Chapter -Her Anchor

Chapter -Her Anchor

The recording room felt like a silent mountain covered beneath a cloak of white snow – untouched, cold and merciless. Not a single sound dared to break the stillness except the wheezy hiss of the air conditioner , like a chilly breeze crawling under the skin .

Sanyogita's heartbeat thudded louder than any drumbeat as she stood before the mic . As she stood before the mic , fingers curled around the stand, knuckles turning pale. Every breath dragged heavily through her tightening throat, her lips quivered, breaking her voice on every note .

She tried again, but the melody cracked halfway, fragile, and lifeless.

Sanyogita gulped against nervousness, as it was the tenth warning already. Tenth cracks in her dreams.

Her hands trembled around the mic stand, every pair of eyes beyond the glass felt like a weight pushing her deeper into failure.

Raghav Agarwal sitting on the chair , his gaze transfixed on Sanyogita's. He removed his headphones with an exaggerated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose . His expression said everything – disappointment . He didn't bother sugar coating his irritation as she murmured something to Prithvi before walking out.

Sanyogita didn't hear the conversation . But she could assume from Raghav's expression that he wasn't pleased with her singing tonight . Judgment scrapping at her chest.

Behind the transparent glass wall her blue grey streams fell over his amber fire .

Sanyogita's throat choked, and she stepped out of the soundproof room . She walked until she reached the railing, waiting for the ache in her lungs to settle.

Boots stepped, heavy , sharp and controlled across the empty space .

Sanyogita's entire body stiffened. In an instant she shrank back, eyes snapped wide, breath shallow. For a moment, she truly thought he would crush her down with his rising anger .

Her long , silky black hair flowed like a dark waterfall over back – but even that couldn't hide the trembling of her shoulder.

Prithvi stood beside her . When he turned his gaze down to see her, his jaw tightened.

“Sanjh…! His voice was dangerously quiet - calm before a storm .

“ Yeh kya hai? This is what you call singing ? ” his voice dropped like a bombshell

She shook slightly, her lips parted however no voice came .

“If you want to stand in front of the world, you better stop behaving like a scared little girl. Sing properly, dammit ”

His words stabbed her fragile confidence.

Her heart crumpled , she turned away, blinking fats , trying to swallow the shame swelling inside her .

“ Usdin toh bahut badi badi baatein kar rahi thi! You can cage your wife but not your voice. “ His tone sharpened " Now what ? Where's that bold singer you claimed to be tonight?"

Sanyogita shivered, her fist curled tighter beside her waist.

“ Answer me, Sanjh ? "

She stayed silent, with head bowed down , threatening to look at him.

Her silence was the one thing he couldn't tolerate at the moment.

His anger flared .

“ Do you even realise how much time, money , and people's efforts has gone into this?” His voice roared echoing through the empty room .

“ If you can't handle the pressure, why the hell are you here ? This isn't your little hobby class , it's a career. Thousands of eyes daily dream to reach this platform. If you're not worthy enough ....” He hissed the last cruel words “ take your things and leave !”

Prithvi's expression was stern , his tone was both sharp and merciless.

His words struck her like blows. A pang of humiliation stung in her throat , suffocating to breathe out of guilt and shame.

She flinched suddenly as if feeling unworthy of this place .

However, a tear escaped.

Then another.

Until they stream freely , trickling down her cheeks, soaking into her clothes.

Prithvi turned to walk away but his legs stood rooted on the floor.

His gaze shifted to her clenched fist on either side of her waist, then his gaze travelled above to her shoulders, shaking with silent sobs. Her head bowed in defeat … half embarrassed, half stiffened to show her vulnerability to him.

For a moment..just a moment his eyes softened.

He took a step closer..one breath away

“ S…Sanjh ..”

But no word came out fully .

Unable to face the truth he didn't want to face.

He’d hurt her .

Prithvi stared at her unblinking. The strom inside his chest settled into something quieter and deeper .The steel melted into something unguarded .

