Rohit, Samaira, and Ritika were out shopping for winter essentials, wandering through the bustling mall. Meanwhile, Ahaan was nearby, catching up with an old friend, Rakesh.

As they passed by, Samaira spotted Ahaan and immediately perked up. Turning to her father, she asked, "Papa, can I go hang out with Ahaan for a while? You and Mumma can finish shopping and head home."

Rohit smiled knowingly, happy for the opportunity to have some uninterrupted time with Ritika. "Of course, beta. Just be careful and let us know when you're heading back."

Samaira beamed. "Thanks, Papa!"

She walked over to Ahaan, who was in the middle of an animated conversation with Rakesh. "Hey, Ahaan!" she called out, her voice cutting through the noise of the mall.

Ahaan turned, his face lighting up as he saw her. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a warm hug. "Hey, Sammy! What are you doing here?"

Rohit, Samaira, and Ritika were out shopping for winter essentials, wandering through the bustling mall. Meanwhile, Ahaan was nearby, catching up with an old friend, Rakesh.

As they passed by, Samaira spotted Ahaan and immediately perked up. Turning to her father, she asked, "Papa, can I go hang out with Ahaan for a while? You and Mumma can finish shopping and head home."

Rohit smiled knowingly, happy for the opportunity to have some uninterrupted time with Ritika. "Of course, beta. Just be careful and let us know when you're heading back."

Samaira beamed. "Thanks, Papa!"

She walked over to Ahaan, who was in the middle of an animated conversation with Rakesh. "Hey, Ahaan!" she called out, her voice cutting through the noise of the mall.

Ahaan turned, his face lighting up as he saw her. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a warm hug. "Hey, Sammy! What are you doing here?"

Ahaan pulled back from the hug and gestured toward his friend. "Sammy, this is Rakesh, my old school buddy. Rakesh, meet Samaira."

Rakesh extended his hand, offering Samaira a grin that lingered a bit too long. "Nice to meet you, Samaira. Ahaan's mentioned some... interesting things about you."

Samaira shook his hand politely but felt uneasy under his gaze, which seemed more probing than friendly. She forced a smile, glancing briefly at Ahaan, hoping he'd notice the discomfort on her face. But Ahaan, oblivious, laughed and patted Rakesh on the back.

"She's great, right? One of my closest friends," Ahaan said proudly, completely unaware of Rakesh's unsettling demeanor.

Samaira tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said, "Nice to meet you too, Rakesh. Um, I should probably go now—don't want to interrupt your reunion."

Ahaan frowned slightly. "What? You just got here. Stay for a bit. We were about to grab some coffee. Join us!"

Before Samaira could protest, Rakesh chimed in, "Yeah, come along. The more, the merrier."

Samaira hesitated, torn between staying for Ahaan and avoiding the uncomfortable situation with Rakesh. She finally nodded, deciding to stay, but kept her focus strictly on Ahaan, hoping the awkwardness would pass.

As they settled into a table at the coffee shop, Ahaan got up and said, "I'll grab the coffee. Sammy, your usual, right?"

Samaira nodded with a small smile. "Thanks, Ahaan."

As Ahaan walked toward the counter, Rakesh leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixated on Samaira. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, trying to ignore the awkward tension.

"So," Rakesh started, leaning closer than necessary, "you and Ahaan seem... close. How long have you two been 'just friends'?"

Samaira frowned. "We are just friends," she replied firmly, scooting her chair back slightly.

Rakesh chuckled. "Come on, no need to play coy. Ahaan's lucky to have someone like you around. You're... quite something."

Samaira's discomfort grew as Rakesh suddenly reached out and brushed her hand resting on the table. She recoiled immediately, her heart racing. "Rakesh, please don't. This isn't appropriate," she said, her voice firm but slightly shaky.

Rakesh smirked, unfazed by her protest. "Relax, it's just a friendly gesture," he said, leaning even closer.

