"Abhi, buddy, what's got you lost in thought? Planning to play matchmaker with me and Anisha? If that's the case, I'll have to chase you down like a tornado!" I teased, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

"Don't worry, Rohan! I wouldn't dream of setting you up with a ghost. I was just thinking about Shivina's situation. She's taken on the role of a mother for her sister, who lost her parents at a young age. Must've been quite a challenge," Abhi replied, his expression reflecting understanding.

"Yeah, life's been tossing some curveballs their way. I can relate to her struggles! And what's on your mind, Abhi? Is it about Ilyasi's case?" I asked, genuinely interested.

"I'm just pondering whether this could be a fresh start for Shivina. But my main concern is how she'll find a place to stay. Rohan, we've got to lend a helping hand before Sharad exploits her vulnerability! Agreed?" Abhi suggested, determination lacing his voice.

"Don't worry about that. She's staying at my place starting tomorrow. And as for Dhivya's schooling, she'll be joining the Army Base School where we once wandered the halls! Plus, our sir has entrusted me with being their secret guardian. Everything's sorted," I announced proudly, a smile spreading across my face.

"So that's why she had you send her stuff to your place. Wow, Rohan, that grin of yours says it all! You're thrilled about her stay and the uncle's request, aren't you? I knew it. She's got this enchanting aura, bound to captivate you, my friend! Best of luck!" Abhi exclaimed, giving me a friendly pat on the back.

THE NEXT DAY

As I found myself caught up in the hustle and bustle of the hospital, my lunch break couldn't come soon enough. However, it wasn't the peaceful respite I had hoped for. Instead, Sharad decided to pull one of his annoying stunts, attempting to parade me around like his girlfriend. I swiftly shut him down, my comeback leaving him speechless. But despite his flaws, I couldn't deny that he had been relatively decent to me lately.

His attempts to assert his false narrative made me seriously uncomfortable, prompting me to skip the canteen altogether and head straight to Bheem's uncle's house after picking up Dhivya from school.

"Hey uncle, missed you guys a ton!" I greeted warmly as we entered their cozy abode.

"Hello dear, come on in from the cold. Neelam, whip up some tea for our young guests!" Bheem's uncle welcomed us with his usual hospitality.

"Oh gosh, Neelam Ma's tea! I've missed it so much!" I exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm, the aroma of the brewing tea already comforting me.

"So, how was the stay at Rohan's place? Sorry you couldn't stay here because of my son," Bheem's uncle inquired with a hint of regret, his eyes reflecting genuine concern.

"No worries, uncle! It was a blast. Dhivya and I had a great time, especially at Rohan's," I reassured him, eager to share our positive experiences.

"What do you mean by Rohan's place?" Shubham asked, sounding a bit puzzled, curiosity evident in his voice.

"Yeah, we're crashing at Rohan's pad, and honestly, Uncle Shubham, it's been a blast!" I explained with a chuckle, feeling a bit defensive as I anticipated their reaction.

"Why on earth are you staying there? Why not here at our place???" Shivina's voice carried a hint of annoyance, her brows furrowed in confusion.

"I chose to stay there because... well, let's just say it's more peaceful. Uncle knows the deal. So instead of passing judgment, maybe you should have a chat with him," I replied, trying to keep the frustration out of my tone while subtly reminding them of my decision.

After some light conversation, my uncle and I decided to take a stroll around the neighborhood, enjoying the crisp air and the peaceful surroundings.

"So, feeling happy, dear?" Bheem's uncle asked, a gentle smile gracing his lips as we walked side by side.

"Uncle! After ages, I feel content and at peace. By the way, uncle, Rohan's a good guy, but Sharad... what's his deal?" I confessed, hoping for some insight from the wise elder.

"Why's he bothering you so much?" Bheem's uncle inquired, his concern evident as he listened attentively to my troubles.

"Ah, he's just being a nuisance, trying to keep tabs on me. He's even trying to restrict me from talking to Rohan," I explained, feeling a bit exasperated as I recounted Sharad's antics.

"He'll keep at it. Just tell Rohan directly, whatever happens!" Bheem's uncle advised sagely, his words providing a sense of comfort and reassurance.

Later, back at Rohan's place, we decided to spruce things up a bit with his permission, adding some personal touches to the cozy space. However, our tranquility was soon disrupted by the unexpected return of Anisha.

"Who's that girl? Looks like trouble," I whispered to Rohan, trying to hide my concern as I observed the tense exchange between him and Anisha.

"That's the infamous Anisha. The one girl I've despised my entire life," Rohan replied, looking a bit frazzled, his usual calm demeanor faltering in her presence.

"Poor Rohan! Stuck in a jam. We've got to help him out," I said, determination filling my voice as I resolved to intervene and diffuse the situation.

And so, I decided to unleash another hidden talent - acting, putting on a dramatic performance to protect Rohan and put Anisha in her place.

"Hey, why are you talking to my fiancé like that? Back off from my man," I said dramatically, hoping to throw Anisha off guard and assert my authority.

"Your fiancé? I never thought you'd stoop this low, Rohan!" Anisha exclaimed, her voice filled with hurt and disbelief, as Rohan caught on to my act and played along, leaving Abhi and Sharad dumbfounded by our coordinated performance.

After that little spectacle, Anisha stormed off, leaving behind a trail of shattered hopes and confusion. It left me feeling a tad melancholic too, realizing the depth of the situation and the complexities of human emotions.

"Shivina, gotta hand it to you, your acting was top-notch and it saved the day. Impressive ultimatum you gave her," Abhi complimented, breaking the tense silence that followed our little performance, his words offering a sense of validation and relief.

As Rohan left with a smirk, a brief yet profound silence lingered in the air, leaving us all to contemplate the day's events and the bonds that held us together through thick and thin.