Author's note: Here's the next chapter. We'll now know more about Jai's life. The part we've been waiting for. Enjoy! And please vote! To all the silent readers, my request is please vote on the chapter and follow me. It really is the only incentive that makes me keep on writing.

Oh- one more thing, the good part is just starting. It's the part we all have been waiting for. The Forbidden Romance arc. Shall we?

~~~

Ritu smiled at Jai triumphantly as he sighed and accepted defeat. The pantry was too warm for her liking, so she draped her dupatta over her head, creating a makeshift turban, as if preparing for a desert expedition. She rolled eyes then dismissed the thought. This moment was nothing less than that of a desert expedition. That too-a forbidden expedition.

As soon as she pushed the thought aside and shifted her gaze ahead, she caught a glimpse of Jai staring at her with a subtle smirk on his face. But that quickly vanished when their eyes met. He averted his eyes and turned back to the table in the center of the room.

He cleared his throat while picking up the towel that had fallen to the floor. "Why are you doing this, Ritusha? It's clearly evident your body isn't familiar with this kind of atmosphere. Your delicate lifestyle is exact opposite to mine." He put the towel on the table and turned his head toward her. "You're the girl who lives in an air-conditioned room 24X7, while I live inside this furnace most of the time of my day. We aren't alike, Ritusha. You won't find my world fascinating."

"But I already find it fascinating," Ritu murmured under her breathe.

Jai studied her face for a few seconds, then sighed deeply and focused back on the bowls kept on the table. "Wait outside. I'll finish this batch, then we can leave," he said, his tone dismissive, as though he expected her to obey without question.

But Ritu wasn't having it. She marched toward him purposefully. "No, I want to see you work. How do you bake a cake? Show me."

Jai's eyebrows shot up, a flicker of amusement sparking in his eyes. "You want to see me bake?"

"Why not? Or is there some secret recipe you're trying to keep from me?" Her gaze fell on the bowls of pink and yellow batter, her curiosity pulling her closer. "Do you bake all the cakes yourself?"

A sly smile tugged at the corners of Jai's lips. "Yes. We, the people of the slums, don't have the luxury of maids and servants to do things for us."

Ritu's glare intensified. "You don't have to mock me with every sentence. I'm not here to argue."

"Then why exactly are you here?" Jai asked quietly as he raised his eyes from the bowl and locked with hers. She touched the table top with her fingers and maintained the eye-contact. "I already told you why I am here. I want to meet them. I want to help them."

Jai placed his hands on the table and leaned forward. "Why do you think they'll be willing to take your help? One word from me will silence them."

Ritu's brows furrowed in annoyance. "And why would you do that? Don't you need help to take care of them?"

Jai's jaws ticked as he prevented himself from retorting. A moment later he retreated and asked, "What would you do if Abhimanyu learns about this forbidden meeting, Ritusha? Your brother and I are opponents." He crossed his arms, the testing glint in his eyes only growing stronger.

In response, Ritu folded her arms too. "And that has nothing to do with me wanting to meet the kids. Besides, you're judging my dadabhai wrong. He might as well want to help."

Jai let out a sound between a scoff and a sigh, trying to keep his tone light but failing to hide the seriousness beneath it. "Help? Ritusha, you do realize your brother's actions are what put these kids in this situation in the first place? Buying the orphanage plot wasn't exactly a charitable move. If he wanted, he'd have made arrangements for their stay before making them move out of the house."

Ritu felt a pang of guilt twist in her stomach. "But he-"

"Exactly. He didn't. Ritusha, don't put your brother on a pedestal he doesn't deserve," Jai cut in, the frustration in his voice evident.

"But you don't understand he didn't-" Ritu started, but Jai held up a hand.

"Look, Ritusha, I know your brother's reputation. He's a renowned businessman-sharp and intellectual. He knows business; he knows how to play the strings at the management table. But what about those orphans? They don't have anything stable to start with. All they need is a place to stay and food to survive." Ritu's heart started beating rapidly as he brought the conversation down to this point, where she didn't have much say. The differences were too broad. She stared at Jai with a hurt and helpless expression. Jai noticed this, and his eyes softened slightly, but the firmness in his voice remained as he added, "It's about their existence, Ritusha. You have to see that."

Ritu uncrossed her arms. "That's exactly what I'm trying to do, Jai. But I can't do much if you're resisting like this."

Jai blinked, and for a moment, Ritu saw something shifting in his expression. He broke the eye contact, his gaze dropping to the bowl as if the colorful batter held the solutions to their unspoken tensions. Ritu could sense a flicker of resignation in him, the rigid lines of his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. It felt as though her words were penetrating his defenses, reaching into the space between them and urging him to reconsider.

