Sanskar opened the gate of Malhotra's Mansion entering in its huge garden. He saw Karan there, roaming near the inground pool while attending a call, but both the brothers avoided each other's gazes. Contrarily, Akshey, who was lying shirtless on a floating lounger in the water, waved at Sanskar as soon as he saw him. Sanskar waved back and walked to the poolside.

Akshey: "So how is the new hostel cleaner of our university doing?" – He asked after setting the sunglasses he was wearing on his head.

Sanskar faked a laughter: "Ha ha ha, very funny!" – He crouched down – "For your kind information I have paid a janitor to do my work, I'm not cleaning anything."

Akshey: "That's so not done! I was dying to see you mopping the floor, uff!" – He complained.

Sanskar: "Spare some disappointment for the moment you'll lose your Lamborghini. There's another piece of news for you: I've found her hostel room."

Akshey: "Bro I bet you have already pissed the hell out of that poor girl so let me tell you that breaking into her room is not really a smart idea, if that's what you are thinking to do."

Sanskar: "We'll see!"

Akshey noticed that Karan had cut the call so he asked him: "Bhai who do you think will win this bet?" – He asked tilting his head towards Karan.

Karan just leaned back on a sunbed replying: "I couldn't care less." – He did not even lift his gaze up from his mobile.

Sanskar slightly glared at him before getting up and walking away. Akshey sensed the cold vibes between the two. Sanskar and Karan had not exchanged a single word after what had happened last night.

Sanskar was about to step inside the house when suddenly he heard a scream and a splash, immediately turning around as he recognized Akshey's voice. Karan got alerted too and looked up.

"AKSHEY!" – Sanskar and Karan shouted their cousin brother's name together realizing that he had fallen into the water and was now clapping on it and gasping as he didn't know swimming. Without thinking twice, both together rushed to the pool and dove inside going to hold the drowning Akshey. Sanskar put Akshey's right arm around the neck while Karan grabbed the other and they took him out making him sit on the poolside.

"How can you be so damn careless when you know that you can't swim?" – Karan scolded Akshey.

"Such a dumbass you are!" – Sanskar added coughing.

Akshey: "You two can bash me as much as you want but today it has been proved that Malhotra brothers has a soft side too, only for each other though. You got so much worried for me!" – He sniffed and pretended to wipe a tear – "I wish you two showed as much care as you show for me for each other as well." – He made puppy eyes and looked at Sanskar and Karan who exchanged looks when he said that.

Karan slapped Akshey's nape while Sanskar commented: "Melodrama!"

Akshey, who was sitting between Sanskar and Karan, put his arms around their necks and sighed: "By the way, I have learnt how to swim. I was just testing our brotherhood, and I am glad to announce that you both have passed the test with flying colours." – He looked ahead smiling – "I am a brilliant actor, I know."

Karan: "Oh that's the case?" – He looked at Sanskar and exchanged smirks with him. They suddenly pushed Akshey back inside the pool and laughed when the latter screamed. He came up from the water and smiled looking at Karan and Sanskar exchanging hi-fives and laughing together: he had successfully made the cold vibes between them vanish.

AT NIGHT

Sanskar was about to open the door of his room but, as soon as he put his hand on the knob, he realized that he had forgotten to lock it when he last went out. He rushed inside just to find Karan standing in front of one of his canvas.

Sanskar was surprised to see him there: "Bhai... you..." – He stammered nervously, realizing that his passion towards arts, which he had always tried to hide in his room where nobody else except the maid who cleans could enter, had been exposed.

Karan looked around at the paintings, colours, and brushes in the room – "So this is the secret you were hiding from us?"

Sanskar looked down: "Imagine Papa coming to know about this... it would be embarrassing." – He said scratching his nape.

Karan: "Maybe... what place is this one exactly?" – He asked looking back at the canvas he was staring at before Sanskar entered.

Sanskar looked at it and remembered making that painting last night. It depicted a pool area during nighttime with floating candles on the water and lighting chains tangled in the leaves of trees and on the climbing plants and flowers that were decorating a cabana. It was a dreamy landscape.

Sanskar shrugged: "I don't know. I made it last night, I wasn't very conscious as I had drunk a little too much with Akshey. Also, I was a bit... tormented after what happened yesterday..." – he paused looking down and feeling his heart pinching as he recalled Karan accusing him for their mother's death – "I usually paint what my heart desire the most and last night I needed some calm and, for a reason I cannot really explain myself, thinking about such a place gives me a certain soothing tranquillity..." – He tried explaining.

Karan smiled a bit: "Anybody would find peace in such a dreamy place, but only if you're there along with someone you love. Being there alone would be... melancholic."

Sanskar: "Love?" – He chuckled – "Do you really believe in that thing Bhai?"

Hearing that question, Karan recalled the first time he had seen Ragini. A slight smile appeared on his lips remembering how gorgeous she looked while giggling with her family and while blowing the candles on the cake.

Ik teri talab mujhe aise lagi
Mere hosh bhi udne lage

Karan: "Maybe." – He replied to Sanskar's question – "You don't, right?"

Sanskar: "Of course not. I mean... not even one girl I have been with has ever made me feel like I could stay with her forever or give up my everything for her, if that is what love means. Let's be practical, if a girl comes in my life and then leaves, I might even feel bad for a while but then life goes on..."

Karan shook his head: "If you genuinely love someone, you cannot afford losing that person at any cost. I'd cross any limit and give up everything, just to have that one person with me forever and no matter what, I'd not let anything or anybody snatch her from me. But it's a concept beyond your understanding. For you, love has always been only a time pass, a game, something to bet on..." – He referred to Akshey and Sanskar's bet.

Sanskar shrugged: "It's a boring concept. I'd never spend my life running behind one girl."

Karan: "Anyway..." – He changed the topic – "I was here to ask you if you could handle the deal for the investment in Amar Singhania's casinos since I am a little busy with other stuff. Akshey knows all the details about the deal so he will help you. I went to talk with him before coming here but he was busy sending some notes to his new classmate..."

Sanskar: "Poor that girl who'll be receiving Akshey's notes..." – He chuckled – "anyway sure, I'll handle that." – He accepted.

Karan gave him a quick little smile and then left from there. Once he was left alone in the room, Sanskar sighed sitting on his bed. He wanted to talk about what happened last night with Karan and properly sort out the problems between them, but he did not have the courage to touch that topic again.

THE NEXT MORNING

Ragini was doing jogging in the park near the college. Sanskar, who was going to the university on his bike, saw her and quickly parked his bike on the first empty spot he found and ran towards her.

"Do you like doing jogging in the morning? What a coincidence, me too! That's why sometimes I like to come to the college running instead of driving!" – He said reaching Ragini and starting to run next to her.