His jaw relaxed , and his hands rose slowly and rested firmly on her shoulders, steady yet gentle , forcing her to face him.

“Hey ,"he said firmly ," Sanjh, Look at me,” he said, softer now, but still commanding.

She hesitated , denying looking at him showing her vulnerability. But he didn't allow fear to shelter in her eyes.

His one hand moved beneath her chin lifting her grace until her glassy eyes met his calm amber .

“Do you really think I shout because you are ruining my time ? His stone softened, his hand turned her towards him facing him straight.

She blinked up at him, confused by the sudden shift. His touch was warm, grounding.

His thumb brushed away a year that dared to spill.

“ No, Sanjh !" He murmured , softly . "

His gaze held hers captive “ I shout because I know you can do better . Cause I refuse to watch fear swallowing your voice . You were born to sing ,Sanjh .”

“This stage" He gestures lightly towards the recording room " is yours. And the world , billions of people , will wait just to hear your melodious voice. "

" You’re meant for this stage, Sanjh . Don’t let anxiety win over you.”

Sanyogita shivered as his words touched something deeper within her soul. His tone was commanding, but steady like a shield around her fear , soothing it, encouraging him , and giving it a blow to burn and spark.

Prithvi noticed the flicker of hope sprouting in her eyes.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Sanyogita re-entered into the booth again – this time not as a trembling beginner. .but as a strom learning how to roar .

Technicians straightened his position . Lights refocused. Raghav returned to his seat , arms crossed with skeptical impatience.

Outside the glass wall, Prithvi placed the headphones over his ears – eyes locked onto her through the transparent barrier separating them , yet connecting them more than ever before.

The music cue played.

She inhaled slowly, a calm breath first . When she took the first note this time , his heart thudded. Her voice didn't falter this time . It soared melodiously .Her voice bloomed like blooms after winter .

Her final note lingered for long , piercing heart , angelic and captivating.

Then , silence.

The recording room broke though with applause and smiling glee .

Raghav flickers a shocking admiration, nodding in a hint of approval.

When she opened her eyes her gaze fell right on Prithvi .

He didn’t cheer . He didn't clap .

Just a one slow nod - and that was enough for her .

Pride flickering in those amber ocean . As if it was his success, his victory.

Her chest fluttered as his voice replayed in her mind :

This stage is yours. And the world , billions of people , will wait just to hear your melodious voice. "

"You’re meant for this stage, Sanjh . ”

She stared at him, baffled. Who was this man? One moment, a ruthless tyrant, and in another moment the one who built her when she broke like an anchor .

Her anchor .

The music that was only salvation, now that same music had opened a door that she dared to knock .

In that glance, fear wrapped around the wall that she built so long started to crumpled down .

*************

One month slipped by like a dream .

The morning’s first rays of sunlight filtered through the window like ecstasy of hope , happiness and joy. Sanyogita's phone exploded with floods of notification . Her heart skipped a beat. Then another, gradually drumming like a hammer smith .

Her fingers trembling,... Her eyes shimmering delightfully only to find her names blazing everywhere.

Her debut music album had skyrocketed.

Millions of views. Thousands of comments. Reels, edits, duets — her voice echoing through countless lives. For the first time… people admired her.

Not for Sanyogita Goel — heiress of Diamond merchant Rishabh Goel.

Not even Mrs Sanyogita Singhaniya, wife of the famed tycoon.

It's only her.

Sanyogita .

A girl who had always dared to dream beyond names, beyond legacy.

Something which she had created her own . Earned by her own hard work, her dedication, her talent and her discipline.

Sanyogita's Three debut songs — all the three pieces of her heart poured into melody masterpieces were now trending through social media like wildfire. And the recognition felt different… raw, earned, entirely hers. It wasn’t a grand superstardom yet, but it was one step closer to the sky she always reached for.

She had even signed her first music video contract — where she would sing , perform and shine under her own spotlight.

