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Chapter 22

Lakshya took complete work from home that week. Shreya was asked not to go to work. The message did not come from Jatin, but from someone much high above in the chain of command. They said that they were contacted by her therapist, who expressed concern for her safety and did not want her to have access to the chemical laboratory. She had to concentrate on her mental wellbeing. So she was told to apply for a month's leave and Jatin approved it without any question.

Zahra asked her over the phone if everything was alright and joked that Shreya was not taking her seriously and letting her get ahead.

A day went by peacefully, albeit Lakshya's disappointment.

The next day, Lakshya was sitting in the kitchen working on some code on his laptop.

"Why did you come to the lab that day?"

Lakshya looked up and continued with his work.

Shreya stirred the curry in the pot and slowly asked, "I am sorry on behalf of my brother." Shreekant had left the previous day at the crack of dawn to fly an early morning flight and attend his classes. Even at the airport, he had to pick on Lakshya. Shreya did not know what was said between the guys. They both had walked away from her for a private conversation.

Lakshya's hands stopped, but he kept looking at his screen. His eyes lost focus.

Why? Just what was holding her back from telling him off? It definitely mattered to her.

He blinked and concentrated on his work.

"He's young and naive. He's not even turned 18..." Shreya was back to her subservient self.

"I'm upset with you, not him." Lakshya finally looked away from his screen.

In fact, Lakshya felt his chest lighten with those punches. Finally, someone took off a bit of his guilt. Shreekant was a great brother. He was young, indeed. He knew Shreya in and out. Had it not been for him, Lakshya did not know what he would be doing this instant.

Thankfully, he did not call him a bastard anymore. But he did leave enough warnings about Shreya's safety and keeping her happy. Further, Lakshya had to get Moksha to take down pictures with him on her Instagram and any other socials.

Shreekant had also asked him again what exactly happened on the previous day. Lakshya did not tell him. Instead he asked for his trust. He had seen those scribbles too. The old doctor's words were also clear in his mind. So he knows the risk. And he will keep her safe. Shreekant had to put his faith in him.

He asked Shreekant not to ask about that day. He told him Shreya thought Shreekant had no idea, and he wanted to keep things that way. He did not want Shreya to know of Shreekant's fears. Shreekant agreed.

In the end Lakshya told him not to beat up other kids and to study without a worry.

He could never bring himself to be upset with Shreekant.

"Of course! I failed to keep him in the line."

Lakshya wanted to hit his head.

"Shreya, after this week, I want us to take a break. Shall we go somewhere nice?" He was getting good at changing the topic.

"Okay."

"How does an impromptu sound? We just roam around and get lost without a care. No prior plans, no booking, just a vast general area. We should be ready for a hitchhike if needed?"

"Okay... But, is it safe?"

Lakshya almost blurted out, 'Look who's saying that.' He said, "Won't I be with you? Moreover, I hitchhiked many times since college."