112.
The adults had taken over the cricket game.
Shaurya had been pushed into bowling—mostly because everyone had unanimously agreed he was terrible at batting.
It was Yug's turn.
The first ball came—crack.
A clean shot. Cheers followed.
The next one—another solid hit. Even better.
Another ball.
Yug stepped forward and struck it hard.
This time, the ball shot off at an angle—hitting a metal pole with a sharp clang before ricocheting straight toward the pathway.
Right where Ravi, Aarohi, and Eve were walking back.
Thud.
The ball hit Ravi just below his eye.
"OHH SHIT—"
The reaction was instant. The entire group froze.
Everyone knew one thing—
Ravi did not take things lightly. He was the person to get angry most easily.
Aarohi and Eve both covered their mouths in shock.
Yug's heart dropped.
He didn't think. He just ran.
"Shit, I'm so sorry," Yug said breathlessly as he reached him.
Ravi was already rubbing the spot under his eye, his expression tightening. "So it was you," he muttered. "Why do you hate me so much?"
"It wasn't intentional!" Yug snapped back quickly.
"Alright" Eve stepped in. "Don't start fighting right now."
But Yug wasn't listening anymore.
His focus had narrowed completely.
He stepped closer, gently holding Ravi's face, his fingers brushing over the reddening skin.
A quiet snort came from somewhere in the group.
"It's not funny," Yug muttered without looking back. His thumb hovered near the bruise. "It could've hit your eye..."
His voice dropped slightly.
"Does it hurt... bad?"
Ravi didn't answer.
He just looked at him.
For a second—too long.
Then Roy walked in and lightly smacked the back of Ravi's head.
Ravi blinked, snapping out of it. "I'm fine," he said quickly, stepping back.
"No, it's going to bruise badly," Eve said, moving forward.
Before Yug could react, she cupped Ravi's face, pressing slightly to examine the spot.
Ravi flinched faintly, his eyes shutting for a second at the pressure.
Yug's hand dropped.
Something twisted sharply in his chest—sudden, unfamiliar, and unpleasant.
He didn't understand it.
He just knew he didn't like it.
"I'll handle it," Roy cut in, stepping between them. "Come on, bro."
He gave Ravi a look, then pulled him away by the shoulder.
"Oh—" Eve stepped back quickly as Roy almost bumped into her.
A brief, awkward silence followed.
Then Shaurya clapped his hands once. "Alright, wrap it up."
No one argued.
The game dissolved just as quickly as it had begun, everyone drifting off in different directions—
But the air felt... slightly different now.
Yug felt like he might explode.
The urge to scream—at everyone, at himself—was clawing up his throat.
Without thinking, he rushed straight to Aarav's room.
Aarav was in the middle of a meeting.
Yug didn't knock.
He just walked in.
Aarav looked up immediately. One glance at Yug's face—and he knew something was off.
"Alright, then," Aarav said calmly into his iPad. "Send me the file by tomorrow. I'll sign it."
He shut it down without another word.
"What's up?" Aarav asked, frowning slightly. "Why is your face so red?"
Yug let out a harsh breath.
"I'm a fucking piece of shit."
Aarav blinked once, then straightened. "Okay. That sounds serious. Sit."
He got up, walked over, and quietly shut the door behind them.
Yug dropped onto the couch, gripping his hair tightly, his fingers tugging at the roots.
"What's wrong?" Aarav asked, his tone softer now.
"Eve," Yug said, his voice tight. "I forgot about her."
Aarav frowned. "I don't follow. What are you trying to say?"
Yug looked up, frustration written all over his face.
"Remember she used to like Ravi? Maybe she still does. How the hell am I supposed to face her if she finds out... about me and Ravi?"
Aarav leaned back slightly, processing.
"That's... some spice," he said dryly. Then, after a beat—"But yeah. That is a problem."
"I can't let her find out," Yug said immediately.
Aarav stayed quiet for a moment, thinking.
"So," he said slowly, "you're telling me you're going to hide your relationship... just because Eve is your friend?"
"What the hell am I supposed to do then?" Yug snapped, panic flashing in his eyes.
"First of all," Aarav said firmly, "this isn't your fault. Ravi was the one who hit on you."
He paused, then added,
"So maybe Ravi should be the one standing up for you right now."
Yug let out a frustrated breath, pushing himself to his feet. His fingers dragged through his hair again.
"I don't think it even matters if I just... don't tell her anything," he muttered.
But even as he said it, it didn't sound convincing.
"What do you mean?" Aarav asked.
Yug exhaled slowly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Yesterday... I told Ravi I don't want anything between us."
Aarav stared at him—half shocked, half disappointed.
