In his quiet living room, Kairav sat slouched on the sofa, flipping through channels. The screen froze on a breaking headline.
News Anchor (on TV):"Tragedy in Shantipur tonight. A man has been murdered by his wife, reportedly with the help of her lover. Police sources suggest it was a preplanned act. Locals are shocked that such a crime happened in their own neighborhood."Kairav's brows knitted together. He muttered, almost to himself:"Oh my God... what is happening in today's time? Women are becoming monsters. A wife killing her husband just for another man... this world is losing its humanity."Across the same city, in a different home, Emma had her own television running. She wasn't watching the same report. A different breaking news story flashed on her screen.News Anchor (on TV):"Another horrific case in Shantipur. The body of a young woman, aged around 21 to 22, has been discovered near an abandoned warehouse. Investigators confirm she was raped before being murdered. Police have taken a suspect, identified as Nikhil Sharma, into custody for questioning."Emma's chest tightened as her hands curled into fists."Another girl... another man showing his true face. Monsters walk among us every day."The same city. Two different homes. Two strangers.Kairav, shaken by the betrayal of a wife's crime.Emma, broken by the cruelty of a man's violence.And while neither knew of the other's existence, their thoughts carried the same heavy truth:This world was no longer normal — if it ever had been.Morning sunlight slipped into Emma's small apartment. She slung her bag over her shoulder and called out toward the kitchen,"Mom, I'm going to my job!"Her mother's voice floated back, warm but cautious,"Take care, Emma. Don't be late."Emma nodded to herself, pulled the door shut, and stepped into the bustling streets of Shantipur.Across the same city, Kairav locked his own front door. Straightening his shirt, he sighed, muttering under his breath,"Another long day."With his bag hanging on his shoulder, he walked toward his workplace.The hours dragged on. Files, phone calls, and endless tasks swallowed the day. By the time evening shadows stretched across the city, it was already 7:00 p.m.Kairav stopped at a local supermarket on his way home. He picked up a loaf of bread, paid at the counter, and started walking toward the exit. His mind wandered, lost in the fog of routine.Then — thud!He collided with someone. A bag slipped slightly, almost falling.A young woman stood before him, no more than five feet or a little taller, with long hair brushing over her shoulders.Kairav's eyes widened. He stepped back quickly."Sorry! I wasn't looking."The girl — Emma — stared at him oddly, her expression unreadable, almost cautious.Kairav felt her gaze and gave a faint, nervous smile. Without waiting for her reply, he shifted aside and walked out of the store.Emma remained where she was, holding her bag tightly, her eyes still following him. She couldn't explain why, but there was something about that stranger that felt... unusual.And just like that, two lives that had never touched before had finally collided — not knowing how deeply their paths were about to intertwine.Kairav stepped out of the supermarket with a small packet of bread in his hand. He was still bothered. Why did that girl look at me so strangely? Shaking his head, he walked toward his usual route home.But just a few steps later, a worker in a safety vest raised his hand."Sir, please stop! That road is closed — under construction."Kairav paused. "Then how do I get home?"The man pointed to a side lane."Take that road next to the bakery. It's open, you'll reach the main street from there.""Alright," Kairav nodded and turned into the narrow lane.At the same time, Emma was also walking down the same area after finishing her shift. She tightened her bag strap, her steps quickening. A chill crawled down her spine.Why does it feel like someone is following me? This lane is usually empty at this hour... If someone really is behind me, do they have bad intentions? What if they try to kidnap me? What if something goes wrong?Her heart pounded faster as she continued down the same narrow lane.Emma's breath grew heavy as the sound of footsteps echoed behind her. Her fear burst into panic — she spun around suddenly and shoved hard at the figure behind her.The man stumbled, his phone slipping from his hand, earphones scattering onto the pavement. In the faint moonlight, his face became visible.Emma's eyes widened."You! You're the same guy who collided with me in the supermarket! I knew it — you're not a good person. You've been following me! What do you want? What are your intentions?"Kairav blinked in shock, his voice sharp."What the hell? What's your problem? I'm just a man walking home from work! Don't start imagining things. Go back to your house and stop accusing strangers."Their voices clashed in the quiet lane, suspicion against frustration — two strangers caught in the wrong moment.Emma's face flushed with anger. "I use this lane every day," she snapped. "I've never seen you here before. What were you doing following me?"Kairav ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "Look, it's