She knows

"Naaaakulllllll...What are you doing", the puppy was back to clinging to his beloved master. Of course his master had started loving the attention too.

"haha...I'm trying to cook here...will you move?" Nakul lightly shrugged Dhiraj off of him as he giggled lightly. Dhiraj was hugging Nakul from behind as Nakul was cooking their lunch.

"What is this....?!" Dhiraj asked, pointing towards the greens ready to be cooked.

"That's spinach"

"Eww...Why are you making this?"

"Coz its healthy"

"But it tastes so bad"

"No.....The way I make it, it won't"

"Can't we try something else?" Dhiraj put up his puppy eyes in an attempt to convince his baby.

"What are you? A kid? Don't throw tantrums. You HAVE to eat it"

Dhiraj pouted more as he knew Nakul had left him with no other option. Well, he did have the option to order something for him. He wasn't really obligated to eat what Nakul cooked. But how could he miss what his baby cooked for him?

Out of nowhere Nakul remembered something. "Today's the 17'th right?" he confirmed with Dhiraj. "The kids' exams are gonna start soon. I hope they are studying wel...." Nakul started with his usual chatter but Dhiraj wasn't paying attention to him unlike he usually would. Instead he was staring into space, lost in his own thoughts. It was because the date reminded him of something. His body froze as he recalled something he didn't want to. 'It's coming soon.'

"iraj.....Dhiraj...?!" Nakul's voice brought him back from unwanted memories.

"Huh?"

"What happened?"

"No....ha ha..." Dhiraj let out an awkward laugh, pretending everything was fine, "nothing....everything is fine"

'Don't pay attention to it. It's just another normal day. There's nothing to it. Don't think.' Dhiraj forced himself to get back in the moment, not wanting to think about that one particular issue. So, he decided to divert his attention to something else.

"I was just thinking about what we can do tonight. You know...maybe a movie, followed by a warm bath...together...and then maybe we can sleep.....together?!" Dhiraj was being suggestive.

Despite doing quite some 'stuff' together, he and Nakul never actually slept together. And for Dhiraj, sleeping together in each other's arms was an important step for getting closer. Although sleeping on 1 bed won't make a humongous difference, Nakul for some reason didn't dare to do that. Things were already....complicated in his mind. Despite indulging in the physical pleasures, Nakul was afraid of the emotional attachment he might get himself entangled in. 'If I actually sleep with him, I'm afraid I'll.....'

~Ding Dong.

The doorbell interrupted their train of thoughts. They both were startled. 'Who could it be?' Dhiraj went to the door and through the camera saw that it was none other than his Step-mother, or rather his father's wife(in his words), Avanti. 'Why is she here?' He swung the door open.

Replacing the usual welcome greetings with a suspicious look, Dhiraj questioned her, "What are you doing here?"

"What?! I'm here to see my son."

'Son'?! Dhiraj couldn't help but roll his eyes at that statement. He found it funny because they never really had the relationship a mother and son would have.

"What?! Can't I come to see my son?!" Avanti purposely tried to ruffle Dhiraj's features. Dhiraj just kept sternly staring at her. Of course, he won't be convinced by that answer. So she continued in an attempt to pacify him, "I was just in the neighborhood for a meeting. But it got canceled. So I thought, I should see you." She smiled looking at Dhiraj.

Dhiraj wasn't sure about her intentions. She was a sharp woman who picked up on things immediately. Keeping in mind how she had suggested Dhiraj to get married once plus she cleared up his past shenanigans, he didn't want her to get even a slightest whiff of Nakul.

"Okay great. Now that we've met. You can leave" Dhiraj pressed on a businessy smile, indicating she had to leave. Of course, Avanti didn't come all the way to just leave.

"Oh. You won't even invite me in?"

Dhiraj still stood in front of her, as if blocking her way. So she used her trump card.

"Why?! Is someone in?" She waited for Dhiraj's reply.

"Who is it, Dhiraj?" Nakul called for Dhiraj as he wondered why Dhiraj was taking so much time. Avanti acted surprised, her eyes questioning Dhiraj 'who it was'. Now Dhiraj had no other option but to let Avanti in. Dhiraj moved and made a way for her to enter.

