People often talk about how we live in Kalyug, the era where everything is falling apart, claiming it’s the end of the world. But how many of them actually stop to think about themselves? It’s easy to blame the world, society, or others for all the problems around us, but real change has to start from within. If people want to stop the world from heading towards destruction, they need to first look at their own actions.

We tend to judge others so quickly, yet forget that even our smallest actions can add to the problems we complain about. If we are part of the issue, how can we rightfully judge anyone else? Whether it’s through being selfish, careless, or not thinking about the consequences of what we do, we contribute to the very chaos we blame on others.

So before judging, before pointing fingers at the world and calling it broken, people need to reflect on themselves. If you’re even a small part of the destruction, then you lose the right to stand on the sidelines and judge others. Real change happens when each of us takes responsibility for our actions. The world won’t get better by blaming it on Kalyug, but by each person doing their part to make it better.

And that is exactly what makes me love Viaansh so much. He may not have much—his finances are far from stable—but he would never turn away someone in need. The day he refuses to help the less fortunate, I might as well change my name, because that would never happen.

Right now, he’s sitting on the footpath, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watches a homeless child happily devour the burger he just handed him. A stranger, a middle-aged man passing by, couldn’t help but offer his unsolicited opinion. "Beta, these people are lazy. Don’t help them; they’ll never learn to work if we keep giving them handouts."

Without missing a beat, Viaansh gave him a polite smile, his tone calm yet firm. "Thank you, Sir, for your advice, but I don’t recall asking for your money, so why intrude?"

The man’s face tightened in irritation, and as he walked away, he muttered some choice words under his breath. Viaansh, however, remained unbothered, his attention already back on the child, showing me once again why his heart is so much richer than most people’s wealth.

"Thank you, bhaiya. Ish, jodi aapnar moto manush aaro thakto ei prithibite," (I wish there were more people like you in this world.) the boy said, his eyes glistening with gratitude.

Viaansh smiled warmly, gently ruffling the boy’s hair. "Don’t worry about the world, kid. Focus on your own life," he chuckled softly, "you’re not that big yet."

The boy nodded, finishing the last bite of his burger. After another heartfelt "thank you," he headed on his way, leaving Viaansh watching him with a quiet satisfaction, as if he'd done something that truly mattered.

Viaansh turned towards me, his eyes soft as he approached. Gently, he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. "Sorry for making you wait," he said, his voice warm with sincerity.

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "Now I love you even more," I whispered, the truth of it sinking in deeper than ever.

He chuckled, a sound that sent warmth through me, and then leaned in to press a tender kiss on my temple. It wasn’t just affection—it was a quiet reassurance that no matter what, he was exactly the man I had fallen for.

We were on our way home, our bags filled from a day of shopping, when we saw him—a small child, thin and dirty, standing on the corner, his hands outstretched as he begged for food. The sight of him stopped us in our tracks, our excitement from the day’s shopping fading instantly. While others passed him by without a glance, something shifted in Viaansh. Without a word, he left my side, his focus entirely on the boy. It was in moments like these that his heart spoke louder than anything else.

"Shall we go home now?" Viaansh asked softly, his arm still around my waist, his voice gentle, as if the moment with the child had settled something deep inside him.

I looked up at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Can we go to Howrah Bridge to watch the sunset?" I asked, my heart craving the calm beauty of the evening sky, a quiet moment together after such a meaningful day.

His eyes softened as he nodded, the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Of course," he said. And just like that, the world seemed a little more peaceful, knowing we would soon be standing beneath that brilliant orange sky, side by side, watching the sun melt into the horizon.

Viaansh gently nudged me towards the bike, but I shook my head with a soft smile.

"Let’s walk. It’s not that far from here," I said, craving the simplicity of a stroll through the streets, just the two of us.

He paused for a moment, then nodded with a grin. "Okay," he agreed, slipping his hand into mine as we began walking together, the evening air brushing past us. There was something intimate about the quiet footsteps, the sounds of the city in the background, and knowing we had nowhere to rush to—just each other and the approaching sunset.

"Hmmm... So tell me, how is Adrit handling his grief?" Viaansh asked, his voice gentle as we walked side by side.

I sighed, the weight of last night’s memories still heavy on my heart. "Last night, as I told you, he was completely broken. He slept hugging me, seeking comfort in silence. But this morning, it was like nothing had happened. Everyone was acting normal, like they always do, and it frustrates me. They still treat me like a kid, as if I can't handle their problems, as if I'm not capable of helping or consoling them."

I paused, the words spilling out faster than I intended. "They don’t realize I’m old enough to shoulder some of that burden. I tried to talk to Adrit, to get him to open up, but it was no use. He just shut down, refusing to discuss anything. But his eyes... they told a different story. They were red from crying, from exhaustion and grief, even though he tried so hard to hide it."

Viaansh gave my hand a gentle squeeze, understanding in his silence, as we continued towards the bridge.

