Darsh, who had been watching the scene, suddenly stood, his face twisted with anger. "So that's it?" he snapped, his voice sharp and cutting. "He says sorry, and you all just forgive him like nothing happened?"

"Darsh," Arav warned, his tone calm but firm, "stop. It's not your place to decide."

Darsh's eyes burned with fury as he retorted, "Why isn't it my place? Do you think I can just forget what he said? He wished for my brother's death bhaiya! How do you just overlook that?"

Akash flinched at the harsh reminder, his head hanging even lower.

"Darsh, enough," Shashwat's voice came from the staircase. He stepped forward, his expression calm but his tone brooking no argument. "I understand your anger, but mind your words."

Darsh clenched his fists, his breathing ragged. "I can't forgive him, Bhai. Not yet. Maybe not ever." He cast a cold glance at Akash before storming out of the room.

The door slammed shut, leaving behind a heavy silence. Akash felt a sharp pang of guilt and shame, his heart aching as Darsh's words echoed in his mind. He clenched his fists, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill again. Before he could approach Shashwat, he stood up and walked away from there.

Akash hesitated as he approached Siya. She was sitting on the sofa, her expression unreadable, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the armrest.

"Siya..." he began, his throat tight, "I... I know there's no apology big enough for what I've said. Regret... even that word feels too small for what I'm feeling. I... I hurt you in a way I never should have, and I can't undo it. I dragged you into my anger, into my frustrations, and I said things-things that... I can't take back."

Siya's eyes remained fixed on the floor, her hands tightening into fists on her lap.

Akash knelt in front of her, his voice breaking. "I called you my sister once, Siya. I broke that trust. I... I don't even deserve to look at you, let alone ask for forgiveness. But I need you to know that I am so, so sorry. I let my bitterness consume me, and you paid the price for it. I don't expect forgiveness, but please... just know that I regret it every moment."

Siya finally looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her voice was soft, but firm. " Bhaiya, I don't think I can forgive you. Not now."

Akash's breath hitched as he nodded, accepting her words like a blade to his chest.

Siya continued, "What you said to me... I could try to forgive that, eventually. But what you said about Shashwat... that you wished he never returned..." Her voice cracked, and she took a shaky breath. "That's something I can't forget."

Akash swallowed hard, tears streaming down his face. "I understand, Siya. You're right. I don't deserve forgiveness. I don't. And you have every right to feel this way. I... I just wanted you to know how deeply sorry I am."

Without another word, she walked away, leaving Akash rooted to the spot. As she disappeared, he noticed Vihaan standing nearby, his expression a mix of disappointment and concern. Vihaan didn't say a word, just shook his head slightly before turning and leaving.

Akash stood there, alone in the room, until Richa walked up to him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're doing the right thing, Akash," she said softly. "It takes courage to face the people you've hurt."

Hours later, Akash finally saw Shashwat sitting alone in the garden, a book in his hands. His heart pounded as he approached, but before he could say anything, Shashwat stood up and began walking away.

"Shashwat, please," Akash called out, his voice desperate.

Shashwat didn't stop, his back stiff with tension. Akash ran after him and grabbed his hand. "Please! Just... just listen to me once."

Shashwat stopped, his jaw clenched, his eyes closed as though trying to suppress his emotions. He slowly turned, and Akash saw the pain in his eyes.

"I know you don't want to hear me, and I deserve that," Akash began, his voice trembling. "But I can't live with myself if I don't say this. I'm sorry, Shashwat. I'm so, so sorry. I hurt you in the worst way possible. You were always there for me, always saving me-even from myself-and I repaid you with hate. With words that... that I can't even repeat because they make me sick."

Tears streamed down Akash's face as he continued, his voice cracking. "I blamed you for everything because I couldn't face my own flaws. I... I wished you never returned. Do you know how much I hate myself for saying that? I can't take those words back, but I regret them every second."

Shashwat's eyes glistened, but he said nothing, his face an unreadable mask.

Akash's sobs grew heavier. "I broke everything-every relationship, every bond. I hurt Siya. I hurt you. And I hate myself for it. I don't deserve forgiveness, but I need you to know how sorry I am. Please... please believe me."

Shashwat finally spoke, his voice low but steady. "Akash, I understand where those words came from. Your anger, your pain... I know you. I've always known you. And yes, I'm angry-angry at the words, at the way you lashed out. But do you know what hurt the most?"

Akash shook his head, his heart pounding in dread.

"It wasn't what you said about me," Shashwat continued, his voice tight. "It was what you said about Siya. You insulted her, dragged her into your bitterness. She didn't deserve that, Akash. She didn't deserve to be hurt because of your anger at me."