Ragini looked at him from top to bottom. He was wearing a pair of black jeans with a white t-shirt and black leather jacket.

Ragini: "It's the first time I am seeing someone doing jogging in jeans and jacket." – She said keeping running.

Sanskar: "I know right! I actually like to differentiate myself from the crowd, be unique you know." – He turned around and started running backwards facing Ragini – "But I must confess, it is not very comfortable." – He confessed panting a bit. – "By the way, do you come jogging here every morning? Because... Aah!" – He couldn't complete his sentence as he fell into a bush behind him, which he hadn't noticed since he was running backwards.

Ragini stopped running and burst out laughing looking at Sanskar's condition.

Sanskar looked at her: "Do you find it nice to laugh at me like this?"

Ragini: "It serves you right!" – Saying this she left starting to jog again while still chuckling.

Sanskar sighed getting up: "Hasee toh phasee, they say." – He looked at Ragini from behind – "It doesn't apply for her though, I guess."

This was just the umpteenth time he made a fool out of himself in front of her.

Sanskar shrugged: "At least I made her laugh... seeing her laughing is such a rare thing." – He remembered her giggling face. – "How is she so pretty?" – He bit his lower lip smiling.

AFTER A WHILE

Sanskar was playing soccer in the outdoor pitch of the university with his classmates. At the same time, Ragini's P.E. lesson was going on and she was plying a tennis match in the court which was just next to the soccer field.

As Ragini made a score, the professor whistled marking the end of the game and her win. Sanskar's coach gave him a break as well. Ragini smiled exchanging an hi-five with a girl who had come to her to congratulate. Sanskar, who had kept an eye on her throughout the match, smiled too seeing her happily cherishing her victory. Ragini noticed that he was staring at her and immediately changed her contented expression into a severe one. Sanskar saw that she was looking back at him so slightly tilted his head clapping twice and making an impressed face. Ragini shook his head throwing him a glare and then walked towards the bench while Sanskar caught a bottle of water that his friend threw to him.

Ragini sat on the bench facing the soccer field and opened her water bottle while watching Sanskar wetting his face and then wiping it with the bottom of his t-shirt revealing his abs. She kept her eyes laid on him while drinking.

"Are you looking at Sanskar too, right?" – asked a girl sitting next to Ragini who almost spat the water hearing that question. Meanwhile, Sanskar returned to play.

Ragini: "No, not at all!" – She immediately denied coughing.

"Chill, it's fine! I understand! He's the best athlete of the college so it's always a pleasure for the eyes to watch him playing. His brother Karan was also such a snack! It's a pity that he won't be seen here anymore." – The girl said.

Ragini: "I'm not really interested in such rubbish."

The girl didn't pay attention to what Ragini said and just stood up exalting as Sanskar made a goal: "Woah! He is so good!" – She almost screamed.

Sanskar heard her and sent her a flying kiss. He then smirked at Ragini who made a grimace.

ON THE OTHER HAND

Devika was standing in the corridor with a guy who was wearing some uncool clothes and specs.

Akshey, who was going to Devika, opened his mouth wide seeing her with another guy just to shut it gritting his teeth and narrowing his eyes.

Devika: "Thank you for the notes and books Ved." – She said giving back some books to the guy who was looking at her with dreamy eyes and a goofy smile.

Ved's smile immediately disappeared as he winced noticing Akshey looking at him with a deadly stare. He backed off shivering when he saw Akshey stepping towards him.

Devika was confused seeing Ved's sudden changed behaviour when she saw Akshey: "Akshey!"

Akshey turned towards her: "Why are you thanking him when I gave you the notes and books?!"

Devika: "Because the notes and books are his!"

Akshey: "How did you get to know that?" - He glared again at Ved whose back was glued against the wall and he was tightly holding his books, scared. Akshey grabbed his collar and easily pulled him up detaching his feet few centimetres above the ground. – "You told her, didn't you?!"

Devika: "Akshey leave him!" – She ordered pulling Akshey away from Ved. She took a book from the latter's hands and showed Ved's name written on it to Akshey – "There's no genius needed to understand whose books they are."

Akshey: "Oh...ops." – He let Ved go away and followed Devika who had started walking.

Devika: "You should have not treated him that way. He is a kind guy; the fault was yours. Why didn't you tell me that the notes and books were Ved's? "– She said without looking at him but knowing that he was walking beside her.

Akshey: "I never told you they are mine as well. You needed them, I took them from the nerd of our class, who by the way would have never given them to you otherwise. Plus, he is not as innocent as he seems. Didn't you notice how he was looking at you?!"

Devika: "The same way you look at me sometimes." – She looked at him with an amused smirk. It was no secret for her that Akshey was flirting with her since the first day, but she didn't mind it.

Akshey went speechless for few seconds and then spoke up: "But I look cute while doing that, he is just a dorky who cannot believe that a girl is talking to him! You can't compare." - Devika giggled – "Wait, where are we going?!" – He stopped walking realizing that they were about to step into the library.

Devika: "I need to get some romantic novels to read from the library. I hope there are some good ones. Remember, to speak low once inside." – She said going inside while Akshey hesitantly followed her in that place which he had been avoiding his whole life.

"So, you are the typical girl who reads fairy-tales-like-stories and believes in love?" – He whispered walking behind Devika who was checking some books on a shelf.

Devika replied talking quietly while leafing through a book: "Love is the most precious blessing that God can shower upon us. We all have it in our hearts, we all seek it, yet only the lucky ones actually get love." – She closed the book and looked at Akshey – "I enjoy reading the stories of those lucky ones." – She looked for some other book – "And you are the typical guy who flirts around but doesn't believe in love at all?"

Akshey: "Not reading but I enjoy watching love stories, especially SRK's movies." – He enacted Shah Rukh Khan's signature move opening his arms wide – "But I'll believe in love if and only when I get to experience it."

Devika smiled: "Fair enough!... I'll go to check if there is any interesting book on the other side of the library. Just wait for me five minutes, then we can go together to the IT lesson."

Akshey nodded and went to sit at the table after grabbing a random book so that he could pretend reading and not feel out of place. He was staring at the first page since few seconds when...

"I was just passing from here and had to double check before realizing that it's really Akshey Malhotra reading a book in the library." – commented Sanskar while entering in the library.

"Shh! Keep your voice down!" – he immediately got a dirty look from the librarian for talking loudly.

Sanskar sat next to Akshey who whispered to him: "I have read only the first page of this book, bro it's so boring!"

Sanskar: "You are reading author's notes." – He laughed but immediately stopped noticing the librarian's glare – "What are you doing here?" – He asked in a lower tone.

Akshey: "I am here with Devika. Wait, I'll introduce her to you. I thought I would do that at the party tonight but..."

Sanskar: "Party? Which party?"

