The shrill college bell pierced the afternoon silence as Sakshi finished her last exam, Accountancy. With her hard work combined with Ayush's unconditional support, she was able to tally five out of the six balance sheet problems. She flung her ID card in the air and caught it with a broad grin. In a month, she would be an official B.Com graduate.

Sauntering to the main gate, she planted her hands on her hips and peered at the vibrant college. A major portion of her life in the last three years flowed away in this building. In her heart, she made a wish to continue here for her MBA course. Sitting on a high cement bench under the shade of the parking lot, she swung her legs like a pendulum, eyeing the gate for her brother.

Vinnati ran up to her, clutching her purse between her teeth and stuffing her stationery into her bag.

"Hey, Vini!" Sakshi ran up to her, helped her pack her belongings, and trapped her in a tight hug.

"Congratulations to us, we did it, bae!" Vinnati said.

"We'll be undergraduates now. How fast time flies!"

Vinnati nodded. "How was the paper?"

"To my surprise, it was pretty easy. I got five sums correct."

"Five?! Man! I wish I had a personal mentor like Ayush."

Sakshi bit her lower lip and smiled. "Keep it down, someone might hear us."

"No one will bother us within these walls. So what's your plan for the vacation?"

"Honestly, nothing. Just wait for the election results, stay locked up, and prepare for MBA. What about you?"

"After what you said, I don't feel like saying anything."

"It's alright, I won't be sad." Sakshi brushed imaginary tears with the pads of her thumb.

Vinnati smiled and shook her head. "We're going to Shillong in Meghalaya next week."

"Woah, the land of clouds! I wish I could come along."

"I know right! They also have a spice exhibition lined up."

"These fairs and exhibitions are truly a gift."

"Cause that's where you found Ayush?"

"Spot on. Enjoy your vacation and don't forget to get me traditional bangles."

"Surely, bae. I'll miss you!"

"Likewise, Vini. Oh, Bhaiyya has come! I must get going.

They gave each other a parting hug and Sakshi scurried to her brother's jeep. She waved to Vinnati one last time and got into the vehicle.

"Want some water, Saash?" Ranveer asked.

"No, Bhaiyya. I can't B.Com is finally over!"

"Same with me, it's like I just accompanied you to your LKG classroom, now you're a graduate. Not just any graduate-you're the first girl in our generation to finish college," Ranveer said with a proud smile.

"Can I get an ice cream to celebrate?"

"For sure. Just wait till your results are out, Baba will throw a grand party!"

"A close-knit celebration will do."

"Let's see."

Just then, her phone vibrated with Ayush's call. She cut the call and sent him a curt reply, 'can't talk now, please text.' A message from him popped on WhatsApp.

: Hi, yaara!

: Hey :)

: How was ur final exam?

: U won't believe 5 balance sheets tallied!

: CONGRATS!

: Couldn't have done it without u. Tq so much.

: My pleasure.

Wanted to tell u smthg important.

: Wt is it?

: I'm appearing in the MV!

: MV?

: Music video.

: Woah!!! Very proud of you :)

: Thnks.

Need a big help only if possible.

: ??

: Wud u like to join me

in the MV?

: For the shooting?

: No, to appear in the vdo.

: Lol. Nice joke.

: I'm serious, yaara.

Sakshi: Babaji won't agree : (

: No direct scenes.

: No straight face scenes?

: Nah.

: Then I'm in!

: Really?!!

: 100 %

It will b fun : -D

: Shoot begins tomo 10 AM.

: Location?

: Aakhya hills.

I can pick u at Chocobar café.

: I'll be there.

: Can u come by 8??

: Okie.

: Thanks v v much ♡

: ♡♡

She clutched her phone to her chest and glimpsed out of the window with a smile, the wind fluttering her hair like a butterfly.

"You look excited. What happened, Saash?" Ranveer asked, focusing on her reflection in the rearview mirror.

"Nothing, Bhaiyya."

"So you're simply staring at your hands and smiling?" He smirked, but an air of seriousness lurked behind him

"I'm happy the exams are over," she said.

He nodded and steered through the traffic. "I have to collect documents from Jeetu Bhai. Shall we pay him a visit on the way?"

"Sure, Bhaiyya. It's been a year since I met his little girl. What's her name?"

"Madhu. You won't believe how much she's grown now. She'll reach near your shoulders."

She gasped. "Really?"

He nodded with a grin. "You'll see for yourself."

He halted the jeep in the corner of a quaint lane near the infamous Aakhya hills. Sakshi got out and shielded her eyes from the sun, gazing at the grey, palatial bungalow ahead of her. The surrounding was bald and desert-like except for a lone banyan tree.

"Why have they chopped the trees?" she asked, recalling the coconut and mango trees that were once a part of the bungalow.

"For parking space. Jeetu Bhai has made up for it by creating a rooftop garden."