Jai uncrossed his arms and pulled one of the bowls toward him, his hands moving swiftly as he began to mix the batter.

Ritu took a deep breath, watching him work with feigned concentration, before she said softly, "We can work together instead of against each other, Jai."

He never slowed down his hand's movements, but Ritu saw his Adam's apple bob up and down as he clearly considered her suggestion.

After a brief pause, Ritu added, "Perhaps we can begin by being less opinionated about specific situations?"

His hands paused as he gazed up, piercing through the tension that hung between them. "Perhaps we can focus on what truly matters instead of defending someone who clearly doesn't care as much as you think," Jai replied, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and mockery. "Ritusha, let's be real. You have no idea what we're discussing. You're sheltered from these kinds of hardships. What would a fashion designer know about the harsh realities of life? I'm not blaming you, but it's the truth you can't run away from."

Ritu opened her mouth to protest, but he held her gaze, challenging her with an intensity that made her heart race. The air crackled with unspoken words, and she could feel the weight of his scrutiny pressing down on her.

"Yes, I know I'm not aware of many things you're associated with. But I'm willing to learn if you agree to teach," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.

In that moment, a strange heat rose between them, an intoxicating blend of tension and unexpected attraction. The challenge in his eyes ignited something deep within her, a spark that was as exhilarating as it was terrifying.

She added with more firmness in her voice, "I may be used to fabrics and catwalks, but I came here, to learn and help. Didn't I? I'm trying to right the wrong, Jai. Please understand, you're reading dadabhai wrong," she shot back, her cheeks flushing as she realized how desperate she sounded.

Jai sighed. "You don't have to defend your brother anymore. We'll learn the truth soon. The court will-"

"Can you at least try to learn the truth?" she interrupted, her tone as assertive as she could muster.

"Truth?" Jai scoffed. "Are you suggesting we go look for the evidences ourselves?"

"If it means finding the real culprit, then why not?"

Jai studied her for a moment, and the air between them seemed to sizzle with thick frustration. Ritu's heart raced, not just from the tension, but from the undeniable pull brewing beneath the surface. She didn't understand why she was so adamant about proving her brother's innocence to an unconventional person from the slums, especially one who was her brother's sworn enemy.

Maybe he wasn't the main reason. Maybe it was because she saw those innocent faces who knew nothing about the politics playing the big picture. Or perhaps it was the stark contrast between their worlds-her privileged life filled with luxury and runway shows, and Jai and the kids' gritty existence where every day was a fight for survival.

The undeniable thought crossed her mind subtly. Here he was standing unyieldingly taking care of the orphans...for the greater good. Resilient and unafraid. She could have easily donated a large sum of money to help the orphans, but something deep within her insisted that this was a chance for her to work alongside this strange but strong man. The realization slowly settled in her heart. Her need to help came from a quest for justice, and being her mother's daughter, how could she turn her back from reclaiming the sense of belonging that had been stripped from those orphaned children.

Ritu took a deep breath, her mind racing with thoughts that seemed to swirl like a storm inside her. Somehow, standing so close to Jai, she felt both empowered and utterly vulnerable.

Jai finally broke the silence. "I must once again warn you. You have to be fully prepared, Ritusha. Helping isn't just about throwing money at a problem. I know you can do that in a blink of an eye. Being the only privileged daughter of Mr. Abhiraj Roy, you can certainly do that. But you can only claim you are helping them when you actively understanding the struggle," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle yet firm. "They don't need money as much as they need to feel safe in this world. You have to realize that this world isn't as black and white as you think. It's messy, complicated. It has a glamorous side, from where you belong, but it also has a side that's thick with darkness and damages."

After a brief pause, Ritu slowly admitted, "You're right, I know nothing about the world you belong. But you can put your trust in me, at least once. Maybe I can't change the whole world. But," her voice softened, "but I can help you take care of them."

Jai scoffed, as he averted his gaze and shook his head, a hint of smirk playing in his lips. "You're really stubborn, huh?"

Ritu smiled under her dupatta, knowing as well he couldn't see that. "Since birth. So, what do you say? Let's do it together. We can, right?"

"This is wrong on so many different levels, Ritusha. It won't be easy either. If media learns about this..." he trailed off for a brief moment before adding, "Also you'll have to face truths that might hurt." His voice softened, shifting from wary to sincere.

"I understand. We'll take precautions. No one will know," Ritu said, her attention shifting as Jai picked up the whisk and buried it into the batter. Curiosity overtook her. "What'll you do with it now?"

