The next day—
Ananya returned to work.
For the first time since everything happened.
Aarav insisted on dropping her.
"I can manage," she said.
"I know," he replied.
"But I still will."
At the office—
A man approached her.
"Ananya, you're finally back."
She smiled.
"Rohit."
Aarav, standing beside her, noticed everything.
The familiarity.
The ease.
The smile she didn't give him.
Rohit extended his hand.
"I'm Rohit. And you are?"
"Aarav," he said, shaking it firmly.
Too firmly.
Rohit raised an eyebrow slightly.
"I've heard a lot about you."
Aarav's eyes narrowed.
"Have you?"
Ananya quickly stepped in.
"I'll see you inside, Rohit."
As Rohit walked away, Aarav spoke quietly—
"Who is he?"
"A colleague."
"He seems close."
Ananya crossed her arms.
"That's none of your concern."
Aarav stepped closer.
"It is."
Her breath caught.
"Why?"
His voice dropped.
"Because I don't like the way he looks at you."
Silence.
Electric.
Dangerous.
And something inside her…
Reacted.