Akshey: "Oh I completely forgot to tell you about it! There is a masquerade party tonight at the university for some fund rising, something like that. I have already bought the passes. You shall also invite your girl, even though I don't think she will accept." – He said grinning at Sanskar and wiggling his eyebrows.

Sanskar took it as a challenge: "Oh really? You know what, now I'll meet your Devika at the party only after introducing you to my..." – He stopped.

Akshey chuckled: "You don't even know her name!"

Sanskar was about to reply but the librarian hit his head with a rolled-up magazine: "You are disturbing!"

Sanskar stood up: "And you are annoying!" – Saying that he walked out of the library stomping.

Akshey stifled a laugh understanding that he had triggered him.

LATER

Ragini was alone in her hostel room. She put her hands on her waist and huffed moving away a hair strand that was covering her right eye: "Where did Devika di put those heels!" – She went to open the door and threw a glance at the corridor – "God knows how much time she will take to get the clothes from the laundry man!"

Ragini returned inside the room and looked around. She saw a box placed on the top of the cupboard. Thinking that the heels might be there, she took a stool and got on it trying to grab the box. She tip-toed but, in the attempt of reaching it, she slipped as the stool was unstable. Ragini let out a little scream shutting her eyes, ready for the thump but, instead of falling, she felt the clutch of two strong arms around her hip and waist while her hands landed on sturdy shoulders. Ragini opened her eyes just to meet the deep brown ones of Sanskar.

Ragini frowned his eyebrows glaring at him: "What the..."

Sanskar interrupted her clicking his tongue: "Pretty girls don't cuss." – He looked at her with a smirk.

Ragini pushed him slightly and got off his arms. She quickly grabbed the first thing she could find near her in her hands following her instinct and pointed it near Sanskar's neck after pushing him against the cupboard and putting an arm on his chest to block any movement by his side. Now Sanskar had his back pinned against the cupboard while Ragini was standing with her body and angry face at very few centimetres of distance from him.

Sanskar: "So this is how you welcome people at your place?"

Ragini: "You are not welcome here. How did you get in?!"

Sanskar: "The door was open darling." – He raised his eyebrow indicating the wide-open door.

Ragini: "Anyway, don't you know there is something like knocking that shall be done before entering in someone's room even if the door is open?"

Sanskar acted to think looking upwards: "You're right... I should have waited for you to fall down, get hurt and then knock before coming to help you and even laugh like you did when I slipped today morning. Had I done like this, you might not have been here threatening me with a pen at least..." – Ragini realized that she was pointing a mere pen towards him – "Please move it away before I get hurt. I'm scared." – Sanskar said it sarcastically.

Ragini glared at him gritting her teeth before moving away and leaving Sanskar.

Sanskar: "By the way, you're welcome."

Ragini: "I didn't thank you."

Sanskar: "Then why don't you do it? Or..." – He snatched the pen from Ragini's hand and pointed it under her chin making her slightly wince because of his sudden action – "Don't you know there is something like thanking that shall be done after someone helps you preventing you from getting hurt even if he entered without knocking?" – He chuckled after enacting Ragini who clearly didn't find it funny.

Ragini: "What the hell are you doing here?"

Sanskar: "That's a good question; you could have asked it more politely though." – Ragini sighed touching her temple – "Actually there is a masquerade party tonight and I wanted to ask you if you would go there with me?" – Sanskar never liked beating around the bush so he was pretty direct with the invite.

Ragini faked a chuckle: "And what made you think that I'd ever say yes?"

Sanskar: "That you have no reason to say no?" – He attempted – "Come on, I'm smart, handsome, charismatic and rich. I mean... I am Sanskar Malhotra, why would anyone say no to me?" – He shrugged laughing off the thought.

"Exactly because you are Sanskar Malhotra but since your brain is too slow to process that I don't like you and why..." - Ragini took a step closer to him crossing her arms and looked up, straight into Sanskar's eyes, making the sneer that he always kept on his lips go littler – "Let me explain you" – She lipped and took another step ahead while Sanskar, who was holding his breath as he felt the closeness between them, backed off. It was unlike him to get intimidated by a girl, but the Casanova in him could do nothing else except staring at her face silenced by the charming aura that surrounded her, whenever she was so close to him.

Ragini: "You are so self-obsessed." – Sanskar opened his mouth to say something but he could just step behind as Ragini took another step forward. – "You are a playboy." – She made him back off again – "You are definitely not as smart as you think of yourself." – She clenched her fist as she stepped again towards Sanskar who stepped back – "And I'd rather kill you after what you have done to me."

Sanskar: "Come on, it was a little accident! I am sorry for that!" – He finally spoke up thinking that she is talking about the car accident – "Why don't we forget the past incidents and think about mending things between us?"

Ragini glared at him: "Neither I forget, nor I forgive." – Affirming that, before Sanskar could even realize that he had walked out the door, Ragini shut it on his face.

"So, shall I take it as a no?" – Sanskar asked knocking at the window of the room.

Ragini closed the curtains and puffed.

Sanskar: "Fine, it is not that I was dying to go to the party with you! Actually do something with your attitude coz baby you are unbearable like this!" – He said a bit loudly from outside and walked away.

Ragini gritted her teeth: "How dare h..." – Her sentence was left incomplete as she received a call from Yash.

Ragini: "Yes Papa?" – She said picking up the call.

Yash: "Hi Ragini! I am at your hostel, coming upstairs as soon as the lift comes down. Make sure only you and Devika are in the room."

Ragini: "Yes Papa, don't worry there is nobody here." – She was happy to meet her father but her smile disappeared when she realized one thing while cutting the call – "Oh no! What if Sanskar sees Papa while going downstairs? Devika di must be coming too, what if he sees her?!"

She rushed in the corridor but it was too late as she saw the door of the lift in which Sanskar had already entered, closing. She covered her forehead with a palm shutting her eyes as she wondered what might happen if Sanskar and Yash come face to face in the hostel.

Fortunately, nothing like Ragini was fearing happened. In fact, as soon as Sanskar came out of the lift, Yash entered in the elevator next to the one Sanskar used to reach down and both stayed unaware of each other's presence.

A smile appeared on Ragini's lips when she saw Yash walking out of the lift towards her. She went to him and welcomed him with a hug: "I missed you Papa!"

Yash smiled hugging her back: "I missed you too."

"Dad?" – Devika came and got surprised seeing Yash there. She hugged him too. – "I didn't know you were coming."

Yash: "I had to come because I need to talk with Ragini for tonight's party." – This confused Devika – "Let's go inside your room. I don't have much time so have to leave soon."

Devika: "As usual..." – She whispered and sighed following Ragini and Yash inside the room.

Yash sat on the armchair while Ragini took her seat on a chair in front of him and Devika grabbed a jug and a glass to serve water to their father.

