"Shall we go, Mr. Om?"
Anshika said, a strange smile playing on her lips.
Everyone around them looked happy, almost relieved, watching the two of them together.
"Alright… let's go then."
Om replied, a hint of hesitation in his voice, and the two of them walked away side by side.
After a few minutes, Anshika stopped at a quiet, empty corner. Om, who was following her, stopped right behind her.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Just silence… heavy and uncomfortable.
Then Om finally broke it.
"I think something's going on in your mind. You want to say something to me."
Anshika forced a nervous smile and just looked at him.
"It's okay… say it. I know you're a little confused."
Om added calmly.
"What the hell is your problem, you arrogant man? Just because my Bade Papa likes you, you think you can insult me? Got a little handsome and suddenly you've got attitude? Don't try anything smart with my Baba, I swear I won't spare you. Acting like you're here to expose me or something!"
Anshika blurted everything out in one breath, anger spilling through every word.
Om was taken aback for a second… and then he laughed.
"Wow… you really haven't changed. Not even a little."
"What do you mean by that? And don't tell me you're here to take revenge. Like those dramatic lines—'you rejected my love, now you'll see my revenge'? Everywhere I go these days, I somehow run into you… and always when I least expect it. Tell me honestly… you are here to get back at me, right?"
She was still angry, still speaking in that same sharp tone.
"Oh, so that's what you think. Fine… but why do you always assume the worst? You're always lost in your own imagination. As for revenge… I'm not interested in that anymore. Not in you either. I forgot about you years ago… and whatever happened back then too. So the question of revenge doesn't even come up. Relax. Right now, you don't know me, and I don't know you. And I'm not exposing any of your secrets. Because if I wanted to, we wouldn't be standing here talking. Back in the hall, everyone would've been watching your drama."
Om said all of this calmly, without raising his voice.
Anshika fell silent. His words made sense… more sense than she wanted to admit. She knew, deep down, he was right. And that only confused her more.
"You're right… you could have told them. But you didn't."
She said slowly, thinking it through.
"See? You got it. So now we can both go our separate ways, okay? And don't worry… I've already forgotten you for good."
Om said with a faint smile and turned to leave. He could easily read her thoughts, but this time… he chose not to.
"But why did you do that?"
Anshika's voice stopped him.
Om's steps froze.
"What… what did you say?"
He turned back, slightly confused.
"Why would you do me a favor for no reason? We both know what you tried to do because of me. Even after that… why would you protect me? There's something going on in your mind, isn't there? Tell me the truth… what's your real intention?"
She looked at him with suspicion.
Om let out a small laugh. He could see it clearly—her mind was filled with the wrong thoughts again.
"You're still so childish… honestly, you always were, but I didn't think you'd still be the same. Listen… the reason I didn't say anything about you is because I understand what family means. I know what happens when you hurt them. I've experienced it myself. No matter what you did to me… if I had exposed you today, there would be no difference between you and me. Whatever you are… I can't be the reason you get separated from your family. And honestly, I don't want anything from you either."
Om said gently.
Anshika just stared at him, stunned.
He continued,
"Just remember one thing, Anshika. Everyone is given beauty by God… in different ways. But stop using your face to fool people. I may have chosen to risk myself instead of hurting you… but not everyone will. You have no idea what a wrong person could do. And when it's too late, regret won't help. Don't take your family for granted. They love you. At least don't destroy the values they've given you… because one day, you won't even be able to lift your head in front of them. I knew that if I had said anything today, you wouldn't have been able to face your Bade Papa ever again. And that wouldn't have given me any peace. So… just forget everything."
With that, Om fell silent.
His words hit differently this time.
Every doubt, every negative thought Anshika had about him… slowly faded away. She understood him now. And somewhere deep inside, guilt began to rise.
"I'm sorry… for everything you went through because of me… for whatever I made you do. I was immature back then… completely lost. You can say I had no sense of right or wrong. And because of that… you ended up trying to take your own life. Please, Om… if you can, forgive me."
Her voice had completely softened now.
Om could clearly see it—this wasn't fake. She truly regretted it.
"I don't think you were the reason I tried to end my life… so even if you don't apologize, it's fine."
Om said quietly.
Those words hit Anshika like a shock.
She just stood there… frozen… staring at him.
"If not me… then what was the reason?"
She asked, her voice filled with confusion and disbelief.