bad luck I took this lane today — the main road's under construction. I take the other way every day. I didn't mean anything by it." He tried to soften his voice, then added, clumsily, "I thought... you looked like someone who'd walk this route alone — quiet, innocent. I didn't think you'd accuse me of—"Emma cut him off, fury cutting through her words. "Shut up, you—" Her voice broke into a raw, furious scream. "I am not that kind of girl!"Kairav flinched. For a second the lane held only their breathing and the distant hum of the city. Their misunderstanding hung between them like a live wire — quick to snap, quick to burn.Emma suddenly collapsed on the ground.Kairav's eyes widened. Hey, what happened? What the hell... maybe I should just go home... But leaving a girl like this in such a lonely lane didn't sit right with him. Maybe I should call her family.He pulled out his phone — the screen stayed black. Dead."Oh God! What trouble I'm stuck in now..." He ran a hand through his hair. Maybe I should take her to my home just for safety.A little later, Emma opened her eyes and found herself lying on a bed. Her scream ripped through the room. "Help! Somebody help! You kidnapped me!"Kairav rushed in, panicked. "Wait, listen—"But Emma only shouted louder. In desperation, Kairav grabbed her mouth."Calm down! I'm not a kidnapper. I only helped you!"Tears welled in Emma's eyes as she struggled. She tried again to shout, but Kairav spoke quickly, almost pleading:"Please, calm down. I'll tell you everything. Don't shout. Just listen."Slowly, he released his hand from her mouth, watching her carefully.Emma's voice broke in anger. "What did you do with me?!" She burst into tears, clutching the blanket. "No, God... why is this happening to me?"Kairav threw up his hands. "Hey, I didn't do anything with you! Do you have some mental problem?"Before Emma could scream again, the doorbell rang. Startled, Kairav rushed to open it. The moment he saw who it was, relief washed over his face. "Oh God, you came. Come in, I'll take you to her."He led the woman into the room. Emma looked up, and her eyes widened. "Mom! Finally you came! This man kidnapped me!" she cried loudly.Her mother's face hardened. "Shut up, you stupid girl! This gentleman saved you. I tell you every time, don't use that dangerous lane!" She turned to Kairav, her expression softening. "Thank you, beta. You helped her when no one else did."Emma and her mother left together and sat in the car. Before driving off, her mother leaned out the window to thank him once more. Emma, however, only looked at Kairav strangely, suspicion still burning in her eyes.Kairav sighed and muttered to himself as they drove away. "What is her problem...?"The next morning, Kairav sat at his desk, trying to focus on his files, though his mind still lingered on the strange events of the night before.His boss appeared suddenly at his side. "Kairav, I need you to assist someone. We've had a transfer from another branch, and I want you to help her settle in."Kairav straightened. "Of course, sir."The door opened, and the moment the new employee stepped inside, Kairav's eyes widened. His breath caught in his throat. No way...Emma.His boss smiled. "This is Emma. She'll be working here from now on." Then he glanced at them both. "Oh? You two know each other? That makes things easier."Emma's face had already gone pale. Her body stiffened as her eyes met Kairav's. The memory of last night — collapsing, waking in a strange bed, screaming at him — came rushing back all at once.Kairav forced a polite smile, though inside he was reeling. "Yes... I know her.""Good," the boss said, oblivious to the tension. "Kairav, show her around the office and explain her duties."Emma swallowed hard, barely nodding. She didn't trust her voice to speak.Kairav gestured toward the hallway. "Come with me. I'll... show you around."Emma followed stiffly, her heart pounding. Of all the people in the city, it had to be him.Kairav walked Emma through the corridors, pointing out desks, the break room, and the files she would handle. The silence between them grew heavier with every step, until Emma finally stopped."If you are my senior here," she said sharply, "then I don't want this job."Kairav turned to her, eyebrows raised. "So what will you do instead?""I'll do anything," Emma snapped, "but not work under you."A bitter laugh escaped Kairav. "I know what kind of work you'll end up doing."Emma's eyes blazed. "No. Never. I'll never do that kind of work.""Don't be mad," Kairav shot back. "I know you're , but think about your mom. You need this job, and in times like these, no one else will hire you easily."Emma clenched her fists, tears threatening at the corners of her eyes, but she didn't answer.The clock ticked loudly in the background, filling the tense silence until Kairav finally sighed. He glanced at his watch. "Oh. It's seven already. Work's done for today. Let's go home."Without waiting for her reply, he walked toward the exit, Emma following a step behind, her pride and fear warring inside her.The night air was cool as Emma walked quickly down the dimly lit street, her heels clicking