इतनी सी बात है, मुझे तुमसे प्यार है,
दिल की हर धड़कन पर तेरा इख़्तियार है।
चाहे दूर रहो या पास मेरे सनम,
तेरा ही नाम मेरी हर फिज़ा में शुमार है।
◇
Avantika's POV
I looked at him, my heart sinking as the sound of the door clicking shut echoed through the silent room.
My gaze snapped toward the door, and a wave of panic surged through me. No. This can't be happening.
I hurriedly placed the papers back on the table, rushing toward the door, my fingers trembling as they fumbled with the handle.
It wouldn't budge.
"No, no, no..." I muttered under my breath, my chest tightening. My breathing grew shallow. I can't be locked in here. Not with him.
Behind me, I heard his voice-calm yet laced with confusion.
"Why are you panicking like this?"
I spun around sharply, my pulse racing. Akshat was leaning against the table, arms crossed, brows furrowed as he watched me with that infuriatingly composed expression.
"Why did you come here? And why did you remove the paper from the door?" My voice was colder than I intended, but I couldn't stop the sharpness in my tone.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly unbothered. "I came to call you. Dev is looking for you." His voice was annoyingly casual.
"And the paper?" I snapped, gesturing toward the now-locked door.
He shrugged as if it was nothing. "It was just stuck there. I removed it. What's the big deal?"
I stared at him, completely incredulous.
"The big deal is-you've locked us in!"
His frown deepened. He looked slightly concerned as he turned toward the door and tugged at the handle. It didn't budge.
"Oh," he muttered, realization sinking in as he glanced back at me.
"Wait. Let me check-move aside," he said, stepping closer.
I stepped back, arms folded, watching as he attempted to twist the knob, his movements growing slightly more forceful when it refused to budge.
The door remained shut.
He exhaled sharply, turning back toward me. "You could've told me earlier."
I scoffed, my eyes narrowing. "Pehle kyun nahi bataya? How was I supposed to know you'd be this idiotic?" My voice came out colder, sharper than before. I knew it.
But I didn't care.
His jaw clenched, but he didn't respond this time. The silence lingered, thick with tension.
"Call someone," I demanded, crossing my arms tighter.
He hesitated.
"I... didn't bring my phone."
I blinked, staring at him blankly.
Of course.
-----
I stared at him, holding his gaze as we sat across from each other, a noticeable distance maintained between us. The silence felt heavier than the room itself.
