're not even going to talk to me?" she asked, pouting slightly.

Sidharth turned to her, his disbelief evident. "We are talking, Sana," he replied, rolling his eyes.

She rolled her eyes. "Not like this. I mean, a proper conversation. Something interesting."

Sidharth exhaled, already annoyed. "Like what, Sana? Enlighten me."

Sana ignored his irritation, her playful side taking over. "Anything! Like, oh-I don't know!"

"Is your stalker still after you?" he asked nonchalantly.

Her lips curved into a smile. He was engaging. "Nope. Haven't seen him since that day. Maybe he got scared off."

"Good," he muttered, leaning back on the couch.

"Or," she teased, "maybe he was just messing with me for fun. You know, like someone else I know." She shot him a pointed look.

Sidharth's eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean? When have I ever scared you for fun?"

"Oh, please," she replied, smirking. "You don't remember my first day in college? The whole 'spicy lollipop' ordeal? That wasn't exactly a warm welcome, mister."

"That's not the same," he countered defensively. "I didn't stalk you or harass you. It was just a harmless task. It's different."

Sana couldn't help but laugh softly. "Sure, sure. Let's call it a 'harmless task.' But for your kind information, I can't handle spicy food, and you made me eat something made with ghost peppers. Fun for you, maybe, but not for me."

Guilt flickered across his face as he recalled the sight of her tearing up and coughing uncontrollably during that task.

"I'm sorry," he said suddenly, his voice quieter.

Her teasing demeanor faltered. She hadn't expected an apology. "It's okay, Sidharth. You didn't know. And I'm sure you won't do it again."

"I won't," he assured her, his tone firm.

Encouraged by his sincerity, she asked cautiously, "But why do you bully people in the first place? Does it make you feel good? Or superior?"

Her question caught him off guard. His jaw tightened, and he looked away. "I'm not answering that."

"Why not? It's not exactly a deep, personal question," she pressed lightly.

His gaze darkened, his voice low. "Don't push me, Sana."

She held up her hands in surrender. "Alright. I won't push. I told you I wouldn't force you into anything, didn't I?"

Her calm response surprised him. Most people would have kept pushing, but she didn't.

"Thank you," he muttered, genuinely appreciating her restraint.

"You're welcome," she replied softly, her fingers twitching as she considered reaching for his hand. But she hesitated, unsure if it would cross an unspoken boundary.

Sidharth noticed the movement but didn't react. He wouldn't initiate, it felt too intimate- and it was against the rule. Moreover, he wasn't for that kind of connection.

The doorbell rang, breaking the moment. Sidharth stood abruptly and left to get the food. A minute later, he returned, setting the pizza box and wings on the table.

"You sure you're not eating?" he asked one last time.

She shook her head. "No, I'm fine."

"Alright. Let's get you home, then," he said, grabbing his car keys.

Sana nodded, following him out the door. "You're such a mystery, Sidharth," she muttered under her breath, half-annoyed, half-fascinated.

"And you're such a pain," he shot back, smirking as he held the door open for her.

She smiled, knowing full well he didn't mean it. Not entirely, anyway.

Both got into the car, and Sidharth drove silently for ten minutes before Sana broke the silence.

"When did you bully someone for the first time, Sidharth? And who was it?"

Sidharth remained silent for a while, debating whether he should answer. He knew his response would also answer her earlier question-they were connected.

"It was on my first day of college," he finally admitted, though he decided to reveal only part of the story.

"Really?" Sana asked, intrigued.

"Yes," he nodded. "She was a senior. A final-year student."

"No freaking way!" Sana gasped, realizing where this was heading. Her neighbor Richa had once mentioned her friend being bullied by him.

Sidharth continued, "She and her friends were bullying the first-year students. I knew her from before."

"You did?"

"Yes. She was my senior and the sister of one of my classmates in school. Even back then, she used to bully juniors. I just took revenge on their behalf, you know?" he said nonchalantly.

"Oh my God!" Sana gasped in shock. "She was a bully herself?"

"Yeah. She was a bitch. A bully, a cheater, and an all-around horrible person," he added, his tone tinged with anger and hatred.

That girl had bullied Sidharth during school, preying on him because he was quiet, shy, and often alone being scared of people. Seeing her in college with her friends reignited old memories. He decided to take a risk and get his revenge.

