"Everything happens, for a reason."

It was one of those rare Sundays when Kashvi decided to shut her laptop and step away from her research papers. It was the kind of day when even her curious mind craved stillness.

She had joined her friends at a cozy restaurant near their campus, hoping to breathe a little outside the walls of her laboratory. The surrounding buzzed with laughter and familiar conversations.

“A toast to Kashvi for being one of the youngest contributors from IISER!” Pallavi announced while rising from her seat with a gleam of pride in her eyes as her wine glass lifted high.

The rest of their batch followed and glasses clinked in unison. Kashvi smiled and was almost shy as the warmth of their cheer settled over her.

Kashvi had always been a prodigy. The girl with a brilliance in one hand and ambition in the other. What began as the burden of being the elder daughter had long transformed into a hunger for achievement.

For her, success wasn’t just a destination. It had become her rhythm, her heartbeat and now, at just twenty-two, she had completed her BS-MS dual degree in Biotechnology.

Her recent research paper on CRISPR-based gene regulation in cancer cells had been published in an international journal, marking her as one of the youngest contributors from IISER.

The gathering was partly a celebration of that feat. Yet, while everyone laughed and shared stories, Kashvi’s gaze kept slipping to her phone.

Again and again as worry etched her forehead.

Pallavi noticed then asked curiously,“What happened?”

Kashvi sighed softly as her thumb hovered over the screen, “Nothing, it’s just… Naksh. I texted him yesterday, but he hasn’t replied yet. I even told him we’d be here today, like every Sunday.”

“He might be busy. Belonging to a political family comes with its perks, you know.” Pallavi teased but earned a light smack on the arm from Kashvi.

“Stop it.” Kashvi warned, though her lips betrayed a smile.

Pallavi chuckled, then said,“Okay, okay! But seriously, how did you two even meet? And is he actually good?”

A flush crept up Kashvi’s cheeks as she answered, “Remember last year’s institute function? The one where the Chief Minister was the chief guest?”

Pallavi nodded and Kashvi tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she continued, “Somehow Naksh found my Instagram after that event and messaged me. The next day, he actually came over to meet me. I was hesitant because obviously about career and all but he said he’d wait.”

A tender smile curved her lips as she further added,“We started talking as in texting then became friends. He really put in the effort and for the past six months, we’ve been officially dating.”

Pallavi raised a brow, “So, you love him?”

Kashvi bit her lip and her blush deepened. She admitted softly,”I guess I do. He's so good.”

“And handsome too.” Pallavi teased.

“Don’t!” Kashvi warned with mock indignation and narrowed her eyes saying,“Keep your evil eyes off him.”

Pallavi burst into laughter then exclaimed, “Chill, sweet girl! I’ve already got my own man.”

She leaned against Shubham’s shoulder. The guy sitting beside her, who smiled and dropped a casual kiss on her forehead.

“Awww!” Kashvi cooed and instantly pulled out her phone to snap a picture of the moment.

“Show me!” Pallavi demanded excitedly.

Kashvi turned the screen towards her, looking at which Pallavi said,“Send it to me.”

Kashvi grinned, saying,“Done!”

But her gaze drifted again to the entrance and her heart quietly hoped for Naksh to appear.

Pallavi thought to distract her as she asked, “So… have you confessed to him yet?”

Kashvi’s face lit up, “I was planning to do it today. I even bought a watch with the prize money I got. I can’t wait to see his face when I give it to him.”

“That’s adorable.” Pallavi said with a genuine smile.

“Do you think he’ll be proud?” Kashvi asked. Her voice is a mix of excitement and insecurity. “After knowing what I’ve achieved?”

“He should be proud already.” Pallavi replied with certainty then added,“He’s dating a genius, after all.”

“Stop hyping me up.” Kashvi said with a laugh then mumbled,“Main khush ho jaati hoon.”

“That was the plan, idiot!” Pallavi chuckled, poking her cheek affectionately.

And the same moment Kashvi’s phone rang. Her lips curved into an instant smile as it was Naksh.

She excused herself and walked towards the terrace. Her heart fluttered with a quiet thrill as she leaned against the railing. Her voice was gentle when she answered,“Hello…”

Before she could say more, someone tapped her shoulder from behind. She turned only to gasp in surprise and pure delight.

“Naksh!” She breathed, before throwing her arms around him.

“Missed me?” He asked with that familiar charm.

“Very much.” She admitted as her eyes sparkled with unfiltered joy.

They pulled apart, but only for a heartbeat before he tugged her closer by the waist, turning her against the nearby wall and captured her lips in a rough, sudden kiss.