Yash: "So Ragini, Dev Bakshi and I are joining hands for a very important deal. Bakshi's son, Raghav, will come in the party tonight and give you a pen drive that contains some key information necessary for the deal to be successful. You have to get the pen drive from Raghav and keep it safe. He will get in touch with you when he will reach the party."

Devika: "Why does Ragini need to keep the pen drive? I thought she wasn't getting involved in any kind of mission or deal for these last three months of our academic year..." – She said while giving water to Yash. The frustration was clear in her voice: Devika detested it whenever Yash dragged Ragini into illegal and dangerous matters. Devika has always stayed away from all this and wanted her younger sister to do the same but Ragini was submissive to Yash.

Yash: "Because that pen drive belongs to Bakshis and if any of our enemy wants to get it, the first place they will check would be Bakshi's house only. Our house is near Malhotras' mansion so that would be the least safe place to keep such an important thing. You and Ragini are not staying in the hostel just because I don't have time for you two, like you think Devika, but because this is the securest place for you both, far from all the mess. Only the people who shall know that Ragini and Devika Raichand are here, actually knows it, therefore nobody will suspect that the pen drive is with Ragini."

Devika didn't seem convinced: "And why does Raghav have to come to give the pen drive during the party only and ruin it for Ragini?" – Ragini tried to say something but Devika didn't let her as she continued speaking – "I understand that nobody except family is allowed to enter in the hostel so he could simply hand it over to you and you could give it to Ragini, or directly given it to Ragini when she is allowed to go out of the hostel like early morning for jogging or on weekend."

Yash: "See Devika, you know that we make some illegal deals but at the same time we have Raichand Empire as well, industries where only white business is done and that is what covers our black trades and allows us to stay among normal people, conduct a normal life despite being mafia, because we leave no proof against us." - Devika rolled her eyes upwards and leaned against the wall crossing her arms, irritated to be reminded which kind of family she belonged to – "Bakshis are not like us. Dev Bakshi is a local gangster, direct part of the underworld. He doesn't do anything in daylight but acts hiddenly because there is enough information around that can easily get him arrested if he isn't careful. That pen drive must reach safely from Raghav to Ragini as soon as possible and smartness is in letting it be something direct, without intermediaries, without waiting until weekend. The masquerade party is a perfect occasion because Raghav can sneak inside the university without getting noticed as everybody will be wearing masks and the party is open to anybody who has bought the pass." – He cleared – "Devika dear, I promised your mother that despite everything, our children would have a normal life and I am trying my best to guarantee it but please try to cooperate..." – He wasn't unaware of Devika's disapproval for their business.

Devika: "I wouldn't call this as normal life..." – She mumbled.

Before Devika could say anything more, Ragini intervened asking Yash: "But Papa, what is the deal between you and Dev Bakshi about? And why is that pen drive so important? What does it contain?"

Yash stood up: "The information you have got is enough Ragini. I don't want you to get involved more in this deal..." – He avoided all her questions.

Ragini stood up too: "Is it because the last deal wasn't successful because of me and you don't trust me anymore?" – That was what she feared the most: losing her father's trust. She was afraid that, after she failed to get the diamonds deal concluded, Yash might not find her capable enough for any other important deal. Being his pride was what, above all, mattered the most for her.

In response to Ragini's question, Yash just slightly shook his head and placed a hand on her shoulder: "I shall leave now..." – With that he kissed Ragini's forehead and then looked at Devika who sighed and came to hug him.

Devika: "Take care of Mom..." – She said while hugging him.

Yash: "For sure." – He gave a peck on her head and then left from there.

Ragini looked at him from behind with lots of questions in her eyes.

Devika: "I just wanted to enjoy one party with my sister without any problem but seems like Dad won't let this ever happen!" – She snorted letting herself fall on the armchair.

Ragini giggled: "It's ok Di. You know, I am not a party person."

IN THE EVENING

The lights and decoration of the huge hall of the university where the party was taking place, were matching the masquerade theme. Akshey and Sanskar were chatting with a group of friends and having drink. Akshey was looking dashing in a white tuxedo with a black bow tie and his eyes were surrounded by a black and golden mask while Sanskar was wearing an all black suit and a gold phantom mask which covered half of his face.

Akshey received a call and, after attending it, he said to Sanskar: "So Devika is here and I'm going to her. She is coming with her sister so if you want, I can introduce you both as I am quite sure your girl didn't accept your invite." – He hit Sanskar with an elbow teasing him.

Sanskar faked a smile: "No thanks, just get lost."

Akshey shrugged: "Uh, a bit frustrated I see." – And with that, he left from there.

Akshey went near the buffet and looked around: "Devika said she will be near the buffet so, where is she?"

Devika was just behind Akshey and was in turn looking around for him: "Where has that guy gone?"

Just then, they hit their backs with each other and turned around at the same time: "I am sorry!" – They said in unison.

They got silent for few seconds as they looked at each other. Akshey stared at her from top to toe: she was wearing a black two-piece dress made of a sleeveless crop top and a long skirt with slit with a black mask as well and she had chosen to keep her hair open and laid them on a shoulder.

He blinked twice widening his eyes.

Pehle toh kabhi yun mujhko na aisa kuch huwa
Deewani lehron ko jaise saahil mila...
Ek ladki ko dekha to aisa laga...

Akshey: "Ok, I am waiting for someone else but girl you are so stunning that I don't mind ditching her for you." – He said offering an arm to her.

Devika: "I am waiting for someone else too, but you are more good looking so..." – She linked arms with Akshey.

All of a sudden, both started laughing.

Devika: "You had really recognized me?"

Akshey: "Nobody else could look this pretty! Plus, your reddish hair strand is unmistakable."

Devika giggled: "So is your flirting style!"

Akshey pretended to fix his bow tie: "Modestly, I'm the best in this field." – He said like it's something to be proud of – "Where is your sister? I thought she will be coming with you."

Devika: "Actually she is waiting for someone so preferred staying at the entrance."

Akshey: "That's a pity! You know, my brother got ditched by the girl he wanted to invite tonight so I thought I might introduce him with your sister but seems she is booked too. Poor boy, will have to stay alone. Tch tch tch."

Devika: "No no, my sister is not interested in boys, she..."

Akshey: "Oh! She is into girls?" – He interrupted her.

Devika: "What? No!" – She hit her forehead with her palm – "Akshey let's just get something to eat!" – With that, they turned back towards the buffet.

ON THE OTHER HAND

Sanskar: "I need to do something otherwise Akshey will keep mocking me for the rest of my life!" – His face suddenly brightened up – "He has never seen that girl so I could just get anyone and introduce her to Akshey as the girl of the bet! Anyway, no sane girl will resist my charm! Let me just find a pretty one!" – He looked around and his eyes laid upon a girl stepping inside and looking like a wonder in her mustard half off shoulder gown with a high slit that revealed her toned leg. She had gathered her hair in a low bun with some curled strands framing her face which was half covered by a mask matching with her dress.