He made her do sit-ups holding her ears for bullying junior students. Then, he demanded she kneel and beg for his mercy, threatening to destroy her career and have her expelled. She complied, crying and begging. For the first time, Sidharth felt powerful and superior-and he liked it.

"Did she ever bully you, Sidharth?" Sana asked softly, her concern evident in her tone.

"Huh?"

"You heard me. Did she bully you in school?" she repeated hesitantly.

Sidharth hesitated but masked it quickly. "No," he lied effortlessly, convincing her.

"Oh. Okay," she replied, though doubt lingered in her mind. She didn't let it show.

"So, you're a born bully, huh?" Sana teased.

"Kind of," he lied again, focusing on driving.

"Huh!" She didn't entirely believe him but decided to let it go. "Cool."

They reached her house twenty minutes later. Sana got out of the car, carrying the bags of food.

"You really don't eat these?" Sana asked, glancing at the pizza box and wings.

"Nah."

"What do you eat then?" she asked curiously.

"Food, I guess?" he replied sarcastically.

"Sidharth!" she whined, irritated.

"Sana," he mimicked her, smirking.

"I hate you."

"I hate you," he shot back, clearly enjoying their banter.

"Asshole!"

"Bitch!"

"Fuck you!" Sana muttered, smiling despite herself.

"I did," he quipped, winking at her and making her giggle shyly.

"See you," she said, lingering for a moment before heading inside. For a change, she had a big smile on her face.

"Bye," Sidharth mumbled to himself before starting the car and heading to the club to meet his friends.

Sana's mother noticed the pizza and wings and raised an eyebrow. "Where did you get these from, Sana?"

"I picked them up on my way back," Sana replied casually.

Her mother nodded, but her observant eyes lingered on her daughter's face. "You look tired nowadays. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Mom. Just a little worn out," Sana reassured her with a small smile before hurrying toward her room, her cheeks tinged with a shy flush.

As soon as she closed the door behind her, she let out a contented sigh. "Today was the best day," she thought, her smile widening as she gathered her clothes for a shower.

Peeling off her clothes, she stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water cascade over her as she stood under the shower, her thoughts replaying the day's moments.

Sidharth sat at the club, nursing his drink while his friends enjoyed themselves. Some had made their way to the dance floor, leaving him and Karan at the table. The music thumped around them, but Sidharth remained lost in his own thoughts.

"You look happy, Sid," Karan remarked, breaking the silence.

"What makes you think that?" Sidharth asked, taking another sip of his drink.

"You're smiling, man," Karan pointed out, gesturing to his lips.

Sidharth frowned, his smile fading. "You're acting like it's the first time you've seen me smile."

"I have seen you smile before," Karan replied, grinning. "But something's different today. You look... I don't know, lighter, happier. You know what I mean?" He winked suggestively.

Sidharth rolled his eyes but chuckled. "Oh, come on."

"So, what's up? Did something good happen today?" Karan leaned in with curiosity.

"Yeah," Sidharth admitted, shrugging nonchalantly. "I had a great day."

Karan's eyebrows shot up. "Oh? Who was she? Was she hot?" he asked, clearly fishing for gossip.

Sidharth's smile faltered for a moment. He glanced at Karan and then at Payel, who was dancing with their friends. "You've got a beautiful girlfriend, dude. Why are you so interested in my personal life?"

He kept his tone light, but deep down, anger simmered. Sidharth hated sharing details of his private life, even if it was about something casual. And this wasn't casual-it was about Sana. He wasn't going to let anyone, not even his friends, drag her name into unnecessary gossip. He knew people wouldn't say much about him, but they'd have no qualms about talking trash about her.

"Sid, I love Payel, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy some spicy stories," Karan teased, winking.

"Stop acting like a gossiping aunt," Sidharth snapped, finishing his drink in one swift motion. He stood up abruptly.

"Where are you going?" Karan asked, surprised.

"To get some air," Sidharth replied curtly, brushing past him and heading toward the balcony.

As he stepped out into the cool night air, he clenched his fists, trying to suppress his irritation. The thought of anyone speaking about Sana in a disrespectful way made his blood boil. He took a deep breath and leaned against the railing, looking out at the city lights, trying to clear his head.

"Fuck! I care about her," he finally admitted to himself, and he didn't like that fact.

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