The corner of his mouth twitching up in a half-smile. "Well, I'm going to add in the essence now. It'll make the cakes flavorful." Jai answered gently before his hand paused mid-motion as he looked up squarely at her, his expression shifting slightly. "Want to help me with the baking?"

Ritu's heart skipped a beat as her eyes darted from the bowl to his face. He was already looking at her, waiting for her response.

"Help you in baking?" Ritu asked, aghast.

Jai shrugged nonchalantly. "Weren't you insisting on helping me out?"

"I only asked about the next step. I know nothing about baking. I didn't really-"

"You're already uncomfortable facing the ways of my world," Jai cut her off sharply. "How do you think you'll be able to face the bigger picture?"

Ritu opened her mouth to retort, but instead, her gaze lingered on the bowls again. "You know what? If I decide I can do it, I will do it. Show me how," she said it with sincerity. But her words only deepened Jai's amusement, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Come here," Jai said, a smirk flashed on his face before he quickly masked it. Grabbing a small bottle of essence from the table, he murmured under his breathe, "Right. A fashion designer asking about baking techniques. That's rich. Maybe next, you'll design cakes with silk ribbons and designer fondant, hmm?" His tone carried a teasing lilt.

Ritu huffed but chose not to respond, determined to prove him wrong. She moved around the table and stood beside Jai, her irritation momentarily overtaken by curiosity. She leaned in, her fingers skimming the edge of the bowl, and asked in a quieter voice, "What's in this?"

Jai seemed to stiffen slightly at their close proximity as a flicker of tension settled between them. His fingers paused momentarily over the bowl as he subtly shifted his weight. A faint flush crept up his neck that Ritu noticed despite his attempt to maintain a calm facade. "It's called batter, Ritusha. Flour, sugar, eggs... Nothing fancy."

Uncomfortable. Huh? Ritu smiled internally. He'd mocked her earlier for being uncomfortable in his world. Now who's uncomfortable?

Their hands brushed as she reached for the whisk in his hand. He swiftly let go of the whisk, and made eye-contact with her. The moment stilled. In the heat of the pantry, Ritu felt the strange thrill standing too close to him. Like stepping too close to a fire. He was so different than the polished men she was used to. There was this rawness in him, that was so enticing to her. As if he was a designer-layered outfit begging to be unwrapped, layer by layer.

Her hand paused, but she didn't move away. "Teach me." She said looking at him directly. It was more of a command than a request.

Jai cleared his throat, stepping back just enough to create some distance. "I wouldn't expect someone like you to understand this kind of work. You may be able to handle fabric, but baking is a different beast entirely." He pulled a cake mould closer, his movements brisk and almost defensive, as if trying to shake off the moment between them.

Ritu bit her lip, disheartened by his refusal. "I'm not asking for a masterclass. Just the basics. Who can say? You might find a diligent student in me." There was a flicker of defiance in her voice, challenging him in a way she wasn't sure she had intended.

"Oh really? You want to be my student now? The famous Ritusha Roy wants to learn baking from a lowly...what was that word? Uncultured...imbecile." Jai's eyes bore into hers making her flush red. "Wasn't it?"

Ritu looked away, her throat tightening. "It was wrong for me to assume. I-" She wanted to apologize, but the words refused to leave her lips, her pride holding them back.

Jai scoffed, shaking his head. He glanced at the bowl she was still touching with an amused tilt to his lips. His voice turned gentle once again. "Alright, come here, I'll show you. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Without another word, he stepped closer, his body just behind hers. Ritu's breath hitched as his hand slid forward and took hers, guiding it toward the whisk. Her heart skipped when his fingers wrapped around hers, the warmth of his touch igniting a thrill that shot through her. "Here, let me show you," he murmured, his voice low and steady.

His hands enveloped hers as he gently moved her wrist, guiding her in a fluid motion. "You want to whisk it like this. Firm, but not too hard," he instructed, his tone calm, like a professional. "We want it fluffy. This is not a workout for your hand, though at times it might feel so." He chuckled at his own joke, and the sound of it made her pulse quicken, her focus blurring between the task and the overwhelming awareness of him behind her.

Then, unexpectedly, he let his left hand settle gently on her left shoulder, sending a jolt of warmth coursing through her. Ritu's breath hitched. The way his body brushed against hers ever so lightly sent her heart into racing. Their closeness felt exhilarating yet forbidden, as if every rational thought faded away, replaced by the thrill of this stolen moment. What am I doing? He's dadabhai's enemy. This is wrong. But her body betrayed her; she leaned into his touch, savoring the connection that both excited and terrified her.

