Jheel walks silently with Taksh. He gestures for her to come inside, and once she enters, he closes the door and walks back to his seat, sitting down quietly.

“So you are Jheel… What is your full name?”

“Jheel Maheshwari,” she replies in a very soft voice.

He wants to look at her intently, to take in every detail of her face, but he restrains himself. He knows very well that whatever he is planning to do, he needs to create the perfect situation, one that doesn’t raise even a single suspicion in Jheel’s mind. While pretending to search her name on his computer, he begins speaking to her casually.

“You’ve performed exceptionally well in academics. Your grades in both 10th and 12th were impressive, and you graduated with 98%, your excellent percentile in the CAT exam. You've been admitted here on a full scholarship.”

“Yes, sir…”

“As I can see,” he continues, hesitating slightly before he speaks further, “it’s a bit difficult for me to say this, but… ”You’re an orphan, right? Do you have any relatives?”

“No, sir… I’m alone in this world.”

“I see… You’ve got a scholarship for your education, but how do you manage your daily living expenses? I mean food and accommodation.”

“Sir, I’m currently looking for a part-time job. If I find one, I’ll definitely take it. Until now, I’ve been managing with the little savings I collected through some small jobs I did earlier.”

“Okay… then what I’m about to offer will be quite beneficial for you. You already have the scholarship, but if we attach these documents to your student file, we can also grant you accommodation in the college hostel. That way, you won’t need to worry about food and lodging, and you’ll be able to focus fully on your studies.”

Jheel immediately looks up at him. There’s a distinct glimmer in Taksh’s eyes, as he knows this offer is extremely good, one that she won’t be able to refuse easily. This offer would solve her problems and alleviate his concerns about her well-being. But to his surprise, things aren’t unfolding the way he had expected. Jheel simply sits there in deep thought, prompting him to ask gently,

“Any problem, Miss Maheshwari?”

“Sir, I don’t want to take undue advantage of the college’s facilities. I’m already pursuing my studies through a scholarship, and that alone is a huge opportunity for me. I manage well enough with small part-time jobs, and I’ll continue to do so. I personally know a few students who worked really hard but weren’t fortunate enough to receive scholarships. On top of that, they’re now struggling with accommodation issues. You know better than anyone how expensive it is to live and study in Mumbai. In such a scenario, I think this opportunity should be given to someone who truly needs it, someone who deserved a scholarship but didn’t get it. At the very least, they should get some relief somewhere.”

Taksh begins observing her more closely. He hadn’t expected such a response from Jheel and wasn’t at all prepared for it. Especially because just last night, he had seen what she had been doing at the club to earn money, something he never wanted her to do again. That thought instantly makes him firm as he replies.

“Do you even realize what a huge opportunity you’re turning down? Such chances aren’t handed out so easily. You’re an exceptional student, and your skills have impressed even me. That’s why I personally ensured that this accommodation would be offered to you…”

“Sir, I’m genuinely thankful that you thought about me with such concern. But sir, I have certain principles in my life. I earned this scholarship through my hard work, and now I want to work hard for the rest of my life as well. I know I can do it. So I don’t want to accept unnecessary support that might be more deserving for someone else.”

By now, Taksh realizes clearly that he won’t be able to convince Jheel to accept the hostel offer. However, a new concern begins to rise in him: her safety. He begins to worry again and attempts to bring up the topic indirectly.

“So… Have you found a job for yourself yet?… Do you think managing both college and work is going to be that easy?”

“I don’t know whether it’ll be easy or not, but I’ll at least try,”

She says with quiet determination. Taksh can clearly see the difference in her demeanor after the incident last night. When they had first met, she was a bubbly, talkative girl who couldn’t stop chatting. But today, her words carried a heavy seriousness that disturbed him deeply. His mind races; he needs to find a way to protect this girl, no matter what. Just then, Jheel speaks softly,

“Sir, where I used to live earlier, there was a hospital nearby. So, after college, I used to go straight there. I would help the doctors take care of patients. I don’t have any nursing certificate, but the uncle who worked there helped me a lot. Thanks to him, I was able to earn and save some money. Additionally, there are many hospitals in this area. I’m sure someone, somewhere, must be in need of help. I’ve already approached two or three hospitals. If you know someone in the medical field, could you please let me know? I might really need your help in this matter.”

Her voice, although steady, sparkles with a glimmer of hope toward the end. When she speaks with such innocent eagerness, Taksh finds himself getting lost in her words. For two minutes, he remains completely silent, simply staring at her. This makes Jheel a bit uneasy; she quickly looks down and bows her head slightly, avoiding his gaze. That brings Taksh out of his deep thoughts, and he immediately asks,

“You know how to handle patients well?”

“Yes, sir… I did it throughout my graduation, for three years straight. If you want, I can even get in touch with that doctor uncle. He’ll tell you about my experience. I know how to give injections properly. I’m good with inserting drips. And if the patient has any other issues, I know how to handle those too. I’ve done this work very sincerely for a long time.”

She quickly takes out her phone, searching for her previous doctor’s number while explaining everything to Taksh. She doesn’t want to lose any opportunity to secure a job, especially something like this. She had already tried in a few hospitals, but everyone was asking for experience, and since she wasn’t a certified nurse and had only volunteered, it wasn’t enough for them. Still, the doctor she had worked with would pay her for her assistance, and that income helped her maintain a stable life.