"At least they try to keep you away from the harsh reality," Viaansh said softly, his voice dipping into something deeper, more personal. "Some people have to suffer on their own, facing all the challenges life throws at them with a smile, without anyone’s help."

His words hung in the air as we stopped at the midpoint of the bridge, the vast sea stretching out beneath us. I turned to him, the weight of his unspoken pain settling between us. Without a second thought, I gently cupped his face in my hands, my eyes searching his.

"You're not alone," I whispered, my thumb brushing his cheek. "You don’t have to face everything with a smile all the time."

"You can come to me and cry," I whispered, my voice full of reassurance as I held my face in my hand. "I will always be there to wipe your tears and whisper sweet nothings to you. I'll crack the silliest jokes just to make you laugh. And if anyone ever dared to say that men don't cry, I swear I'll punch their face so hard, their eyes will bleed- if not from tears, then from blood."

He chuckled softly, a glint of warmth in his eyes, but I could see the emotion behind his smile. I wasn't just offering comfort- I was promising to stand by him, no matter how hard the world tried to make him believe he had to carry everything alone.

"Looks like I’ve got a strong girl in my life," he said, a playful grin crossing his face.

I pulled my hands back and shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I already told you—act as childish as you want today, Vian. I’m here to protect you."

He raised an eyebrow, his smile softening. "Hmmm... you did say that," he murmured, his tone carrying a mix of amusement and affection.

We both held each other's gaze for a while, the silence between us thick with unspoken words. But then, as if we both felt the same ridiculousness of the moment, we burst out laughing—loud, carefree, and unrestrained.

Our laughter echoed over the bridge, blending with the soft hum of the city below and the distant sound of the waves. It was one of those moments where everything just felt lighter, where all the weight we carried slipped away, even if just for a little while.

As we laughed, I noticed tears starting to slip from the corners of his eyes, blending into his smile. Slowly, our laughter faded, the weight of unspoken emotions settling between us once again. Without a word, Viaansh pulled me into a bone-crushing hug, his arms wrapping tightly around me as if I was his anchor.

He buried his face in the crook of my neck, his breath warm against my skin, as I held him just as tightly. In that moment, words weren’t needed. It was his silent surrender, the walls he’d built crumbling in the safety of our embrace, and I knew he finally felt it—that he didn’t have to carry everything on his own anymore.

"Viaansh," I whispered softly, my voice barely audible.

"Hmmm?" he hummed against my skin, sending a soft, tingling sensation through me.

I smiled, my amusement bubbling up as I tilted my head towards the horizon. "Look at the scenery," I whispered, a touch of awe in my voice.

He slowly pulled back, his arms loosening around me as he turned to look forward. The sky was painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple, the sun dipping low, casting its glow across the water below. The beauty of the moment seemed to wrap itself around us, quiet and breathtaking, making everything feel lighter, as if the world had paused just for us.

The sunset stretched across the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking cascade of colors. The sun, now a glowing orb of deep orange, hovered just above the water’s edge, casting long, golden streaks across the river. Hues of pink and lavender blended into the fading blue of the sky, creating a soft, dreamlike transition from day to night.

The water below shimmered, reflecting the brilliant colors like liquid gold, gently rippling with the breeze. The bridge's silhouette stood stark against the glowing sky, framing the scene with its majestic arches. It felt as if time had slowed, the city’s usual rush fading into the background as the world was bathed in the quiet warmth of the setting sun. The air was cool, but the glow of the sunset wrapped everything in a gentle, comforting embrace.

In that moment, it wasn’t just the scenery that captivated us—it was the stillness, the beauty, and the fleeting nature of it all, reminding us how small yet significant such moments can be. The sky was on fire with the last light of the day, and it felt like it was painting a canvas just for us, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of something new.

"Wow..." Viaansh whispered, his voice barely audible, filled with awe as he gazed at the mesmerizing sky.

"Indeed," I echoed softly, my eyes also glued to the stunning scene before us. The sunset, in all its quiet beauty, seemed to speak louder than any words we could find, filling the space between us with a shared sense of wonder and calm.

Suddenly, Viaansh turned to me, his eyes intense yet soft.

"Aadhu... I know it’ll be difficult to convince your parents. I know it’s not as easy as we’d like to think. But with you by my side, I can do anything. If begging for you in front of your parents means I get that one companion who will stand strong in front of my mother, giving me space to break down and cry in a room, then I’m ready for it. I just know one thing, Aadhira—kar lenge yaar."

Tears welled up in my eyes, the emotion in his words overwhelming me. I chuckled through my tears, nodding as they spilled over. "Kar lenge yaar," I echoed, my heart swelling with love and determination. We could do this—together.

