It was the first day of her tuition. Priya had hurriedly gathered all her belongings and left college early, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The sun had already set, and it was around 7 PM when she arrived at the Kapoor mansion. The grand house loomed large and elegant under the evening sky, its lights casting a warm glow against the cool twilight.

As Priya walked up the path to the mansion's entrance, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation. The heavy wooden door creaked open, and she was welcomed by Mrs. Kapoor, Arjun's grandmother. A kind and graceful woman, Mrs. Kapoor had an air of old-world charm. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she ushered Priya into the hallway, which was adorned with antique furniture and softly lit chandeliers.

"Welcome, my dear," Mrs. Kapoor said, her voice soothing and gentle. "Would you like anything to eat?"

Priya smiled politely, shaking her head. "Just some tea, please."

Mrs. Kapoor nodded and motioned for Priya to sit on a plush, velvet sofa. They engaged in light conversation, discussing Priya's college and her interests, while the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air. After a few minutes, Mrs. Kapoor guided Priya towards Arjun's study room.

The hallway was lined with ornate paintings and family portraits, each telling a story of the Kapoor legacy. When they reached the study, Mrs. Kapoor knocked softly and then opened the door, gesturing for Priya to enter.

Priya stepped inside and saw Arjun for the first time. He was a quiet teenage boy, with a thoughtful expression and an air of introspection. He looked up from his desk, his eyes meeting Priya's with a hint of curiosity.

"Good evening, Mam," he greeted her, his voice calm and composed.

"Good evening," Priya replied, her nerves settling a bit at his polite demeanor.

Mrs. Kapoor left them alone in the room, closing the door softly behind her. The study was a blend of classic and contemporary, with shelves filled with books and a large wooden desk dominating the space. The soft glow from a table lamp illuminated the room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Arjun gestured to a chair opposite his desk. "Please, have a seat."

Priya sat down, placing her books and materials on the desk. The room was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of pages and the distant hum of the evening outside. As they began their session, Priya felt a sense of calm wash over her. This was the start of something new, and despite the initial nerves, she felt ready to accept it.

The evening had slipped away unnoticed. Priya and Arjun were so engrossed in their session that they didn't realize how late it had become. They shared an unspoken connection, Priya's enthusiasm and warmth blending seamlessly with Arjun's quiet curiosity. It was around 9:30 PM when Priya finally decided to leave. After a warm goodbye to Arjun, she gathered her things and stepped outside.

As she walked towards her car, Priya suddenly halted. A sleek car had just pulled up, and from it emerged Ram, accompanied by a young woman. Their eyes met, both equally stunned to see each other. The world seemed to pause for a moment as they exchanged a glance filled with unspoken questions and surprise.

Mrs. Kapoor was approaching, her footsteps soft yet purposeful. Sensing the awkwardness, Ram quickly turned to the young woman. "You should go," he whispered. She nodded, slipping back into the car and driving away.

"Ram," Mrs. Kapoor called out, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Let me introduce you to someone. This is Priya Sharma, Arjun's new English tutor."

Ram, regaining his composure, extended his hand with a polite smile. "Oh, I see. Nice to meet you, Priya."

Priya, still in shock, hesitated for a moment before extending her trembling hand. "Nice to meet you," she managed, their hands shaking briefly but firmly.

Just then, a voice called out from behind them. "Grandmother!" It was Arjun, his tone carrying a note of urgency.

Mrs. Kapoor turned to leave, her attention drawn by Arjun. Priya took this as her cue to depart as well. She offered a polite nod to Ram before making her way to her car, her mind swirling with the unexpected encounter.

As Priya made her way towards her car, she heard quick footsteps behind her. Turning around, she was startled to find Ram following her. He grabbed her hand, stopping her in her tracks. Priya's eyes widened in shock, a mix of anger and confusion flashing across her face.

"What are you doing?" she demanded, her voice trembling slightly.

