26th March

Of course, they'd go with her! How come the thought never occurred to her? Ritu frowned as she glared at the back of Rehan and Irfan's heads as they maneuvered the car carefully through the campus driveway of her institute. Several faces turned toward their car as it parked before the entrance of block D. She gruffly exhaled, then closed her eyes before wrapping her fingers around the handle of her walking stick. Embarrassment and anxiousness gnawed their way through her veins when finally, she forced herself and opened the door.

But before she could hoist herself out of the vehicle, Rehan said aloud curtly, "Ritu ma'am, Irfan will be positioned outside your classroom. Roy sir has already talked with the authority and made arrangements." He took a brief pause before adding, a little warily, "You're not allowed to stray alone anywhere apart from your classroom. Irfan will accompany you everywhere."

"What?" Ritu snapped. "What do you mean he'll accompany me everywhere? I'm not a baby!"

Rehan frowned while Irfan frowned responded deftly, "Considering the current circumstances, we've been specially ordered to not leave you alone, even for a fraction of second. I'm sorry."

Ritu scowled and clenched her jaws. She knew what circumstances they were talking about. Since the protest happened, none of her family members were allowed to roam alone. Although after that face-to-face with Jai Basu, the protests had stopped, the security team was just not ready to take any risks. They'd accompany each and every member wherever they went. It was the same with Ritu too.

But this was an educational institute for heaven's sake. How awful she'd look with a bodyguard trailing behind her? She already had quite a lot enemies in her college, and now they'd have even more to gossip about.

Ritu huffed but did not refute. Because it'd make no difference. They were only following her orders for security measure. So, she angrily opened the door and stepped out of the car with the help of her walking stick. Irfan got out as well. Rehan let them know that the car would be back to pick them up within two hours before he drove off and out the campus.

As expected, People had already started passing them questionable stares.

Ritu took a deep breath then decided on visiting the faculty first who had been allotted as her project guide and instructor, Prof. Indira Nag.

"Irfan," she whispered.

"Yes, ma'am."

She flinched, then gritted her teeth. "Don't call me ma'am here! Just call me Ritu. And we're going to visit my project guide first. I need to discuss my idea with her first. Okay?"

Irfan nodded. "Sure."

The thing with having a bodyguard trailing behind her was it was too in the eye, with his uniform on top of that. She was dying with embarrassment inside. With a hot, red face she limped toward the entrance of their building. Prof. Nag's room was of the third floor, and she had no idea how she was going to climb up there.

As they proceeded toward the stairs, Irfan asked, "Which floor do we need to reach?"

"Third," Ritu said and winced internally.

"Okay." Irfan said, then without another word crouched down in front of her. "Climb on my back. You cannot climb the stairs in your current state," he said in a matter-of-factly tone.

"What? NO!" Ritu squeaked, horrified. Glancing around, she realized her fear wasn't an overreaction. People were indeed staring at them with renewed curiosity. Some were muttering under their breaths, some were sniggering at them, making the situation even worse.

She clasped her fingers around the handle of her walking stick quite tightly that it started hurting. "Forget it. I'm going to the Dean first. She'll arrange something on the ground floor. I'm not doing this circus here," she said in an undertone and turned around. Irfan got up and followed her.

Someone called out from the crowd, "Hey Ritz, what's with your boy? Why is he following you like a shadow? Care to share him with us?"

She shifted her eyes to the spot and noticed Debyani, who was cackling with her group. It'd be immensely wise of her if she did not respond to her now. If she stayed quiet, they might let the matter slide. But to her dismay, Gabby piped in, "Oh no Deb. You don't want to be on her rough side, do you? Don't you know who her father is?" The jab was clearly not to her aid. Rather a mockery...overtly like a dare. As if, to challenge her.

Irfan was about to step toward them, but she grabbed his hand refraining him. "Let's get out of here."

As she said so, someone whistled and a laughter broke out.

Irfan said, "But they are bullying you. You must not overlook that."

