Aryan leaned forward and explained the details of their next project, his brow furrowed with concentration. "To, yahi yojana hai(So, that's the plan)," he declared his voice bursting with enthusiasm. "Main sach much sochta hoon ki yah hamare liye game-changer ho sakata hai(I really think this could be a game-changer for us.)"

With a careless nod, Ranbir looked away, remembering where he and Prachi were seated, her face softly lit by the café lights. "Haan, acha lagta hai(Yeah, sounds good)," he said, obviously looking somewhere else.

With a knowing smile tugging at the edges of his lips, Aryan's eyes narrowed slightly as he followed Ranbir's gaze. His tone was playful as he replied, "Are, Ranbir, aap hamare saath hai(Hey, Ranbir, you with us?)"

Raising his attention from Prachi, Ranbir forced himself to wake up and turn his attention to Aryan. He said, "Yeah, sorry about that," with a guilty expression. "Bas thoda sa dhyaan bhatak gaya, bas itna hi(Just got a little distracted, that's all.)

Aryan cracked a joke and chuckled shaking his head. He replied, "Main use dekhta hoon(I see that)," as his eyes drifted to the magazine picture of Prachi. "But I don't hold it against you. Isn't she quite the charmer?"

A heat crept up Ranbir's neck as he quickly dismissed Aryan's observation. "Oh, come on, Aryan," he spoke in a forceful tone. "Hum sirf dost hain, bas itna hi(We're just friends, that's all.)"

With a sceptical eyebrow rise, Aryan made a playful smile. He responded, "Zaroor zaroor(Sure, sure)," in a sarcastic tone. "Bas aise dost jo ek-doosre se nazaren nahi hata paate(Just friends who can't seem to take their eyes off each other.)"

Ranbir rolled his eyes, trying to look nonchalant but with a slight grin on his lips. He protested, "Aap isamen bahut adhik padh rahe hain(You're reading too much into it)," but his words lacked conviction.

Aryan laughed, clapping a hand on Ranbir's shoulder. "Tum jo bhi kaho dost(Whatever you say, buddy)," he replied, his tone light and teasing. "Bas apani choti si vyaakulata ko hamaari badi yojanaon ke aade na aane den, theek hai(Just don't let your little distraction get in the way of our big plans, okay?)"

Ranbir nodded, his mind still lingering on Prachi despite his best efforts to focus. "Yeah, yeah,main tumhe sunata hoon(I hear you)," he replied, though his thoughts were already drifting back to the captivating girl who had captured his attention so completely.

Ranbir was having difficulty focusing when Aryan continued talking about their idea because Prachi and her irresistible attraction to him were on his mind all the time.

Ranbir was lost in thought about the day's events as he strolled through the busy streets in the crisp, chilly evening air. He was looking forward to the simple pleasure of a peaceful walk to unwind after a long and demanding day full of meetings and commitments.

He was so engrossed in his ponder that he was barely aware of the figure rushing toward him from the other direction when they met with a soft thud. He staggered back and looked up to see Prachi standing in front of him, her surprised eyes wide.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Main yah nahi dekh raha tha ki main kahan ja raha hoon(I wasn't looking where I was going.)"

Ranbir couldn't help but smile at her adorable apology, his irritation from the day melting away in an instant. "Koi chinta nahi(No worries)," he reassured her, extending a hand to help her steady herself. "Tum theek ho(Are you okay?)"

Prachi nodded, her smile brightening as she returned his gaze. "Main theek hoon dhanyavad(I'm fine, thank you)," she replied, her voice tinged with relief. "Mujhe lagta hai, bas thoda anadi hoon(Just a little clumsy, I guess.)"

With an innocent laugh, Ranbir felt his heart lighten at her honest confession. "Khair, aap achi company mein hain(Well, you're in good company)," he smiled playfully at her. "Mujhe kabhi-kabhi apne hi pairon se ladkhadane ke liye jaana jaata hai(I've been known to trip over my own two feet on occasion.)"

Prachi laughed heartily, the sound of it echoing down the silent street like music to his ears. With a sparkle in her eyes, she replied, "Yah jaan kar achi lagi ki main akeli nahi hoon(It's nice to know I'm not alone.)" "To, aap kahan ja rahe hain(So, where are you headed?)"

With a shrug, Ranbir's eyes wandered to the nearby café's sparkling lights. "Kahin bhi nahi(Nowhere in particular)," he admitted. "Bas maine socha ki main tahal loon aur apna sir saaf kar loon(Just thought I'd take a stroll and clear my head.)"