Ram's face was set in a determined expression. "Don't you want it?" he challenged. "Did you think I would be so nervous seeing you? What do you want, ? To embarrass me? Is that why you took this job?"

Priya yanked her hand free, her eyes blazing with indignation. "Wait a second! If I had known this was your house, I would never have taken this job!"

Ram's jaw clenched. "Then leave. Leave this job."

Priya took a step back, her frustration boiling over. "What are you so afraid of? And you don't even feel sorry for that evening?"

"Feel sorry for what?" Ram retorted, his tone cold. "It was a mishap. I paid for the service. How was I supposed to know you would come instead of some other woman?"

Priya's hands clenched into fists. "You're getting on my nerves, Ram. I don't even want to see your face, but I have responsibilities. After Arjun's final exams end in two months, I'll leave this job."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked briskly to her car. As she drove away, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, frustration, and a sense of injustice.

Ram watched her car disappear into the night, his expression darkening. "I hate women like her," he muttered under his breath, feeling a mix of anger and something he couldn't quite identify.

The night air was cool, but the tension between them lingered, leaving an indelible mark on both their minds. As Priya drove away, she couldn't help but replay the encounter in her head, wondering how she would navigate the complex web of emotions and responsibilities that lay ahead.

As Priya drove away from the Kapoor mansion, Ram's words echoed in her mind, fueling her anger. Her grip on the steering wheel tightened, and without realizing it, she pressed harder on the accelerator. The streetlights blurred past as her frustration built, each memory of the confrontation making her pulse race faster.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the traffic signal ahead until it suddenly turned red. Her eyes widened in panic, and she slammed on the brakes. The car screeched to a halt, jerking her forward violently. For a moment, everything was still, save for the rapid thudding of her heart.

Priya clutched her head, feeling a wave of dizziness. "Agh! What's wrong with me?" she groaned, frustration mingling with the remnants of shock. "Why did I end up in that same house? Oh God, I don't think I can continue this job. No way."

She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. The night was dark, and the quiet hum of the city surrounded her. She felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, her mind torn between her responsibilities and the turmoil that Ram's presence brought into her life.

The signal turned green, but Priya remained still for a moment longer, gathering her resolve. She knew she had to make a decision soon, but for now, she needed to clear her mind and find a way to deal with the unexpected chaos that had suddenly taken over her life.

With a final deep breath, she eased her foot off the brake and continued driving, her thoughts a tangled web of confusion, anger, and uncertainty.

In his dimly lit room, Ram paced back and forth, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. He couldn't shake the image of Priya from his mind. Why on earth did she have to become Arjun's teacher? The possibility of her revealing everything to Arjun gnawed at him, a dark cloud of anxiety hanging over his head.

He stopped pacing and sank into a leather armchair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. The room was filled with the faint scent of cigar smoke, a testament to his habit of smoking when under stress. Ram's eyes fell on the glowing ember of his cigar, and he picked it up, taking a slow, contemplative drag.

"Did I just misbehave with her too much?" he muttered to himself, the weight of his actions pressing down on him. He recalled the confrontation, his harsh words, and Priya's anger. A pang of regret hit him. "Oh God, what did I do?"

With a sudden burst of frustration, Ram took the cigar and pushed it forcefully into the ashtray, extinguishing the glowing tip. The room fell silent, save for the faint crackling of the dying ember. He leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes and rubbing his temples, trying to make sense of the turmoil inside him.

As the night wore on, Ram's thoughts swirled, a chaotic mix of regret, fear, and confusion. The possibility of Priya seeking revenge by revealing their past to Arjun loomed large in his mind, adding to his unease. He couldn't help but wonder if he had crossed a line, if his actions had pushed her too far.

He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, feeling the weight of his mistakes. The room, usually a place of solace, now felt stifling and oppressive. Ram knew he had to find a way to deal with this situation, but for now, all he could do was sit and brood, the night's events replaying in an endless loop in his mind.