After that heavy conversation with her mother, Ritu couldn't bring herself to disobey. She was right, after all—men were too dangerous, unpredictable creatures, dangerous in their desires and actions. No matter how many heroes the history and the scriptures had produced, the dark shadows of those who had abused their power far outnumbered the good. It was a sobering realization, one that weighed heavily on Ritu's heart.

Ritu slipped into the car, flanked by her two shadows, her so-called "bodyguards," though they felt more like jailers. Their presence, while meant for her protection, only served to grate on her nerves. But she kept her resentment to herself, biting her tongue as the car pulled away.

Once they arrived at the restaurant Pihu had suggested, Ritu stepped out, only to be halted by Rehan's outstretched hand.

"Wait. You can't walk in front. One of us has to go ahead of you," Rehan instructed in a tone that left no room for debate.

Her eyebrows knitted together in irritation. "You're kidding, right?" she muttered, her voice laced with frustration. "You're here to watch over me, not control how I move."

Rehan, unfazed, said in a polite but firm tone, "That's exactly what I'm doing, Ritu ma'am. I need to ensure your safety, check your surroundings. Irfan will walk ahead, and I'll stay behind you. You can't go first."

Ritu felt heat rise to her cheeks, anger simmering just beneath the surface. Her independence suddenly feeling stifled. She turned sharply, her eyes landing on Irfan, who was just stepping out of the car. His expression was neutral. He assessing the situation by studying the duo in front of him before he met her gaze with a calm, resolute expression.

"Just do what he's saying," Irfan instructed, his tone calm, almost dismissive. "Neil gave us strict orders. We can't afford any more risks. Enough damage has happened already. We need to be cautious. Every move has to be calculated from now on. And please, put on your mask and sunglasses. We'll be walking a few blocks to reach the restaurant."

"Irfan!" Ritu snapped, exasperated, but it was useless. They treated her commands like the wind—felt but easily dismissed. It wasn't just frustrating; it was humiliating. She was supposed to be in charge, yet here she was, being ordered around by men who acted more like captors than protectors.

She let out a sigh, glaring at them both. It was as if they had all the power, and she was just a pawn. At that moment, she didn't know what infuriated her more—the constant surveillance, or the fact that, deep down, she knew this was all necessary.

Irfan moved around the car and exchanged a subtle nod with Rehan. Both men wore dark sunglasses and had earpieces snugly in place. They looked straight out of some low-budget spy movie. Walking sandwiched between these imposing figures in black in broad daylight would make them stand out like a sore thumb. People were bound to stare. Ritu imagined the curious glances they would attract, whispers and stares from passersby that would be impossible to ignore. The thought made Ritu cringe with dread.

"Fine! If you must do it like Neil told you, then I'd better cover myself up completely to make it look more ridiculous. If we're turning this into a joke, then let's spice it up a notch." Ritu rolled her eyes at her own words as she swung open the car's door and grabbed her backpack. Inside, she had a dupatta tucked into one of the pockets. She had kept it there in case of emergency. If they wanted a scene, she would give them one.

Ritu's innate nature was rebellious. She used to sneak out of her home or college often in the past, which meant she had quite a few tricks up her sleeves. The dupatta she had tucked away in her backpack was one of them. Once she wrapped it around her head concealing herself, there was no way anyone could recognize her.

"Let's make this as dramatic as possible, shall we?" she muttered sarcastically, throwing her sunglasses on for good measure. She tossed her backpack into the car and slammed the door shut.

Irfan gave her an amused look and shook his head slightly before turning around and walking ahead of her. She glanced at Rehan briefly and saw the disapproving frown creasing his forehead. She ignored that and followed Irfan.

It was around 12:45 pm, and the summer sun blazed mercilessly in the sky. Ritu pulled out her phone and checked the weather—38°C. It certainly felt like a shower of fire. The air felt heavy, the heat pressing down on her like a smothering blanket. Sweat gathered at her temples, but she was too frustrated to care.