Kashvi froze!

Her heart stumbled inside her chest and breath was caught in shock. She tried to push him back, but his hands cupped her face then deepened the kiss. She fisted the fabric of his shirt, half in resistance and disbelief.

This wasn’t their first kiss but something about his touch always felt wrong. It was as though affection was replaced by possession, and tenderness by dominance.

When he finally pulled away, she was breathless. He smirked, his gaze raking over her, “You look so sultry in this red dress.”

Kashvi swallowed hard, still reeling, then said,“At least ask before kissing me, Naksh. I wasn’t ready—”

“Tum ready kab hoti ho, Kashvi?” he snapped, gripping her arm as irritation flashed in his tone.

Her brows furrowed but she reminded him,“It was me who initiated our first kiss.”

“And when are you planning to initiate more?” He asked lewdly. His tone slipped into a flirt that made her skin crawl. His fingers pressed against her waist again.

“Naksh, please…” She whispered while stepping back then said,“Behave. There’s no rush…we have time.”

“I… I lo–” She stopped herself as her voice trembled.

He dropped his hold abruptly with frustration tightening his jaw. Kashvi steadied herself, trying to mask the hurt that crept up her throat.

“You said you wanted to show me something.” He muttered after a pause, calming himself

Her face lit up instantly as her earlier excitement rushed back, “Yes! You’ll love it.”

She unlocked her phone and handed it to him. Her eyes glimmered with pride as she shared the news, “My research paper got published in an international journal! I even receiv–”

Naksh’s smile faded instantly as disappointment etched his face. He looked at the screen and then chuckled bitterly,“And here I thought you were going to show me something interesting…like your nudes.”

Kashvi blinked, disbelief freezing her to her place,“Naksh, what—? I became one of the youngest—”

“I don’t care, Kashvi.” He snapped, making her flinch. He dragged her a little towards the silent passage while saying,“Not about your degrees, your awards, or whatever lab you live in.”

Her words faltered as tears brimmed her eyes,“I thought… you’d be proud.”

As she looked at him confused and broken her gaze dropped to his neck. There were two dark marks glared against his skin that made her breath hitch.

“Those…” She whispered as her hand reached out to touch him but he caught her wrist midway.

Her voice trembled as her tears betrayed,“You… cheated on me?”

He scoffed then slammed her against the wall making her yelp then gritted,”I did! So what?”

“Move away! You punk!” She said, shoving at his chest but his expression hardened and he didn't move even a bit.

She's about to scream but he palms her mouth muttering,“You’ve been with me for six months, Kashvi.”

He said slowly, “And you still can’t trust me? Still too busy loving your career?”

His tone had turned sharp and venomous while she tried to free herself, hot tears streaming down her face.

Her ears burned as he said, “You want marriage before love? Fine, let’s get married right now. After that, all you’ll have to do is satisfy me.”

“All you have to do is keep me satisfied at night, and I’ll drown you in luxury. Don’t worry about money because I burn it for fun.” Her eyes widened in horror and she conjured up the courage then kicked him between his legs.

“Ahhhh…” He yelped and she pushed him away that caused him to drop onto the floor.

“You disgust me.” She spat, wiping her tears as he yelped, clutching his crotch in pain.

She turned to leave, but before she could take a step, he lunged forward, grabbing her from behind and yanked her hard against him. Shock rippled through her as he slammed her back against the wall and crushed his lips onto hers.

He bit her lower lip brutally, and she winced as the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. One of his hands roamed where it shouldn’t and he groped her breasts, making her feel trapped, powerless and disgusted not just by him, but by her own body for being forced into this.

“You live in your books, Kashvi.” He sneered between ragged breaths. “Try using your body for once. I’m damn sure you’ll get more out of it than your fancy degrees.”

That was it and fury surged through her veins. She jerked her head forward then slammed her forehead into his with all her strength.

“Kashviii!”

“Shubham…” Pallavi’s terrified voice echoed just as Naksh staggered back while cursing.

The boys from their batch rushed in, and caught him as he tried to run. His forehead and crotch are still throbbing with pain but without hesitation, they pummeled him as their anger exploded into fists.

Meanwhile, Kashvi collapsed into Pallavi’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Her words refused to form as she tried to explain between broken breaths.

This was supposed to be the night she wanted to celebrate her achievement. The night she would have confessed her love but he had crushed everything. He had never loved her, never valued her, never seen beyond what he could take.

“Pallavi, take her to the hostel. We’ll handle this bastard.” Shubham said, rushing towards them.