Everyone around her rejoiced in her victory—

Prithvi, proud quietly and motivated her to be more. Pranali offered warm wishes like a always well being wisher mother . Pranav, her younger brother-in-law cheered loudly like a kid. Nidhi on the other side showered affectionate hugs. Nishita, her Nanny cum Aunty blesses her with moist eyes. Her grandfather proudly claimed he always knew she would rise.

She even notices the subtle hint of pride and delight in Shanaya's eyes.

Mayuri met her personally to cheer her up and they booked an advance party only for two besties together.

But in her father’s eyes… There was silence.

A distance.

No hatred . No disappointment. Just an absence of joy .

It wasn't that he didn't love her , he loved her deeply . He celebrated her academic success , when she cracked IIM BANGALORE , when she won scholastic awards, when she took a step toward his dream of shaping her into his business successor.

But singing? Music?

A life not planned by him?

He never understood. He never supported her passion the way she wished.

And that wound… it mocked her beneath all the fireworks of success.

In the chaos of applause and admiration, it was Prithvi's words that grounded her soft heart .

However, his words jolted her like a wave of admiration.

“Sanjh, I've just only helped you to reach the first step of your destination. You are the creator of your story .

The journey, the courage, the grit, they’re all yours.

So is this success.”

He was the first person to motivate her like a mentor, believe in her dream even when she doubted it. Despite his towering responsibilities, even when he spends days busy handling massive deals, he never stops once to let her feel alone .

A calm, steady fortress in a strom.

And as she stood beneath a sky that finally seemed to notice her—
she realised one truth:

For the first time… she wasn’t living someone else’s story.

She was writing her own.

However, Success tasted sweet but somewhere beneath all the applause…a hollow ache remained .

Late at night, when darkness swallows the world, when every soul doses off , her thoughts drift. Memory and guilt crawling over her like a second skin, she feels like a wounded bird searching for its nest .

Yash.

Her first love.

The man who once held her hand and made her see the stars, the voice that taught her how to woven dreams in melodies.

“Where is he now?
Has he heard my songs?
Did he know his Sanyogita had become someone else’s wife?

Did it hurt him the way my chest still hurts sometimes? "

A lump formed in her throat.

She hadn't moved on and had not lost hope yet … Her heart still carried unspoken memories — soft and painful like a song left unfinished.

And then—

Viraj.

Prithviraj Singhaniya.
Her husband. Her anchor. The storm she never expected.

What would happen when he learned the truth she hid so carefully?
That her heart belonged to another man?

Would those calm amber eyes , so unshakeable, so controlled, threatening sometimes turn cold?
Would she see disappointment in them ?
Or something deeper… something that might break her?

Sanyogita curled on the bed like a fetus , as if holding herself from falling apart.

She didn’t love him.
Not the way he deserved.
Not the way he might hope.

But she couldn’t bear the thought of being the reason his pride shattered.

Because Prithvi’s pride wasn’t arrogance —
It was armor.
It was everything he stood for.

And she feared…

If she struck that armor, would he fight the world… or would he fight her?

Was he doing all of this to support her dreams ? Or shielding her from shadows ? Or simply because she once saved his mother’s life?

Or… was there more?

Something unsaid . Something unreadable behind those guarded eyes.

Two months of marriage, yet she felt like she was constantly deciphering a man who spoke with silence, who cared without admitting it .

Sometimes his icy gaze seemed to slice her deeper than any knife can . Or else he would kill her with his gun on head when she would be in her sleep as if he had got the hint of her secret.

And yet he seemed to be like that man who could burn the world – just for her sake .
if she let him .

But she didn’t know how.

Sanyogita closed her eyes, her breath hitching with doubt.

Between a past that still hummed in her heartbeat…and a future that stood silently waiting…

She was lost.

And somewhere in the middle—
her heart pleaded for clarity.

For truth.

For courage to face whichever man her fate would reveal as her destiny.

