The aroma of Bitter sweet coffee was mixed in the air making him relax as it brought a familiarity with it.

He gripped the mug and brought it near his lips blowing to cool it a little and taking the sip while thinking deeply.

He was helpless. The image of Crying Naira wasn't leaving his mind. It's been few days to that night. But her pain reflecting face was coming in front of his eyes again and again. And to make the matter worse was Naira's silence.

She was not that Naira anymore. Neither she smiles nor she speaks much.

Just then someone shook him and he came out of his thoughts.

"What happened bro? Where are you lost. " Varun asked his friend concerned who was lost in his thoughts that he didn't involve in their conversation and didn't respond.

"Uh.. Nothing!" He answered. Varun shrugged giving him his space.

They all were in the cafe to discuss about the upcoming exams,how they haven't studied a word. How they would prepare. And all that.

"Naira!" Ayesha called her who was busy serving still lost in her thoughts.

"Naira..come here..we are discussing something.. also your shift is completed.. so what are you doing there.. come.. come."Ayesha beckoned her.

She nodded and came to them. And sat beside kartik smiling to them.

Kartik looked at her fake smiling and his eyes softened. Oh! How much he dislikes that look on her face. That fake smile.

He wants her to smile fully. The smile which reaches her eyes. Which brightens his day.

Just then Naira looked at him from her lashes. And could feel his eyes piercing through her soul. She felt vulnerable in front of him.

"Pls Ayesha.." they heard Varun requesting and turned to face him who was there trying to make puppy eyes but failing miserably.

"No Varun.. I won't tutor you in exam days. I won't be able to study myself." She said turning her face away with her hands crossing her chest.

"Plss Ayesha.. I won't disturb you.. will just understand the things and study myself." Varun requested again.

"Nope!!" She said emphasising on "p".

"You are a distraction. I won't." She said and they both engaged themselves in this argument.

Kartik chuckled seeing their bickering. It's a common sight to him but he never gets tired seeing them fighting like 5yr old children.

Just then he turned to see Naira. And found her nowhere. He stood up and searched for her. But he couldn't find her anywhere.

He got worried and was about to go outside to search for her. Just then he got her message.

Going for some work

He frowned not knowing what work she has. But still felt relieved seeing her message.

•°•°•°•°•°•°

On the other side,Naira got a call from Ayush. Her thoughts went haywire seeing him calling her. Again.

Her thoughts drifted to That night.

She picked it up after its continuously ringing and was shocked, surprised to hear the words he said to her.

"Di, papa wants to talk with you. Can you come at home now?" He asked.

"What!" She exclaimed shocked.

"Yes Di. Will you come?" He asked.

While Naira's heart started weaving hopes that maybe today, everything will get right. Maybe he will forgive her. Maybe he will support her and understand her.

"Yes Ayush,I am coming!" She said anticipating good.

"Ok di... Waiting for you."he said and hung up.

And she eagerly went to road and took the rickshaw to reach her home.

•°•°•°•°•°•°

Kartik entered his House seeing his father reading some files.

"Good evening Dad!" He greeted.

"Good evening Beta!" Sameer wished in return to his son smiling.

"What are you doing?" He asked eying the files.

"Was just managing the records of the people who took loans from us." He explained his son.

"Oh! Can I help?" He asked.

"Ofcourse!" Sameer gave The files smiling.

Kartik read the files carefully and started sorting the files out.

"You look tired!" Sameer said noticing.

"Naah.. I am not tired Dad ..why did you ask? ." Kartik asked giving all his attention to files.

"Your face looks weary and see you have dark circles beneath your eyes." Sameer noticed more.

"It's nothing Dad." Kartik said turning to him.

"Beta,Is something bothering you. Wanna share something?"Sameer asked his son worried.

Kartik kept the file and held his both hands in his and squeezed them in assurance.

"It's really nothing Dad. Just the pre-effects of Exams. You know.. so don't worry about me. I am fine." He lied trying to assure his father that he is fine and his father shouldn't be worried for him. And should give attention to his wife. His relation with her.

Sameer nodded convinced. "You know na.. your father is always there for you. If you feel to share something. Don't hesitate. Ok?" He asked patting Kartik's cheeks smiling.

"Yes Dad.. now go.. you take rest. I will sort them out" he asked eying the files.

"No need.... I will do them " Sameer argued.

"Dad!" Kartik said telling him that he wouldn't budge.

Sameer sighed. "Fine." He went to his room shouting. " Don't stay up till late, otherwise no one will marry you."

Kartik Chuckled. and sat eyeing the files.

Naira's face flashed in front of his eyes. And he took his Phone out immediately Calling her.

He rang many times but she didn't pick it up and after some minutes of worrying,he got her text that she is busy and will call later.

He sighed. And started reading the files again. Just then his eyes caught something. And he was surprised.

He reached to his Father's room and knocked on the door.. Waiting for him to open so that he could ask him about it.

______________

It's kinda filler chapter guys.
But still enjoy.
Something's up!😉
And also do check out my New OS in my works
Mohsin's birthday!❤️