Advika's pov:

I am truly on cloud nine—is this even real? The paper Reyansh handed me is my admission letter for my postgraduate degree. What makes it even more shock is that I’ve secured a seat at this prestigious institution. Gaining admission to this college was once a dream of mine, but now I am officially enrolled. Tears are streaming down my face as I process the overwhelming joy. I am jolted out of my thoughts by a soothing voice.

"Sweetheart, Don't ever cry in front of me; I know you're emotional and joyful right now, but please don't cry, yaar," he said, brushing away my tears.

I nodded like a five-year-old child. But first of all, I had to thank him.

"Thank you so much, Reyansh," I thanked.

Something struck me , how did he know I had completed my Bachelor's degree, or had he simply assumed? And what will I do about the fees? I can't keep bothering him by making him pay mine.

"Reyansh, how did you know, I have completed my Bachelor's degree?" I asked out my doubt

He chuckled, "Darling, you are the one who told me with your scholarships that you have finished your degree. Did you forget?"

I embarrassed myself, as I always do!

Now he calls me by another name; how many nicknames will he have to give me?

"Actually, Reyansh," I said, feeling low as I wanted to decline this admission, as it seems impossible for me to pay the tuition fees.

He was waiting for me to finish my sentence.

"Reyansh, I don't feel the need to study further; I'm planning to look for a job instead."

I lied, but not entirely, as I urgently need a job to support myself and find a place to stay. I can't keep living with him forever.

"Don't lie, sweetheart. I know you want to continue your studies, and I also understand you're worried about the fees. Let me explain this college is owned by my best friend, and he doesn't charge any fees."

What!!!!

How did he know I was worried about the fees? Did my face give it away? And he really has such wealthy friends. I know he owns this mansion and those cars, but I never expected him to be friends with someone from such a prestigious college.

"Get ready in fifteen minutes; Ms. Sharadha will take you shopping."

I furrowed my brows. Why? Is it really necessary?

"Your college starts in two days, so doesn't my sweetheart need the essentials?"

A light smile spread across my face. He’s the most caring person I’ve ever met. But why can’t he come with me? I would really enjoy his company.

"Wi-Will you come with me too?" I asked, hoping he would agree.

"No," he replied, cutting me off with a cold tone.

The way he said "no" felt like it tore my heart apart.

I know he’s probably not interested in shopping with me, or maybe he’s busy, but he could have used a gentler tone.

I turned on my heels and headed to my room, unknown tears welling up in my eyes. Why does his single "no" cause me so much pain?

After few minutes, I started to get ready for my shopping.

I heard a knock on my door it was Ms. Sharadha.

"Baccha, shall we go?"

For some reason, I hugged her, finding comfort in her embrace. We left for the mall, which was actually quite large. As we started shopping, I carefully checked the prices of the dresses since Reyansh was the one paying.

Reyansh's pov:

     When she saw the admission papers, tears welled up in her eyes, and the most painful part was seeing her cry. It felt like a knife stab into my heart I couldn’t bear to see her in tears. I knew she would come up with excuses, worrying about the fees.

I lied.

I lied to my sweetheart. It’s not my best friend's college

I’m the one who owns it.

I knew that if I told her the truth, she would feel guilty and start thinking of herself as a burden. I don’t want her to be sad. I want her to be the happiest person in the world.

I had already asked Sharadha aunty to take Advika shopping. I really wanted to go with her, but it would only create more problems for her. I don’t want her to get involved in my darker side. If the world knew that the ruthless mafia boss was going shopping with a girl, she would be in the spotlight.

She asked me to come, but I said no, my voice was harsh because I didn’t know what to do. I knew she was hurt, but I couldn’t do anything about it. I watched her leave with Sharadha aunty and, just to be cautious, I had some of my men follow her from a distance.

It had been an hour since she left, and my men in charge had been updating me on her every move.

Suddenly, my phone rang.

"Sir," came the voice on the other end, laced with fear.

"What happened?" I yelled, sensing something was wrong.

"Sir, ma'am is nowhere to be found. She disappeared all of a sudden."

I felt my heart shatter into pieces. My heart was pounding so fast, it felt like it might burst out of my chest at any moment.

"What the hell! I gave you only one job to watch her! What do you mean, she's nowhere to be found?" I exploded.

"Sorry, sir."

"Where is Sharadha? Isn’t she with her?"

"She’s also missing."

What the hell!!!

I slammed the phone down, my hands trembling. Where could she have gone?

I tried calling Advika, but she didn’t pick up. I also called Sharadha’s number, but it went straight to voicemail. The phone was off.