They walked in silence for a few seconds, the weight of the moment heavy in the air. Ritu felt the oppressive heat of the sun on her back, but it was the tension between her and her protectors that truly stifled her. Ritu finally broke the silence. "Can I at least have two minutes alone with Pihu?" she asked, her voice laced with restrained irritation.

Rehan's response was swift and unyielding. "No. You're not allowed to be alone outside." His tone left little room for negotiation. He did not even bother to consider her request.

Ritu gritted her teeth beneath the veil of the dupatta. Then she tried once more to politely persuade them. "But you'll be right there. Just outside the door. Please."

"No," Rehan repeated, his voice unwavering.

She wanted to scream, to argue, but she knew it would be pointless. These men were immovable. So, she swallowed her frustration, resigned to their oppressive company as they neared the restaurant.

Acapella—a poolside restaurant and bar with dim, moody lighting that contrasted sharply with the golden glow of the pool water, which shimmered like molten lava. The place exuded luxury, but it felt almost otherworldly, a surreal escape from the searing heat outside.

Ritu entered the lounge after Irfan and scanned the area searching for Pihu. After a moment, she spotted her sitting at the right-hand corner, beside the huge laughing buddha statue. Relief flooded her as she unwrapped her dupatta and let it hang loosely around her neck.

Only then did Pihu notice Ritu, as her face now uncovered. She raised her hand, gesturing for Ritu to come over. But luck was not on Ritu's side that day. Just as she took a step forward, Rehan's firm grip stopped her, and he nodded at Irfan.

Irfan mirrored the gesture and walked over to the reception, leaning in to whisper something to the receptionist. The man's gaze quickly flicked toward Ritu, giving her an appraising look that made her feel exposed and mortified. He scrutinized her for a moment before shifting his attention back to Irfan, nodding in acknowledgment.

Ritu strained to catch a glimpse of Irfan's expression, but all she could see was his back. After issuing some instructions to the receptionist, he turned and made his way back to her and Rehan, the tension in the air palpable.

Once he reached them, he only delivered a one-word instruction to Ritu. "Behave."

The word hit her like a slap. Ritu glared at him, her fury burning behind her eyes. How dare he speak to her like that? As if sensing her rising defiance, Rehan tightened his grip on her arm. But she knew better than to make a scene. So, she jerked her hand free from Rehan's grip and stormed over to Pihu, her anger simmering just beneath the surface.

Pihu looked puzzled as the men followed Ritu and settled at the table right beside theirs, their looming presence impossible to ignore. She furrowed her brows and leaned in, lowering her voice as concern flashed across her face.

"What's with them?" she asked, her gaze flickering between the two men before settling on Ritu.

Ritu let out a weary sigh, rolling her eyes in frustration. "Dadabhai and Maa," she muttered, as if the explanation itself carried the weight of her predicament.

Pihu pressed her lips together, quickly piecing together the situation. "It'll be difficult for us to... you know!" Her voice trailed off, and she shot Ritu a pointed look, one that made it clear she understood the constraints they were under.

Ritu shrugged helplessly. She had no other choice but to play along. "I'll talk to Dadabhai tonight about this new arrangement. I cannot take this one more day!" she gritted her teeth, the frustration simmering beneath her words.

Pihu nodded, though the tension in her brow didn't ease.

Ritu glared at the two men for a brief moment before shifting her focus back to Pihu. "Alright then, let's get to the matter at hand. Shall we?"

Pihu smiled faintly, understanding of Pihu's effort to move past the discomfort and focus on what needed to be done. "Certainly sweetheart. Tell me what do you need? I'll provide."

The way Pihu said those words, with that playful mix of seduction and authority, made Ritu's cheeks flush instantly. She could feel the heat creeping up her neck as she stammered, "Don't—don't say those things! They can hear us!"

Pihu smiled mischievously, wiggling her brows. "Aww, are you embarrassed?"

"No, of course not!" Ritu snapped back, though she knew she was lying. Her body language betrayed her completely, and Pihu wasn't someone to miss such obvious signs. Ritu leaned forward placing her right hand on the table, trying to regain some composure. But her trembling free hand gave away her shyness as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Pihu, please," she whispered, a bit more earnestly.