Sanskar took a deep breath seeing her: "What a beautiful creation of God!" – He said in a breath.

He walked towards the girl who was looking around, clearly looking out of place. Sanskar tapped on her shoulder making her turn around.

Sanskar: "It's a pity that such a pretty girl has come alone.. or maybe not." – She raised an eyebrow crossing her arms – "Maybe destiny wanted us both to get to know each other tonight.. that explains why that tasteless, arrogant girl I approached before rejected my invite. Someone better was in store for me and, to be clear, with someone I mean you." – He flirted.

"I don't think you have such a great destiny." – She replied.

Sanskar removed his mask: "Are you sure?" – He smirked.

The girl sneered back: "Now more than before."

Sanskar: "I can't believe you are behaving like that tasteless, arrogant girl too!" – He complained.

She removed her mask: "Oh yeah, I have many things in common with her." – She was Ragini only.

Sanskar looked at her speechless and then upwards: "That's not fair, man!" – He looked back at Ragini – "With tasteless and arrogant I meant... choosy and confident... positively." – He tried but in vain as Ragini sighed shaking her head and walked away.

Sanskar was about to follow her but just then a group of his friends came to him and he got into a conversation with them.

AFTER A WHILE

Ragini was standing near the entrance and using her mobile, waiting for any signal, message or call from Raghav. Sanskar was still with his friends but he kept throwing glances at Ragini. On the other side, Akshey and Devika seemed enjoying the party as well each other's company a lot. Suddenly the DJ started playing loud music and, while many joined the dance floor, Ragini snorted irritated and walked out. Sanskar saw her leaving.

Ragini went to the yard of the university and removed her mask sitting on a bench near a fountain which was surrounded by a flowerbed. The darkness of the night was broken by the lights of lampposts. Ragini sat there silently and got engrossed in a chain of thoughts regarding what happened in the past few days. She couldn't remove from her mind the image of Shalini lying unconscious, unresponsive, and it was now more than ever that she was yearning for her motherly love, support and for the peace and joy she always found with her. It was like everything was going wrong without her, the balance she had kept in life was falling apart. Her family was staying separated; she had no idea what her father was going through: the person she was closest with, suddenly seemed so far away. She recalled Yash leaving her questions unanswered. Moreover, she had to face the one she blamed for all this every day and couldn't even do anything. She clenched her fists thinking about Sanskar. She took a deep breath and looked at the sky trying to shut off all her pain, as she was usual to do.

Yahan se kahan jaaun, kahan mein chupp jaaun
Yeh aadha sa dil mein kaise lagaaun
Hoon khud se judaa mein, hoon khud se alaahda
Yeh aadha sa dil mein kaise basaaun

"Seems like you don't like parties too." – A male voice said from behind.

Ragini looked sideways and saw Hitesh standing there: "Prof... good evening."

Hitesh: "Not a really good evening for me actually. I have been asked to stay here to supervise this party despite hating parties! It looks like someone forced you to come too..." – He replied.

Ragini: "I am here with my sister..." – talking with strangers was not her forte so she was feeling a bit embarrassed.

Hitesh: "You know... Ragini right?" – Ragini nodded – "Whenever I see you, I feel like there is something disturbing you... is everything ok?"

Ragini: "Of course Sir..." – She looked down.

Right then, Sanskar came out too and saw Ragini with the professor. He stayed a bit far from them, unnoticed, without interrupting their conversation.

Hitesh: "I am a psychology professor. It is not easy to lie to me." – He smiled to Ragini who looked up at him – "I would just like to say that... some things don't go as planned, and that's okay. Some days can be bad but dwelling on sadness won't take us anywhere."

Ragini: "I am not sad."

Hitesh: "You don't look happy, either. Just cheer up and let time heal every wound because life is too short to overthink about things that are not in our hands."

Sanskar widened his eyes seeing how kindly Hitesh was behaving with Ragini whereas he had always been so strict and nasty with him: "Is he really that Mr rude?" – He wondered.

Ragini smiled a bit: "You know Sir, Maa would many times tell me the same."

Hitesh: "Oh I see, you must be missing her. Why don't you ask her to come to visit you? If I'm not wrong, parents are allowed at the hostel."

Ragini got upset: "She can't." – She gulped down and returned to look at the void – "She had an accident and is in coma now..." – Her voice shivered while saying this.

Hitesh's smile disappeared too hearing that, and he got a stunned expression on his face. He placed a hand on Ragini's shoulder as a gesture to comfort her and then walked away without saying anything further.

Sanskar was left taken aback as he overheard what Ragini said too. For an unknown reason, he could empathize with her.

Hai sila tu mere dard ka
Mere dil ki duaayein hai
Teri galiyan... galiyan, teri galiyan

Ragini got up and was about to leave when she heard some dogs barking. She looked on and saw a little puppy running towards her. It was a Golden Retriever and it was being chased by a big black wolfdog which was probably thrice the size of the puppy. The latter caught the bottom of Ragini's gown between her teeth and hid behind her while the other dog stopped in front of her and growled at the Golden Retriever.

Hearing the noise, Sanskar came back to the reality and looked on too.

Ragini: "What is happening here?!" – She lifted the little puppy in her arms – "Poor baby, looks so scared!" – She said while caressing the little doggy that was whining. She glared at the wolfdog which clearly was the reason of the puppy's fear.

Sanskar grinned: "Come on Sanskar, this is a good occasion to impress her by saving her from that little big beast!" – He removed his mask and was about to step towards Ragini when he noticed that she was stomping her feet on ground trying to shoo away the wolfdog. Sanskar chuckled seeing that.

Ragini grabbed a branch from the ground and that was enough for the stray dog to get scared and run away.

Ragini sighed: "Thank God that only threatening worked! I would have not been able to hit him!" – she looked at the puppy with a smile – "Now you are safe! But you shouldn't get into troubles with those who are thrice your size dear!" – She placed it down.

Ragini was about to walk away but the puppy grabbed the bottom of her gown with his teeth again not letting her go. Ragini smiled and knelt dow caressing it. She lifted it again in her arms and cuddled with it. A corner of Sanskar's lip lifted as he adored Ragini. He unconsciously walked towards her, and he couldn't help but keep the genuine little smile on his face while staring at her.

Kisi shayar ki ghazal, jo de rooh ko sukoon ke pal
Koi mujhko yun mila hai, jaise banjaare ko ghar

Ragini noticed Sanskar and got up glaring at him unpleasantly. The puppy looked up at her as she still had it in her arms but stopped cuddling it.