Understanding, Prachi nodded, her expression thoughtful. Her tone softened as she acknowledged, "Mujhe aapki baat ka arth samajh mein aa gaya. Kabhi-kabhi, behatar mehsoos karane ke liye aapko keval tahalana hi chahiye hota hai(I understand what you mean. Sometimes, a walk is all you need to feel better.)"

As they strolled through the dimly lighted streets, their conversation flowed naturally and they fell into step together. As the evening wore on, Prachi's easy laugh and contagious enthusiasm began to illuminate even the darkest parts of Ranbir's mind, and he found himself enjoying her company more than he had anticipated.

But the sound of coarse laughing vibrating from a neighboring alley soon cut short their blissful stroll. Ranbir felt the unmistakable tone of trouble, and his protective instincts kicked in, putting his senses on high alert.

Prachi glanced nervously in the direction of the noise, her brow furrowing in concern. "Vahan par kya ho raha hai(What's going on over there?)" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Ranbir's jaw clenched as he strained to see through the darkness, his muscles tensing with apprehension. "I'm not sure," he admitted, his voice tight with worry. "Lekin mujhe iske avaaz pasand nahi hai(But I don't like the sound of it.)"

He didn't say anything more before heading into the alley, bracing himself for the worst. His worst nightmares came true as he turned the corner and saw a group of rowdy men staring at Prachi with disdainful eyes.

His blood boiled with rage as he watched one of the men make a lewd gesture towards her, his stomach churning with disgust. Without a second thought, he stormed forward, his fists clenched at his sides as he confronted the group.

"Hey!" he barked, his voice ringing out with authority. "Leave her alone!"

The men turned towards him, their expressions shifting from amusement to hostility as they sized him up. But Ranbir stood his ground, his gaze unwavering as he met their stares head-on.

Prachi stood frozen behind him, her eyes wide with fear as she watched the scene unfold. But Ranbir refused to let her be intimidated, his resolve hardening with each passing moment.

"Aapne mujhe suna(You heard me)," he continued, his voice low and menacing. "Peechhe hat jao, nahi to tumhe pachataana padega(Back off, or you'll regret it.)"

The men hesitated, clearly taken aback by his sudden display of strength. But Ranbir refused to give them the upper hand, his jaw set in a firm line as he awaited their response.

After a tense moment of silence, the leader of the group finally stepped forward, his expression dark with malice. "Aapako kya lagta hai ki aap kya hain(Who do you think you are?)" he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Isase aapko koi sarokar nahi hai to aap apne kaam se kaam kyun nahi rakhate(This doesn't concern you, so why don't you mind your own business?)"

Ranbir's grip tightened on his fists, his eyes flashing with anger as he met the man's gaze. "Yah mere liye chinta ka vishay hai kyonki vah meri dost hai(It concerns me because she's my friend)," he declared, his voice ringing out with authority. "Aur yadi aap jante hain ki aap ke liye kya acha hai, to aap use akela chod denge(And if you know what's good for you, you'll leave her alone.)"

The men exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unnerved by Ranbir's unwavering resolve. And after a moment of tense standoff, they finally relented, slinking away into the darkness without another word.

Ranbir let out a long breath, the tension draining from his body as he turned back towards Prachi. She stood before him, her eyes wide with awe as she gazed up at him in admiration.

"Tum theek ho(Are you okay?)" he asked, his voice soft with concern.

Prachi nodded, her expression filled with gratitude. "Thanks to you," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "Tumhe mujhe bacha liya(You saved me.)"

Ranbir smiled, his heart swelling with pride at her words. "Main hamesha aapki peeth thapatha poonga(I'll always have your back)," he promised, his tone gentle. "No matter what."

Prachi was overwhelmed with gratitude as she watched Ranbir's retreating figure, his self-assured stride a reflection of the courage and power he had shown only moments earlier. She was aware that she wanted to do something to let him know how much his actions meant to her and to show how grateful she was.

Prachi ran through the busy streets with a determined step, her thoughts racing with ideas for the perfect thank-you gift. She was hoping for something meaningful, something that would express her sincere thanks in a manner that words could never.

At last, she caught sight of a charming small shop tucked away at the corner of the road, its windows filled with bright gifts and creative displays. Prachi entered the room with a satisfied look on her face as a bell tolled to signal her arrival.

The store was an absolute treasure trove of surprises, with shelves crammed with a fascinating selection of trinkets and gifts that seemed to be calling to her from every angle. Prachi took her time wandering through the aisles, her eyes bright with anticipation as she looked for her perfect thank-you gift.