Pihu giggled softly, clearly enjoying the flustered reaction she was drawing out. Then, with a more genuine tone, she placed her hand over Ritu's, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Alright, alright. I'm sorry. Let's get back to business."

Ritu offered a small, grateful smile as the teasing moment passed, and they shifted focus.

They dove into the conversation about model arrangements. Pihu's brows furrowed as she spoke. "I can give you seven models at most, but only for two hours."

Ritu bit her lip, thinking for a moment. "I still need at least 3-4 more models."

Pihu sighed apologetically. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. The others are too professional to take on a college fashion show. I've stretched this as far as I can." Her hand reached for Ritu's again, squeezing it softly. "That's all I can do right now."

Ritu, sensing the genuine effort Pihu had put into it, hurried to reassure her. "You don't have to apologize. What you're doing is more than enough, really."

Pihu smiled warmly at her, relieved. "How many male models do you need?"

Ritu hesitated for a moment. "Well... I've got six gender-neutral designs. You can send whoever fits."

Pihu nodded, tapping her chin in thought. "Alright. I'll see what I can manage."

Their conversation hit a lull as Ritu's eyes drifted toward the table where Rehan and Irfan were seated, sipping their drinks like ever-watchful sentinels. She sighed in frustration, turning back to Pihu with pleading eyes.

Pihu seemed to pick up on her unspoken request. With a sly smile, she leaned closer and said suggestively, "Well, don't you need to freshen up a bit before we leave? Let's head to the restroom, Ritz."

Ritu's eyes brightened as she caught on to Pihu's plan. She was using the 'girls' code' to create a moment of privacy. "Oh yes, I must look like a clown with my hair all over the place. Let's do some makeup!" Ritu said, her enthusiasm bubbling over. She stood up, ready to make her way to the restroom, but Rehan was quick to intercept her.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his voice firm.

Ritu shot him a pointed look. "To the restroom, Rehan. Can't I even take a bathroom break now?"

Rehan frowned, exchanging a glance with Irfan before nodding slowly. "Okay, but you need to be back within five minutes. If you're not out in ten seconds more, I'm coming in after you. I can't let you out of my sight for more than that. It's not what I was ordered."

Ritu rolled her eyes and huffed, feeling exasperated. By then, Pihu had also stood up, flashing a polite smile at the men. "Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her," she said, her tone light.

"Lady, we don't even know you. Trusting you with her safety is out of the question," Rehan replied, his words clipped and sharp.

Pihu chuckled lightly. "Fair enough." She reached into her purse, pulling out a business card and extending it toward Rehan. "Here. This is my card. Now you know where to find me."

Rehan's brows furrowed in dissatisfaction as he took the card and passed it to Irfan, who glanced at it before tucking it into his suit pocket.

"Now, shall we go, Ritz?" Pihu asked, her voice polite yet eager.

Ritu nodded, a broad smile breaking across her face. She picked up her phone from the table and led the way toward the restroom, with Pihu trailing behind her, shaking her head slightly, amusement evident on her face.

Once inside the washroom, Ritu spun around quickly to face Pihu. "I've got something on my mind that's bothering me."

Pihu didn't look surprised. She stepped closer, gently cupping Ritu's cheek. "I know. You've been fidgeting the whole time we talked outside. I noticed but couldn't say anything because of them." She smiled softly. "So, what's weighing on your heart?"

Ritu felt her cheeks heat up as she quietly confessed, "You remember that person from the café?"

A crease formed on Pihu's brow as she withdrew her hand. Ritu looked at her expectantly, and after a moment, recognition crossed Pihu's face. "Are you talking about Jai Basu? The one whose grandfather's murder case is still ongoing against your brother?"

Ritu felt her ears turning hot. "Yes. I- I" She stammered. "I saw him again and- and the kids. They-" she gulped and looked away from Pihu. "I want to help them."