"Leave it. It doesn't matter. I'm used to this." Indeed, she was. After that designing competition, when she ran to her home crying, her father saw it. And the man he was, he came straight to her college and publicly announced why everyone should refrain from hurting her. And to her dismay, this all happened outside her knowledge. Later when she learned about it, life was never the same at college. She lost friends (although it would be safe to call them fake friends). She did lose them nonetheless. They were her party mates and clubbing mates. And all went down the rabbit hole because of her father! Moreover, whenever she achieved something with her own potential, they assumed it was because her father had sources. Her talents were kind of overshadowed by her father's reputation, and she hated it. Sometimes, she did not understand whether being her father's daughter was a boon or bane?

As they left the vicinity of block D and started walking toward block A where their dean's office was, Irfan said, "If you say I can show them their real places."

Ritu shook her head. "It's fine, Irfan. I already said so. Just...let us finish out work here and leave the campus. I have loads of work waiting for me."

Irfan nodded and did not stretch the matter.

Thankfully, Dean's office was on the ground floor and Ritu did not have to climb the stairs. As the Dean, Prof. Dr. Bandana Gupta, already knew about her condition, she immediately arranged for her meeting with her project guide.

The meeting of course went as she had planned. Smooth. Her vision for the fashion had always impressed the faculties, and it was no different. Prof. Nag even admired her vision. She helped her plan out the working schedule until she was almost satisfied with the fact that Ritu'd be able to participate in the graduation show which was just round the corner.

"Ritusha, you can do it. Just keep your vision wide. The inspiration is the main thing. Inspiration does not necessarily have to come from the outside, it can as well come from inside. You just need the right vision to look for it." She smiled at her before adding, "And I know you have it."

After talking to Prof. Nag, when Ritu left the room, Irfan was waiting right there outside the door. With a deep breath, Ritu took a step. Her legs trembled.

At that very moment, the sudden vibration from her phone startled her. She hastily passed her walking stick to her left hand and pulled out her phone from her jeans' pocket. It was Pihu. All the discussion she had with Shreya regarding her relationship with Pihu rushed into her mind like stormy waves. She had been avoiding Pihu's calls and messages since that day. Although after a week she stopped calling her, Ritu knew, Pihu would contact her again. It was just a matter of time. Despite all of her sister-in-law's warning, she couldn't deny she still admired Pihu. Even if their relationship wouldn't work out in the end, professionally, Pihu's acquaintance was sought for. She couldn't mess with that.

Ritu answered hesitatingly, "Hello?"

"Hey, it's me," Pihu's familiar voice came through.

"Pihu." Ritu's voice was filled with nervousness. It had been weeks they had talked, and the last time they did so, it didn't end well.

A soft laugh echoed on the other end. "Thank God, you answered. How are you sweetheart?"

"I'm alright. What about you?"

"I'm perfectly fine. Missing you as always. Listen, I was thinking, would you be up for a little rendezvous?" Pihu came straight to the point.

Ritu's brow furrowed, intrigued. "Rendezvous? What do you have in mind?"

"How about meeting up today?"

Ritu cast a side glance at Irfan, whose eyes were continuously moving from side to side. His stoic expression provided no indication of whether he was listening in on her conversation or not. "No, Pihu. I cannot at the moment. Papa strictly denied venturing out alone. Even right now I'm being accompanied by Irfan. But why do you want to meet at this hour?"

Pihu's voice grew earnest. "It's been so long, Ritu. I miss you. Besides, I have something urgent to talk to you. Please, come naa!"

Ritu's heart swelled. "I miss you too, Pihu. But it's so very impossible right now."

"Ritu, listen to me. It's about a business plan. I have to discuss it with you. Because I want you to be a part of this venture. So, before I meet up with the clients, I want you to know everything about it first. So, please think about something, and meet me in an hour." Pihu almost pleaded. "There's a cake shop down the street of my office. Let's meet there."

Ritu whisper-yelled, "An hour? Have you gone mad?"

"No, I haven't. But as much as I am concerned, I'm definitely talking to someone as mad and reckless as a daredevil," Pihu countered lightly.

Ritu's mouth fell open. So, she was now blackmailing her? She looked sideways at Irfan before a sense of anticipation spread through her heart. The thought of meeting with Pihu was like a siren's music. The thrill of adventure again was too alluring. Pihu definitely knew what she was doing.

Ritu let out a defeated groan. "Okay, fine!"

