Advait's POV :

The handshake ended, and I gently withdrew my hand, the gesture a subtle but deliberate reminder of the boundaries I never allowed anyone to cross. Aarav’s expression lingered on mine for a moment—part curiosity, part understanding—but I remained impassive. My face held the same unreadable calm, the walls around me built strong and tall, unshaken. A lifetime of control doesn't crack so easily.

“I’ll go freshen up quickly,” Aarav said, his voice casual as he straightened his posture. “But after that, I need to discuss something important with you. Until then, Mom, why don’t you catch up with your favorite student?”

With a playful smile, he nodded toward his mother before ascending the stairs, disappearing into the corridor above. His steps were swift, confident, leaving behind a quiet echo in the high-ceilinged living room.

Moments passed. The soft ticking of the wall clock mingled with the gentle hum of ambient music playing in the background. A faint aroma of spices drifted in from the kitchen. Soon, Aarav returned—now dressed in a fresh, dark grey shirt, sleeves rolled neatly at his elbows. In one hand, he carried a slim leather file.

Dr. Madhulika glanced at him, then toward the dining space. “I’ll just go check if dinner’s ready,” she said warmly. “You two talk.”