Pihu took a moment to process this. "Help me understand this. You want to help your brother's enemies?"

Ritu replied almost too quickly, "They're not exactly my brother's enemies. It's just how things have turned out." She bit her lip, hesitant. "Besides, he's helped me out on several occasions."

An uncomfortable silence ensued between them followed by Pihu's stern words. "I hope you understand the complications of what you're considering."

Ritu shifted her gaze to Pihu, who was studying her intently. "I just want to help the kids. What's wrong with that?"

Pihu shook her head, her expression serious. "That's not the issue, Ritusha. You know exactly what I'm referring to." She stepped closer and warned her cautiously, "I just don't want you to fall into trouble again. Remember last time? All you wanted was to help your brother. But instead, you landed yourself amidst destructive chaos, causing harm to your body. You're still dealing with the aftermath of that incident, and I'm still carrying the burden of helping you in that reckless act that caused you pain. I don't want you to go through that again."

Ritu bit her bottom lip and closed her eyes for a moment. Disappointment etched on her senses. She felt losing to the differences between her needs and wants. When she opened her eyes, she caught Pihu starting to undress.

Ritu shrieked in a hushed tone, her eyes wide with shock. "What the—what are you doing?"

Pihu shot her with a disapproving look. "Can't you see? I'm helping you out. I can't see that look on your face."

"How is this going to help me?"

"Ritz! You're Ritusha Roy! You're forgetting your nature." Pihu thrust the top into Ritu's hands before reaching for the bottoms. "You're meant to break the rules, darling."

Ritu frowned, a mix of confusion and apprehension clouding her features. She still couldn't grasp Pihu's intentions when Pihu urged, "Come on! Undress! We don't have much time left!"

"But-"

"Oh my God, Ritz! It seems that blow to your head actually effed with your brain!" Pihu exclaimed, quickly pulling off her bottoms and shoving them into Ritu's hands. When she saw the confusion still etched on Ritu's face, she took a breath and explained, "I'll distract them. You stay here until we're out of the restaurant, then you can leave. Go and help the kids. I'll always support you in whatever you choose to do in life, my love."

Ritu felt her cheeks flush at Pihu's words, gratitude swelling in her chest. She nodded and quickly undressed. They exchanged clothes, and Pihu took Ritu's dupatta to drape over her head, then slipped on the sunglasses.

"Alright." Pihu glanced at her reflection in the mirror and nodded, taking in how similar they looked with their matching heights. "Wait here for five minutes until we're out of the vicinity."

"But what will you do if they catch you?" Ritu asked, concern creeping into her voice.

"They won't. I'll just pretend to fall asleep," Pihu replied confidently.

"With the dupatta on?" Ritu raised an eyebrow, still unsure.

Pihu nodded. "Exactly. After that, I'll slip into your room and close the door behind me. But you know what? There'll be a problem. You'll have to think a way to enter the house. Otherwise, I won't be able to leave."

Ritu suddenly pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you for always having my back, Pihu. You're my rock when no one else is there for me. I'm so grateful to Kanha for bringing you into my life."

"Oof—" Pihu gasped, then chuckled as she patted Ritu's back affectionately. "You know I'd do anything for you. Just make sure you don't hurt yourself in anyway."

Ritu pulled back and nodded.

A soft knock on the restroom door interrupted their moment, and both of them exchanged anxious glances. Pihu took a deep breath and said, "It's time." She turned to Ritu, her expression turning serious. "Are you sure this is safe?"

Ritu inhaled deeply, letting the air fill her lungs before releasing it in a shaky sigh. "I have to take the risk."

Pihu's gaze softened. "If you don't come back within three hours, I'll let them know where you went. Whatever consequences follow, we'll have to face it. Deal?"

Ritu nodded in agreement. Then they hugged each other for one last time before Pihu stepped out of the restroom and closed the door behind her almost immediately.

Ritu turned back to the mirror, her heart racing. This was either going to be exciting or exhilarating.

Her reflection stared back at her lookedresolute, ready to embrace whatever came next.