"It's Avanti, '' Dhiraj screamed, visibly irritated.

But ignoring that, Avanti made her way in. Nakul saw her entering, and immediately froze. How could he not? As he instantly recognized who she was and how she was related to Dhiraj.

"Hello!! I didn't know Dhiraj had a company." She let out her endearing smile as she greeted the young man standing in the kitchen.

'Ha...He looks like a baby.' She right away got to the task of analyzing Nakul.

"Hello" Nakul gave an awkward reply. "I am...."

He was still too stunned to speak. Dhiraj sensed his baby's awkwardness. He was well aware of how much Nakul was already pushing his mental limits to just be with Dhiraj and how he was still confused and anxious to be with Dhiraj. In no way did he want Nakul to be anxious or push himself more for Dhiraj's sake. And so, he quickly jumped in for his baby.

"This is Nakul. He's my roommate."

Nakul let out a mental sigh of relief. It's best to introduce them as "non-physically entangled" people.

Since she knew exactly how Nakul and Dhiraj were involved, she found it rather amusing how Dhiraj was trying to cover up their relationship. 'The usual Dhiraj would've never tried to hide his interests. It's interesting how he's acting. Let me have my share of fun as long as it's lasting.' She made up her mind to pull Dhiraj's leg more.

"Roommate?!" Avanti exclaimed in an exaggerated manner. That reaction made the ever calm Dhiraj a bit anxious.

"Yes. I was getting a bit lonely. So I got in touch with Nakul, my good friend-" Dhiraj pointed towards Nakul and all, an-already-covered in cold sweat Nakul could do, was smile awkwardly, "-and we decided to move in together"

"Ahh. So you got lonely. That's understandable..." Avanti pretended to be understanding, " it's just that, your usual methods of handling your loneliness are a bit different. Aren't they usually limited to.....like a night's sleepover?!" Avanti subtly hinted towards the looooooong strand of one-night stands Dhiraj had in the past.

Now Dhiraj was pissed. To a certain extent what Avanti said was true. Dhiraj did use physical closure as a means to fill the void he experienced in the past. But things were different now. He found the sort of relationship he always seeked. The kind in which the person in front is bound with him. A relationship that will give him the assurance that the other person won't leave him. A relationship in which...his baby needs him.

"You don't need to be interested in what I am doing Avanti" said Dhiraj in a dead serious tone. The loveable puppy was long gone. It was instead replaced by the wild and crazy dog the world knew him as.

Avanti was well aware of how much she can test Dhiraj's limits. And when Dhiraj called her by her name; that was a sign that she shouldn't cross her line. Hence Avanti decided he had to let go of the topic. With a smile she replied, "Okay!! Why don't you introduce me to your friend?"

Dhiraj let out an irritated sigh. "Nakul, This is Avanti, my dad's wife". The look in Avanti's eyes changed. Although Dhiraj and Avanti didn't exactly have a mother-son like relationship, she couldn't help but dislike the way Dhiraj introduced her. Nakul noticed that look in Avanti's eyes. He could...just sense how she felt.

'My dad's wife?! Is that how he sees her? Sure she isn't his real mother, but he could be a little considerate of her feelings.' But keeping his doubts aside, Nakul began,

"Hello Mrs. Raghuvanshi. I am Nakul Shirvastav. I'm a highschool teacher. You are an inspiration for the kids at my school. Some kids even consider you as their idol." Nakul went on to praise Avanti's accomplishments in the business sector.

"Hi Nakul. I am Dhiraj's mother-" Dhiraj rolled his eyes at that comment which didn't go unescaped from both the parties." And it is my absolute pleasure meeting you. Dhiraj rarely introduces me with his....friends" She stressed on the word 'friends'

"Why should I?" Dhiraj retorted.

Avanti ignored that remark and continued, "I was in this neighborhood for a meeting. But it got canceled at the last minute. So I thought I should see Dhiraj. I hope you don't mind me coming here." She completed in her ever charming tone. Nakul could help but be blown away by her strong yet elegant aura.

