After talking to Prof. Nag, when Ritu left the room, Irfan was waiting right there outside the door. Ritu sighed at her miserable and inescapable situation, but said nothing. For a moment, she thought of attending a lecture, but then decided against it. She was in no such state, and moreover, the numbness in her legs seemed to have returned. It was taking a great effort from her to move her legs now. But she couldn't show it. Especially, when Irfan was practically glued to her. If he realized she was having difficulty in walking, she was sure, he'd create a scene here.

Even after all those physiotherapy sessions, her legs still felt foreign. Weakened by the coma that had held her captive for two months, she wasn't in the best of her state yet. Triggered by the potential for stumbling, she halted for a few seconds and inhaled deeply. She couldn't deny the obvious that in her current state, every step she took was a struggle. Her walking stick, a simple object of support, was also a stark reminder of her fragility.

Ritu's grip tightened on the stick as she shifted her weight. She felt a rush of anxiety, the fear of losing her balance and falling gnawing at her thoughts. Although she knew Irfan was there, but that didn't stop her from fretting.

With a deep breath, Ritu took a step. Her legs trembled. The walking stick bore some of her weight, giving her the stability she desperately needed. But it couldn't ease the rapid beating of her heart or the racing thoughts in her mind. If she fell and her batchmates saw her in her vulnerable state, she'd be damned.

She willed herself to take another step, then another. Each step was a battle, a confrontation with her own vulnerability. The sound of the stick tapping against the marbled floor echoed in her ears, a metronome of determination amid her anxiety.

Ritu's gaze remained locked on the ground; her focus intense as she walked toward the exit. Meanwhile, the sprawling college campus buzzed with youthful energy as students hurried out of the classrooms, their laughter filling the air.

At that moment, the sudden trill of her phone startled her. She hastily passed her walking stick to her left hand and pulled out her phone from her jeans' pocket. As she stared at the device, her heart started racing at the sight of Pihu's name on the screen. 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.

With a dilemma in her mind Ritu answered, "Hello?", her voice a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

"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 was a rocky circumstance.

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

"I'm- I'm alright. What about you?"

"I'm fairly well. 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. And I thought maybe we could catch up, you know, face-to-face."

Ritu's heart swelled. "I miss you too, Pihu."

"Then please do something, and meet me. Please?" Pihu's excitement was palpable. "How about meeting within an hour? There's a cake shop down the street of my office."

Ritu whispered, "An hour? But-"

"Please?" Pihu pleaded.

Ritu's heart swayed at her pleading voice. She looked sideways at Irfan before a sense of anticipation spread through her heart. The thought of seeing Pihu after all this time was like a breath of fresh air. Yes, she was still confused about their relationship after what Shreya deliberately pushed into her mind, but the thought of meeting Pihu was like a siren's music. Too alluring.

She gathered up her courage, and responded with a small 'Okay' before hanging up the call.

She stared at the crowd in front of her, and the plan of her escapade seemed to pop up out of nowhere. As the buzzing crowd spread around the campus, Ritu's pulse quickened. She peered over her shoulder and took a quick glance at the imposing figure of Irfan, her diligent bodyguard. Ritu had known Irfan for the last two years. He was efficient and confidant in his job. She made a quick calculation and finalized on her decision, a risky one at that. She was going to meet Pihu.

Clutching the walking stick in her hand, Ritu limped along slowly, her face a mask of determination, severed by winces of pain from time to time. As she approached the main gate, she adopted a slight hunch. Irfan's keen eyes shifted to her as he observed her gait carefully. Irfan was a tall, burly man with a stern expression, and that was exactly why he had been tasked with ensuring Ritu's safety. He stepped forward, his hand raised horizontally in a signal for her to stop.

"Ma'am, where do you think you're going?" he asked, his voice a deep rumble.

Ritu glanced up at him, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and vulnerability. "Irfan, I... I just want to walk around a little. You know how I've been staying inside home, all cooped up for the past few months. I'm exhausted. Let me have some moments of freedom. Please," she replied, her voice quivering with anxiety.

Irfan's expression softened a touch. "You know it's not safe. There have been threats."

Ritu nodded, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I know, but I can't let fear control me, can I? I need to prove to myself that I can still be independent."

Irfan hesitated, torn between his duty and his sympathy for the young woman standing before him. "Alright, but I'm coming with you."

Ritu's heart sank, but she knew she had to press on. She smiled weakly at him. "Thank you, Irfan. Your presence makes me feel safer."

As they exited the campus ground walking side by side, Ritu engaged Irfan in conversation, diverting his attention away from her true intentions. She asked about his family, his interests, and his experiences as a bodyguard. As they strolled along a path lined with blooming flowers, she spotted an alleyway that opened at the high road. Inspiration struck her. "Irfan, can we stop for a moment? My legs are slightly aching."

Irfan nodded and guided her to the side of the road. "You alright? Do you want me to carry you?" he asked, concern etching his features.

Ritu grimaced. "No, no. Definitely not." She forced a smile at him and added, "I just need a moment. Thank you for being so understanding. Really, I appreciate it a lot."

Irfan's gaze softened as he patted her shoulder gently. "It's my duty, Ritu ma'am." He paused briefly, then added, "You know what? You remind me of my younger sister, Zara. Stubborn and full of spirit."

Ritu laughed softly. "I'll take that as a compliment." After a brief pause, she said again, "Irfan," her voice quivered with apprehension. "I appreciate your concern, but I need a moment alone. Just to clear my head. I know you're worried, but I promise I'll be careful. This alley seems safe enough, and I won't go far."

He hesitated. "It's not safe to wander alone, ma'am. You're not allowed."

"I know! That's exactly why I'm asking you to spare me a few moments. Besides, they'll be coming to pick us up any moment now. And there isn't anyone around at the moment. Please, let me."

Irfan frowned. After a moment's deliberation, he said warily, "Alright, but I'll be right here, watching."

Ritu nodded, offering a small, grateful smile. As Irfan leaned against the alley wall, his gaze trained on her, she turned and continued down the alley. As she walked on, her heart raced with a blend of excitement and trepidation. With each step, the distance between her and Irfan grew. The numbness in her legs seemed to go on a pause. She rounded a corner, disappearing from his view. She knew he'd realize her trick soon, but she had a head start.

Her heart raced as her eyes darting around the unfamiliar street. She spotted a group of people waiting at a nearby bus stop and made her way there, joining their ranks. Minutes later, Irfan appeared at the corner she had turned earlier, his gaze searching for her. Panic fluttered in her chest as she averted her eyes, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.

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 at a rapid succession. 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.

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 moment. Her legs seemed to lose their balance. Then with a renewed determination, she took a step forward. Each step felt like an accomplishment, a triumph over the doubts and her vulnerability.

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 raised her phone to her eye level and winced. 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 small text to her mother and Irfan. "I'm okay. I'll come back in an hour."

She hated her because of 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 it 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 air adjacent to the shop.

Passersby could see the colorful cakes and pastries displayed through the windows, enticing them to come inside. 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 facing opposite side. Ritu rushed towards 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."

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 turned charged, weighted with the unspoken but quite visible story between them. They held each other's gazes as the cake shop buzzed with oblivious customers, oblivious to the unexpected convergence of fates within its inviting walls.

..

A/N - Finally, eh? ;)