Samaira stood up abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. "I don't think I want to sit here anymore," she said, looking toward Ahaan, who was still at the counter, oblivious to the interaction.

Rakesh grabbed her wrist lightly, his tone turning dismissive. "Hey, don't be so dramatic. Sit down."

Just then, Ahaan returned, holding the coffee tray. He froze at the sight of Rakesh holding Samaira's wrist, his eyes narrowing as he processed the situation.

"Let her go, Rakesh," Ahaan said, his voice cold and commanding.

Rakesh released her wrist, raising his hands in mock innocence. "Chill, man. I wasn't doing anything."

Samaira stepped away from the table, visibly shaken. "Ahaan, I... I think I should go home," she murmured.

Ahaan turned his full attention to her, concern etched on his face. "Sammy, are you okay? What happened?"

Samaira avoided his gaze, unwilling to create a scene, and shook her head. "I'll tell you later."

Ahaan clenched his jaw and turned back to Rakesh. "I trusted you, man. But this? You're done. Don't ever come near her or me again."

Rakesh shrugged, feigning indifference. "Your loss, bro."

Ahaan ignored him, gently guiding Samaira toward the exit. Once outside, he looked at her, guilt and worry clouding his expression. "Samaira, I'm so sorry. I should've noticed earlier. Are you okay?"

Samaira nodded, though tears brimmed in her eyes. "I just... I didn't expect that. Thank you, Ahaan."

Ahaan sighed deeply. "You shouldn't have had to go through that. I'll make sure he's out of our lives for good."

As they walked away from the coffee shop, Ahaan silently vowed to protect her, no matter what.

Later that evening, Ahaan was back home, still troubled by what had happened. He found Shubman sitting on the patio, sipping tea while scrolling through his phone. Ahaan hesitated for a moment before walking over and sitting beside him.

Shubman glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. "What's up, champ? You look like you've got something on your mind."

Ahaan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Something happened today, and I need to tell you."

Shubman set his phone aside, giving Ahaan his full attention. "Alright, spill it."

Ahaan recounted the incident at the coffee shop, his tone a mixture of anger and guilt. "I didn't notice anything at first. I was just ordering coffee, thinking everything was fine, and when I came back, that... jerk was holding her wrist. Sammy was so shaken. I feel like I failed her."

Shubman listened intently, his expression darkening as Ahaan described what Rakesh had done. When Ahaan finished, Shubman's jaw was clenched, and his tone was firm. "First of all, this isn't your fault, Ahaan. That guy crossed a line, and it's on him, not you. You handled it well by standing up for Samaira and cutting ties with him immediately."

Ahaan shook his head. "But I introduced her to him, Dad. What if I hadn't been there to step in?"

Shubman placed a reassuring hand on Ahaan's shoulder. "That's what makes you a good friend, Ahaan. You were there when it mattered. And trust me, life throws these kinds of moments at us, but it's how we handle them that defines us. You did the right thing."

Ahaan looked down, his voice quieter. "She was really upset, though. I feel like I let her down."

Shubman's tone softened. "It's natural to feel that way, but you need to focus on what you can control. Be there for her, listen to her, and make sure she feels safe. That's all anyone can ask of you."

Ahaan nodded slowly. "I'm going to check on her tomorrow. She didn't really talk much after I dropped her off."

Shubman gave a small smile. "That's a good idea. And if you need to talk about this more, I'm here, okay?"

Ahaan smiled faintly. "Thanks, Dad. I needed to hear that."

Shubman patted his back. "Anytime. Now, get some rest. You've had a long day."

As Ahaan got up to leave, Shubman called after him. "And remember, anyone who tries to mess with the people we care about? They'll have to deal with both of us."

Ahaan chuckled lightly. "Noted."

Shubman watched his son walk away, proud of how Ahaan had handled the situation but also quietly determined to keep an eye out for anything—or anyone—that might harm his family.