The music had softened to a faint hum, and the glow of fairy lights shimmered gently around the venue. Guests were slowly beginning to leave, laughter echoing faintly as the night drew to an end. Near the grand entrance, the friends stood together — Karan and Suchitra, Arjun and Meghna, Samksh and Saundarya, and Parth and Anvi — saying their goodbyes.

Karan stretched his arms with a tired groan, loosening his collar slightly.

Karan (exhausted): I’m completely worn out. Let’s head home quickly before I drop right here.

Arjun chuckled, smirking as he adjusted his jacket.

Arjun (mocking, playful): Of course you’re tired! The man who decorated both — his own reception and my anniversary party. You practically stuck every flower yourself, didn’t you?

Karan shot him an unimpressed look.

Karan (defensive): And what’s wrong with that? Do you think it’s easy to attend back-to-back functions? Even standing and smiling in these clothes takes effort!

Arjun rolled his eyes dramatically, and Meghna gave her husband a playful nudge.

Meghna (teasing): Stop teasing him, Arjun.

Karan folded his arms, pretending to ignore Arjun entirely, and turned toward Saundarya.

Karan (friendly): Come on, Saundarya. I’ll drop you at your flat on our way. It’s not too far.

Before Saundarya could reply, Samksh smoothly stepped in, intertwining his fingers with hers.

Samksh (grinning): No need, bro. I’m staying right where this madam is. I’ll make sure she gets home safely.

Saundarya immediately yanked her hand away with an exaggerated frown.

Saundarya (mock annoyed): Excuse me? Who said I’m going anywhere with you? I can go by myself.

Samksh glared at her briefly, his eyes saying something only she could understand. She blinked, confused for a moment, until realization dawned — and then, with a mischievous smile, she caught on to his act.

Saundarya (suddenly agreeing): Actually… on second thought, I will go with Samksh. You people don’t need to worry about me.

She winked at Suchitra as she looped her hand around Samksh’s arm and strutted off toward the parking area.

Karan (raising a brow): These two are a full-time drama show.

Suchitra (laughing softly): They’re cute though.

Before Karan could respond, Meghna stepped closer, hugging Suchitra warmly.

Meghna (affectionate): It was such a lovely evening, Suchi. You must come to our place — lunch, dinner, anything. Promise me.

Suchitra smiled, hugging her back.

Suchitra (softly): we will, definitely.

But as Meghna pulled away, she leaned close to Suchitra’s ear and whispered in a low, encouraging tone.

Meghna (whispering): And listen… tonight, either do or die. No backing out. I know you can do it. Good luck, soldier.

Suchitra froze for a moment, her cheeks instantly heating up. She was about to reply, but Meghna had already stepped back with an innocent grin, pretending as if she hadn’t said anything scandalous at all.

Then Anvi came forward with a sly smile and wrapped her arms around Suchitra too.

Anvi (murmuring in her ear, playful): All the best, Bhabhi. Chak de fatte! Operation “Sheila Mode” begins tonight!

Suchitra’s mouth fell open, and she immediately face-palmed herself.

Suchitra (groaning softly): You girls are impossible.

Karan, noticing her expression, frowned slightly.

Karan (curious): What’s going on? Why are you hiding your face like that?

Suchitra (quickly shaking her head): Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just… girl talk.

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously but didn’t push further.

Meanwhile, Arjun and Parth gave Karan quick side-hugs, patting his back.

Arjun (grinning): Drive safe, Ranjhe. Don’t fall asleep mid-way.

Karan (chuckling): Says the man who snores first after every function.

Parth (laughing): True! I’ve seen it happen.

Even Meghna and Anvi hugged Karan before stepping aside.

Meghna (smiling): Take care, Karan. And don’t stress your wife too much.

Karan gave a small nod, confused by her tone, while Suchitra tried to suppress a laugh.

Finally, the goodbyes ended, and Karan opened the car door for Suchitra. She slid inside gracefully, her pallu brushing against his arm. Once he settled into the driver’s seat, the engine hummed to life, and they slowly pulled out of the venue.

The car hummed softly as it rolled down the quiet, lamp-lit road. The city lights blurred past the window, painting golden streaks on the glass. Suchitra sat quietly beside Karan, her hands folded in her lap, eyes lost somewhere beyond the windshield.

Karan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Normally, she would’ve been chatting about something — the decorations, the food, or teasing him about anything — but now, she was completely silent.

Karan (confused, teasing lightly): Vaise toh bolti rehti ho… ab kya hua?

Suchitra didn’t reply. Her gaze stayed fixed outside, watching the streetlights pass. Inside, though, her thoughts were bubbling with determination.

