"Hello Mr Shekhawat!" She chirped on video chat, looking glamourous beyond imagination.

"Woah Mowgli! What a transformation?" He looked genuinely surprised.

"Someone I know is training to be a personal stylist, she decided to give me a makeover. She asked me to do a photoshoot for her portfolio. I thought I'll surprise you! How do I look?" She asked. 

"Different, not like you usually do!" He mumbled. 

"Does it look bad?" She sounded unsure. Does he think it's loud, she wondered.

"No silly girl, of course you look good! Just wasn't expecting to see you made up like this. A few months ago you were such a gawky teenager!" Randhir grinned as he remembered how uncomfortable she was with her grooming routine.

"She asked if I am interested in modeling. I didn't know what to say. I mean, it was fun to do one photoshoot, but professional work? I don't need another distraction right now." She said, without weighing her words.

" Another distraction? Which was the first?" He winked at her.

"Shut up Randhir! My studies come before anything else." She explained.

"No harm trying amateur work, you can do the odd assignment when you have the time. Give it a thought, but ask your Mom first, of course!" 

"You know I can't do that, Randhir. Mom will freak if I mention it." Her smile vanished.

"Come on Mowgli, stop being paranoid!" He sounded casual. 

"I am not being paranoid Randhir, you know my upbringing. I am sorry to even bring this up.  I have to go now, have to wash my face before Mom gets here. Catch you later!" Having said goodbye she signed off.

Randhir went quiet for a minute. Sanyukta was actually looking pretty. But her circumstances were different. Anju obviously wanted to erase all traces of her roots, she had experienced the bitter taste of discrimination when she was younger. He almost forgot about Sanyukta's grandmother in the months that he had been in Mumbai. Keen to break free from the shackles of her past Anju had steered clear from pursuing the performing arts and chosen the career of an academician. She set clear goals for Sanyukta who was left with no choice but to take to her books seriously. While Sanyukta was trying to focus on her studies Randhir too was occupied with assignments and project. He also attended office in his spare time. 

Being near Vishad wore his patience thin, that guy was completely unpredictable. Sometimes he worked like a maniac, much to Tanya's delight, but usually he simply acted insufferable. Without Tanya's presence Vishad be would be lost. Randhir was glad she was around. She was a few years older, the same age as Vishad but there was a world of difference between Vishad and her. She was committed, driven and efficient. Initially the office staff had wondered about the unusual pairing of Tanya and Vishad. Later that curiosity had transformed to indifference, typical to the city's urban culture. 

Even when he had a packed day Randhir made time to respond to Sanyukta's messages. Her enthusiastic banter ranged from how challenging organic chemistry was to her surreal teen angst. There was always something to talk about. Sometimes they would ramble on, exchanging information and news. She also kept him updated about the Parth-Vidushi equation. Even if she no longer worked for the Shekhawats Parth remained a good friend. Once she sent Randhir a picture of Vidushi looking fabulous in her ethnic best, with Parth standing next to her, looking very pleased.

"These two look like they are eager to get married!" Randhir had remarked when he saw the picture. His kid brother was all grown up and acting responsible. 

"They look like they are made for each other." Sanyukta had to admit even if her rapport with Vidushi was lacklustre. There was an unmistakable glow of happiness around Vidushi and Parth. 

"They are truly lucky!" Randhir said. Mutual compatibility along with a relationship that had social sanction and support, what more could lovers ask for? On his screen he could see Sanyukta's eyes light up, she was genuinely happy for her Parth. 

"Met anybody special yet?" She asked Randhir. 

"Arey, I meet scores of charming girls everyday. They are ambitious, confident and feisty. But you know that already!" He reiterated.

"Then what is stopping you from asking one of them out?" She asked.

"Because like you I don't need another distraction right now. My mind is closed to girls. It is all work for me, no play. The culture in coed institutions is very different here. Because there is no time for relationships some people just hook up for instant gratification. Hey, what kind of pretend girlfriend are you, discussing other girls with me? Anyway how is your mother coping with her training?" He enquired.

"Don't ask, she is a woman with a mission! I didn't know she would take to it so seriously. She is just worried about leaving me behind when she goes to Mumbai for a few months." Sanyukta informed him.

"Why should she worry? In any case you will spend most of the day immersed in lectures and practicals while she is away. And on a relatively free weekend you can always hop across to Mumbai to meet her. That way even I can come over and say hello to you!" Randhir suggested.

"I never considered that. Mom won't be happy, but I can take an overnight train back and forth. Won't be much trouble. But will you be free when I visit?" She sounded excited.

"I sure hope so. You've not been to Mumbai before, correct?" It amused him to see the effect his suggestion had on her. He could envision her slogging hard for better grades to convince her mother to let her visit Mumbai. Just because she was eager to meet him. A mere infatuation could motivate someone this much! He wondered how far she would go for the sake of true love.

"How is work treating you?" She asked him.

"I go to the office only for a few hours in the week. And I am glad we have Tanya. That girl is brilliant at work, she virtually runs the office single-handedly. If it was not for Vishad I would spend more time learning from her!" He explained.

"Why did your father let Vishad join the Mumbai office? That guy is disgusting!" Sanyukta shuddered to think of what he could have done to her. She had every reason to despise Vishad.

"Sanyukta, I know it is hard but please get over what happened. When my parents got married he was a toddler, my mother fostered him along with the two of us. He is complicated and a little prone to narcissism. He has not left us yet because he expects a share in the business." Randhir sighed.

"And you will simply let him have it?" She sounded sceptical.

"He is my uncle's son, in any case he will inherit his share of the property. If father neglects him he will go wayward, he has the potential for it. As long as Tanya watches over him he will stay out of trouble. Gotta go now Mowgli, until tomorrow!" Randhir went offline.

With Sanyukta's consent Randhir had not disclosed to his parents the matter of Vishad's attempt to molest her. And Vishad had not bothered her again after receiving fair warning from Randhir. Sanyukta was painfully aware that being near Randhir meant tolerating Vishad. She wondered how the personalities of Randhir and Vishad were chalk and cheese when both boys were brought up by Randhir's parents in the same home.