"Yayy! See you then." Pihu chuckled and hung up the call.

Ritu stared at the screen for a while then up ahead. The students spread around the campus keep on passing them curious stares. She peered over her shoulder and took a quick glance at the imposing figure of Irfan. Irfan was a tall, burly man with a stern expression, and that was exactly why he had been tasked with ensuring Ritu's safety. Of course, he wouldn't be pleased of what she was going to do. But she couldn't be tamed like this. No matter how serious the circumstances became, she wouldn't like to take the back seat. That was really not who she was. Pihu was right. She needed a plan. A quick one.

"Irfan," she called out quietly.

"Yes, ma'am."

Ritu flinched again. She gritted her teeth. "Don't call me ma'am! I told you. Call me Ritu!"

Irfan frowned slightly. But as he was wearing the sunglasses, she couldn't see his eyes. He nodded once and accepted finally. "Ritu. What is it?"

"I want to walk around a little. Down the main road. Will you let me?"

Irfan objected, "You know it's not safe."

"I know," Ritu nodded, "but you really can't expect me to live like a prisoner. Now, can you? I'm used to live the independent life. But things just didn't go in a straight line." She grimaced while saying so. That accident hampered her life for a while sure. But she couldn't really live on under the shade of it. Could she? So, she added, "Let me, please. We don't have to tell it to anyone. Deal?"

Irfan hesitated. Ritu understood he was feeling torn between his duty and his sympathy for her current incompetent state. She probed on. "I promise Irfan. Just five minutes."

He finally sighed. "Alright, but I'm coming with you."

Ritu's heart sank. However, she smiled pretentiously at him. "Thank you. Your presence makes me feel safer." Damn it! If he kept on trailing her, how would she escape?

As they exited the campus ground walking side by side, they engaged in a general conversation. Ritu asked about his family, his interests, and his experiences as a bodyguard. Although she knew him for a few years, she never really had a real conversation like this before. In fact, she never paid attention to these trivial matters. So, she was actually enjoying talking to him.

Irfan's quietly said, "You remind me of my younger sister, Zara. Stubborn and full of spirit."

"Oh really? I'll take that as a compliment." Ritu beamed at him. After a brief pause, she added, "Have you brought water? I'm feeling thirsty."

He halted in his track. Good. "You'll have to wait. Once the car arrives, you'll have some water. I have already informed Rehan."

"Oh, have you? Good. That's good." Her eyes wandered around the road and spotted the little roadside shop across the street. "You know what? I want some cold drinks in the meantime. The weather's getting hot, lately. Isn't it? Can you please bring me a bottle of coke?" She tilted her head and made an innocent gesture toward the shop. "And some candies."

Irfan frowned. "I can't leave you alone."

"Come on!" She huffed. "It's just there, right on the opposite side. You can keep your eyes on me the whole time. Just go. I want it!" She raised her stick and pointed it toward the shop. "Or, if you can't, just tell me. I'll go myself. How difficult it could be!" She scoffed.

Irfan watched her antics quietly for a while. Then, after a moment's deliberation, he said warily, "Alright, but I'll go. But, be careful."

A smile broke free on her face. She nodded gladly. "I'll be right here. Standing like a good girl." She grinned at him.

Irfan shook his head a little then went ahead watching the traffic. As soon as he stepped on the road, Ritu's smile vanished from her face. She turned around and took a few steps ahead. The nearby bus-stop already had a couple of local people waiting for the bus. She would just have to reach there before any bus turned up. She took a glance at Irfan's direction and saw him taking a few steps frantically towards the direction she was going. Oh no! He had already noticed! He was an efficient in his field undoubtedly. Panic fluttered in her chest as she averted her eyes, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.

"Ritu!" Irfan shouted aloud from the opposite side.

At the same moment, the distant rumble of an approaching bus filled the air. Ritu's breath caught as the vehicle came into view, its destination flashing in bright letters. She didn't know where the bus was headed, but it didn't matter. With a surge of adrenaline, she boarded the bus just as the doors closed behind her.