Suchitra (thinking): Bohut chedte hain na mujhe… ab meri baari hai. Dekhte hain, aaj kaun pareshaan hota hai.

She turned her head slightly and said in a clipped tone, her voice calm but distant.

Suchitra (shortly): Nothing.

Karan blinked, his brows furrowing.

Karan (thinking, panicked): Did I did something? No no.. what can I even do? Waitt!! Is she mad at me Because I leave her alone in the party? Is it because of that or the earlier things I have done before leaving home? Or anything else? But I didn't even did something. I swear.

(He let out a silent sigh.)

Karan (thinking, frustrated): Karan! Stop overthinking. You can ask her directly. She is next to you.

He cleared his throat and tried again.

Karan (gentle): Say na, kya hua?

Suchitra didn’t even look at him this time, her expression perfectly neutral.

Suchitra (coldly): Bas mujhe apse baat nahi karni, toh nahi karni.

Karan almost hit the brakes in disbelief (but didn't), staring at her for a second before looking back at the road.

Karan (half-amused, half-bewildered): Aise kaise nahi karni? Dekho Suchii, baat toh karni padegi.

Suchitra (folding her arms, muttering): Ajeeb jabardasti h.

Karan (grinning despite himself): Hai toh hai. Batao toh sahi, maine kiya kya??

Finally, she turned to him, her eyes narrowed with mock anger.

Suchitra (accusing softly): Apko nahi lagta vo Tanya kuch zyada hi aap pe try maar rahi hai? Aur aap usse maarne de rahe the.

Karan’s mouth fell open slightly, pure disbelief flashing across his face.

Karan (stunned): Toh tum iss baat ke liye gussa ho?

Suchitra gave a small, proud nod, her chin tilted high.

Karan (calm, explaining): Acha, suno. Main toh uspe dhyaan hi nahi de raha tha. Maine bola bhi tha usse, par fir bhi picha nahi chhod rahi thi. Main kya karta, uske muh par likha toh nahi ke ‘I’ll flirt with Karan’ vaise bhi she doesn't matter to me at all.

Suchitra’s lips twitched, but she kept her glare steady.

Suchitra (warning, dramatic): Agli baar vo aayi na aapke paas… mooh noch lungi uska.

Karan bit the inside of his cheek to stop a laugh. His heart melted instantly at her pouty anger.

Karan (thinking, in Punjabi, utterly smitten): Ooo Rabba… chukk le mainu. Koi enna pyaara kivein lag sakda hai jado jealous hove ta.

He tilted his head slightly, trying to hide the growing smile on his lips.

Karan (teasing softly): Jarur, jarur. Waise jealous Suchii bohot cute lagti hai.

Suchitra snapped her gaze to him, eyes wide.

Suchitra (defensive): Who said I'm jealous?

Karan (smirking): Me.

She huffed, her cheeks puffing adorably.

Suchitra (boldly, chin lifted): Haan toh hu! Aap mere pati ho.

The words left her lips before she could stop herself. The air between them grew heavy for a heartbeat — soft, intimate. Karan’s smile slowly deepened as he turned his gaze back to the road, trying to hide how much her words had just melted him.

Karan (soft, amused, looking out of window): Hm. Good to know that I'm yours.

He brushed his hair back with one hand, still smiling faintly.

Suchitra, realizing what she’d just confessed, blushed furiously and looked down. Her fingers fidgeted with her phone, pretending to scroll through it, though her screen was dark.

Suchitra (thinking, embarrassed): Great. Mission “Sheila mode” started with me confessing like a fool.

Karan sneaked a quick glance at her, the corner of his lips curving again. He didn’t say another word — but the warmth in his eyes said everything.

The road ahead stretched dark and nearly empty, broken only by the glow of the streetlights and the occasional sweep of headlights from passing vehicles. The night was cool, and the faint hum of the car’s engine filled the silence.

Suchitra sat quietly, her face dimly illuminated by the faint light from her phone screen. Her eyes weren’t really reading anything—just staring at the dark reflection on the glass. Karan occasionally glanced at her, but said nothing, respecting her quiet mood.

Just then, another car suddenly overtook them from the right, cutting close to Karan’s bumper before swerving in front. The move was sharp enough to make Karan tap the brakes.

Karan (irritated mutter): What the hell—?

He frowned, adjusting his grip on the steering wheel. The other car was moving slower now, blocking the lane ahead. Karan tried to overtake from the left, but the car drifted that way. He switched to the right, but again, the car shifted in front of him, deliberately blocking the path. Suchitra didn't notice anything yet, Not his silent curse too.

Karan (gritting his teeth): Great. Just great.

He pressed the horn—once, twice, then several times. The sharp sound echoed through the night, but the car ahead didn’t budge. If anything, the driver seemed to slow down further, taunting him.