Pallavi nodded quickly while holding Kashvi closer as she trembled. Her tears soaked into her friend’s shoulder.

⁠♡

They took a cab and reached the hostel but as soon as the door shut behind them, Kashvi slipped into the attached bathroom and switched the shower on.

The hot water pounded down, mingling with the salt of her tears as she stood beneath it, rubbing her already-sore lips and the place on her chest where he had touched her. She's trying, uselessly, to scrub away his imprint.

“All men are the same.” She screamed into the tiles and her voice was raw with the pain of betrayal,“All they want is the body.”

The words tore out of her and she cried harder,“What did I lack? I had arranged dates, I made time for him.”

“I trusted him and all the while he was just playing with me and my so he could sleep with me.” She sank to the floor, folding into herself while blaming and bruising her own heart.

After a long while she emerged with eyes swollen and cheeks streaked, and Pallavi’s gaze met hers.

“They filed a complaint….” Pallavi said quietly, “...but the police refused to take it up. He’s got political backing.”

“Let that punk rot.” Kashvi muttered, flopping onto the bed. She reached for her laptop but her hands trembled and tears welled up again.

“Why are you crying, idiot? It’s his loss.” Pallavi soothed while moving to sit beside her. She pulled her into a close, warm hug.

“How could I have been so stupid to think we’d ever marry?” Kashvi sobbed.

“I swear—I hate men.” Her voice broke on the last word. Pallavi pressed a towel into her hands and gently dabbed at her wet hair.

“You’ll find someone better—” Pallavi began.

“No…” Kashvi pushed the thought away like a hand.

“I’m done with men. They’re all the same.” She further added and then, as if remembering something she scrambled up only to open her sling bag, and took out the watch she’d bought for Naksh.

And with a single, furious motion she hurled it against the wall. It hit and cracked as if a metaphor that her time was about to change and a new phase would start.

“He doesn’t deserve a thing.” She said with a voice hard as flint. She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand saying,“I hope he rots in hell or maybe worse.”

⁠♡

She kept cursing and blaming herself for believing his meaningless words and empty efforts, yet she didn’t neglect her work. Multiple cups of coffee became her constant companion as she stayed up late, finishing her ongoing research and diving deeper into her studies and a week passed like this.

She wouldn’t give up her passion, her ambition, for rascals like Naksh.

“Will you give yourself a break?” Pallavi asked as she noticed Kashvi refusing to go out with them.

“Get ready… actually, just come as you are. We changed our hangout place. Stop sulking over that trash.” Pallavi said and grabbed Kashvi by the arm and literally dragged her out of the hostel room.

Kashvi didn’t protest. She needed a mental break more than she cared to admit. They settled into a cab with another one of their girlfriends.

“We’re going to a club. It’s Shubham’s birthday, so enjoy yourself and forget everything. I don’t like it when you stay silent.” Pallavi said while cupping Kashvi’s cheek.

Kashvi smiled faintly. She's grateful for that she got friends who actually cared.

“You okay, Kashvi?” Shubham asked, pulling Pallavi closer to him.

Kashvi nodded and smiled as she wished him, “Thank you, and happy birthday.”

Shubham cut the cake, and everyone sang for him while Pallavi grabbed a bottle of champagne and sprayed it all over him. Kashvi laughed softly but drifted a little towards the bar as her phone buzzed.

She unlocked it just to saw a message from Naksh. She didn’t open it fully, just read it from the notification,

“You are quite lucky… elections are near, and my family doesn’t want any scandal…”

She froze at the next line,

“Or else I would’ve rap—”

Her hands shook as she instantly blocked his number and deleted it. There's fear, rage, and disbelief that churned together in her chest. She wondered how she had ever agreed to be friends with him, how she could have fallen in love with such a vile person.

She walked towards the bar counter and grabbed a tray of shots then downed them one by one as memories flooded back with every gulp.

Fresh tears blurred her vision, but she didn’t notice how drunk she’d gotten until Pallavi’s sharp voice cut through her haze.

“God, Kashvi!” Pallavi exclaimed, snatching the vodka shot from her hand,“Enough, idiot!”

“You… you’re actually saying–riiiight!” Kashvi slurred.

“Abhi gaaliyan deti hoon uss… bhai ke baigan ko.” She muttered, fumbling to freshly type Naksh’s number and hit the call icon.

“Don't–don’t go anywhere!” Pallavi warned her as Shubham called her over.