"I am so grateful you decided to visit. I'm so honored." said a Nakul who was totally mesmerized by Avanti's charms.

"Aww....it's nothing. Plus I had to visit. This young man-" She said pointing towards Dhiraj, "- never has time to meet us...."

"That's ironic keeping in mind the fact that we see each other at least 4 times a week" Dhiraj snapped.

~Awkward silence

'Why is he being so salty towards her? He was fine minutes ago?' Nakul couldn't help but question the sudden shift in Dhiraj's attitude. He always behaved like a sweet adorable puppy in front of him then why was he so agitated suddenly?

"Well, I wasn't talking about me. I meant your father. Why don't you show your face to him once in a while?". Avanti's tone changed. It was as if she was pleading to Dhiraj, " He misses you so much. You should see him. Especially now that your mother's-"

"We should get done with lunch right?" Dhiraj interrupted, a rather deliberate attempt he made to stop Avanti from completing her sentence. "I mean....you are a busy person. You shouldn't be wasting your precious time." Dhiraj loudly pulled out the chair of the dinning table. He pressed another deliberate smile hinting Avanti to drop the topic, have the food and.....get lost.

Avanti understood that gesture. So she let go of the topic and sat on the chair Dhiraj pulled. Nakul was unaware of their ongoing hints. Rather he passed them off as harmless banters between a mother and a son.

"What do we have for lunch?"

"It's spinach," Nakul replied with a polite smile, as he started setting the table. Hearing that, Avanti seriously questioned whether her decision of coming all the way to Dhiraj's apartment just to be served spinach was even worth it? And her doubts were voiced by Dhiraj.

"Do we really have to eat it?" Dhiraj went back to pouting and that was a sight Avanti had never seen before. There were only 3 faces of Dhiraj that she was acquainted with:

1st- Dhiraj, the charmer-cum-player

2nd- Dhiraj, the businessman

And 3rd- Dhiraj, the arrogant narcissist.

She had no idea Dhiraj could be such a....baby.

"What are you a kid?-" Nakul scolded Dhiraj, but soon altered his tone the moment he realized they both weren't alone. "I mean...Spinach is healthy. You MUST eat it..." His eyes screamed 'you-don't-have-any-other-option-but-to-eat' to Dhiraj. Reluctantly, Dhiraj sat.

He has Dhiraj wrapped around his fingers. That's something new. Avanti was too taken aback by the little banter going on in front of her. Soon Nakul served her the food. It was a simple meal. Spinach with a chapati and carrots.

Seeing Avanti hesitant, Nakul reassured her, "Trust me Mrs Raghuvanshi. You will like it". He gave her his adorable smile.

'Adorable.' Both Dhiraj and Avanti found themselves remarking in their minds.

Despite being unsure, Avanti took a bite. And she was stunned. It was indeed good.. A tint of spiciness that just fitted to her taste.

"Ummm. This is good. I thought it would taste bitter. But it's so good" Avanti wasn't able to hold back her thoughts anymore. Dhiraj had a similar reaction. He too liked it!!

"Umm...It's really good. Raghav....I mean Dhiraj's dad will love this" Avanti wasn't able to contain her feelings about the delicious meal anymore. "He absolutely loves home cooked food." Nakul could feel the once tense atmosphere lighten as Avanti started praising Nakul's food while chatting about regular things. "And I suck at anything related to cooking. He always keeps talking about Ragini's food...." She paused at the mention of Ragini, Dhiraj's mother.

She could just feel the displeasure on Dhiraj's face without even looking at him. She was well aware about how much he disliked bringing Ragini [Dhiraj's mother] up in conversations. Despite knowing that, she continued, " He adored her cooking and-"

"Avanti. I'm sure you have some other meetings lined up that you have to attend. Shouldn't we just get done with lunch?" Dhiraj said in an upsetting tone.

"I'm just trying to get to know Nakul better"

"There's no need of that"

"I think there is."

The once lightened mood was sullied once again. And this time it was Dhiraj who was doing that.

