Kaise yeh yaarian

Part 40

Can takes two more steps.

Then—

NANDINI
(sharp, commanding)
Can.
Put me down.

Not playful.
Not breathless.

Firm.

Immediate.

The shift in her tone slices through the noise of the auditorium.

Can stops mid-stride.

Instantly.

No argument.
No ego.

Just response.

He exhales once, steadying, then bends and lowers her carefully back onto her feet.

Slow.
Controlled.
Respectful.

Her shoes hit the floor.

The room releases a breath it didn't know it was holding.

Can straightens, eyes scanning her face — not challenging, just checking.

CAN
You okay?

Nandini smooths her hair, regaining composure, then looks up at him.

NANDINI
I will come.

(beat)
But not like this.

She gestures vaguely at the stunned crowd.

NANDINI (CONT'D)
This shoot needs to finish.
I'm responsible for them.

She softens — just a little.

NANDINI (CONT'D)
Wait for me.
Please.

Can studies her for a long second.

This isn't about possession.
It never was.

It's about familiarity.
Trust.
Old ground.

CAN
Alright.

(half-smile)
But I'm not leaving.

NANDINI
I didn't ask you to.

She turns toward the set, professional mask snapping back into place.

NANDINI (CONT'D)
Everyone — back to work.

The authority in her voice cuts clean through the chaos.

PHOTOGRAPHER
Uh— yes.
Places, please.

Crew members scramble back into motion.
Lights reposition.
Cameras lift again.

The shoot resumes.

Reluctantly.

Lights flare back on.
Cameras lift.
Stylists return to fussing with fabric that still doesn't belong.

Fab5 takes position again — stiff, restrained, but trying.

From the sidelines, Can lounges against a concrete pillar like he owns the building. One knee bent. Arms folded. Watching everything with lazy interest.

Especially Nandini.

Cabir notices.

Of course he does.

He sneaks a glance.
Then another.
Then straight-up stares.

Finally, during a lighting reset, Cabir abandons all self-control and strolls over.

CABIR
(grinning, zero hesitation)
So...

Can turns his head slowly.

Looks him up and down.