against the pavement. She noticed footsteps behind her and turned sharply. Kairav was there, walking at his own pace, hands in his pockets.Her eyes narrowed. "Why are you coming with me?" she demanded.Kairav didn't even flinch. "Because our route is the same. Don't flatter yourself—I'm not following you."Emma folded her arms. "Is this supposed to make me feel safe? Or are you planning to pick me up again tomorrow like some... protector?"His jaw tightened. "Shut up, Emma. Show a little respect. I'm your senior here."Emma's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Respect? Bhaad mein jao. I can't respect someone like you. You're not that kind of person."For a moment, the street fell silent, the hum of distant traffic filling the gap between their words. Kairav looked at her, a flicker of hurt crossing his face, but he said nothing more. He only quickened his steps, walking ahead, leaving Emma simmering in her own storm of anger and confusion.On the way back, Emma suddenly stopped and turned to him."Why are you behaving like this?" she asked sharply.Kairav didn't answer, only glanced away and walked off in another direction.Just then, one of Emma's friends appeared, smiling mischievously."Hey, Emma... is he your boyfriend?"Emma's face flushed with anger. "No! You're thinking wrong!" she snapped.Her friend tilted her head. "Then who is he?""He's my senior in the office," Emma replied coldly, and hurried inside her house.Throwing her bag aside, she called out, "Mom, I'm home." She dropped onto the sofa, frustration heavy in her voice.Her mother looked over. "How was your day, Emma?""Not good. I left the job. I'll find another one," she muttered."What happened?" her mother asked in shock.Emma's eyes narrowed. "Because that kidnapper is in my new office. He's my senior. And today he walked with me the whole way home. His intentions are not good."Her mother's voice rose. "Shut up, you stupid girl! That gentleman saved you. Think—if he had left you alone at that place, do you know what could have happened? You don't need to work anywhere else."Emma jumped up, angry tears in her eyes. "Mom, you're so innocent! It's his trick—first he pretends to be a friend, and then he'll take advantage."Her mother shook her head firmly. "No, Emma. You're wrong about him."Emma turned away, her heart burning with anger and fear.At 8:20 p.m., Emma looked at her mother."Mom, where are you going?" she asked.Her mother smiled faintly. "To buy some vegetables."Emma quickly stood. "No, you take a rest. I'll go."Her mother hesitated. "Are you sure?""Yes, Mom. I'll handle it," Emma insisted, picking up a bag and heading out.At the supermarket, she filled her basket with vegetables. Then she reached for a canned food item placed high in the corner, but her height wasn't enough. She struggled on her toes—when suddenly, a long arm reached up, grabbed the can easily, and handed it to her.A calm voice followed. "Do you need more?"Emma turned, and her heart froze."You... Kairav?"Kairav gave a small smile. "Is there anything else you need help with?"Shocked, Emma quickly ran to the billing counter, paid the money, and hurried out.But just a short distance outside, she collided with a man. She tried to move past him, but the man suddenly grabbed her wrist tightly."Maybe you should say sorry," he said coldly.Emma pulled against his grip. "Leave my hand!"Instead, he yanked her closer and blocked her way. She tried to scream for help, but another rough hand came from behind, covering her mouth. Within seconds, they dragged her into a dark, abandoned lane.Her phone was snatched away. Emma's eyes widened in terror as she struggled. The voices in her head grew louder, her mind replaying every warning and every moment of fear. Hope began slipping away.Her mind screamed, This is the end... there's no escape. Her strength gave way, and hope slipped out of her chest like sand through fingers.But then—A voice thundered through the darkness."Leave her alone, you monsters!"Emma's eyes shot open. It was Kairav. He came running like a storm, his shout echoing through the empty street. Before the men could react, he leapt forward, his foot crashing into one attacker's face. The man stumbled back, blood spraying from his mouth.Kairav didn't hesitate. He punched, blocked, and kicked with all his strength, fighting like a man who had nothing to lose. The attackers tried to push back, but one after another, they faltered under his rage. Finally, panicked and broken, they turned and ran into the shadows.Breathing hard, Kairav started to chase after them. "I won't let you go—"But before he could take another step, he felt something—Emma's trembling hand gripping his wrist tightly."Kairav..." her voice cracked. "Don't leave me alone... please."He froze. Slowly, he turned.Emma's eyes were swollen with tears, her face pale with fear. Then, suddenly, she threw herself into his arms, clinging to him as if he was the only thing keeping her alive. Her sobs burst out uncontrollably, her tears soaking his shirt.Kairav stood still for a moment, shocked by the raw emotion in her touch. Then his arms slowly tightened around her, holding her close as she cried