Despite the towers of meetings and work and constant phone calls , Prithvi had managed to carve quiet hours from his schedules. Just for her . To take her out for a treat .

When they stepped into the restaurant, Sanyogita felt the world shift.

The place was luxurious.

As she slid down over the soft cushion chair , she felt curious glances peering at her side . That made her heart flutter .

Men paused mid-conversation. Women squinted in recognition. A couple of teenagers whispered excitedly while subtly pointing at her.

Her breath caught. Butterfly dancing in her stomach..She felt seen…not as someone shadow in the background but as someone who mattered .

Prithvi, while busy casually scanning the menu, suddenly caught a glimpse of her delightful pink blooming on her cheeks . A slow smirk formed at his lips

“ So…your silent fan club is growing , little fox ," he murmured, leaning slightly closer. " I wish I could have that kind of attention ”

Sanyogita shivered and flashed a smile “ jealous, Viraj , huh! The man who wins half of the medical industry and has millions of viewers watching his OTT platforms across the globe, even so many more , hesitated to come in front of the screen , …suddenly craving for attention ? Really? Is it believable ?”

He leaned back in his chair , eyes narrowed with a playful glint. " Maybe they're not looking at you all …." he said, dropping his voice into a husky, dangerous whisper.

" May be there eyeing me. Because you came with a very …handsome man !"

She blinked, then rolled her eyes, trying to hide the way her heart was doing dangerous somersaults.

“So self-obsessed,” she scoffed.

“ No,” he corrected softly, tilting his head as his gaze dipped briefly to her lips.

“Just… self-confident.”

Her throat dried.

She burst into a quiet, shaky laugh , hoping he didn’t notice how his words melted into her bloodstream like molten fire.

But Prithvi noticed everything.

Especially the way she smiled when she thought he wasn’t looking.

Especially the way she leaned in, without realizing it.

Especially the way she was slowly… falling.

And God help him — he was falling faster.

***********

Stars glistened like diamonds in the lap of the night . The atmosphere carries the salty gang of sea . Midway through the drive back home , Sanyogita's eyes lit up at the sight of an old ice-cream vendor cycling over his cart under the streetlight.

Sanyogita one hand sliding outside of the window shouting “ Oh vendor kaka , stop your cycle pls "

Prithvi's eyes bulged out instinctively watching her audacity. If it was in her favour she would turn half of the Mumbai population into her uncle and aunty. He smirked silently.

She turned her head to him and said in a childish accent “ Viraj…stop the car , Hume icecream khana hai !”

Prithvi arched his brow instinctively , his voice almost scolding.

“Sanjh, you have already had ice-cream in the restaurant "

Her expression unexpectedly pouted, her voice lifting with mischief " So what ? One ice se kiska maan varta hai. I want more "

For a moment, his jaw tightened as if he would refuse. But her eyes widened with insistence, melted him in a way he had to defeat.

With a short sigh, he snapped his fingers at the driver to stop.

“ Fine , let's go . But don't blame me if you catch a cold "

They got out of the car. Prithvi's two bodyguards lingered at a distance, chatting casually, still keeping a watchful glance at their Boss and Madam.

Sanyogita walked ahead like a schoolgirl and bought a cup of ice-cream. The cool sea breeze played with her open hair as she took a blissful bite.

“Viraj, taste it,” she offered, pushing the spoon toward him.

He shook his head, his voice flat . “I don’t eat ice-cream.”

Her lips curved into an inciting smile.

“Jo log ice-cream nahi pasand karte… maano unhe zindagi jeene ka aadha swad hi nahi pata.” Sanyogita's words convey a childish accent.

He shot her a look that implying half warning, half amused. Before she could take her next bite, his hand moved swiftly like a storm, he bent his head and bit straight into the scoop she was about to pour into her mouth.

Sanyogita's breath caught . Her eyes widened with surprise, staring at him unblinking . Her heart began pumping dangerously .

The world paused around them for a brief moment.

Prithvi straightened , a slow, devastating smile curving his lips.