Akash felt his knees buckle as the weight of Shashwat's words hit him. "I... I know. I was wrong. I was so wrong. And I'll do whatever it takes to make it right. I swear."

Shashwat shook his head, stepping back. "You can't undo what's been done. Words like those... they leave scars."

With that, Shashwat turned and walked away, leaving Akash standing there, broken and alone.

******************************************

Akash sat alone on a bench in the garden, lost in thought. The gentle breeze ruffled his hair as he stared at the ground, guilt and determination battling within him.

Reyansh found him there, walking up silently before sitting beside him. He nudged Akash lightly. "He's so upset... Give him some time."

Akash sighed, his gaze still downcast. "I know. But I've decided something, Reyansh. I won't stop until I mend everything. First, I'll fix things between Siya and Shashwat. I've done enough damage; now it's my turn to make things right."

Reyansh tilted his head, studying Akash. "That's easier said than done. Siya isn't saying anything about what happened, and Shashwat's no better. They're both too stubborn to open up."

At that moment, Arushi joined them, sitting on the other side of Akash. "He's right. Siya isn't talking. I tried asking her, but she just changes the subject."

Arav appeared, his arms crossed, leaning against a pillar. "Shashwat bhi. He's locked himself up emotionally. It's like talking to a wall."

Akash's eyes lit up with a spark of mischief. "Aaj raat bachelor's party hai na? Sabko invite kar liya?"

Reyansh nodded. "Haan, sabko bula liya. Kyu?"

Akash smirked. "Bas ek special guest ko invite karna reh gaya."

Everyone frowned, exchanging confused glances.

"Kaun?" Ritika asked.

"Kabir," Akash said with a knowing grin. "Wahi Kabir jisse Tara aunty Siya ke rishtay ki baat kar rahi thi, remember?"

Ritika's jaw dropped. "Have you lost your mind?!"

Reyansh groaned. "Shashwat will lose it. Jal ke raakh ho jayega!"

"Exactly!" Akash exclaimed. "Look, this is clearly a misunderstanding and a whole lot of miscommunication between them. In situations like these, jealousy works wonders. Trust me, if Shashwat sees someone else close to Siya, he won't be able to control himself. He'll have to confront his feelings."

Arav rubbed his chin, a smirk forming on his face. "Hmm, jealousy does work. I've felt it before. This might just be the push they need."

The group exchanged thoughtful looks, slowly nodding in agreement.

Just then, Darsh entered the garden, his head hung low. He hesitated for a moment before walking up to Akash. The tension in the air was palpable as the others watched quietly.

Darsh stopped in front of Akash, his voice soft but steady. "Akash bhaiya, I'm sorry for earlier. I shouldn't have lashed out at you the way I did."

Akash stood up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He stepped closer to Darsh and pulled him into a tight hug. "You were right. Every word you said, I deserved it. Don't ever apologise for speaking the truth."

Darsh's grip tightened slightly, and when they broke apart, there was a faint smile on his face.

The evening was calm, but the air in the living room was thick with anticipation as Reyansh, Arushi, Akash, Richa, Darsh, Divya, Arav, and Ritika gathered together. They sat in a loose circle, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Pyaar toh abhi bhi hai," said Ritika, her voice soft but firm as she glanced around at the group. She hugged a cushion tightly, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Par pata nahi, kya wajah hai inke alag hone ki."

Reyansh leaning back on the sofa "Wajah kuch bhi ho, mujhe bas yeh samajh nahi aata ki ego itna bada kaise ban gaya ki pyaar ko peeche chhor diya."

"Exactly," said Arushi, rolling her eyes dramatically. She tapped her fingers on the coffee table. "Dono ko dekho toh lagta hai jaise duniya ke sabse perfect couple hain, but phir bhi ek doosre ke saamne aise ho jate hain jaise ki pehle kuch tha hi nahi."

Akash spoke, his tone analytical. "Itna simple nahi hai jitna lagta hai. Long-distance relationships waise bhi tough hote hain, aur jab ek army training mein aur doosra apni field mein busy ho toh misunderstandings hona obvious hai jab mere aur Shashwat me aa gayi thi to Siya Shashwat ke beech aana koi badi baat nahi thi par haan itna nahi socha tha ki aisa ho jayega ki ab baat bhi nahi karenge."

"Par iska matlab yeh thodi ki rishta tod diya jaaye," said Richa, her voice laced with frustration. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "Aaj bhi Siya ka face dekho jab Shashwat saamne aata hai-wo smile daba nahi paati. Aur Shashwat bhaiya... well, he's worse. Sab ke samne toh tough bante hain, par unhe dekhte hain toh expressions change ho jaate hain."

