Nitika sprinted through the crowded streets, her heart racing with every step. Finally, she spotted Aditi near the temple, her face streaked with tears. "Aditi!" Nitika called out, rushing towards her.

Aditi turned, her red-rimmed eyes locking onto Nitika's. With a sob, she hurled herself into Nitika's arms, embracing her tightly. "Hey, it's okay... calm down, Aditi," Nitika soothed, gently stroking Aditi's hair.

Aditi's body shook with sobs. "I'm scared, Nitu... he's back. I'm scared to go home." Nitika held her close, offering comfort. "It's okay, Aditi. We'll go to my home. We'll figure something out, together."

Aditi's grip tightened, her voice barely audible. "Thank you, Nitu. I don't know what I'd do without you." Nitika's arms enveloped Aditi in a warm hug. "You'll never have to find out. Come on, let's go."

---✧---

Siddharth's focused gaze remained fixed on his laptop as his office door swung open without warning. He didn't need to look up to know who dared to enter unannounced.

"Ashwin, I've told you a hundred times knock before entering," Siddharth said, his tone firm but laced with familiarity.

Ashwin sauntered in, dropping onto the couch with a nonchalant grin. "And I've told you a thousand times, buddy, I won't listen." He stretched out his legs, resting them on the coffee table.

Siddharth's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking up briefly. "What's so urgent it can't wait?" Ashwin's smile turned mischievous. "I've got news that'll shake you to the core."

"Legs down, Mr. Ashvin Dhawan."
Ashvin obliged, removing his legs from the coffee table. Ashvin sighed, shaking his head.

Ashvin grinned mischievously. "Our dear doctor friend is getting hitched! He's receiving a rather unique award marriage." Siddharth's eyebrow shot up. "An award for Abhi? What marriage?"

Ashvin chuckled. "Abhi's tying the knot in four months. Can't wait to see him in a groom's outfit!" Siddharth's expression turned incredulous. "He agreed to marry? I thought he swore to remain a bachelor for life."

Ashvin burst into laughter. "I thought the same, buddy! But his grandparents cornered him before he could escape. Abhi will be the first in our group to take the plunge."

Siddharth leaned back. "Interesting. I wonder who the lucky bride is." Ashvin shrugged. "No idea, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. The wedding will be a blast!"

---✧---

Nitika and Aditi stepped into the warm comfort of Nitika's home. Subarna, engrossed in her favorite TV show, looked up with a warm smile.

"Aditi beta, it's been a while! How are you, dear?" Subarna asked, rising from the couch with open arms.
Aditi's response came with a faint, forced smile. "I'm fine, Aunty. How about you?"

Subarna's gaze lingered on Aditi's face, noticing the puffiness and redness that betrayed her fragile state. Concern etched on her features.
"Aditi beta, are you okay? You've been crying?" Subarna's voice softened, inviting trust.

Nitika intervened, guiding Aditi to the couch. "Maa"Subarna's eyes locked onto Nitika's, understanding the unspoken message. She nodded, enveloping Aditi in a gentle hug "You're safe here, beta. We're here for you."

A sudden scream and frantic footsteps echoed through the stairs, capturing their attention. Rohan burst into view, his face contorted in terror.

"Someone, please stop this dog! Go away!" Rohan exclaimed, desperately trying to evade Snowy's enthusiastic pursuit. Subarna, Nitika, and Aditi watched in amusement as Rohan took refuge behind Subarna.

"Nitika, stop this dog! It's following me, and it licked my face again!" Rohan pleaded, wiping his face frantically.

Nitika rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Snowy, come here. Rohan sir, Snowy just loves you. That's why she's always following you," Nitika explained."And don't run when you see a dog." She scooped up the playful dog and headed towards her room, gesturing for Aditi to follow.

As Nitika and Aditi disappeared into the room, Rohan turned to Subarna, his embarrassment evident. "Sir, are you afraid of dogs?" Subarna asked, struggling to contain her laughter.

Rohan's expression transformed into a stoic mask. "I'm not afraid; I just don't like them." He turned and ascended the stairs, repeatedly wiping his face. Subarna chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement.

Inside the room, Nitika grinned at Aditi. "Rohan sir's phobia is quite entertaining." Aditi smiled, feeling a temporary reprieve from her worries.

---✧---

Avani hunched over her study desk, eyes scanning Rajiv's call list for the fifth time. Frustration etched on her face.

"Still nothing," she muttered, rubbing her forehead. "The hearing's in two days, and I've got nothing." Her gaze drifted back to the list, determination reigniting."Think, Avani, think."

Suddenly, a new lead struck her. "Wait, what about Siddharth's call list?" She swiftly pulled up Siddharth's records, scanning the numbers. "Hmm...he didn't make any calls that day. Strange." Avani's brow furrowed."Siddharth and his secrets."

