In the evening, Mohit sent Shikha a message: "Shall we leave now?"

Shikha replied with a simple, "Hmmm..."

Mohit responded, "Okay, come down—I'm waiting near the staircase."

"Coming in 5 minutes," Shikha typed back.

"Waiting... 😊 Come soon," Mohit replied warmly.

Shikha quickly packed up her belongings and hurried downstairs. Their eyes lit up with smiles when they saw each other.

"How was your day? Boring or interesting?" Mohit inquired.

"Boring... Nothing much happened," Shikha responded.

Mohit gestured for her to start walking. "So, was everyone cooperative?"

"Yeah... Kesha is really a sweetheart. She was always there to help me," Shikha said.

"Oh, that's great. It's just the first day; things will settle down. Don't worry," Mohit reassured her.

"Yeah, I know," Shikha nodded.

They reached the car and drove home. Once inside, Shikha kicked off her pumps and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge, offering it to Mohit first. He insisted she drink first, and after they quenched their thirst, they both went to freshen up, feeling the day's exhaustion.

By 8:00 PM, Shikha asked, "What should we eat, Mohit?"

"Anything... whatever is convenient for you to make," Mohit replied with a smile.

"Me? Hello, you'll help too. You weren't the only one at the office. I'm just as tired," Shikha retorted.

Mohit raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Okay, fine... I'll help you."

They cooked together, enjoyed their meal, and then went to bed.

The next morning was routine. They both arrived at the office, and everything went smoothly. At lunchtime, Shikha walked into Mohit's cabin without knocking. She saw Richa seated in his office, with Mohit behind his desk. They looked up as Shikha entered, creating an awkward moment.

"Hey, Shikha," Mohit greeted.

"Hi," Shikha replied with a forced smile, her gaze shifting to Richa.

Richa, not recognizing Shikha as Mohit's wife, wondered how Shikha could enter so confidently, while Shikha was puzzled by Richa's presence. They exchanged polite smiles. Sensing the tension, Mohit intervened.

"Hey Shikha, why are you standing there? Come here," Mohit said. Both women turned their attention to him. Mohit stood up, and Shikha walked over to him, standing by his side. He wrapped an arm around her and looked at Richa.

"Richa, this is Shikha, my wife," Mohit introduced. Shikha offered a warm smile to Richa.

Richa, now visibly uncomfortable, forced a smile and said, "Hey Mohit, I know her. We've met before, haven't we, Shikha? But I didn't realize she was your wife."

They exchanged awkward smiles.

"Well, I'll leave you two to it. I don't want to disturb," Richa said, winking as she exited the cabin.

Mohit removed his arm from Shikha's shoulder. "What brings you here?"

"I just came for lunch... I'm hungry," Shikha explained.

"But I have some work. You go ahead and eat, I'll have mine later," Mohit said.

"Mohit, I don't like eating alone. Come on, it's only 10 minutes. Kesha is busy too and said she'll eat with Piyush," Shikha said, giving him a pleading look.

"Okay, let's go," Mohit agreed. They made their way to the canteen and ordered food.

As they ate, Mohit said, "Shikha, don't even think about picking up the bill. This is my office, and—"

"And you don't want any further embarrassment, right?" Shikha interrupted.

"It's not like that," Mohit protested.

"Then what is it?" Shikha pressed.

"Forget it. Let's talk about something else. I only have a few minutes; I'm swamped today," Mohit said.

"Hmmm," Shikha nodded.

With curiosity in her eyes, Shikha asked, "Mohit, if you don't mind, may I ask you something?"

Mohit could sense the question coming and felt a pang of apprehension about her reaction.

With hesitation, Mohit replied, "Yes, go ahead."

Shikha hesitated before saying, "Let's leave it for now. This isn't the right time or place. Maybe later."

Mohit felt a wave of relief. After a few minutes...

"I'm done. You finish up quickly; I need to go," Mohit said.

Shikha, now hastening her eating, replied, "I'm done too."

After lunch, they returned to their work. By 7 PM, Shikha messaged Mohit as usual.

"Are you free?" she asked.

"Yeah, just a little more time," Mohit replied.

"I'm done," Shikha said.

"Wait for me near our car. I'll be there in 10 minutes," Mohit instructed.

"Okay," Shikha agreed.

Standing by the car, Shikha was approached by Samarth and Richa.

"Hi Shikha! What are you doing here?" Richa asked.

Shikha, trying to stay composed, replied, "Waiting for Mohit."

"Hmm..." Samarth murmured.

"So, you didn't mention you're Mohit's wife," Richa said.

"It didn't come to mind," Shikha responded.

"Samarth often talks about you," Richa mentioned.

Shikha glanced at Samarth.

"She's my best friend," Samarth said.

Shikha smiled. "Yes, I'm his best friend."

They began sharing jokes, laughter, and childhood stories. Just then, Mohit arrived. He surveyed the scene with disapproval and felt a strong urge to pull Shikha away but remained silent as he approached them.

"So, what's going on here?" Mohit asked.

The laughter ceased, and Shikha's heartbeat quickened.

"Nothing, we were just..." Shikha began.

"Just what?" Mohit pressed.

"Just reminiscing about our childhood," Shikha explained.

"That's nice, but can we leave now? We're getting late," Mohit said.

Shikha nodded, and they departed. In the car...

"Mohit?" Shikha ventured.

"Hmm?" Mohit responded.

"Are you okay?" Shikha asked.

"Hmm... I'm trying," Mohit admitted.

"Mohit, may I ask you something?" Shikha ventured.

"Not now, Shikha," Mohit said.

"Hmm... alright," Shikha replied.

They arrived home, and Mohit received a call from Piyush.

"Yes, what's up?" Mohit answered.

"Hey, bro, another bad mood? Another fight with bhabhi?" Piyush asked.

Mohit stepped onto the balcony, wanting privacy. "No, not with Shikha," Mohit clarified.

"Then with whom?" Piyush asked.

"That blasted Samarth... he's Shikha's best friend. I don't know why, but I can't stand him. And he's my wife's friend too," Mohit vented.

"Have you told her about him?" Piyush asked.

"Not everything, just advised her to keep some distance. She's trying, Piyush. I feel bad for her—he's her friend, and I'm imposing my will. But what can I do?" Mohit sighed.

"Tell her everything," Piyush advised.

"I will. I know she wants to know too. But I'm worried about how she'll react. I can't afford to lose her," Mohit confessed.

"Hmm," Piyush acknowledged.

"Anyway, why did you call?" Mohit asked.

"We were thinking of going out. You and Shikha, me and Kesha. It might lift everyone's mood, and Shikha will get to know us better," Piyush suggested.

"That sounds good. Where should we go?" Mohit asked.

"Let's head to a pub, if she's up for it," Piyush proposed.

"Absolutely. We'll be ready in an hour. See you there," Mohit agreed.

"Okay, see you soon," Piyush said.

Mohit entered the room and saw Shikha absorbed in her phone.

"Shikha," Mohit called.

"What's up, Mohit?" Shikha asked.

"Piyush called. He's planned for us to go to a pub," Mohit said.

"Oh, wonderful! How long before we leave? Mohit, you know how much I love dancing, and no cooking tonight!" Shikha exclaimed excitedly.

Mohit smiled. "In an hour. Get ready."

They both began preparing. Shikha chose a peach-colored jumpsuit with minimal accessories, while Mohit opted for casuals—blue jeans, an off-white shirt, and mustard-colored loafers. They reached the venue and...

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