Sanskar: "So you like puppies? Finally, something that proves you are a normal girl otherwise I was getting some doubts..." – He raised a hand to touch the puppy, but the latter started growling and then barking at him, so he took back his hand.

Ragini chuckled: "He doesn't like you!"

Sanskar: "And what's so funny about it?"

Ragini: "It means that he is in my team as I don't like you either." – She giggled hugging the little puppy who seemed happy with the cuddles it was receiving from Ragini.

Just then, Ragini's phone, which she had kept on the bench, rang, and she rushed to pick the call up placing the puppy down as she thought it was Raghav.

Ragini: "Hello?"

Devika spoke from the other side: "Ragini where are you? Are you fine? Did you meet Raghav?" – She showered Ragini with questions.

Ragini looked at the screen of her mobile: "Whose number are you calling from?"

Devika: "It's Akshey's. My mobile is dead. Answer me now!"

Ragini: "Nothing yet. I just went out to breath some fresh air. I am coming back inside."

Devika: "Ok, I'll be waiting for you near the entrance."

With that, they cut the call and Ragini walked back towards the hall. Neither she nor Sanskar noticed that someone was keeping an eye on them from far.

The dog put its ears back and whined seeing Ragini leaving. Sanskar knelt near it while looking at Ragini leaving as well.

Sanskar sighed: "I know the feeling bro. She has walked away from me like this many times too." – He said to the dog who growled glaring at him – "Gosh, you have the same attitude as her. She also barks at me every time I speak to her." – said Sanskar glaring back at it.

In the meantime, Ragini had entered in the hall. She saw Devika and went to her.

Devika: "I can't believe it Ragini! Such an amazing party is going on and you went out to breath some fresh air?" – She repeated Ragini's words.

Ragini: "Di, you know I don't like parties... Plus, the music they were playing was horrendous!"

Devika: "What do you expect them to play? Ghazal? Come, I'll introduce you to Akshey and he was telling me that he also has a single brother..." – She teasingly said while hitting Ragini's shoulder with hers one – "Enough of being boring, come!" – She held her wrist but Ragini stopped her.

Ragini: "I can't! Raghav may come any time and you know I don't like boys and all..."

Devika: "So, are you into girls?" – She used Akshey's line.

Ragini: "What? No! I... Di!"

Devika: "Ok I understood, you are just boring!"

Ragini: "No, I am not!"

Devika: "Prove it!" – she slightly smirked – "I challenge you to get a guy for a romantic dance right now."

Ragini crossed her arms looking straight at her with a challenging glance: "Fine. I swear I'll dance with the first guy that steps in from this door..." – she indicated the entrance door – "... but only after you take a guy for a romantic dance as well."

Devika smiled: "Challenge accepted! Let's see who is written in your fate..." – She looked at the entrance and also Ragini did the same.

Just then, Sanskar stepped inside wearing a mask. Ragini's eyes widened seeing him.

Devika, who didn't recognize him, commented: "Not bad!"

Ragini: "But this is Sanskar Malhotra!"

Devika: "Nice try dear, but it won't work. Give up the challenge if you can't do it." – She thought that Ragini's one was just an excuse – "Now just watch me easily winning this."

Before Ragini could say anything else, Devika went towards the DJ and whispered something to him. The DJ changed the song and a romantic music started to play. Then, Devika walked towards Akshey who smiled seeing her coming back. However, he was taken aback when she suddenly grabbed the lapel of his tuxedo and pulled him closer.

Akshey smiled blushingly: "Devika what are you..." – But he was interrupted as Devika placed a finger on his lips and then slowly ran it till his chin while Akshey looked at her sudden cosy behaviour stunned. He felt a shiver running up his spine at her touch. Devika dragged him to the dance floor holding his lapel and joining few other couples. Akshey's lips curved into a grin.

Baat bas se nikal chali hai
Dil ki halaat sambhal chali hai

After reaching the centre of the dance floor, Devika grabbed both the lapels of his suit. She smirked at him looking in a seductive way and slid a palm from his chest to his nape and placed the other one on the side of his bare neck. Akshey had now totally lost his sense and was into Devika. He placed both his hands on her bare waist, ran one over her skin till reaching her back and pulled her even closer.

Abh junoon hadh se badh chala hai
Abh tabiyat behaal chali hai

Ragini looked at them and then grimaced glaring sideways at Sanskar. The latter was looking at Devika and Akshey too, recognizing his cousin brother and shaking his head complaining about how their luck was so different.

Devika and Akshey closed their eyes and joined their foreheads as they started moving with the rhythm of the song. Devika, who was doing all this just for the challenge, suddenly felt her heartbeat increasing as she realized how close she was with Akshey. Their bodies were literally pressed against each other. She opened her eyes and looked at Akshey's face which was just few inches away from hers one.

Yun hi pehlo mai baithe raho...
Yun hi pehlo mai baithe raho...

Devika suddenly parted ways from Akshey and was about to walk away when he stopped her grabbing her wrist. She looked at him. Akshey slightly shook his head.

Aaj jaane ki...

Akshey twirled Devika twice and then pulled her closer merging her back with his chest and surrounding her arm, which she had placed on her belly, with his one. They entangled the fingers of their left hands.

Aaj jaane ki zid na karo

With the other hand, Akshey caressed Devika's arm with a very soft touch while inhaling her scent from the neck. Both had their eyes closed.

Laakh paigaam ho gaye hain
Jab saba ek pal chali hai
Jao abh so raho sitaaron
Dard ki raat abh dhal chali hai

Devika turned around facing Akshey. He smiled at her and held her hand twirling her once and ending up making her half fall into his arms. Her one hand was on his shoulder, his one hand on her loin and they had eyes only for each other.

Yun hi pehlo mai baithe raho
Aaj jaane ki zid na karo...

Devika and Akshey returned back in reality only after the music changed. The two recomposed and looked around awkwardly, avoiding each other's gaze.

Akshey: "Woah." – He cleared his throat – "I must say, we got some chemistry."

Devika smiled, bashfully, trying to hide her face from him: "I... I shall go to my sister..."

Akshey nodded: "I'll go to my brother too in the meantime..."

Devika nodded too and both walked towards opposite directions.

Akshey went to Sanskar who was near the buffet and put an arm around his neck: "We were good, weren't we? I thought she will take some time, but I think she has already fallen for the Akshey Malhotra's charm. So, when am I getting my yacht?"

Sanskar looked at him with a fake smile: "You wish." – With that, he removed Akshey's arm from his neck and went back to serve himself a drink.

Meanwhile Devika reached Ragini too and stood beside her looking ahead with an amused smile: "Your turn now. Or shall I declare you loser already?"

Ragini: "You wish." – She handed over her purse and mobile to Devika and looked at Sanskar. After taking a deep breath, she finally walked towards him. Devika giggled.