Avani's phone pierced the silence, Rohan's name flashing on the screen. She answered, "Hey Rohan."

"Hi Avani, how's the case progressing? Managing okay on your own? You want my help in anything?" Rohan asked, concern lacing his voice.

Avani chuckled. "Whoa, slow down! The case is...stuck. No new evidence, nothing suspicious in Rajiv's or Siddharth's phone records. I'm beyond frustrated."

Rohan's empathy was palpable. "Headache, Avani?" "Terrible one," Avani admitted, rubbing her forehead. "Rest for a bit. I'll be back tomorrow afternoon, okay?" Rohan advised. Avani hummed"How's your stay?" she asked, curiosity sparking.

"It's...almost good," Rohan replied, hesitation evident. Avani's interest piqued. "Almost?" Rohan shuddered. "It's was all fine till She and her dog came...oh god, that dog licked my face."

Avani laughed. "She? Dog? Spill the beans when you get back. Don't worry, I'll survive. Bye." "Bye, Avani. See you soon," Rohan said before disconnecting.

Avani ended the call, retreated to her room, and lay down, seeking refuge from her pounding headache. She applied relief balm, letting out a contented sigh as the cooling sensation soothed her skin.

---✧---

Nitika and Aditi huddled on the bed, strategizing their escape from Vikram's clutches. Suddenly, Aditi's phone jolted them out of their planning session.

"It's my phone... Oh no, it's Preeti aunty!" Aditi exclaimed, fear etched on her face. "Nitu, what do I do now?"
Nitika's expression turned concerned. "Give me the phone; I'll handle it."

Aditi hesitated, but Nitika gently took the phone and answered, switching to speaker mode.

"Aditi, you foolish girl, where are you?" Preeti's angry voice blasted through the speaker. "I told you to be home by 10 am. You dare disobey me? Wait till you get home. I'll lock you in the store room until you learn your lesson!"

Nitika's eyes widened in alarm as she glanced at Aditi, whose gaze dropped, fighting back sobs.

"Hello, Preeti aunty; it's me, Nitika," Nitika said calmly, intervening.
Preeti aunty's tone shifted, slightly caught off guard. "Nitika? What are you doing with Aditi's phone?"

Nitika's response was measured. "Aditi's with me, Aunty. She fell at the temple and got her feet injured. I was there, so I brought her to my house to treat her wound since it's closer."

Preeti aunty's voice turned frantic. "What? She's injured? Oh, Kairav will kill me. Tell her to come back now. And inform her that Kairav is back and wants to see her." The line went dead.

Nitika's concern deepened as she turned to Aditi. "Aditi, what do we do now?" Aditi's eyes welled up with tears. "I'm so scared, Nitu. Let's go back, or he'll come here."

Nitika swiftly grabbed a bandage from her table drawer and wrapped it around Aditi's foot. "Come on, let's go now," Nitika said firmly, helping Aditi stand as they exited the room.

As they walked through the busy streets, the scorching sun beat down on them. Finally, they reached Aditi's home, where Preeti awaited, her eyes blazing with anger. "Aunty..." Aditi began, but Preeti's slap silenced her.

"You stupid girl!" Preeti spat. "You dare to fall and be late? Kairav's been searching for you since morning like a madman. God knows what he'll do when he finds out you're injured. He'll kill me today." Aditi's eyes welled up with tears as Nitika steadied her, shielding her from the impact of the slap.

Just then, a deep, menacing voice sent shivers down everyone's spine."Jaan?" Kairav called out, his eyes narrowing. "I've been looking for you. Where were you?"

Aditi's body trembled as Kairav approached, his gaze piercing. Preeti stepped back, her expression fearful. "Kairav, beta, she fell at the temple and-"

Kairav's glare cut Preeti off. "Shut up and go inside. I'll handle this." Preeti hastily retreated, leaving Aditi alone with Kairav.

"Jaan, did you fall? Did you hurt yourself? Show me, let me see," Kairav asked, his voice laced with a mix of concern and menace.

Aditi trembled, fear etched on her face, as she flinched when Kairav touched her arm. His eyes hardened.

"It...hurts," Aditi stammered, wincing as Kairav's grip tightened. "I told you, never flinch when I touch you," Kairav growled, his fingers digging deeper into her skin. "Don't dare do it again." Aditi nodded, sobbing softly.

Nitika stepped forward, concern etched on her face. "Kairav bhai, Aditi's injured. Maybe-" Kairav's icy stare silenced her.

"What are you doing here? Go!" Kairav said, his eyes never leaving Aditi's. Nitika hesitated, her eyes locked on Aditi's tear-stained face.

"I said go!" Kairav's shout made them flinch. He dragged Aditi inside, slamming the door shut behind them. Nitika stood frozen, her heart raceing with worry.

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