“I do love ice-cream…” he murmured, his tone dripping with playful arrogance.

“ But it's more fun to bite ice cream , by snatching it from your hand .

Then, deliberately, he brushed his thumb across her lower lip, wiping away the faint smear of ice-cream that lingered there.

She didn’t flinch back , nor did she dare to speak, just stood frozen under the intensity of his gaze. Her heart thundered like an thundered strom roaring inside her . Her ear turned pink, heat rushed to her cheeks though the atmosphere was cool.

He suddenly pulled back his hand instinctively and rubbed both palms as if warming them in a chilly night .

An awkward silence stretched between them. Neither of them dare to break the fleeting spell of the silent moment.

Sanyogita quickly looked away, pretending to focus on her cup, but her hands trembled slightly. She couldn’t understand what was happening with her , why every small touch, every teasing word from him left her breathless.

A disturbing noise broke the stillness. A commotion grabs their attention.

A young man was lurching at his wife , his voice a vicious snarl .

“Tell me ! How many men have you slept with? For whom you hide money from me?? tell me unless I'll beat you so hard your bloody parents will never show your dirty faces again!”

The man was shaking , he raise hand, his finger imprint on her cheek. Fresh, red, burning.

Sanyogita’s heart dropped. Fury rose in her chest, blistering hot — but before she could even take a step, a blur of black moved past her.

Prithvi.

His calm demeanor had vanished — replaced by a lethal rage as sharp as a knife.

The man raised his hand again , but it stayed hung in the air…Prithvi’s hand shot out , twisting the wrist back with such precision that the man's hand winced and dropped to knees.

The man stared at Prithvi for a while , having a vague expression of measuring his opponents in an imaginary scale.

The man turned his attention to his wife, spat venomously “ Ohh waha ..! look at you, huh? You found a new lover? Hired someone to beat your husband ?”

The young woman trembled , stared at him furiously and suddenly her anger erupted.

She slapped him with full force.

" thu hai tujh jaise aadmi pe !! You filthy man ! You doubt your wife . Compare me to immoral women? I work at that club… to feed us! To pay our house rent because your addiction destroyed everything .

And still you're questioning my purity. What a shameful man you are ..who doesn't even know how to treat his wife with dignity.” Her breath broke into tears.

The man charged again — but Prithvi’s fist met his jaw first. Blood spilled out of his mouth.

He towered over him, voice calm but carrying enough danger to make the man freeze

“Touch her again, and I’ll make sure you regret the day you were born.”

The woman’s eyes flooded with gratitude. She folded her hands weakly.

“Thank you, shaab "

Prithvi's expression softened as he said " You don't owe him anything, sister. Walk away with your dignity intact . Self-respect is worth more than any marriage built on fear "

The woman sniffled, wiping tears " Don't pull yourself into our family matters shabab . He is an ill man who doesn't know how to respect his wife and treat his children. At least your wife is lucky to have a kind and real man like you "

Prithvi simply nodded and then turned…slowly.

And there she stood.

His eye landed over her , …

Sanyogita, bathed in the pale city light… staring at him as if seeing him truly for the first time.

The softness creeping into her eyes.

His heartbeat stumbled . He walked toward her, slow footsteps echoed across the empty space . She swallowed hard.

She didn’t move or uttered a word. Just stayed.

For him — it was unnerving.

Once ruthless.

Once dangerous.

Now… a savior in her eyes.

He cleared his throat, tearing his gaze away before he could say something he couldn’t take back.

“Let’s go home.”

But his hand hovered near hers , like he wasn’t ready to let the night end.

She lay awake in the dark .

The ice cream scene replaying over and over again refusing her mind to calm .

His words, irresistible and deadly.

His thumb brushing her lips.
The way he stepped in , without hesitation to protect a stranger.

There were men who shattered women… And then there was Prithviraj Singhaniya ,
who would rather bleed than see a woman break.