She soon noticed it, a small, beautifully carved music box whose exquisite design instantly won her over. She stretched out to touch it with trembling fingers, feeling the warm, smooth wood beneath her fingers.

A beautiful melody filled the air as she turned the tiny key, its sweet tones caressing her all around like a gentle touch. As Prachi listened, she couldn't exactly understand how the beauty of the music touched her soul, causing tears to prickle at the corners of her eyes.

She walked up to the counter with a satisfied smile on her face and the music box in her hands. The shopkeeper greeted her with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with curiosity as he rang up her purchase.

"Kya ye kisi khaas ke liye hai(Is this for someone special?)" he asked, his voice kind.

Prachi nodded, her heart pounding with excitement. "Haan(Yes)," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yah us vyakti ke liye dhanyavad-uphaar hai jisne aaj mujhe bachaya(It's a thank-you gift for someone who saved me today.)"

The shopkeeper's smile widened, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Khair, mujhe yakeen hai ki unhe yah pasand aaega(Well, I'm sure they'll love it)," he said, his tone filled with warmth. "Yah ek sundar vikalp hai(It's a beautiful choice.)"

With a final nod of thanks, Prachi tucked the music box safely into her bag, her heart brimming with anticipation. She couldn't wait to see the look on Ranbir's face when she presented him with her surprise – a small token of her appreciation for the hero who had come to her rescue when she needed him most.

Prachi was standing outside the coffee shop, looking at her phone for what seemed like the hundredth time, her fingers twitching nervously. She had already made up her mind to surprise Ranbir with the music box she had bought as a token of appreciation. The problem, though, was that she had no idea where he lived.

She was filled with frustration as she searched her mind for an answer. She was not going to just show up unannounced, could she? What if he was hesitant to see her or was preoccupied? On the other hand, she owed him thanks for saving her from a potentially dangerous situation.

Lost in her thoughts, Prachi barely noticed Aryan approaching until he was standing right in front of her, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Hey there, Prachi," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "Tum itne khoye hue kyon dikh rahe ho(What's got you looking so lost?)"

Prachi sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Ranbir ne aaj jo kiya uske liye main unhe dhanyavad dena chahta hoon, lekin mujhe nahi pata ki vah kahan rehte hain(I want to thank Ranbir for what he did today, but I don't know where he lives)," she confessed, her voice tinged with frustration.

Aryan's grin widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah,acha aisa hai(I see)," he said, nodding knowingly. "Khair, aap ki kismat achi hai, mujhe theek-theek pata hai ki vah kahaan rahata hai(Well, lucky for you, I happen to know exactly where he lives.)"

Prachi's eyes widened in surprise. "You do?" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

Aryan chuckled, nodding in confirmation. "Yep," he said, his tone teasing. "Aur mujhe aapako uska pata dene mein khushi hogi - ek shart par(And I'd be happy to give you his address – on one condition.)"

Prachi's brow furrowed in confusion. "Kya shart(What condition?)" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Aryan drew in closer, his voice falling to a conspiratorial whisper as his smile turned devilish. "Aapko mujhse vaada karna hoga ki aap use bataenge ki aap vaastav mein kaisa mehsoos karate hain(You need to promise to me that you'll tell him how you really feel)," he murmured, his mischievous eyes flashing. "Ab idhar-udhar bhatakna ki jaroorat nahi - bas uske saath imaandaar rahe(No more beating around the bush – just be honest with him.)"

Prachi felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment at Aryan's words, but deep down, she knew he was right. It was time to stop hiding her feelings and lay her heart on the line.

"Okay, deal," she said, determination shining in her eyes. "Mujhe pata deejie(Give me the address.)"

With a satisfied grin, Aryan pulled out his phone and quickly typed out the address, handing it to Prachi with a wink.

"Good luck, Prachi," he said, his tone filled with encouragement. "Mujhe lag raha hai ki sab kuch theek ho jaega(I have a feeling everything's going to work out just fine.)"

Prachi clutched the small package holding the music box securely in her hands as she stood anxiously outside Ranbir's apartment building, her fingers sweating. Having mustered the bravery to come here at last, she was resolved to thank Ranbir for his kindness earlier in the day.

Prachi calmed herself down with a deep breath, struck the buzzer, and waited tensely for an answer. The door finally clicked open after what seemed like an eternity. Ranbir was standing there with an expression of surprise on his face.