loudly.On the whole route back, Emma didn't let go of Kairav's hand. Her tears wouldn't stop, and she kept crying quietly as they walked through the dim streets.Finally, they reached her house. Standing at the main door, Kairav looked at her and said firmly, "I'll tell everything to your mom."Emma's eyes widened in panic. "No! Please, don't tell her anything. She'll take too much tension." Her voice cracked, still heavy from crying.Kairav hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Alright. As you wish." He managed a faint smile. "Okay... so I'll go."He turned and walked away into the night.Emma stood there for a moment, watching his figure disappear. Then she quickly rubbed her eyes, wiping away every trace of tears. With a forced smile on her face, she stepped inside her home, hiding everything that had just happened.The next day in the office, Emma sat at her table, focused on her files, though her mind still wandered to the night before. She tried to look normal, hiding the heaviness in her chest.Suddenly, Kairav appeared beside her desk."Today... are you free?" he asked.Emma looked up, surprised. "Yes... why?""Okay," he said calmly, "let's go outside."Her eyes widened. "W–what? We two... go alone?"Kairav shook his head. "No, not alone. Kan and Miny will also come."Emma froze, blinking. "O... okay," she replied softly.But inside her mind, her thoughts stirred restlessly. I thought... it would be just the two of us...By evening, the four of them left the office together. Kan walked ahead, talking nonstop about some office gossip, while Miny laughed at every little thing. Emma followed quietly, her steps slow, her eyes often flicking toward Kairav.They reached a small café on the corner of the street. Kan immediately rushed to grab the best seat near the window, Miny beside him. Emma hesitated before sitting down, and to her surprise, Kairav pulled out the chair for her."Sit," he said simply.Emma blinked at him, unsure if it was kindness or just habit. She sat down, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her bag.Kan ordered loudly, Miny giggled at the waiter, but Emma's mind wasn't there. She kept stealing glances at Kairav. Why did he invite me? Why do I feel... strange sitting here with him?Halfway through, Miny leaned toward Emma with a playful smile. "So... Emma," she teased, "are you and Kairav... close?"Emma almost choked on her drink. "W–what? No! You think wrong. He's just... my senior in the office."Kairav raised an eyebrow but said nothing, sipping his coffee quietly.Still, Emma's heart beat faster. She couldn't understand why.Miny raised her hand, calling the waiter. "One beer for me!" she said brightly.Emma's eyes widened. "Beer? Here?"Miny giggled, nudging her. "Hey, try this. Don't act so old-fashioned."Kairav leaned back in his chair. "Please, I've stayed long enough for this. Just bring me a coffee," he told the waiter.Emma sat stiffly, uncertain. Her fingers played with the edge of her glass.Kairav glanced at her and spoke softly, "If you don't want it, then there's no need. Don't force yourself."Emma bit her lip, looking at Miny's playful grin, then back at Kairav. "Maybe... trying a little isn't that bad," she whispered.Half an hour passed. Emma's cheeks flushed red, her eyes heavy. What she thought would be "just a little" had turned into more than enough. Her laughter grew louder, her words stumbled, and soon she leaned against the table, half-dizzy.Kairav rubbed his forehead in frustration. "Kan... maybe we should drop her home. She can't even stand properly now."Kan chuckled nervously. "Yeah... looks like it. You carry her, Kairav."Kairav sighed and stood, stepping to Emma's side. Gently, but firmly, he lifted her onto his back. She rested her head against his shoulder, murmuring something incoherent, her hands clutching his shirt.As they walked out, Kairav called back, "Kan, take care of Miny!"Kan nodded, holding Miny by the arm as she staggered, still laughing at nothing.So, under the dim streetlights, one pair stumbled along together, and another pair followed—Emma asleep on Kairav's back, her breath warm against his neck.Kairav's steps were steady, though his back carried the full weight of Emma. Her soft murmurs brushed against his ear, sometimes a laugh, sometimes a sigh. He clenched his jaw, trying to ignore the strange feeling of closeness.Finally, they reached her house. Kan and Miny stopped a little behind, letting Kairav walk to the door. He pressed the bell with his free hand.Moments later, Emma's mother opened the door. Her eyes widened the moment she saw her daughter on Kairav's back."Oh my God! What happened to her?" she exclaimed, rushing forward.Kairav adjusted Emma gently, making sure she didn't slip. "Don't worry, aunty. She's just... a little drunk. We were out after work, and she lost control. I thought it was safer to bring her straight home."Emma's mother's face turned pale with shock. "Emma... drinking?" She sighed heavily, then looked at Kairav with tired eyes. "Thank you, beta, for bringing her back safely."Kairav nodded politely and helped place Emma onto the sofa inside. She stirred, half-opening her eyes, whispering, "Don't... leave