Karan (under his breath): Bhencho.

Suchitra looked up from her phone, sensing that he's saying anything

Suchitra (concerned): What happened?

Karan: Nothing. Some drunk morons think they own the road.

After a few moments of this cat-and-mouse driving, the other car slowed until it was right beside them. Now both cars were rolling at the same speed. The car was on Suchitra’s side. Its window rolled down with a mechanical whir, revealing four men inside—laughing, drinking, and puffing out cigarette smoke that clouded around them.

The stench of alcohol mixed with smoke hit the air even through Karan’s closed window. One of the men leaned forward from the passenger seat, his grin wide and mocking.

Man 1 (leering): Ohh Bhai dekh kya maal h!

The others burst into laughter. Karan’s jaw clenched, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. His knuckles turned pale from the pressure.

Man 2 (mocking): Oyee hero, Gadi side pe laga na, Hume bhi Milne de, Teri item se.

Karan’s eyes flashed.

Man 3 (snickering): kya scene h? Milne de na, Vaise kaha se uthaya isse? Kafi sahi hath mara tune toh.

Suchitra froze, her stomach twisting with disgust. She looked away immediately, clutching the edge of her seat. Karan’s hand twitched near the gear, ready to stop the car.

But before he could, Suchitra reached over and placed her trembling hand over his, her voice quiet but firm.

Suchitra (softly): Don’t. Please… don’t stop.

Her eyes met his—nervous, pleading—but Karan could see the anger burning behind them too.

The men weren’t done.

Man 1 (laughing louder): Aree Hero ko gussa aagaya, Chal ab bata kaha se kharida?

Karan’s jaw worked silently. His breathing grew heavy.

Man 2 (mock flirting): madam ji, Idhar aajao, Hum chhod denge apko, We are better than him.

Man 2 (snickering): Ek raat ke liye ye ladki mil jaye toh life set h.

That was it. Karan’s patience snapped. His pulse thundered in his ears.

Without a word, he slammed his foot down on the accelerator. The engine roared to life, tires screeching against the asphalt. He pulled ahead sharply, overtaking their car in a single swift move. Then, in a blink, he turned the wheel and stopped the car right in front of theirs, blocking their path completely.

From the other car, one of the men shouted—his voice slightly shaky now that he realized Karan had stopped in front of them.

Man 1 (irritated): Is he insane? We almost crashed into him!

Before anyone could react, Karan stepped out of his car with a storm brewing behind his eyes. His movements were sharp, deliberate. He slammed the door behind him so hard that the sound cut through the night like thunder.

He walked straight toward their car, his footsteps echoing against the empty stretch of road. Reaching their bumper, he slammed his palm hard against the metal. The impact rang out loud.

Karan (furious, shouting): Bahar aa.. ABHI.

Suchitra gasped from the passenger seat, fumbling with the door handle before quickly running after him. Her heart was pounding, fear and worry battling in her chest.

Suchitra (panicked, grabbing his arm): Karan, please! Leave it. Let’s just go home!

Karan’s eyes didn’t move from the car. His jaw flexed, anger rolling off him like heat.

Karan (firmly): Suchi, get back in the car.

Suchitra (pleading): Karan, please—listen to me. They’re drunk. Don’t make this worse.

Karan (without looking at her, voice low and commanding): Suchitra. Get. In. The. Car.

His tone left no room for argument. It wasn’t anger at her—it was pure, protective fury directed elsewhere. Suchitra’s throat tightened. She slowly stepped back, Didn't sat in the car, She stood there clutching her phone Tightly. Tears already stinging her eyes.

Karan rage pulsing through him.

Karan (yelling): Bahar aa. you cowards! Come out right now!

And before anyone inside could move, Karan swung his fist and smashed it against their windshield. The glass cracked with a sharp sound, spiderwebbing from the point of impact.

Suchitra (gasping): Karan!

The men inside jumped, startled. Two of them—those sitting in the front seats—quickly got out. The smell of alcohol hit the air again, strong and nauseating.

Man 1 (mocking): Kya huh?? Ladki ke samne khud ko kya hero samjhta h??

Karan’s eyes darkened.

Man 1 (sneering): suna nahi humne kya kaha? Hum bas baat kar rahe the. Ab kya uske liye tu ladega humse? Huh!!

Before he could finish, Karan’s fist connected with his face in one swift, merciless blow. The sound of impact was harsh and final. The man stumbled back, hit the car door, and crumpled to the ground—completely out cold.

Suchitra’s hands flew to her mouth, her eyes wide in shock, tears spilling over.

Suchitra (trembling whisper): Karan… stop… please…

Another man came rushing at Karan, swinging his arm, but Karan dodged and countered with two hard punches to the ribs and jaw. The man fell instantly, gasping and coughing for air on the ground.