"Don't look at me like that," Yug muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I was already overstimulated, and then he said something I really didn't want to hear."
"What did he say?" Aarav asked, his tone softer now.
Yug hesitated, then explained everything.
Aarav let out a long breath. "Oh God... so this is partly because of me?" He shook his head. "I'm really sorry, Yug. But Ravi isn't wrong. And honestly, I'm annoyed at myself for not thinking this through earlier."
"But—"
"He cares about you," Aarav cut in gently. "And maybe he is right. Ravi has known Shaurya longer than I have. And Yug... I still remember what happened with Surani. It affected you more than you let on."
Yug didn't respond. The silence between them stretched.
Aarav placed a hand on his shoulder. "Listen to me, just this once, okay? I know the Eve situation is messy—but it's not bigger than whatever's going on between you and Ravi. You need to talk to him. Properly."
Yug stayed quiet, jaw tight.
"I get that things are overwhelming right now," Aarav continued, "but Ravi's being patient with you. And I don't understand why you reacted this strongly. You're not someone who loses control like that."
Yug let out a humorless breath. "Yeah... I don't get it either. I think it started after Manpreet and his wife came to my office the other day. I've been... stressing around like a fool since then."
Aarav's eyes narrowed slightly. "What happened?"
Yug looked away. "I told them Ravi and I are in a relationship. And Bhabhi ji..." he paused, jaw tightening, "she thinks Ravi isn't on the same level as me. Because he's a bodyguard."
Aarav studied him carefully. "And do you care about that?"
"Obviously not. I really don't care," Yug said quickly. Then his voice dropped. "But I'm disappointed... in myself. I should've said something. I should've shut that down right there."
Aarav's lips curved into a small smile.
"Damn," he muttered, "you can be cute sometimes."
Yug frowned. "What?"
"So you've been spiraling because someone almost insulted your boyfriend, and you didn't defend him?" Aarav said, a soft chuckle escaping him.
"It's not funny," Yug muttered, looking away.
"You're blushing."
"I don't blush," Yug shot back, scratching the back of his ear. A second later, he dragged a hand down his face and exhaled. "I really shouldn't have spoken to him like that."
He paused, then added, "And I hit him with a ball today. I'm pretty sure he's going to punch me if I push my luck any further."
Aarav blinked. "Wait... the cricket ball?"
Yug nodded slowly.
Aarav burst out laughing.
"Seriously, Aarav."
"Okay, okay—sorry," Aarav said, still grinning. "But this just proves my point. Go. Talk to him."
Yug shook his head. "It's not that easy. We're not like you and Shaurya."
"Of course you're not," Aarav said, his tone turning steady. "You guys are in a better place. If you want to fight, then fight now. At least you'll figure things out and start healing."
His voice softened. "I just hope you don't have to go through what we did. You both deserve better. You and Ravi. So fix it—together."
Yug looked at him, something heavy settling in his chest.
"I don't care if I end up in jail," he said quietly, "or worse... if Shaurya ever does something reckless again."
Aarav paused, then smiled faintly.
"Thanks for that," he said. "And by the way—next time you meet Manpreet's wife, make sure she knows Ravi probably earns more than she can even imagine. If Shaurya is the mind, Ravi's the soul for the family's mafia".
Yug raised an eyebrow.
Aarav nodded toward the door. "Go. He's probably waiting for you."
After a brief hesitation, Yug stood up—and this time, he didn't stop himself.
-----------------------------
Yug knocked on the door outside Ravi's room.
Ravi lived on the topmost floor of the quarters—isolated, almost cut off from the rest. There were no rooms nearby, just one that looked more like an office from the outside.
No response.
Yug knocked again.
This time, Roy opened the door.
"Oh—" Yug muttered, caught off guard.
"Hey," Roy grinned. "Come in."
Yug stepped inside hesitantly. "Um... if you guys are busy, I can come later."
Roy ignored that completely and pulled him further in. "Look who's here."
Ravi was standing near a table, arranging a stack of files. He looked up the moment he heard Yug's voice. Harsh was sprawled on a chair, a comedy show playing on the TV.
Without a word, Ravi picked up the remote and switched it off.
"You two—out. Now."
"That was harsh," Harsh groaned, getting up. "Saiyyan ke aate hi apne bhai bhool jaate hai," he muttered dramatically.
Ravi smacked him with a file.
Roy snorted, gave Ravi a thumbs-up, and dragged Harsh out with him. The door shut behind them.
Silence.
Yug stood there awkwardly, like a kid who'd been called into the principal's office. He waited for Ravi to say something.
