Dhyaan ab apna,
zada rakhta hoon
Sochta hoon main,
kaisa lagta hoon
Aaina ho to,
dekh leta hoon
Kaise yeh chehra,
aisa khila hai
Kuch to hua hai,
kuch ho gaya hai
AT THE HOTEL
Sara steps into the elevator.
"Roko, roko!" Shubman's voice calls out from the hallway. Sara quickly holds the door open for him.
(Stop, stop!)
"Thanks," he says as he steps in, flashing her a quick smile.
She smiles back, and the elevator doors are about to close when Shruti slips in at the last second.
"Hi, Shubman!" Shruti chirps, her overly enthusiastic tone filling the small space.
Shubman gives her a polite nod and a half-smile, clearly uninterested. Sara raises her brows at him and gestures for him to lean closer.
He obeys, tilting his head to her height.
Sara (whispers): "Main toh almost bhool gayi thi ki ye tumhare saath 1+1 pack mein aati hai."
("I almost forgot that she comes in a 1+1 pack with you.")
Shubman bites back a grin and sneaks a glance at Shruti, who is too busy fussing with her hair to notice.
The elevator jolts suddenly and comes to an abrupt stop. The three are thrown slightly off balance.
Sara freezes. Her face pales as she stares at the panel, her breath hitching.
Shubman (notices immediately): "Sara? Are you okay?"
"I just... I don't like elevators stopping like this," she says, her voice trembling. She places a hand on her chest, trying to steady herself. "When I was little, I got stuck in one... alone. Since then, I..." Her breathing grows uneven.
"Hey, hey! It's okay!" Shubman quickly steps closer, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I'm right here. You're not alone this time, okay?"
He presses the emergency alarm repeatedly and checks his phone, only to realize there's no network.
From the corner, Shruti rolls her eyes. "Isn't she being a little overdramatic? It's not like this is a life-or-death situation."
Shubman (snaps his head toward her, frustrated): "Shruti, this is NOT the time."
Shruti (folds her arms, scoffs): "Seriously? You're yelling at me because she can't handle herself like an adult?"
Shubman ignores her, turning his full attention back to Sara. She's leaning against the wall, her hand clutching her chest as her breathing becomes shallow.
"Sara, look at me," Shubman says softly, crouching slightly to meet her eyes. "Focus on me, okay? Breathe with me. In..." He takes a deep breath, holding it for a moment before exhaling. "And out..."
Sara hesitates but tries to follow his rhythm.
"That's it. Slow and steady," he encourages, his voice calm and reassuring.
As the elevator jolts again and the lights flicker back on, Sara takes a shaky breath. The voice over the intercom announces that the elevator will move shortly.
But Shubman notices her unsteady stance and pale face. The second the elevator doors open, he scoops her up into his arms without hesitation.
"Shubman! I can walk!" Sara protests weakly, though her grip on his t-shirt gets tighter.
"I'm not taking any chances. I know you're super strong but right now, we're getting you checked.", he replies, his tone firm.
Shruti watches in stunned silence, her mouth slightly open, as Shubman strides past her with Sara in his arms.
"Shubman, this really isn't necessary..." Sara murmurs.
"It is, to me," he says simply, his protective instincts overriding everything else.
He carries her straight to the medical room, ignoring the curious glances from others in the hallway.
"Put her here," the nurse instructs, pointing to the examination bed.
Shubman gently places Sara down, his hands lingering for a moment to ensure she's comfortable.
"I'm fine," Sara says, giving him a small smile.
"You'll be fine once the nurse checks you," Shubman counters, crossing his arms. "Until then, I'm not going anywhere."
Sara's cheeks flush slightly, but she doesn't argue.
As the nurse examines Sara, Shubman sits beside her, his expression still serious.
"Thanks for... everything," Sara says softly.
He looks at her, his gaze softening. "I told you, I'm right here. Always."
Sara's heart flutters at his words.
The nurse gives her the medicine and asks her to rest in the room. Shubman holds her hand and supports her to the room.
Shubman: "I'm so sorry but I have to go for training. I'll be back soon. Just give me a call if you need anything."
Sara (smiles): "It's totally okay. I'll be resting now so it should be fine."
Shubman nods and leaves for training.
Meanwhile, Riyan and Ananya step into the café. Riyan walks ahead, pulling out a chair for Ananya with a small, apologetic smile.
Riyan (softly): "I'll have to head for training soon. I promise next time, I'll plan things better... make it more accurate according to the time."
Ananya (sitting down): "You've already apologized a thousand times. And I've told you it's totally okay. I'm not that high maintenance, you know."
Riyan (raising an eyebrow, smirking): "Accha ji? Good to know."
(Oh really?)
She smiles, feeling a warmth spread through her chest, though she quickly brushes it aside as the waiter arrives to take their order. Once their coffees are placed on the table, Riyan reaches out, resting his hand gently over hers.
Riyan (his voice low, sincere): "Thanks a lot for what you did this morning. I really needed to get away from Kritika."
Ananya (mocks): "You've already thanked me a thousand times for that too. Stop being so formal, Riyan. I just did what felt right in the moment."
Riyan smiles, holding her hand firmly.
Ananya (hesitant, her voice quieter now): "Do you... still?"
Riyan tenses, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallows hard. He doesn't meet her eyes right away, staring at his cup instead.
Riyan (after a pause): "I don't know. I thought I was moving on, but when she just appeared in front of me all of a sudden... I couldn't think at all. All I know is... I loved her. I loved her a lot. She did or didn't... but I know I did."
Ananya (gently, choosing her words carefully): "But that doesn't mean she has the right to ask you to take her back, Riyan. It's not fair to you. You deserve so much better."
Riyan lets out a bitter chuckle, running a hand through his hair.
Riyan (sighing): "But I did love her. A lot."
Ananya looks at him, her heart feeling heavy, and for the first time, she hates the thought of being just present in his life for physical needs.