"Still not the same as trees. The last time I was here, Madhu and I had a blast swinging from the mango tree. It's a pity!"

"Stop overthinking and come along."

She scrunched her nose and followed him. A thirty-something man clad in a white inner vest and formal pants lounged on a wooden rocking chair. He twirled his handlebar moustache, wearing gaudy rings on all five fingers of his right hand.

"Oho, Ranveer Bhai! Namaste."

Ranveer joined his palms. "Namaste, Jeetu Bhai."

"Saashu, after a long time!"

"Namaste, Bhaiji. How are you?"

"I'm doing as great as I can be. What are you doing now?"

"I just finished my B.Com final year exams today."

"Proud of you, Saashu. You're an inspiration to Madhu and many other girls."

"Speaking of Madhu, I wanted to see her."

"Arrey! If I knew you were coming, I wouldn't have sent her to her Naani's house."

Sakshi clicked her tongue and shrugged. "Tsk. It's alright, Bhaiji."

At Jeetu's orders, his maid served Ranveer and Sakshi fresh tender coconut juice with straws. Sakshi dabbed the perspiration on her face with her cotton dupatta and sipped on the juice.

"Bhai, I've brought the papers," Ranveer said in a washed tone.

Jeetu scratched his brow and glanced around only moving his eyes. "You mean the papers?"

"Haan, woh hi."

"Where is it?"

Ranveer took a tattered file out of his jute bag and passed it to Jeetu. "I hope this will be safe with you."

"Rest assured I will take care of everything," Jeetu said.

"You are an asset to our party, thank you so much."

Sakshi kept her gaze lowered, guessing it was something confidential.

"What are you planning next, Saashu?' Jeetu asked her.

"MBA, Bhaiji."

"Superb, Saashu! You're taking wise decisions," he said and turned to Ranveer. "What do you think?"

Ranveer gave a reluctant nod. "In our town, B.Com itself is a big achievement for a girl. She's the first in our community to study this far."

"That's not the point. Money, power, friends-there's no guarantee they'll be with you. The only thing that no one can snatch away is your education."

Sakshi beamed at Jeetu, fighting back a laugh at her brother's irritated scowl. Exchanging further small talk, Ranveer and Sakshi bid adieu to Jeetu and returned to their home.

•••

The next morning, the firing of bullets jolted Sakshi. She rushed out of bed, her breath mingled with strings of dread. Barfoo stirred in his sleep as if having a nightmare. Stroking his fur, she covered a soft mink blanket.

Lifting the latch, she opened the window to a small extent and peeped out. Ranveer Rana aimed a rifle at a straw scarecrow and pumped it with bullets. The last one struck the red dot on its head. He cackled out loud and punched the air with excitement. Udayveer sauntered to him and slapped his back.

"Impressive!"

"It's only a fraction of what I learned from you, Baba."

"But you're doing exceptionally well. Keep sharpening those skills, you might need them soon."

Shutting the window, Sakshi choked back a scream, paralysed with fear. She stood motionless for a while, wondering who was the next victim of her father's atrocities. She had to meet Ayush within an hour. But after what get brother did, she sternly thought about what she was doing. Lajo's daughter's tryst cost her lover's life as well. Would she be endangering Ayush's life and risking their families' wrath?

Her heart ached like a sick, love-starved animal, pleading with her to meet him. The pain of being away from him for a month created an unquenchable thirst to meet again. Despite her fears, she trudged to the shower and let tepid water run over her skin.

She washed herself multiple times as if rinsing away her dread and guilt. Dread from meeting the love of her life. Guilt from being attached to a violent family. Her keen eyes followed the water till it ran down the drain hole. Putting on an olive green salwar, she finished her breakfast in dull solitude and ambled to Ranveer's room. He had changed into formal clothing and was straightening his hair with a crooked comb.

"Good morning, Bhaiyya. Can I go to Vinnati's house?"

"Morning, Saash. What's the matter?"

"Since the exams are over, we have planned a week of fun-playing board games, watching movies, having snacks." The girls had made a plan the previous night and Sakshi acted accordingly.

"Ask her to come over."

"She's going to Shillong during the holidays. Who knows what will happen after that. I don't want to miss this week with my best friend. Please," she pleaded, staring into his soul. Her heart pricked at the lies flowing from her tongue.

"What did Baba say?"

"You know him, he won't agree. You're the only one who understands me."

"You've succeeded in buttering me."

Ranveer smiled, falling for her flattery. "It's the truth."

"Right, I'll drop you. You can stay there till 4 in the evening. In case of an emergency, I will drop in anytime and pick you up."

She gulped at the prospect but convinced herself that such an event will not occur. "Can we go now?"

"Haan, haan. Wait in the jeep, I'll join you in a moment."

Her lips curved up into a blissful smile. Powerful relief gushed through her senses. She sprinted to the jeep and texted Ayush- 'Will be there soon! Can't wait to meet you♡'

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