"Welcome," Ravi said casually, stacking the last of the files and placing them neatly inside a closet. "I'm guessing you've never been here before."
"Uh... yeah," Yug murmured.
Ravi turned to look at him, one brow lifting slightly. "So... what are you here for?"
Yug opened his mouth—then nothing came out.
Ravi leaned back against the table, folding his arms. "You really don't talk when it actually matters, do you?"
Yug looked away.
"Come here," Ravi added.
"Why?" Yug asked cautiously.
"I'm not going to punch you," Ravi said dryly. "But I am owed some revenge for what you did today."
"It wasn't intentional," Yug protested, though he still stepped closer.
Now that he was near, the swelling under Ravi's eye was clearly visible—red, slightly raised.
Yug's expression shifted, guilt flashing across his face.
"What's in the bag?" Ravi asked, nodding toward the small pouch in Yug's hand.
"Oh—umm... it's an ointment. For the swelling," Yug said, handing it over.
Ravi took it, glanced at it, then looked back at him. "So that's it?"
Yug blinked, his mind going completely blank.
Ravi let out a quiet breath, shaking his head slightly. "You're really confusing sometimes."
Yug swallowed.
"Yesterday, you said you didn't want me anywhere near you," Ravi continued, his voice calmer now—but edged with something heavier.
Yug nodded once. "Yeah... I know."
A pause.
Then, more firmly, "That's actually why I'm here. I need to talk about that."
"Okay," Ravi said, watching him carefully. "But listen to me first, yeah?"
Yug nodded.
Ravi took a breath. "I'm glad you're here. After last time, I honestly thought you wouldn't even show up for the wedding." He paused, then added more quietly, "But I guess what I was afraid of is true. You're here just for that."
The words sat heavy in the air.
After a moment, Yug spoke. "Aarya told me... you want me to live with you." He looked at Ravi. "Why didn't you say that yourself?"
Ravi let out a soft, humorless breath. "Would it have made any difference?" he asked. "Because after yesterday, I have a pretty clear idea of where we stand."
"And you saying you trust me?" Ravi continued, his tone tightening slightly. "That was a lie."
"No, it wasn't," Yug said immediately.
Ravi looked at him, waiting.
Yug hesitated, his gaze dropping before he forced himself to look back up. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
Ravi didn't interrupt.
"I've been... stressed," Yug admitted, running a hand through his hair. "About something for the past few days. And yesterday—you brought up something I even hate to think about".
Ravi's expression softened just a fraction. "What have you been stressing about?"
Yug shook his head. "I can't tell you that. And don't try to dig into it either."
Ravi just shrugged, not pushing.
Yug exhaled, looking down again. "I feel like an asshole right now," he muttered. "But I realised something, Ravi..." His voice steadied. "I do want to live with you."
Ravi's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Every time we meet after weeks, it feels like we're starting from scratch," Yug continued. "Like nothing's stable. And I'm tired of that." He swallowed. "I'm really sorry for what I said yesterday. I wasn't in the right headspace. I was overwhelmed... by everything."
"Wait," Ravi said softly.
He stepped closer, gently holding Yug's chin and tilting his face up so their eyes met. His other hand moved to Yug's temple, thumb brushing lightly against it.
"Relax," Ravi murmured. "It's not that serious. You look like you're about to cry."
Yug let out a shaky breath.
"You just got here yesterday," Ravi added. "And already so much has happened. Take it easy."
"I didn't mean any of it," Yug said, clearing his throat.
Ravi nodded. "Okay."
A small silence followed.
Yug shifted slightly, suddenly unsure again. "Can we... umm... be boyfriends again?" he muttered, barely audible.
Ravi blinked, then frowned slightly. "I swear only bats could hear that. Speak louder."
"Be my boyfriend again," Yug said, scratching the back of his ear.
Ravi smirked. "We never broke up. Did we?"
"But I—"
"Yeah, whatever you said, I didn't agree to it, did I?" Ravi cut in.
Yug shook his head slowly.
"Breakups don't work like that," Ravi continued, folding his arms. "I don't know who you've been with before, but you clearly have zero idea how this works." A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Life's actually pretty simple... if you let it be."
Yug tried to keep a straight face. Failed. "So all that drama was for nothing? We didn't even break up?"
"You expected me to sit and cry over it?" Ravi said dryly. "That's not me."
Yug smiled, softer this time.
"Anyway," Ravi said, tossing the ointment back at him, "help me with this."
"Why? You have hands," Yug shot back.
Ravi rolled his eyes. "Do it. Or I'll actually punch you this time."
"Asshole," Yug muttered under his breath.
He opened the tube, squeezed out a bit of gel, and stepped closer. This time, more carefully. More aware.
