Hearing those words — “It’s my wish…” — Aniket let out a sarcastic laugh and took a few steps away from Saaniya.

  “Oh yeah, of course! You must’ve enjoyed it, right? Calling me an idiot on the mic!”

  He turned to her, eyes narrowing.

  “Come on, say it. Didn’t you have fun?”

  Saaniya lowered her gaze, questioning herself silently.

  “Why did I even do that? Why? I only went to return his lost wallet… so why did seeing that photo inside — of a girl — make me so angry? Was I mad at him for being careless, or… for something else?”

  She was lost in her thoughts when Aniket’s irritated voice broke the silence.

  “Great! Thanks to you, I forgot to pick up my stuff from the billing counter!”

  Turning toward her, he added dramatically, “One day, I’m going to lose my mind because of you!”

  He walked back toward the mall entrance, and Saaniya, following him with an exaggerated eye roll, muttered under her breath, “Can someone make a madman even madder?”

  Aniket squinted at her. “Then why are you following this madman around, huh?”

  Saaniya pouted. “I told you my shopping wasn’t done yet! I asked you to drop me off , but what did you say? ‘This idiot doesn’t understand your language!’”

  Aniket turned his face away, muttering under his breath, “Well… yeah… that… whatever. Forget it.”

  Saaniya trailed behind him. She couldn’t see his expression, but something in his tone felt different — a hint of awkwardness, maybe even guilt. As if he knew he’d gone a bit too far earlier.

  Meanwhile, Saaniya’s thoughts refused to calm down. “But seriously… why the hell is that jerk carrying a girl’s picture in his wallet?”

  She shook her head quickly.

  “No, no! Why am I even thinking about that? He can carry anyone’s picture he wants… his life, his choice!”

  But even as she tried to convince herself, the image kept replaying in her mind —

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  Saaniya was still lost in thought when she bumped into Aniket’s back. He had stopped abruptly because his phone was ringing.

  Pulling it out, he glanced at her before checking the screen. Seeing it wasn’t an important call, he cut it off and sighed.

  “You really need some rest. Don’t you think… you’re acting a little weird today?”

  Saaniya made a face and walked away without replying.

  Aniket watched her go, exhaling deeply. “I swear, I’ll never understand this girl.”

  Meanwhile, at Aditya’s Office…

  Aditya sat alone on a bench in the garden area of his office. His face was flushed, his eyes still red.

  “I… I hugged her,” he whispered to himself, his voice trembling. “And I cried! But… why? Why did I have to cry in front of her?”

  He covered his face with his hands, drowning in confusion and guilt.

  Then — soft footsteps.

  He looked up.

  Anamika was walking toward him, a gentle smile resting on her lips.

  She stopped beside him, handed him a coffee can, and sat down with her own juice box. Sliding the straw in, she leaned back casually.

  Aditya hesitated before opening the can.

  “I’m really sorry… about earlier. I didn’t mean to… you know. I know it must’ve been weird for you.”

  Anamika raised an eyebrow playfully.

  “Weird? Hmm… maybe a little. I mean, it was the first time I saw a guy cry in front of me,” she said softly. “But is that really weird? Not for me.

  I know you’re going through a lot, Aditya. Dealing with Ira’s stubbornness, trying to keep her happy… it’s not easy. You’re doing your best as a brother.”

  Aditya sighed, his gaze falling to the ground.

  “She’s been like that since childhood. She doesn’t have many people she calls special — and the ones she does, she can’t share them. She thinks they belong only to her.

  But that’s not how life works, right?

  I love her — she’s all I have left. But that doesn’t mean I can live only for her. Rivan needs me too. He’s lost… and if I don’t help him find himself, who will? He’s like a kid who keeps losing focus. He needs guidance — and that’s why I can’t just walk away.”

  Anamika listened quietly, then asked softly, “So… you think this is the right way to make her understand?”

  Aditya looked away again, shoulders heavy.

  “No… it’s not. But honestly, I don’t know what else to do.”

  When he turned back toward her, his eyes were full of questions… and quiet hope.

  Anamika sipped her juice, her eyes steady on him.

  “Well, don’t look at me like that — I have no idea what you should do either!” she laughed lightly. “You know, all this is new to me. I’ve never really seen a brother-sister bond up close.”

  Aditya let out a faint laugh, sipping his coffee.

  “Yeah… maybe I should talk to Ira again.”

  Anamika tilted her head.

  “You could. But this time, instead of trying to make her understand… try understanding her. I don’t think she’s afraid of sharing your love — maybe she’s just scared of losing you.”

  Aditya froze. Her words hit deeper than he expected.

  Anamika closed her eyes, feeling the cool breeze sweep past.

  “Aditya,” she said softly, “before you try to explain anything to her… make sure you understand yourself first.”

  She opened her eyes and looked at him again.

  “You’re great at understanding others — but sometimes, that makes you forget to listen to your own heart. Ira has probably understood you so many times before — that’s why you’ve always managed to calm her down, fulfill her wishes.

  But this time, maybe she needs to understand your feelings — how you feel, and why you feel that way. Maybe then, she’ll understand your pain too. Maybe then… she’ll be ready to accept Rivan.”

  Aditya smiled faintly.

  “You know, usually I’m the one giving advice. But today… you outdid me. Thank you.”

  Anamika smiled back.

  “Well, you can’t be the advisor forever! Sometimes I get to play that role too.”

  Aditya chuckled, and as he looked up, Anamika leaned forward slightly, raising her hand toward his face.

  He blinked, startled, and leaned back awkwardly.

  Anamika frowned.

  “Oh, relax! I was just looking — your eyes are still swollen! Aditya… please don’t cry again, okay? Your eyes give you away way too easily. Wait… does this hurt?”

  Aditya’s ears went red. He quickly turned his face away, pretending to sip his coffee.

  Anamika stared at him, puzzled, then shrugged — and started sipping her juice through the straw like a little rabbit.

  But elsewhere…

  Ira had already left the office without telling anyone.

  She walked down the street aimlessly, anger bubbling inside her.

  She didn’t know where she was going — she just needed to get away.