"Prachi?" he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face. "Aap yahaan par kya kar rahe hain(What are you doing here?)"

Prachi returned his smile, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. "Hi, Ranbir," she said, her voice slightly shaky. "Main, umm... main aaj ke liye aapko dhanyavad dena chahta tha(I, um... I wanted to thank you for today.)"

Ranbir's smile widened, and he stepped aside to let her in. "Andar aa jao(Come on in)," he said, gesturing towards the door. "Aap Ko aisa karne ki zaroorat nahi thi, lekin mujhe khushi hai ki aap ne aisa kiya(You didn't have to do that, but I'm glad you did.)"

As Prachi stepped into the apartment, she couldn't help but notice how warm and inviting it felt – much like Ranbir himself. She followed him into the living room, where he motioned for her to take a seat on the couch.

"To, yeh sab kya hai(So, what's this all about?)" Ranbir asked, curiosity shining in his eyes as he took a seat beside her.

Prachi's heart raced as she handed him the small package, her fingers trembling slightly with nerves. "Main, uh, main tumhare liye kuch laaya hoon(I, uh, I got you something)," she said, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment. "Yah aaj ke liye bas ek chota sa dhanyavad uphaar hai(It's just a little thank you gift for today.)"

When Ranbir carefully opened the gift and saw the music box inside, his eyes brightened with joy. He turned it over in his hands and grinned, admiring every little detail.

"Wow, Prachi, this is amazing," he said, genuine appreciation shining in his eyes as he looked up at her. "Thank you so much. Aapako vaastav mein aisa karne ki zaroorat nahi thi(You really didn't have to do this.)"

Prachi's heart swelled with happiness at his reaction, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. "Main khush hoon ki aapko yah pasand hai(I'm glad you like it)," she said, her voice soft with emotion.

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the only sound the gentle ticking of the clock on the wall. Prachi glanced over at Ranbir, her heart pounding in her chest as she worked up the courage to speak.

"Ranbir,mujhe tumhe kuch batana hai(there's something I need to tell you)," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Lekin pehle main aap se kuch puchna chahta hoon(But first, I want to ask you something)."

For a brief while, Prachi was undecided whether telling Ranbir the truth or keeping her emotions to herself. However, when she met his eyes, she realized she had to tell him the truth.

Ranbir turned to her, his expression filled with concern. "Yah kya hai, Prachi? Tum mujhse koi bhi pareshan ho sakta hai(What is it, Prachi? You can ask me anything.)"

Prachi took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "Kya aap ko lagta hai... kya aapko lagta hai ki ek gaayak ke roop mein safal hone ke liye mujh mein vah sab kuch hai jo jaroori hai(Do you think... do you think I have what it takes to make it as a singer?)" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ranbir's eyes softened as he reached out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her face. "Prachi,aapki avaaz avishwasaniye hai(you have an incredible voice)," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Maine tumhe gaate hue suna hai, aur mujh par vishwas karo, ek star banane ke liye jo kuch bhi avashyak hai vah tumhare paas hai(I've heard you sing, and trust me, you have what it takes to be a star.)"

Prachi's heart skipped a beat at his words, a surge of hope flooding through her. "Lekin...lekin baar mein meri naukari ka kya(But... but what about my job at the bar?)" she asked, her voice faltering slightly. "Kya hoga agar log isake kaaran mujhe gambheerata se nahi lete(What if people don't take me seriously because of it?)"

Ranbir's jaw clenched with anger at the thought of anyone disrespecting Prachi because of her profession. "Prachi,aapako kisi se bhi is tarah ka vyavahar bardaasht nahi karna chahiye(you shouldn't have to tolerate that kind of behavior from anyone)," he said, his voice firm. "Aap ek pratibhashali gayak hain aur aap samman ke paatr hain(You're a talented singer, and you deserve to be treated with respect.)"

Prachi felt a swell of gratitude towards Ranbir for his unwavering support. "Thank you, Ranbir," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "That means a lot to me."

Ranbir smiled warmly at her, his eyes shining with pride. "Kabhi bhi, Prachi. Bas yaad rakhen, aap mahaanata ke liye kismat mein hain. Aur agar koi aapko anyatha bataane ki koshish karata hai, to ve sirf aapki pratibha se eershya karate hain(Anytime, Prachi. Just remember, you're destined for greatness. And if anyone tries to tell you otherwise, they're just jealous of your talent.)"

Prachi couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling a newfound sense of determination coursing through her veins. With Ranbir by her side, she knew she could conquer anything – even her wildest dreams.