'Why does he talk to her like that? She only wants to spend more time with him. Or am I missing something? Is she like an evil step mother who only tries to be nice in front of others so she can maintain an image?..... No! I don't think Mrs Raghuvanshi is like that. She is an idol for many women.' Nakul tried to understand why Dhiraj was being so spiteful to her.

"Then there's no need to talk about someone else. Just have your food and leave." Dhiraj said in a distasteful manner.

Both Nakul and Avanti understood who this "Someone else" was. Nakul couldn't help but notice a pattern. Dhiraj hated talking about his mother. Rather every time his mother's topic was brought up, he showcased as if he didn't care. But the angst in his demeanor was evident.

Avanti abided by Dhiraj's assertion. "Okay. Then let's talk about Nakul. Tell me something about yourself Nakul. You said you are a highschool teacher right?"

Nakul sat up immediately. The nervousness that had vanished seeped in once again. He couldn't help but feel he was being interrogated for marriage by his to-be-in-laws.

"Yes, Mrs Raghuvanshi...I..I'm a highschool teacher. Nothing more than that". He let out a weak chuckle as he suddenly became aware of the difference of status and position between a managing director of a huge company and a highschool teacher. But still, he persisted. " Its nothing fancy like an MD...but...I like it....hehe"

"Well, as long as you are enjoying what you are doing and good at it, nothing else matters. Plus teachers are the most important pillar of a society. You are doing a great job" That simple statement from Avanti made Nakul proud of himself.

"Yeah. He's good at what he does. Students love you right?" And the lovesick puppy made a comeback.

Avanti noticed the sudden change on Dhiraj's face. Their eyes met and Dhiraj instantly went back to his stoic face. Pretending he didn't just go head over heels crazy for his baby. Avanti got back to questioning Nakul.

"What else do you like to do?"

"Ahh....I...like to cook. It's something I really enjoy. And watching movie....Mostly boring indoor stuff. It's nothing that interesting. Ha ha." Nakul got somewhat embarrassed admitting the plain things he enjoys.

"No!! It's good that you enjoy indoor stuff. Unlike this young man..."Avanti said pointing at Dhiraj, "There was this one time when he went racing his car on...those tracks....so dangerous...."

"I got to drive those formula 1 cars once. How can I not give them a try?" Dhiraj chimed in.

[A/n: sorry I don't know what those cars are called🥲]

"But they are so dangerous. What if the car flipped? And that one time you jumped off the cliff?" Avanti argued, with hints of concern clearly visible in her eyes. It didn't go unnoticed from Nakul. But an oblivion Dhiraj argue instead,

"I jumped off. Into the sea. It was just water below"

"But what if the water was shallow and there were rocks beneath? Why do you do this risky stuff?"

"Coz that's the real fun"

"And when he went trekking on those steep mountains...."

The arguments/conversation continued and all 3 of them had no idea where 2 hours went by. Avanti realized she must leave. The objective of her meeting was somewhat achieved. She met Nakul, interacted with him and came to the conclusion that he....seemed pretty harmless. But the lingering doubt still continued. 'At the end of the day, he's a monochrome. I will HAVE to make sure that Dhiraj is careful.'

They approached the main door, seeing her out. Dhiraj let out a mental sigh of relief that finally Avanti was leaving. But only a minute later, Avanti held his hand and said, "Dhiraj?! Won't you come down to the car to see me off?"

Now that was a surprising request. Dhiraj had only seen her off when they were at social gatherings. But in private meetings, he couldn't care any less. He was ready to deny the offer, but Avanti squeezed his arms, indicating: you don't have any other option than this.

Dhiraj was still hesitant, but Nakul urged him too, "Yeah. You should see her off. Should I come too?"

"No. That's fine. No need for formalities between me and Dhiraj's friends. Right Dhiraj?" She pressed a smile on her face. Dhiraj knew the meaning of that smile all well. It meant: it's just you I NEED to talk to and we HAVE to discuss this.

Having no other option left, Dhiraj reluctantly gave in.

"Okay. I'll come"

* * *