"True," said Divya, nodding in agreement. "Unka attitude dekho ek doosre ke liye, clearly fake hai. Bas kisi ko pehle baat to karna padega.... infact agar wo pehle hi baat kar lete to yahan tak baat pahochti hi nahi."

"Exactly!" exclaimed Ritika, her eyes lighting up. "Aur uske liye hum hai na!"

"Par kahin unhe galti se pata laga to aur mere hisab se unhe psnd nahi ayega ki unke beech me koi bhi kuch bhi karne ka try kare," said Arav, his tone dry.

"Kya bhaiya aap bhi.," said Richa, narrowing her eyes at him. "sabka nature alag hota hai and maybe aapko ye nahi acha lagega but Siya aur Shashwat bhaiya ko agar koi problem nahi hogi to and try karne me kya jata hai, bas thoda push chahiye."

"And we'll be that push," said Arushi with a mischievous grin.

Reyansh chuckled. "Push ki zarurat hai ya planning ki?"

"Planning toh jarur honi chahiye," said Ritika. She began counting on her fingers. "Shaadi ke functions hain, toh opportunities bahut hain."

"Hmm," said Reyansh thoughtfully. "Par step one kya hoga?"

"I have a solid idea," Akash announced, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Batao" Everyone chorused, their excitement palpable as they turned their attention to him.

Akash smirked, clearly enjoying the suspense. "Siya ko jahan chief guest bulaya gaya hai, jab wahan wo jaa rahi hogi, main Siya ki car ka tyre puncture kar dunga."

"Tyre puncture?" Ritika raised an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical.

"Haan, suno toh sahi, I will puncture the tyre but aise bhi nahi ki usse koi khatra ho, I will make sure that it is safe." Akash continued confidently. "Jaise hi Siya niklegi, Ritika bhabhi, aap wahan jaake aise react karna ki Siya ka phone nahi lag raha aur wo punctured car lekar hi gayi hai. Fir bolna ki kahi tyre blast na ho jaye. Agar Shashwat ke man mein ab bhi pyaar hoga, toh hamare kuch react karne se pehle hi wo wahan bhag ke chala jayega." He paused dramatically. "Aur uske baad toh samajh hi gaye honge aap sab."

Reyansh frowned, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Haan, but it's risky... maan lo Shashwat nahi gaya toh?"

Arav rolled his eyes and threw a cushion at him. "Tujhe bharosa nahi hai kya? Aur wo cab book kar ke chali jayegi agar nahi gaya toh! But I am sure he will go."

"Exactly," Arushi said, crossing his arms as he nodded in agreement. "Shashwat bhaiya Siya ke liye kuch bhi karenge. Ham badha chadha ke batayenge unhe that she might be in danger etc etc."

Darsh leaned back with a grin. "Hmm, and in case he doesn't go, toh hamare paas backup plan hai. Hum me se koi bhi chala jayega aur Soya bhabhi ko sambhal lega. Lekin, trust me, Shashwat bhaiya zarur jayega."

Divya clapped her hands together, her excitement bubbling over. "This is so perfect! Ab bas dekhte hain ki Shashwat bhaiya kaise react karte hain."

"Ritika bhabhi, aapko ready rehna padega," Arushi added, pointing at her. "Aapka acting karna zaruri hai. Aur thoda convincing hona chahiye."

"Don't worry," Ritika said, flipping her hair confidently. "Main apni performance se Shashwat ko emotional kar dungi."

Richa smiled softly, though a hint of nervousness crossed her face. "I hope this works. Mujhe toh lagta hai ki dono ke beech jo misunderstandings hain, wo clear karna mushkil hoga."

"Clear karna mushkil hai, par impossible nahi," Akash said, his tone turning serious. "Yeh unke liye ek chance hai. Agar dono ek dusre ko itna hi chahte hain jitna hume lagta hai, toh yeh chote chote plans sab kuch sahi kar dege."

Reyansh finally nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Alright then. Let's do it."

The group exchanged determined glances, their minds already buzzing with ideas. As the night deepened, the conversation shifted to laughter and jokes, but one thing was clear, they weren't going to rest until Siya and Shashwat found their way back to each other.

Akash was crouched down, his hands working quickly to puncture Siya's car tyre. He glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention. Just as he was about to finish, he froze-Harsh, Siya's father, walked into the scene. Akash's eyes widened in panic, and he scrambled to stand up.