Her chest tightened.
Her heart was no longer neutral.
Not even close.

Meanwhile…

Prithvi was sitting alone in his study, the city lights glimmering through glass walls.

His knuckles were bruised. However, his control was crumbling.

He replayed that moment , her eyes wide, soft, letting him in.

“She looked at me…”
His fingers brushed the memory of her lips. “…like I was worth believing in.”

He leaned back, whispering into the quiet

“I’m in trouble… aren’t I, Sanjh?”

The silence didn’t answer .

But his heartbeat did.

___________________________

The bathroom was filled with a thin veil of steam as droplets of water trickled down the glass , and water cascaded over his broad shoulders. Prithvi pressed his palms against the tiles, letting the warmth ease the stiffness in his muscles.

But no matter how hard he tried to focus, his mind refused to stay disciplined.

Instead, it wandered…drifted to her thinking over and over again.

Sanyogita’s pouty face when she insisted on ice cream, her triumphant little smile when she teased him, the way her eyes had gone wide when he snatched a bite from her hand . The memory lingered at his lips like a delicious dessert .

Prithviraj Singhania, the well disciplined, guarded, ruthless tycoon is blushing.

He shook his head, water spraying from his wet hair, but his chest tightened with laughter.

“Oh God, … Sanjh,” he muttered under his breath, “tum sach mein mujhe pagal kar dogi”

He straightened ,wiped his face, forcing the smirk back onto his lips.

“ Control yourself, Viraj. She’s a little fox, one second she’ll melt your heart, the next she’ll tear it apart.

Sanyogita froze mid-hallway.

That definitely sounded like her name.

Was Prithvi in danger? Was he hurt?

Her panic shot up as she hurried to the bathroom.

She raised her knuckles, ready to knock,

when the door swung open.

Sanyogita's eyes widened, mouth remained open , and her brain ? Completely blank .

Prithvi stood there , a towel wrapped low around his waist , water droplets still running down his shoulder, the carved planes of his chest. Water still trickled down his damp hair falling boyishly over his forehead.

She stood frozen at the door, forgetting why she had even come.

His brow raised in a questionable glance , an infuriating mix of amusement and mischief danced across his eyes.

Sanyogita snapped her mouth shut and tried to salvage her dignity. “ I…I…heard you screaming my name , " she blurted . " I thought you were.. in trouble"

Prithvi smirked, leaning lazily against the door frame . His hands clasped against his chest

“ achaa!" His eyes sparkled.

“ Lagta hai tumhe " little fox" yeh nickname kuch zyada hi pasand hai. Ya…phir shayad tum …You just wanted to see me fresh out of the shower ?” He winked, wickedly.

Sanyogita looked awfully “Baatemez!” She spun on her heel, determined to escape his teasing grin. But before she could storm off place , a strong arm shot out, blocking her path against the wall.

She gasped.

Prithvi stood close, a way very close , she could inhale his scent of soap and musk clinging to him , the fragrance of shampoo.

A pure trouble, wrapped around her

His bare chest still damp from the shower, dangerously so, and his eyes… His eyes were brimming playfully at her cuteness.

Her cheeks flamed bright crimson. “Viraj… h…hat jayee ..I need to get going !” she stammered, pushing weakly at his arm.

Instead of moving, he leaned in slightly, his voice a husky murmur at her ear.

“Kya hua, little fox? Achanak itni sharmai kyu hari hoon ? Mujhe toh laga tum toh bahut himmatwali ho… Last night , you were showering a lecture on me , ki zindagi jeene ka swad ! Now what happened? ”

Sanyogita held her eyes shut , her face flushed crimson.

“Aap… aap bahut bateemeez hai , Mr Singhaniya !” her voice faltered

His tall frame loomed over her, yet he maintained the distance. Caging her against the wall . “achaa ! Itn gussa ..kya baat hai !!

“Lekin nain toh mazaak kar raha tha.” But his voice was too low, too husky to consider as just a joke.