Taksh finds her sudden enthusiasm and bright voice refreshing. As she enthralls him with her work and the renewed hope in her eyes, a stirring sensation stirs within him. For the first time since their conversation began, Taksh notices the return of the old, lively Jheel, and a strange sense of relief and admiration quietly rises within him.

As soon as she finds the doctor’s number, Jheel’s face lights up with a wide smile. She eagerly moves forward to hand the phone to Taksh, who takes it from her without breaking eye contact. Instead of calling the number right away, he dials it on his phone, which makes Jheel feel a little awkward. The next moment, he quickly enters his number into her phone and gives a ring to his device. Jheel watches the action quietly, a bit surprised, but still innocent in her expression. Taksh couldn’t take his eyes off her because of the simplicity and trust with which she was handling the situation. Her face was filled with questions she wasn’t voicing, and he finally said,

“Why should I call the doctor in front of you? I’ve saved the number. I’ll speak to him myself, in my own time, and get a proper understanding of your background. Handling patients is no easy job; it requires solid work ethics and experience. You're not a certified nurse, and you don't hold any formal qualification for this kind of role. If I am to recommend you anywhere, I need to have some concrete information in hand.”

“Yes, sir… You are absolutely right. After all, how can you ever be wrong? You’re a professor… and a businessman too, so it’s in your very nature to be correct all the time, isn't it?” she says, teasingly sarcastic.

Taksh can’t help but let out a soft laugh at her playful response. Trying to cover her excitement again, Jheel lowers her head and quietly adds,

“Sorry, sir… Actually, I really do need a job. And the way you were talking gave me a little hope. Besides, I’m sure you have many contacts. If you recommend me anywhere, I might actually get a job. Please speak with that doctor uncle properly. I’m confident you won’t be disappointed.”

Taksh nods slightly and hands her phone back while saying,

“Alright, I’ll see what I can do for you. But remember one thing: if this affects your studies in any way, I won’t be okay with it. So think carefully before making any decisions. If I do find a suitable job for you, I’ll call you. I’ve saved your number. And one more thing… until we find a student to fill this hostel spot, I’ll keep the recommendation open for you. If you change your mind, you can still opt for the hostel room.”

“No sir, please give it to someone who truly deserves it. I’m confident I’ll find a way with my own efforts. And if no hospital works out… or I can’t find a job… well, I make great samosas… I can sell samosas in the evenings too.

She says with a big, innocent grin. Taksh looks at her in surprise, and only then does she realize what she’s just said. Her eyes widen, and she immediately sticks her tongue out playfully, biting it between her teeth as if scolding herself.

“Sorry, sir… Deep-fried food isn’t even healthy. I should go now…”

Grabbing her phone, she turns quickly and starts heading toward the door. Taksh, trying hard to stifle his laughter, calls out,

“Jheel…”

She turns around nervously. She was worried now, worried that she had said too much in front of a professor, someone who seemed so strict and serious. Back in her hometown college, she would talk like this with professors she knew well. But here, in a new city and in front of someone like Taksh, she felt embarrassed. Slowly, she turns around to look at him, and he smiles softly and says,

“I like samosas.”

Without saying a word, she immediately opens the door and walks out in a rush. It felt like he was mocking her, and she suddenly felt incredibly embarrassed about how she had behaved. As soon as she steps out, she lightly slaps her forehead and mutters to herself,

“What is wrong with your mouth? Always running like a scissor… Can’t you just stop and think before speaking? If he really was considering helping you get a job, now he must be thinking you’re completely crazy. You’d drive a patient mad just by talking. You’re such a fool. Maybe selling samosas is actually the best option for you now…”

Back in the room, Taksh is still smiling. The innocence and transparency with which Jheel spoke, how she shared everything on her mind without filtering, was genuinely amusing to him. For a while, he simply sits there smiling, replaying their interaction in his head. Then, pulling himself together, he takes out the doctor’s number and dials it immediately.

“Hello, Dr. Sharma… I wanted to inquire about a girl named Jheel Maheshwari who used to work at your hospital. Actually, I have a patient who requires a caregiver, and if you could provide me with detailed information about this girl, it would really help me make a decision.”

“Jheel?” the doctor repeats with familiarity. “Yes, she worked in my hospital. Her grandfather was a close friend of mine. After he passed away, she faced some serious financial difficulties, so I hired her. She may not have formal nursing experience like registered professionals, but let me tell you honestly, this girl is no less than a trained nurse. She takes excellent care of patients and is extremely sincere in her work. I can personally vouch that you will never have a single complaint about her performance. You’ll just need to explain the patient’s medications and routine clearly. Even if you never look her way again, I assure you, she will manage everything on her own with complete dedication. She’s very serious about her responsibilities and loves doing her job with perfection.”

A gentle smile spreads across Taksh’s face as he listens. Slowly, he begins asking Dr. Sharma more detailed questions about Jheel, and the doctor patiently answers each one.

After the call ends, Taksh taps his fingers softly on the table, deep in thought. Then, speaking to himself in a low, decisive voice, he murmurs,

“I’ll have to talk to Papa about this.”