"Akash beta, tum neeche kyun baithe ho?" Harsh asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Akash with mild curiosity.

Akash's heart skipped a beat. He tried to compose himself, but his mind raced. "W...wo actually...haan, wo na yaha mera do rupaye gira tha to wahi dhoondh raha hun," Akash stammered, pointing at the ground as if searching for something.

Harsh chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Waah, yahan lakhon kamate ho aur do rupaye ke liye apne kapde gande kar liye," he said, a lighthearted laugh escaping his lips.

Akash, feeling embarrassed, quickly tried to cover up. "Arre nahi uncle, wo kehte hain na, boond boond se sagar banta hai aur yeh do do rupaye ke five coins se das rupaye banta hai...to mere paas the par unme se ek gir gaya, aur mujhe kurkure khana tha to isliye." Akash's explanation was enough to confuse Harsh even more.

Harsh stood there for a moment, puzzled, and then burst out laughing. "Tum sab bade ho gaye par harkat wahi hai abhi bhi bachon wali," he said with a warm smile, shaking his head before he turned to leave.

"Ha... bach gaye," Akash muttered under his breath, wiping the sweat off his forehead. His heart was still pounding, but at least Harsh was none the wiser. He quickly sat back down, finishing the job of puncturing the tyre, hoping no one would find out.

Siya had just left the area, driving her car without noticing the punctured tyre. She was headed to the venue, oblivious to the plan the group had set in motion.

Ritika, having played her part in subtly planting the idea of danger in Shashwat's mind, made her way back to the hall, where the rest of the group was waiting. Reyansh, Divya, Richa, Darsh, Arav, and the others were all gathered, their eyes fixed on the door, eagerly waiting for the next step to unfold.

Ritika entered, looking slightly flustered, a hint of concern on her face. "Guys, Siya ka phone nahi lag raha... Jaise hi woh car se nikli, maine dekha uska tyre shayad puncture ho gaya hai," she said, her voice laced with urgency. "Mujhe dar lag raha hai ke kahi tyre blast na ho jaye... Agar woh zyada door gayi to..." she said and her eyes were fixed on Shashwat.

Reyansh immediately shot up from his seat, his eyes widening. "Kya? Puncture? Usne kuch nahi bola?" he added looking at Shashwat who was now concerned his face was sweating with fear.

Richa looked at Ritika, her expression concerned. "Wo khud drive kar rahi hai na."

Darsh nodded, glancing at Shashwat. "Agar didi ko kuch ho gaya to...." He said looking at Shashwat.

Without wasting a second, Shashwat, who had been quiet up until now, stood up and rushed towards the door. His concern for Siya was evident in every step he took. He didn't need to hear more, his instincts told him everything he needed to know.

The group watched as Shashwat hurried to his car, his movements swift and purposeful. His car roared to life as he sped off, following Siya's path.

Meanwhile, the others huddled together in the hall, trying to suppress their excitement and the anxiety of the moment. They all knew that the plan had just taken a crucial turn and that they were watching something important unfold.

"I knew it wo jayega uske peeche." Arav whispered, looking at the others with a grin.

Divya gave a subtle nod. "Chalo ab baaki unn dono pe hain.."

The rest of the group could only hold their breath as they waited for what would happen next, knowing full well that Shashwat was about to face a turning point in his relationship with Siya, a moment of decision that might just change everything.

Shashwat drove his car as fast as he could, his mind racing with thoughts of Siya. He hadn't spoken to her in three years, ever since their painful breakup. He couldn't call her because he believed she had blocked him. But the worry in his chest didn't subside. The thought of something happening to her made him drive even faster.

He glanced up ahead and saw a car parked by the roadside. His heart skipped a beat when he recognized the figure standing beside it, Siya. She was pacing around her car, clearly in distress, glancing at her watch, looking like she was running out of time.

He immediately stopped his car, the screech of the brakes cutting through the silence. His heart pounded in his chest as he got out and walked toward her. Siya noticed him and froze, her expression a mix of surprise and uncertainty.

Shashwat's eyes quickly darted to the car's punctured tyre, and he sighed in relief. At least it wasn't something worse.

"Aap?" Siya asked, her voice low, almost incredulous.

Shashwat stood there for a moment, not knowing what to say.

"I was passing by here, so I stopped," Shashwat said, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Siya didn't respond immediately. She simply looked at him, uncertainty written all over her face. The air between them felt thick with years of unspoken words.

"Need help?" Shashwat asked, his voice a little softer this time.

Siya hesitated for a moment before she nodded. She couldn't deny that she was in a rush, and she needed to get to the venue. "Hmm," she muttered, reluctantly