"See? It's all about the rhythm," he said, his voice low, guiding her through the motions. "You've got to get a feel for it." Ritu nodded, her mind spinning with confusion and desire. I shouldn't be enjoying this. He's dadabhai's rival for heaven's sake!

"Okay, I think I've got it," she said, pulling away slightly. "I mean, how hard can it be?"

As she whisked the batter, her focus wavered. "How do you know when it's ready?" she asked, tilting her head in genuine curiosity. "Is there, like, a magic moment or something?"

Jai chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Magic moment? More like a messy disaster if you're not careful."

Ritu giggled, the laughter breaking the tension between them. As she leaned in closer to get a better look at the bowl, she felt a sudden tug on her dupatta. She turned, only to see its edge had caught onto the handle of the flour jar. Before she could make it untangle, one hasty tug made the jar tumble over causing her dupatta to fly off with it and leave her face exposed. Her eyes went wide in horror as she stumbled backward, colliding right into Jai.

In the next moment, they both went down in a tangle of limbs, flour flying everywhere as the jar dropped on the floor beside them with a thud, bounced once and then tipped over spilling the flour all over the floor. Ritu landed half on top of Jai, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Oh no! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, struggling to push herself up, but instead, she just ended up getting more flour on him and herself.

Jai laughed, brushing the flour from his face. "This is definitely not how I imagined today would go," he said, a playful glint in his eyes.

Ritu's heart raced as she caught a glimpse of his amusement. "I swear I'm not usually this clumsy!" she protested, trying to regain her composure while a cascade of flour fell from her hair. "I don't know why we always meet amidst disaster or end up in one!"

Jai said nothing, but his laughter rang in her ears.

"I can't believe this happened! This is so embarrassing!" She groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I'm so sorry! I created a mess again!" She exclaimed, removing her hands from her face and looking at Jai apologetically.

Jai, still laughing, made an attempt to untangle his left arm from under her. "It's alright. These accidents are normal."

"Really?" Ritu asked genuinely, feeling the weight might lift off her shoulder if it was that frequent. Jai freed his arms and helped her sit steadily.

"Yes. But only if you're clumsy like this," he answered, a grin spreading across his face as he reached up to gently brush some flour off her cheek. "Here, let me just..."

Ritu felt her heart flutter at the light touch of his fingers, a mix of embarrassment and warmth flooding through her.

A moment of silence passed, as he brushed the flour from her cheeks. Their eyes locked for a fraction of second before she looked away feeling the heat rise to her ears. Then he asked softly, "Are your legs okay?"

She nodded.

Jai stood up first, then extended his hand to help her up.

"I should clean this," Ritu offered.

"No need. I'll take care of it." Jai walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a fresh towel. "Here, use this." He handed her the towel, his fingers brushing hers for a brief moment before he pulled away. Ritu's heart was still racing, and it wasn't just from the flour disaster. She could feel the tension lingering between them.

As she cleaned her face, feeling a little awkward under his calm demeanor, Jai's voice cut through the silence, catching her off guard. "How're the designs for fashion show coming along?"

Jai asked the question so casually it threw her off. It was as if he knew so much about her final year project. Then she reminded of the night of the Nabobarso party. She had a panic attack and he was the one helped her ground herself. Ritu hesitated, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I'm taking inspiration from the mandala design from the kurta you wore at the Nabobarso party."

Jai nodded sagely. "Sreeparna designed it."

Ritu froze, towel still in hand. "Sreeparna?"

"Yeah, that's her name," Jai said with a hint of pride. "She's talented. She'll be over the moon when she hears about this."

Ritu smiled, picturing the little girl's face lighting up. But as quickly as the warmth came, something darker gnawed at her. She couldn't stop herself from asking the question that had been bubbling inside since the moment she stepped into his world.

"We should talk about your grandfather, Jai," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

She instantly regretted it. She could feel the atmosphere between them shift in an instant. Jai's entire demeanor changed-his eyes grew hard, the warmth draining from his face. His reaction was so visceral it was almost as if the temperature in the room had dropped.

"I don't want to talk about that right now," he exclaimed, his voice cold and clipped. He didn't look at her after saying so as he turned away, busying himself with cleaning the mess. "You should hurry. You came to see the kids, right?"

Ritu's throat tightened. She had overstepped, she knew it. But the sudden change in him only deepened the mystery. His pain, his anger-it was like a locked door. But she had to unlock it by hook or crook, for the sake of everyone caught in this tangled web. Or, she wouldn't be able to help anyone--not her brother, not Jai, and certainly not the orphans who depended on him.

And she certainly couldn't let that happen.