Through Fire and Passion

Chapter 3: The First Step

Over the next few days, Sarthak and Ankit worked closely together, trying to piece together the truth behind Aisha's case. Sarthak, with Ankit's encouragement, began approaching people at school who had been at the party—students who weren't part of Rohan's inner circle but who had been on the fringes, witnessing everything. It was awkward at first—Sarthak wasn't used to confronting people, let alone asking them to share what they had seen. But slowly, he started gathering small pieces of information, details that didn't quite fit with Rohan's story.

Ankit, on the other hand, was using his resources to dig into the backgrounds of Rohan and his friends. He called in favors, reached out to old contacts, and began to uncover a few unsavory details about the boys' families—things that the school administration was clearly trying to cover up.

One evening, after a particularly long day, Sarthak and Ankit found themselves at a café near the school, reviewing the information they had gathered. The café was quiet, the hum of conversation around them fading into the background as they focused on their work.

"You're doing really well," Ankit said, glancing up from his notes. "I know this isn't easy for you."

Sarthak shrugged, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of his coffee cup. "It's for Aisha. I'd do anything for her."

Ankit smiled softly. "She's lucky to have you."

Sarthak looked away, feeling his cheeks flush slightly. Compliments weren't something he was used to, and hearing them from Ankit made him feel even more self-conscious. But there was something comforting in the way Ankit spoke to him—like he wasn't just saying what he thought Sarthak wanted to hear. He meant it.

As they sat in silence for a moment, Ankit leaned back in his chair, studying Sarthak. "You know," he said, his tone casual but thoughtful, "you remind me of Danish."

Sarthak blinked, surprised. "Me? I'm nothing like him."

"Maybe not on the surface," Ankit admitted. "But you both have this... quiet strength. You don't have to be loud or flashy to get things done. You just... do it."

Sarthak didn't know how to respond to that. No one had ever compared him to his sister's confident psychologist, and it felt strange to hear it from someone like Ankit—someone who seemed so far removed from the person Sarthak thought he was.

"You're stronger than you think, Sarthak," Ankit continued, his voice soft but firm. "Don't sell yourself short."

Sarthak's heart raced at the words, and he felt a confusing mix of emotions swirling inside him. He had always admired people like Ankit—people who could navigate the world with ease, who didn't seem to care what others thought. But hearing Ankit's belief in him made Sarthak feel something more than admiration. It made him feel seen.

As the evening wore on, they wrapped up their conversation and gathered their things to leave. As they stepped outside into the cool night air, Sarthak couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that had settled in his chest. Ankit's words stayed with him, repeating in his mind as they walked in companionable silence.

When they reached the parking lot, Ankit stopped beside his car, turning to Sarthak with a grin. "You did good today. I'll see you tomorrow?"

Sarthak nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah. Tomorrow."

As he watched Ankit drive away, Sarthak stood in the parking lot for a moment, his thoughts racing. There was something about the way Ankit had looked at him, something that made Sarthak feel like maybe—just maybe—he was more than just the shy, awkward brother.