YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

52-Birthday

AUTHOR'S POV

The sangeet had wrapped up late into the night, leaving everyone drained yet content. After a hearty dinner with the family, Rashvik and Sarakshi finally headed out, bidding farewell to everyone before making their way home.

Pichu was nestled comfortably in Rashvik's arms, his tiny head resting lazily on his Dadda's shoulder, his soft breaths warm against Rashvik's neck. The little boy had dozed off amidst the festivities, his small fists still clutching onto his father's shirt like a lifeline.

Sarakshi, on the other hand, was exhausted but restless. The looming tension of her upcoming exam gnawed at her mind, refusing to let her relax.

As soon as they settled into the car, she tied her hair into a messy bun and immediately flipped open her book, determined to cram as much as she could.

"Relax a bit," Rashvik said, casting her a brief glance before focusing back on the road.

"I'm scared," she whined, her voice laced with worry. "Ye wali teacher bilkul achi nahi hai, marks nahi degi," she huffed, slumping further into her seat.

(This teacher is not good at all, she won't give marks)

"Aisi kaise nahi degi? Dekhta hoon main bhi," Rashvik scoffed, rolling his eyes.

(How can she not? Let me see)

"Main kuch likhungi tabhi toh marks degi," she giggled like a child, making Rashvik let out an audible sigh.

(I will get marks only if I write something)

"Hadd hai, bhalai ka zamaana nahi raha," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

(This is the limit, there's no place for kindness anymore)

Sarakshi burst into laughter at his dramatic response, her worries momentarily forgotten.

"Which teacher are you talking about, by the way?" Rashvik asked after a brief pause, curiosity evident in his tone. He knew most of the staff at her college—after all, many of them had been around since his time.

"Ragini ma'am," she replied, pouting as her eyebrows furrowed in irritation.

"Arey, paglu!" Rashvik deadpanned, shaking his head in disbelief. "She's literally the one who gives the best marks. Better than any other teacher, actually. I used to score the highest in her subject," he added with a smirk.

"Haan, bas ladkon ko deti hai acche marks. Humse toh pichle janam ka badla leti hai! I've seen it happen during class tests," she scoffed, rolling her eyes as she shifted her attention back to her book.

(Yes, she gives good marks to boys only. From us she takes her revenge from past life!)

Rashvik chuckled at her antics, shaking his head in amusement. "Is that so? Then you better study hard," he teased, his deep laughter filling the car.

"Stop laughing," she hissed, swatting his arm playfully, though she couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.

A comfortable silence settled between them after that. The low hum of the car's engine, the occasional honking from distant vehicles, and the soft rustling of pages filled the space. Sarakshi remained engrossed in her book, sometimes muttering passages under her breath, sometimes sighing in frustration when a topic confused her.

Meanwhile, Rashvik stole glances at her every now and then, an amused smile playing on his lips. He loved watching her expressions shift—from determination to confusion to understanding. Every little action of hers was unconsciously etched into his mind.