Sanskar was about to sip his cocktail when Ragini came in front of him and placed her palm over the hand with which he was holding the glass. Sanskar's mouth was left little opened while his eyes widened as he looked at her and then lowered his gaze towards their hands. Ragini removed the glass from his grip and placed it on the table while sliding her other hand into his one. Sanskar didn't even blink and kept staring at Ragini, following her to the dance floor, while she kept holding his hand without interrupting the eye contact as well.

Akshey teasingly whistled at them. Devika threw a glance at him but, as soon as he moved his eyes on her too, she looked away since she was feeling shy after their dance.

Once on the dance floor, Ragini entangled her fingers with Sanskar's one and placed a hand on his shoulder. The corner of Sanskar's mouth quirked up as he placed a hand on her belly and then slid it to the side of her waist. Ragini felt his fingers pressing on her loin as he pulled her closer.

Sanskar brought his face near her ear and whispered: "So, you couldn't resist to my charm for longer I see." – He smirked.

Ragini closed her eyes as she felt his hot breath on her skin. She took a deep breath before facing Sanskar with a fake smile: "Shut up and just dance." – She said gritting her teeth.

Ragini slightly winced when Sanskar suddenly made her half fall into his arms. He kept looking straight at her with a grin whereas Ragini lowered her gaze towards their lips which were separated by just an inch or two while their noses were almost touching.

Sanskar took his face near Ragini's ear again, this time their cheeks slightly touched: "Darling, your wish is my command." – He whispered in a husky voice, not letting his amused smirk fade away.

The music started. Sanskar faced Ragini running his hand from her slim waist to her naked shoulder blade while slowly making her stand again; at the same time, he untangled their fingers and wrapped his left hand around Ragini's right one. They danced few steps of waltz.

Pyaar ki yeh kahaani suno

Sanskar made Ragini twirl once and then they returned to their starting position. Ragini looked in Sanskar's eyes with a strict glare while the stare which Sanskar had only for her was soft.

Ek ladka tha, ek ladki thi

Ragini got the thought of giving up right there but, as she turned to walk away, Sanskar grabbed both her wrists and pulled her backwards merging her back with his chest and engulfing her in his embrace. She fidgeted with her fingers but became still when Sanskar tightened the clutch over her fists and inhaled her scent from her neck.

Hoti kya hai jawaani suno
Ek ladka tha, ek ladki thi

Keeping the same position, Sanskar lifted Ragini few centimetres above the floor bringing their faces at the same height. Ragini looked sideways at him and their eyes met once again, while Sanskar slowly spun.

Woh bhi ek daur tha, waqt hi aur tha jab woh the ajnabi

Sanskar placed Ragini down and caged her upper body with his arm while softly running his hand over her collarbone till reaching her shoulder on which he placed his palm and then slipped the fingers on her arm to her hand. Ragini shut her eyes as she felt his touch on her bare skin.

Dono tanha se the, par woh kehte kise baat jo dil mai thi

A guy wearing a white shirt with baby pink blazer, whose face was covered with a pink mask as well, walked near Devika, glaring first at her, then at Akshey and then stopping his gaze on Ragini and Sanskar. His pupils delated while he scrutinized them with clear anger in his eyes.

Ragini clenched her hand trying to stay unaffected by Sanskar's closeness. He wrapped his palm over Ragini's fist. Ragini slightly pushed him and twirled twice a little away from Sanskar who suddenly grabbed her wrist from behind.

Gumsum gumsum rehte the dono

Sanskar twirled Ragini twice towards himself and, as he pulled her closer, her hand landed on his chest, the other on her shoulder and she wrapped the leg peeking through her slit dress around Sanskar's right leg throwing her head back. Sanskar put his hand on Ragini's bare thigh and wrapped the other one around her body.

Phir bhi dil mein kehte the dono
Koi sapna hum bhi to paye

Sanskar moved his hand from her thigh to her waist while Ragini ran the one she had placed on his chest to her jaw, recomposing her posture in order to face him straight. Both half-closed their eyes as their noses almost touched.

Some more couples were on the dance floor too, but it seemed like Ragini and Sanskar had forgotten that they were surrounded by other people. Ragini had taken Devika's bet seriously, as any other challenge given to her after all, while Sanskar was too lost into Ragini to think about anything else.

Ek din toote gham ke woh gehre
Jhilmil jhilmil aaye savere
Mausam badla, jaagi fizayein

Sanskar lifted Ragini keeping one arm under her knees and the other one on her back while she surrounded his neck with her arms. They spun together.

Woh mil gaye, woh khil gaye, aur pyaar ho hi gaya
Joh chaha tha, woh paya to hosh kho hi gaya

Ragini and Sanskar returned to their initial position: Ragini's left hand on his shoulder, Sanskar's right one on her naked shoulder blade; he slid the other one upwards from her waist, moving it on her arm to finally reach her right hand, and then they resumed their waltz looking in each other's eyes.

Pyaar ki yeh kahaani suno
Ek ladka tha, ek ladki thi
Hoti kya hai jawaani suno
Ek ladka tha, ek ladki thi

As the DJ changed the song, Ragini broke the eye-lock looking away. She slightly pushed Sanskar parting ways with him.

Devika had widened her eyes and pressed her lips seeing Ragini and Sanskar's performance. She was left pretty speechless. She saw Ragini coming towards her and was about to say something but Ragini went out of the venue after walking beside Devika.

"I hope she isn't upset with me because I made her do this." - Devika thought.

She was about to follow her when Akshey came to her: "Hey Devika..."

Devika turned her head to the side to avert his gaze, but the sudden rosiness of her cheeks gave her away: she was clearly still embarrassed.

"I have to go to the washroom..." – Devika made the excuse and walked away from there in rush reaching the ladies washroom, thinking it to be a way to get rid of Akshey and avoid him.

Akshey looked at her from behind, confused. He saw Sanskar walking near him and immediately stopped him grabbing his wrist: "Bro, wait! Where are you going?"

Sanskar looked at the door from which Ragini went out. He wanted to go behind her.

Akshey: "Don't you think that, after mathematics, girls are the most difficult to understand?"

Sanskar: "Naa!" – He kept looking at the door even though Ragini had vanished now – "Mathematics is easier."

IN THE MEANTIME

Ragini reached the same bench near the fountain on which she had sat earlier; she took her seat there again. She removed the mask placing it on the bench and threw her head into her hands resting her elbows on the legs. She took a deep breath passing her hands on her hair and then sat there cupping her own face. She shut her eyes and recalled Sanskar's touch: she could still feel it and it bothered her. It bothered her a lot.

