Ruhana and Vineet meet up at VelvetVine Dining Restaurant. She thanks him for convincing Myra to meet Vedant. She feels that he’s done a lot for her, as he has convinced her sister to not judge people by their looks or in the very first meeting. He gradually denies the praise, but he wants to learn more about her and the problems that she’s facing. He asks her about the matter, but Ruhana denies telling him the real secret. Upon his insistence, Ruhana looks at him sharply. She doesn’t want his sympathy after all.

“Vineet, aap mere dost hain. Aapne meri bahut madad ki hain. Lekin please, aap ye sab baatein mat kijiye. Mujhe koi baat hi nahi karni.” Ruhana says it dejectedly.

“Lekin, Ruhaana, main toh bas aapki help karna chah raha tha.” Vineet says, sipping his coffee.

“Vineet, agar main kuch batana chahungi toh zaroor bataungi. Aapne meri itni madad ki hain ki aapse kuch chhupana mere liye mushkil hain lekin main ek baar phir se kisi pe bharosa karke main apne aap ko tootne nahi de sakti. I have Myra to take care of. I hope you understand.” Ruhana says while looking at him.

“Relax, Ruhana! I understand. I will not force you. Lekin ummeed karta hoon ki main aapke liye ek aisa dost saabit ho jaun jisse aap sab kuch share kar sakein. Us din ka intezaar rahega mujhe.” Vineet says while looking at her.

Ruhana is touched by his words. She knows that he’s a great friend. When he can help a stranger, then, now, they’re friends—good friends, to be honest. She smiles at him and appreciates his gesture.

“Thanks, Vineet. Aapne meri bahut madad ki hain. Lekin kuch raaz agar band rahein toh hi acha hain. Main wo sab dobara yaad nahi karna chahti.” She says, her eyes are teary suddenly and he’s surprised to see her like that.

“It’s okay, Ruhana. Aap itna stress mat lijiye. Main toh bas aapki madad karna chahta tha. Par main intezaar karunga.” He says gently.

Ruhana gazes at him with admiration, struck by his remarkable patience and kindness. In contrast to the men she's encountered thus far, he stands out as incredibly considerate and supportive. Some of her previous encounters involved uncles who callously ejected her and her younger sister from their home, displaying a complete lack of concern for their well-being. In stark contrast, this gentleman, who barely knows her, is eager to offer his assistance.

The remainder of their lunch is completed in quiet companionship, and when it's time to settle the bill, Vineet kindly offers to cover it. This time, Ruhana doesn't refuse his gesture; she's reluctant to cause him any more discomfort. She recognizes his genuine willingness to assist her, and she values their friendship too much to risk losing it.

*****
Vedant and Myra finish their lunch with lots of talk and laughter. Myra adores him as they enjoy their cold coffee after finishing their lunch.

“You’re too funny, Vedant!” Myra says it sweetly.

“Han, lekin tum toh mujhe khadoos samajhti ho.” Vedant says it jokingly.

“I said sorry na!” Myra apologises again.

“Yeah, lekin wo kehte hai na first impression is the last impression. Toh tumne toh mujhe galat hi samjha! Toh kya kahun main?” Vedant says, smiling coyly.

“Lekin ab mujhe realise ho gaya hain. Aage se main aisa nahi karungi. I promise you!” Myra says, holding his hand.

Vedant is a little surprised at her move, but he smiles at her. He keeps his hand on hers, assuring her that he has forgiven her.

“Myra, tumne jo kiya wo thik tha, lekin zaroori nahi har baar wohi ho jaisa tum soch rahi ho. Hai na?” He asks.

“Yeah, I understand. Di bhi mujhe yahi kehti hain. Lekin main kya karun? Jo kuch maine dekha hai uske baad main kisi par bhi jaldi se trust nahi kar paati hun. I am really sorry, Vedant.” Myra says and apologises again.

“You don’t need to apologise again, Myra. Main bas tumse itna kehna chahta hoon ki tum mujhe har wo baat bata sakti ho, jisse tum pareshan ho. We’re friends, right?” He asks looking at her.

Myra is in a daze. Are they really friends? Did he forgive her truly? Is he ready to befriend someone who accused him of something grave. She looks at him quizzically while he assures her through his eyes.

“Myra, zindagi ka naam hai aage badhte rehna. Agar ek cheez ko leke baith jaayenge toh hum peeche reh jayenge aur zindagi bahut aage nikal jayegi. Main upset tha, lekin ab nahi hun. Main apni nayi dost ko un sabse baahar nikaalna chahta hoon jisse wo pareshan hain.” Vedant says.

“Aur vaise bhi dosti hain toh duniya ka har rishta kaayam rahega! Toh kyun na hum apni nayi shuruaat dosti se karein?” Vedant asks, extending his hand towards her.

Myra is moved by his kindness and reaches out to clasp his hand, signifying her approval of their budding friendship. His joy is evident, and not long after, they depart from the hotel. Vedant kindly offers to drive her back to her place, and Myra accepts the offer. The journey home is tranquil, with Myra deep in thought.

*****
Myra is in a state of bewilderment following her conversation with Vedant, and Ruhana also senses a deep impact from her interaction with Vineet. When they arrive home, Myra's contemplative demeanor doesn't go unnoticed by Ruhana. After inquiring, Myra shares something that truly astonishes Ruhana.

To Be Continued.