As the bus pulled away from the curb, Ritu stole a glance out the window, her eyes locking onto Irfan's bewildered expression. He seemed to realize what just happened. He started running after the bus and called her name once, twice. Then ran after the bus as fast as he could. She turned away hastily, pretended being deaf and settled into a seat, her heart racing like a rabid caged animal. It was, perhaps, one of her million stupidities. But now, what was done, was done.

Soon after settling down, she asked the bus conductor what was the nest stoppage and asked for a ticket for the same stoppage. Fortunately, the buses now take UPI payments. She pulled out her phone, paid the bus fare, then booked a cab. At the next bus stop, she'd leave the bus and catch the cab and then go straight to Pihu. Okay nice! She was glad that she could still work her brains.

Although she felt sorry for Irfan. Now that she had escaped under his watch, he'd have to face its dire consequences. But she'd make sure he wouldn't lose his job. Oh God! She really was reckless! Why did you make me like this, Krishna?

Her phone started ringing. It was Irfan. Damn! She cut the call off, and muted the device. She knew many calls are to come next.

The bus stopped at the next stop and Ritu climbed off. She anxiously maneuvered through the crowd with her walking stick. She saw a cab waiting on the opposite side of the road. She took a deep breath then walked over to it. She wasn't sure if her legs got cured overnight or it was just her adrenaline playing along. But she was glad that they didn't collapse in the midst of the busy street.

As she reached the cab, she confirmed whether it the one she booked. It was indeed. Ritu quickly settled inside the cab and the it took off. She opened her phone and winced immediately. 36 missed calls and 7 messages. All of her family members took their turns to call her. A shudder ran down her spine foreseeing her future. They might as well ground her next. She let her impulse took over and sent a small text both to her mother and Irfan. "I'm okay. I'll come back in an hour."

She hated her impulsiveness. It made her commit million mistakes she shouldn't. But she couldn't help it. Sometimes it got the best of her.

After fifteen minutes or so, the cab dropped her before the cake shop Pihu mentioned. Ritu stood and cast a curious glance at the shop. The name, Velvet Delights, was printed on large fonts above its front window that let the sunshine in. It was a tiny shop. Inside, a few tables were set up for people to sit and enjoy their desserts. Two of them were already occupied. Behind the counter, two staff members were busy helping the customers pick their favorite treats. They looked friendly enough. As a customer came out of the shop with a carrier in his hand, the sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes filled the surrounding air.

Ritu walked toward it and pushed on the door. As she entered, a bell tinkled gently above the door. The soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of forks against plates created a cozy atmosphere. Ritu noticed the shop was soundproof. So, the noise from the street outside couldn't be heard from the inside. She glanced at the two people behind the counter. By the look of it, they were busy customizing a birthday cake. She scanned the shop looking for Pihu, and spotted her at a corner. She was facing the opposite side. Ritu rushed toward her and tapped on her shoulder.

Pihu raised her eyes and a beaming smile crossed her face. "Ritz!" She got up and enveloped her in a tight embrace. "I missed you. I missed you a lot. Thank you for coming."

"You don't say. The risk I've taken today to come here..." Ritu trailed off, wincing at the thought. They parted and settled down.

"With a walking stick, huh?" Pihu asked, mirth laced her words.

"It feels like I can conquer the world with my walking stick," Ritu answered drily.

Pihu laughed out heartily at the comeback. "Anyway, I've already ordered us some pastries. I've tried them before. They are really delicious I must say. Wait let me call..." She shifted her eyes on the counter and raised her hand, "Excuse me, I'd like my order to be served please."

Meanwhile, Ritu glanced down on her phone with a grimace. 43 missed calls. 12 messages. She tapped on the latest message. 'WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?' It was from her mother. Well... She glanced up at Pihu while biting on her lips. She was in deep trouble for sure.

Within moments, a waiter approached their table, bearing two beautifully adorned cake slices. As he extended the plate, Ritu's eyes shifted from the cakes to his face, and immediately widened. A mixture of shock and tension swept across her face like a passing storm. In an almost involuntary response, she gasped, "YOU?"

He glanced up at her and their eyes locked. His expression morphed from calm professionalism to one of startled recognition. But he said nothing. The air inside the shop suddenly sizzled with tension. They held each other's gazes as the buzzing sound of oblivious customers filled the space, unaware of the unexpected convergence of fates unfolding in that very moment.