Karan (furious, voice shaking): You thought this was funny, huh? Making comments about her? ABOUT MY WIFE?

The sound of movement behind him made Karan turn. The third man was out of the back seat now, stumbling drunkenly toward him—with a hockey stick gripped in his hands. His eyes were bloodshot, his movements clumsy but angry.

Man 3 (slurred, shouting): You think you’re some hero? Let’s see what you do now!

He swung the stick toward Karan. But Karan caught it midair, twisting it out of his grip with brutal precision before using the same stick to hit him hard across the back. The man yelled in pain and fell to the ground.

Karan (gritting his teeth): You should’ve run when you had the chance.

By now, three of them were sprawled on the road—groaning, coughing, or unconscious. The night was silent except for the sound of heavy breathing.

Karan turned toward the car again. Inside, on the far side, another man sat frozen. He was different—sober, frightened, almost trembling. His hands were up defensively as Karan approached.

Man 4 (terrified, stammering): P-please… please don’t hurt me. I didn’t say anything. I swear, I told them to stop. Please, bhaiya, let me go.

Karan stopped in front of him, eyes cold but steady.

Karan (low, steady voice): Get out. Pick them up. And make sure they learn what pain feels like.

Man 4 (nodding rapidly): Y-yes, yes, I will. I promise. I will take them right now. Please just don’t—

Karan (cutting him off): Move.

The man scrambled out, shaking as he hurried to lift one of his friends.

Karan crouched slightly beside the man who had regained consciousness, glaring down at him.

Karan (quiet but deadly calm): Listen carefully. If I ever see your face again—ever—you won’t walk away next time. And if I ever find out you’ve done this to another woman… I’ll make sure you regret breathing.

He grabbed the man’s collar, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

Karan: And the woman you were talking about? She’s not just anyone. She’s my wife.

He slapped the man’s face twice, sharply—not out of rage this time, but to make him remember. Then he stood up, breathing hard, his body still tense from adrenaline.

When he turned, he saw Suchitra standing a few steps away, tears streaming silently down her face. Her hands were clasped tightly together, trembling.

Karan’s expression softened immediately. He walked toward her slowly, his breathing still uneven. Without saying a word, he took her hand Firmly but not harsh and led her to the car.

He opened the passenger door and guided her inside with a quiet firmness, as if she might shatter if he spoke too loud.

Then he walked around, got into the driver’s seat, and gripped the steering wheel again—knuckles pale, eyes burning, jaw tight.

For a moment, neither of them said a word. The car was filled only with the sound of Karan’s heavy breathing and Suchitra’s quiet sobs.

Karan’s jaw was clenched tight as he drove, his grip on the steering wheel firm enough to turn his knuckles white. The headlights carved through the dark road ahead, but his eyes were distant—still burning with the images of those men, their filthy laughter echoing in his ears.

The car roared down the almost-empty road, engine growling like his anger itself.

Suchitra sat silently beside him, her heart pounding with every sharp turn. She had seen him in every shade before—teasing, playful, affectionate, even nervous—but this was different. This Karan was a stranger. His silence was louder than shouting. His rage filled the car like smoke.

She looked at him—his jaw flexing, the vein in his neck visible, his eyes fixed ahead. Her fingers trembled for a moment, but then she slowly reached out and placed her hand over his, the one resting on the gear shift.

For a second, Karan didn’t react. Then, he turned his hand and gripped hers tightly—almost desperately—as if that single touch was keeping him grounded. He didn’t say anything. He just held her, driving with one hand, his breathing uneven.

But the speed didn’t slow. If anything, the car moved faster, cutting through the wind.

Suchitra’s eyes widened as she noticed a streak of red glistening on his knuckles. His hand—the one on the steering wheel—was bleeding, small drops trickling down from the spot where he had punched the windshield.

Finally, when his breath came too heavy and his patience ran out, he slammed the brakes. The car came to a sharp halt on a deserted bridge. The night was quiet except for the sound of the river below and Karan’s angry, uneven breathing.

Before Suchitra could say a word, he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out, slamming the door behind him.

Suchitra quickly followed, her saree rustling in the cold night breeze.

Karan walked to the edge of the bridge, running a hand through his hair roughly. Then, out of sheer frustration, he punched the pillar beside him—hard enough for the sound to echo through the night.

Karan (shouting): DAMN IT!

He rested his forehead against the cold concrete, eyes shut tight, trying to breathe. But the anger refused to leave. His fists were trembling, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

He dragged both hands through his hair again, muttering under his breath, furious and helpless.

Karan (hoarse, broken): They thought they could talk about you like that... like you’re some—

He stopped himself, his voice