"I know I look like a dog right now," Ravi said casually, "but I don't bite. You can come a little closer."
Yug paused, glancing at him. "You don't look like a dog," he said quietly—then continued, applying the ointment as gently as he could.
"Done."
Ravi handed him a tissue. Yug wiped his hands.
"You're lucky it was just a tennis ball," Yug said, glancing around. "Your room's... surprisingly clean. That's weird."
"Got it cleaned this morning," Ravi replied.
"Can I look around?"
Ravi shrugged. "Go ahead."
Yug wandered toward the entrance wall—and stopped.
A large snake skin was mounted there.
"Is that real?" he asked, eyebrows knitting together.
"Yeah. Preserved," Ravi said casually.
Yug made a face.
He moved further in, taking it all in properly now.
Ravi's "room" wasn't really a room—it was more like a small apartment. Spacious, but almost empty. Bare essentials. Minimal furniture. Blank walls.
Yug frowned slightly, something about it unsettling in a way he couldn't explain.
"Your place isn't very cozy," Yug said, glancing around the room.
"Why do you say that?" Ravi asked.
"The walls are too empty. And the colour doesn't really match the furniture either," Yug replied, shrugging slightly. "It feels... too big for just one person."
"I don't really understand colour theory," Ravi admitted. "And I don't know what I should put on the walls."
"Maybe pictures?" Yug suggested.
"Hm, pictures," Ravi repeated, stepping closer. "I don't know what to put up," he said, as he lightly held Yug by the waist.
"Shayad humare nikkah aur walime ki tasveer laga sakte hai" Ravi added with a teasing smile.
"Stop talking nonsense," Yug said immediately, though there was no real irritation in his voice.
"I'm not," Ravi replied calmly. "Aapke hone wale shohar ka kamra hai. Design it as you wish"
Ravi's grip around Yug's waist tightened slightly. Yug looked down at his hand, then up at him. Slowly, he rested his own hands on Ravi's shoulders.
"I don't know how you can talk like that," Yug murmured, his voice softer now, gaze drifting to Ravi's lips without meaning to.
Ravi noticed. Gently, he lifted a hand to Yug's face, holding him with quiet certainty, and pressed a brief kiss to his lips.
It was quick, but it lingered in the air between them.
Yug's breath caught for a moment, his expression softening as he leaned in instinctively, as if pulled back by something he didn't want to resist. He melted into the kiss.
Ravi didn't move away. Instead, he kissed him again—slightly slower this time, more sure.
Yug's fingers slid into Ravi's hair, holding on as the moment deepened, the rest of the room fading into silence around them.
"Are you wearing lip gloss?" Ravi asked, breaking the kiss.
"It's lip balm," Yug corrected, slightly out of breath.
Ravi hummed. "Tastes good."
"You're crazy," Yug muttered.
He pulled Ravi back in. Their tongue crashed against each other, their saliva mixing together.
Ravi's hand moved to Yug's jaw, holding him gently in place. Then he leaned in closer, brushing a soft kiss near his ear and lingering for a moment at his neck, just enough to make Yug freeze slightly.
Yug placed a hand on his chest, not pushing him away—just grounding himself.
Ravi let out a faint breath, a hint of a smile in his voice. "I need to take note of your mood swings."
"It won't happen again," Yug said quickly, meeting his eyes. "I promise."
Ravi studied him for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"Well you're looking nice today". Yug said suddenly.
"With a swollen face, Yeah sure". Ravi said. "But did I hear that right? You just complimented me".
"Still, with a swollen face. You look good. Your hair looks nice. You didn't put your usual hair wax today". Yug said. Ravi started laughing. Yug looked at him confused.
"It's weird when you talk like that". Ravi said. Yug rolled his eyes.
"Shut the fuck up. I'm trying, okay?" Yug said but then smiled.
"Alright," Ravi said, finally letting go of Yug's waist. "You can leave now. I want to take a nap."
"What?" Yug frowned. "At this hour?"
"Yep," Ravi said casually. "Go. Or even better—you can take a nap with me."
Yug scoffed. "No thanks. Tumhare tractor jaise kharate se mere kaan ke parde phat jayenge. Itna aalsi kaun hota hai?"
"Me," Ravi replied flatly. "Now go out."
Before Yug could react, Ravi gently but firmly pushed him toward the door and shut it in his face.
Yug stood there for a second, blinking.
"Is he serious?" he muttered under his breath, turning to leave.
But just as he took a step—
The door opened again.
Ravi reached out, grabbed Yug by the arm, and pulled him straight back inside.
Yug barely had time to protest before he was pulled in, the door clicking shut behind them.