me..." before slipping back into sleep.Her mother quickly covered her with a shawl, shaking her head in disappointment. "This girl... she doesn't listen to me."Kairav glanced at Emma one last time, then turned to the door. "I'll go now. Please... don't be too harsh on her."Emma's mother gave him a grateful look. "You're a good man. Thank you again."Kairav stepped outside into the cool night, the door closing softly behind him. For reasons he couldn't explain, Emma's faint words still echoed in his ears.Don't leave me... Emma stirred awake past midnight, her head pounding. She sat up slowly, clutching her temples. The taste of bitterness still lingered on her tongue.Her mother, who had been sitting silently on the sofa beside her, finally spoke."So... this is what you do now? Drinking until someone has to carry you home?"Emma's heart sank. "Mom... it wasn't like that. They ordered it, I just..."Her mother's voice cut through, sharp but trembling. "You're not that type of girl, Emma. You know the world we live in. Men are waiting for a chance, just a chance, to take advantage. That boy—Kairav—he saved you once, and again tonight. If he hadn't been there..." She stopped, her voice cracking. "What if something had happened?"Emma lowered her gaze, shame burning in her chest. "I... I thought he was the danger. I kept telling myself that."Her mother's expression softened slightly, but the worry in her eyes didn't fade. She placed a hand on Emma's cheek. "Sometimes, beta, the people we think are monsters... are the ones keeping the real monsters away."Emma blinked rapidly, trying not to cry. She nodded silently, lying back down as her mother stroked her hair until she drifted off.The Next DayThe office buzzed with its usual rhythm. Emma entered quietly, her eyes low, hoping no one would notice the faint marks of exhaustion on her face.But the moment she sat at her desk, laughter erupted nearby. Kan and Miny were whispering and chuckling, sneaking glances at her.Emma's cheeks flamed. She didn't have to guess why.Kairav entered a moment later, holding a file, his expression unreadable. For a second, his eyes flicked toward Emma, and she quickly looked away.The unspoken tension between them thickened in the air—her shame, his silence, and the memory of last night clinging to both of them like a shadow.Emma sat at her desk, pretending to read the reports in front of her, but her ears burned at every giggle from Kan and Miny.Finally, Miny leaned over the partition with a mischievous grin."So, Emma... how was your ride last night?"Emma froze. "W-What?"Kan smirked, tapping his pen on the table. "Don't play innocent. Kairav carried you on his back like some princess. Whole street must have seen it."Miny added, "If you wanted a private moment, you could've just told us. Why make us third wheel?"Emma's face turned crimson. She clenched her fists under the desk. "It's not like that! I—I wasn't feeling well, that's all."Kan laughed. "Yeah, yeah, sure. Next time, don't drink more than you can handle."Before Emma could reply, a low voice cut through the air."Enough."They turned. Kairav stood by the doorway, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on Kan and Miny. "If you've got time to gossip, maybe I should give you extra work."Kan coughed and quickly bent over his papers. Miny pursed her lips and sat down.The room fell silent again.Emma's heart pounded. She risked a glance at Kairav. He wasn't looking at her—he simply walked past, dropping the file on her desk."Finish this by noon," he said flatly.Emma nodded, gripping the papers, though her hands trembled. She wanted to thank him... but the words stuck in her throat.That evening, as the office grew quiet and the last employees trickled out, Emma found herself standing by the gate, waiting.Kairav stepped out a few minutes later, adjusting his bag. He paused when he saw her."You're still here?"Emma swallowed, her heart racing. "I... I wanted to say thank you. For yesterday. And today. You didn't have to defend me."Kairav gave a small smile, the kind that was rare on his serious face. "I don't like when people cross the line. You deserve respect."Her eyes softened, tears threatening to spill. For so long she had misunderstood him, feared him, even accused him. Yet, every time, he had been there—protecting her, not asking for anything in return."I was wrong about you," Emma whispered. "I thought you were dangerous. But... you've been nothing but kind."Kairav looked away, his voice low. "I don't care what others think. I just wanted you to be safe."Silence hung between them, heavy but warm.Then Emma did something she never imagined she would. She stepped closer and took his hand, the same hand that had fought for her, the same hand that carried her when she couldn't walk.Kairav looked down in surprise.Emma smiled through her tears. "Let's... start over. As friends. Maybe more... someday."For the first time, his expression truly softened. "I'd like that."They walked side by side into the night, hands linked—not as strangers bound by fear, but as two people stepping into something new.And for the first time in a long while, Emma felt safe.The End.