The moment Pallavi turned to leave, Kashvi pressed the call through just to hear,“Hello, wh—”

“Tu bina nakshe ke maanchitra… ek microscope uthake phekungi na, teri dick-tionary toot jaayegi!” She slurred, launching into a furious rant.

“I… I just wanted you to see what I achieved! I… I even bought a watch for you with my prize money! I was about to confess my love… Did you even care?” She cried vulnerably.

“Huh? Did you?” Her voice cracked painfully, and even the bartender looked at her with sympathetic eyes.

“And now… you have the audacity to give me threats like this? Baap ke bhatije… chal, futt yahan se! Shakal mat dikhana mujhe.”

“Keechad ke kachori… tumse acchi shakal toh mere research files ki hai! Unpadh gawaar!” She rambled, and even the bartender chuckled softly at her words.

“I hate you… I hate men like you!” She screamed and ended the call with trembling hands.

Before Pallavi could reach her, Kashvi’s head slumped onto the counter, and she passed out.

“Dosti ki hai… heartbreak mein bhi saath rehna padega.” Pallavi said firmly and called one of their friends to help as they carefully lifted Kashvi and carried her back to the cab, then returned to the hostel.

♡

“I kind of remember our training days.” Akash said and glanced at his friend, who just chuckled and muttered, “Keechad ke Kachori!”

“People fall in love with sweet words, and this guy–” Akash pointed at him with a grin, “...is hopeless enough to fall for creative gaalis.”

“Not just that….” Samar said with a small laugh. “She’s a researcher, and her work is insanely detailed.”

“But they refused to let us know who that girl was.” Akash said while shaking his head.

“Sad thing…” Samar replied with a smirk hidden under the mast he'd worn as he further said,“Let destiny play its game. Who knows, maybe I’m just… infatuated.”

They entered the institute canteen.

“Oh wait, Medha’s calling.” Akash said, stepping aside to answer his phone while Samar just nodded and walked towards the counter.

He scanned the place and it was pretty crowded with students chatting and laughing over plates of samosas and cups of tea.

Thankfully, he was wearing a mask. Otherwise, the girls would have been drooling by now. Still, his tall and lean frame with sharp aura drew a few glances.

“Do cup chaiii!” He ordered, politely.

The elderly man behind the counter smiled, saying,“Ek baar yeh coffee banake aapke liye chaii banata hoon, beta.”

“Aap aaram se karlo.” Samar replied assuring him and took a seat nearby.

His gaze wandered around the canteen before stopping at a corner table where two girls were engrossed in conversation.

“Inse puchun kya? K. Rana ke baare mein?” He muttered under his breath but then shook his head mumbling,“Kyun faltu distraction lena? I’ve got a mission to focus on. I don’t even know why I came here.”

Just then, a voice from the TV mounted on the wall interrupted his thoughts.

“Breaking News!”

His eyes flicked over to the screen and a news anchor announced gravely,“Because of an avalanche, two soldiers have lost their lives in Siachen.”

Samar’s palms clenched and rage flickered through his chest as he muttered,“What the fuck is the government doing?”

“Can’t they at least provide better conditions for the soldiers out there? But no, now they’ll just declare compensation for the families and move on.” He further added knowing how poorly the base camp were created there.

But then a soft, casual voice from the corner table made his jaw tighten,“Why do men even choose to join the army? And why do soldiers get hyped so much?”

“You can’t say lik—” Her friend tried to hush her, but she continued,“They chose this profession, didn’t they? They knew what could happen.”

“They died, you idiot—”

“No one asked them to join.” She cut her off.

Samar couldn’t stop himself as he said,“You’re able to sit here and talk shit only because they’re out there shedding their blood to protect you and this country.”

The girl turned sharply toward him with brows furrowed together and for a second, everything froze. Her hazel eyes met his dark ones and instantly, his glare softened while her frown turned into a teasing smirk.

Kashvi, yes she's Kashvi!

Her gaze moved up and down as she briefly took in his physique. The green polo shirt, the faded camouflage jacket, black jeans and boots. His haircut screamed discipline and the black mask only made his dark, intense eyes stand out.

“See? I triggered one of them.” Kashvi said as she stood up with arms folded and chin raised up in confidence. Her tone dripping with smugness.

Samar Veer who stood up. He's tall like very tall 6’5, towering over her 5’5 frame and for a moment, his mind screamed,”Tingu!”

But!

But the sharpness in her hazel brown eyes kept him from laughing after he shot back,“Triggered? I call it common sense. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Oh please!” She scoffed while taking a step closer, refusing to back down even as she had to crane her neck to look up at him.