Suddenly she felt a bark and opened her eyes. Her lips curved into a smile and tensed erased from her face seeing the Golden Retriever she met before in front of her. Ragini felt like the little puppy was smiling with its tongue hanging out.

Ragini got up and was about to kneel near it when suddenly a hand covered her mouth and an arm surrounded her body blocking any movement possible from her side. The dog started barking. Ragini tried to shout but her scream was suffocated. Ragini struggled to free herself while she was being dragged away.

She was taken in an empty dark blind corner of the university and, only then, the grip over her loosened a bit and she could easily hit the person holding her with an elbow and free herself. She turned around just to face a guy whose face was covered with a pink mask, the same who had kept an eye on her throughout her dance with Sanskar.

Ragini: "Who are you? What do you want?" – She asked panting.

The guy removed his mask revealing his face (he is played by Karan Wahi).

"Raghav Bakshi." – He revealed his identity with a not-so-friendly tone or expression on his face.

Ragini calmed herself down hearing that: "Oh, you! My father told me about you. Have you brought the pen drive? And why did you take me here like this?!"

Suddenly Raghav assaulted Ragini again grabbing her jaw with force and pulled her hair with the other hand making her wince: "Stop this drama! I have seen your true colours! I had told Dad that we should not trust Raichands but he didn't listen to me! Thankfully your real face came in front of me before giving you the pen drive!"

Ragini pushed him away: "What the hell are you saying?!!"

Raghav: "I saw you with that bloody Sanskar Malhotra! The way you two were so close! You and your family are plotting against us with Malhotras! But I swear, I won't spare you now!"

Ragini: "What?! You are misunderstanding everything! I..."

She couldn't complete her sentence as he grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back making her hiss for pain. Raghav took out a folding knife and kept it near her neck.

Raghav: "Save your breath! Raghav Bakshi doesn't forgive any betrayal!"

Ragini clutched the arm Raghav had around her neck and stepped on his foot with her heel making him back off screaming. Before Raghav could attack her again, Ragini stopped him grabbing his hands and twisting the one with which he was holding the knife, pointing the latter towards him.

Ragini: "Have you lost it? That dance was just a stupid challenge between me and my sister."

Raghav was struggling to free his hands from her grip: "Why should I trust you after witnessing everything with my own eyes?"

Ragini gritted her teeth glaring at him: "Nobody hates Malhotras more than Raichands and that's a fact you must be very well aware of." – She was clearly getting irritated but was controlling her anger because she had to get the pen drive and not let the deal fail.

AT THE SAME TIME

Sanskar came outside searching for Ragini and, just when he was looking around, he felt a scratch on his leg. When he looked down, he recognized the Golden Retriever puppy of before which was now clutching on his trousers.

Sanskar knelt with a knee down near him: "Hey little furball, you are still here?"

The dog barked and then jumped on the bench grabbing the mask Ragini had left there and showing it to Sanskar. The latter held it and recognized that it belongs to Ragini. A frown appeared on his forehead.

ON THE OTHER HAND

Ragini warned Raghav: "Listen I am being kind enough not to harm you for the sake of the deal between our fathers but don't you dare provoking me more otherwise you'll see the worst of me."

Raghav pushed Ragini with force freeing himself from her grip making her fall on the ground. He harshly grabbed her wrist and twisted it again behind her back pulling her up.

Raghav brought the folding knife near her face: "Enough of your drama now! Let the world see the worst of you after I leave some wounds on your face."

Ragini struggled to free herself: "You are going to regret it big time!"

Raghav: "You are not in the position of threatening me."

Ragini shut her eyes. Suddenly Raghav was hit by a punch on his face which made him land on the ground on his head. Ragini felt someone grabbing her wrist and pulling her ahead after which she bumped into a guy's sculpted firm chest. Ragini opened her eyes and looked up just to realize that she was in Sanskar's embrace.

Sanskar protectively surrounded Ragini's waist with his arm and angrily glared at Raghav. He lowered his gaze to look at Ragini who already had his eyes on him.

Raghav stood up. Sanskar moved Ragini aside and shielded her clutching Raghav's fist which he had raised against him. Sanskar tightened the grip over his fist while glaring at Raghav who was gritting his teeth and trying to free his hand with all his strength.

Sanskar: "Were you going to ruin a girl's face? Let me ruin yours."

Sanskar hit Raghav's face twice with punches. Raghav tried to hit him but Sanskar held his wrists.

Raghav: "You don't know who I am."

Sanskar: "Do you think I even care?" – He said before punching him in his stomach.

Raghav moaned with pain falling on his knees. Ragini widened her eyes and opened her mouth to say something but stopped since she didn't know what to do. Her eyes went round when she saw Sanskar grabbing the knife which had fallen down and going to stand behind Raghav, choking him with his bicep while he struggled to push Sanskar's arm away from his neck. He pointed knife near his neck.

Sanskar: "I know very well how to handle losers like you."

Ragini got alerted: "What are you doing?!" – She rushed towards him and snatched the knife from Sanskar's hands – "Leave it!" – She threw the knife away – "There is no need of all this!"

Sanskar pulled Raghav up making him stand on his feet but not letting him go: "What do you mean? Don't be scared, he can't harm you until I am here. You shall immediately call the police and get him arrested."

Raghav: "This will be her biggest mistake!"

Sanskar: "Just shut up!"

Ragini looked down thinking: "Papa said that the deal with Bakshis is very important... Police shouldn't be involved otherwise a big mess will happen."

"No! I can't call the police!" – She almost shouted. Raghav smirked.

Sanskar: "What? Why?!" – He was confused.

Ragini stammered: "I... you... you are Sanskar Malhotra, the son of a mafia boss. Isn't calling the police while you are here a bad idea?" – She attempted.

Sanskar chuckled: "Exactly because I am Sanskar Malhotra, I have lots of contacts even in the Bangalore police. It won't take much to get this man jailed for the rest of his life!"

Ragini: "But I don't want to get him arrested! Just stay away, it's my personal matter."

Sanskar: "I know it's your personal matter but what I fail to understand is why won't you want to punish the guy who assaulted you?!"

Sanskar was getting suspicious and Ragini could sense that.

Ragini: "Because..." – She gulped down – "Because he is my boyfriend."

Sanskar got stunned: "WHAT?"

Ragini: "Yes. A misunderstanding happened between us, so he behaved like this." – She confidently lied – "And it is fine! What is not fine is you poking your nose in my personal matter despite being a stranger to me."

She stepped towards Raghav and Sanskar and jerked the latter's hands away from Raghav.

Ragini: "Have you cleared all your misunderstandings now or is there any left?" – She glared at Raghav who scowled back at her, still suspicious.

Sanskar looked at them and took a step back, still too stunned to react in any way.

CHAPTER ENDS

-------

PRECAP:
Sanskar surprises Ragini. Karan plots against Yash.