“Batao, little fox…” his lips curved into a wicked smile, “tum blush kar rahi ho, ya mujhe is tarah dekh kar sharma rahi ho?”

Her lashes fluttered shut. “N-no…” she breathed, denying weakly.

He chuckled, leaning his head slightly . Droplets of water still slid down his hair to fall over her face .

Her breath caught her by her wrists , her pulse hammering so loudly she was sure he could hear it. “Viraj let me go… !” she blurted, glaring up at him with wide, furious eyes.

“Hmm. I'll " Prithvi smirked, clearly enjoying himself.

His gaze dipped, lingering deliberately on her reddened cheeks. “ But tell me , why are you blushing , Sanjh ? "

His lips curved into a sinful smile.

" Is it because your are angry with me or there is something else ”

“Bas, Viraj!” she snapped, her voice trembling with embarrassment. “Aap ko bilkul bhi sharam nahi hai ….”

“sharam ?” he cut in, lowering his head just a fraction closer. “Bhala mujhe tumse sharam kyu aani chahiye, Sanjh?

“Tum toh…”he paused, voice falling softer, deeper “…meri biwi ho.”

Her heart nearly stopped. But in reality it was hammering violently. His words hit her harder than his nearness .

She squeezed her eyes tighter.

" I don't blush, I came to check on you …that's it” She maintained her posture yet threatening to falter.

“Really? Then prove it…” His breath ghosted against her ear, sending sparks racing down her spine.

“ Open your eyes . Look at me . And sat it again . " He bent down, shadows of his lips hovering dangerously close to hers.

Sanyogita's chest rose and fell with nervous breaths. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. However, she summoned the courage, her lashes fluttering open , slow and heavy.

Then those amber eyes — captivating and treacherous.

Prithvi's smirk gradually faded . His throat throbbed . Now he was in trouble.

The silence stretched… thick with tension.

As if even breathing too loud could break the moment.

He lowered his voice, teasing dark and smooth like melted chocolate,

“Bas… aise hi mujhe dekhne aaye thi ? Ya phir…”

But before he could close the distance,

THUD!

“ Ouuchh!" He stumbled back dramatically as she kicked his leg.

“Mr. Kharate Singhania! Aap bahut… bahut besharam ho!” she squealed, face burning crimson.

Prithvi straightened, rubbing his leg dramatically.

Acha?” he gasped. “Aur jo tum yahan khadi hoke jo mujhe zoom karke dekh rahi thi…”

His eyes dropped deliberately to his torso and towel. “Uska kya? Woh… adhyatmik pravachan chal raha tha kya ?”

Her jaw dropped. “Woh, woh I ..I didn't see anything !” She lied with zero confidence.

“Is it so ?” He raised a brow. “But why do I feel like you're doing a Xray scan on me “

Suddenly he looked down at torso in ironic horror.

“Mujhe toh darr lag raha hai…if you take advantage of me in a vulnerable state and do something ulta pulta at at .” He widened his eyes comically.

“Main duniya ko muh kaise dikhaunga?”

He even placed a hand on his chest like a tragic Bollywood hero.

Sanyogita’s mouth fell open.

“Shut up, Viraj!”

She pointed a shaking finger at him, looking more like a furious kitten than a threat.

“ Aap sirf ek besharm h nahi ek … BADE badtemeez bhi hai .. "

Then, with her voice trembling yet determined, she added,

Then , with a trembling voice yet determined , she added " philhal …aapko kaproo se zyada tameez ki zarurat hai!!”

She squeaked and bolted like a frightened rabbit out the door .

Prithvi blinked once . Then burst into a laugh the sound echoing in the room.

He leaned back against the wall, laughing breathlessly “Besharam …? Huh! Badtameez... hi sahi,” he murmured to himself, eyes a pool of mischievous grin

“Pata nahi kyun magar tumhari har ek ada phida ho raha hoon, little fox.” He ran a hand through his wet hair, a chuckle rumbling low in his chest.