She spat ready to attack his ego,“Common sense doesn’t come from guns and salutes. You army men think you’re the only ones serving the country. The rest of us are what–useless?”

“Not useless…” He said with a mocking smile which was covered under the mask as he continued,“Just… comfortable in their houses talking about ‘change’ while doing nothing.”

Her jaw clenched and she muttered back,“At least we don’t kill in the name of duty.”

That hit him like a bullet. His eyes narrowed dangerously and he gritted lowering his head,“You call it killing. We call it protection.”

“Protection? Or proving your masculinity?” She countered sharply while adding,“You’re glorified puppets following blind orders, and when one of you dies, suddenly everyone’s patriotic for two days.”

“What a noble cycle.” She chuckled bitterly.

Samar leaned in completely intimidating her. His breath was calm but heavy as his eyes bored into hers, “You know what your problem is? Too much logic, too little empathy.”

“And you know yours?” She snapped, “Too much pride, too little brain.”

A few students nearby turned to watch, whispering. The tension between them could’ve been sliced with a knife but did they care.

They were too involved into each other.

Samar’s smirk returned as he coldly said,“You think reading research papers makes you superior? You hide in labs and journals, trying to ‘change the world’ one failed hypothesis at a time.”

Her eyes flashed with hurt but she quickly masked it by a scoff,“At least we’re working towards something that builds the future. Unlike your field, where every ‘mission accomplished’ means someone else’s son didn’t come home.”

“That’s rich coming from someone who probably runs experiments on cells and calls it saving humanity.” He bit back with same tone.

She huffed and her voice raised,“We cure what your violence causes!”

He leaned even closer and their faces barely inches apart. The air crackling with animosity and something else neither wanted to admit.

“God, you’re infuriating.” He muttered lightening his jaws.

“Likewise, soldier!” She shot back, glaring into his dark eyes as they both kept staring at one another.

“Idiot…” Pallavi rushed over and grabbed Kashvi’s arm muttering, “Bas! Enough of this nonsense.”

“He started it!” Kashvi protested like a stubborn kid but continued to glare up at him.

“Oh, I finished it…I'm a great finisher.” Samar said, crossing his arms with that faint, victorious smirk and his eyes screamed triumph that made her want to throw the nearest cup at him.

Pallavi tugged her harder saying,“Let’s go. You’ve created enough drama.”

Kashvi let herself be dragged but couldn’t resist turning back one last time. Her voice sharp yet trembling slightly as she screamed,“I hate your discipline and your damn profession!”

He smirked, eyes locked with hers till the very end as he replied back,“And I hate your stubbornness.”

Their gazes lingered. Hers fiery and his unreadable but before she stormed out of the canteen, the sound of her footsteps echoing long after she left.

“He’s hot, I must say!” Pallavi exclaimed as her eyes glimmered mischievously.

“Shakal kab dekhi tune?” Kashvi muttered remembering his dark eyes.

“Arey you complaining, sweet girl?” Pallavi teased.

Kashvi instantly smacked her arm as she gritted,“Lambu kahinka!”

She lifted her right hand in the air and tried to measure how tall he was compared to her, just to grunt in irritation.

“Ask those who spent their childhood without a father… because their father chose the country over family.” She muttered as bitterness seeped through every syllable.

Pallavi’s smile faded and her expression softening but before she could say anything, Kashvi added with a hollow chuckle, “I’ll do anything but never marry a soldier… actually, I don’t even want to marry.”

The words rolled off her tongue sharply, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her. A sudden chill ran down her spine because the memory of Naksh’s vile threat flashed in her mind. She clenched her jaw, forcing her hands to stop shaking.

Meanwhile, inside the canteen, Samar shook his head, rubbing his forehead as he muttered under his breath,“These civilians, I tell you… they hardly value what soldiers sacrifice for them.”

He paused, sighing in annoyance,“Keechad ke kach—”

He stopped midway then blinking in disbelief only to groan,“The fuck? Why am I using this creative gaali?”

He ran a frustrated hand over his face, and walked towards his friend. He's completely unaware that the very woman he’d just argued with was the one who’d fired those ridiculous-yet-creative gaalis and was the same voice behind those fiery rant ls he enjoys on Sunday-nights from an unknown person.

However, destiny had already begun weaving its irony and is planning to bind the two opposites in a bond far deeper, sacred way than either of them could ever imagine.

• Hehe, tell me your honest thoughts about the prologue. And also, familiar names notice kiya ??

• Next update? Will let you know on Instagram. Please follow there!!

• Byeeeissh. Take Care 💗