I rose up on my toes and placed a soft peck on his lips, intending to be just a brief moment. But it seemed Viaansh had other plans. Just as I was about to step away, he pulled me back, his hands firm yet gentle, claiming my lips with a slow lingering kiss. His eyes fluttered shut, and the surprise left me frozen for a second, my own eyes wide open.

As I regained my senses I found myself unable to look away from him. His long lashes rested delicately on his cheeks, and his face had flushed a soft shade of red. There was a serenity in his expression, like that of a newborn in peaceful slumber, as though, in this moment he was free from the heavy burdens he carried. It was a calmness I have rarely seen in anyone.

But then he nibbles at my lower lip, catching me off guard. I gasped in that moment, he slid his tongue into my mouth, deepening the kiss. Instinctively my arms wrapped around his neck, my fingers threading through his hair holding him close. His tongue explored every part of my mouth with intensity that made my heart race, but I didn't fight for control. I let him lead, let him pour all the unspoken emotions into that kiss, as if it was the only way he knew how to express the depths of what he felt.

We finally broke the kiss, both of us breathless and flushed. But just before pulling away completely, Viaansh leaned in and pecked my lips twice, soft and tender, as if he couldn't quite let go yet. Then, with the same gentleness, he pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead, his touch filled with a quiet affection that made my heart swell even more.

In that moment, everything felt right—the world around us fading as we stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth, the sunset still painting the sky in the background.

I buried my face in his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my cheek. His warmth enveloped me, bringing a sense of peace that I couldn’t find in words. He let out a soft chuckle, the sound vibrating through his chest.

His arms tightened around me, holding me close as he whispered, "What are you hiding for?"

I smiled against his shirt, not needing to answer. In that moment, I just wanted to stay there, wrapped in his embrace, feeling safe and content.

"Come on, Mahika… Stop running here and there."

We both froze in place, our bodies stiffening as the familiar voice echoed in the air. My heart skipped a beat as I looked up at Viaansh, his eyes just as wide as mine, the same shock mirrored in his gaze.

That voice—it was unmistakable. Adrit’s voice.

We exchanged a look, the weight of the realization settling between us. Neither of us had expected to hear him, let alone in this moment. My mind raced, piecing together what I had just heard. Mahira? Was that his girlfriend with him? The sudden tension hung heavy, like a storm waiting to break.

Viaansh, always quick to act, grabbed my hand and started leading me in the opposite direction, his pace hurried, his grip firm.

"Viaansh," I whispered, trying to slow him down, but he didn’t respond. His eyes were fixed ahead, determined to avoid any confrontation.

"Viaan," I called again, louder this time.

"VIAAN!" I finally stopped in my tracks, tugging on his hand until he turned to look at me, his face etched with urgency.

"What?" he said, frustration lacing his voice. "We need to move before your brother sees us."

I shook my head, taking a breath. "Viaan, the bridge is sealed from that side. We have no choice… we have to go from the side where Adrit is."

His expression faltered for a moment, and I could see the hesitation in his eyes. He glanced toward the other end of the bridge where Adrit’s voice had come from, his jaw clenched as the reality of our situation sank in.

"Come on," Viaansh murmured, taking a deep breath as he led us toward where Adrit and Mahika were. We moved cautiously, each step deliberate and quiet, like two kids sneaking out past curfew.

"Adrit is facing the sea, so we can slip by behind them," Viaansh explained, his voice low. "Don’t worry, we won’t get caught."

I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "Are you telling this to me or yourself? Your hand is sweating, for God’s sake."

I deadpanned, and he looked down at our intertwined hands, realizing the truth of what I said. His lips curled into a sheepish smile. "Okay, maybe a bit of both," he admitted, trying to brush off the tension with a chuckle.

I couldn’t help but smile back, though the nervous energy still buzzed between us.

As we were just about to pass them, Adrit and Mahira suddenly turned around. Without missing a beat, Viaansh reacted quickly, slamming himself against the other side of the bridge, pulling me tightly against him. His back faced Adrit, shielding me as he looked down at me, eyes wide with panic and nervousness.

I could barely hold back a giggle—the whole situation was so ridiculous, and Viaansh’s exaggerated reaction wasn’t helping.

"Why is this guy suffocating the hell out of that poor girl?" I heard Mahika's voice cut through the tension.

"Even I’m confused," Adrit replied.

Then came the sound of footsteps heading toward us. Viaansh’s panic rose, his grip tightening. Thinking fast, I took his hand and pulled it up to cover my face, doing the same for him as I pressed my lips to his, effectively hiding both our faces.

"Eww… these people don’t have shame. Making out in a family area," I heard Adrit mutter in disgust.

I stifled a laugh, but Viaansh seemed to have completely forgotten about the situation, fully focused on using the kiss as an opportunity to intensify it, making my lips tingle under his passion.

"Come, Mahi… we should go," Adrit said, clearly uncomfortable.

"Hmmm… let’s give the couple some privacy," Mahika chimed in.

Their footsteps finally faded as they walked away, leaving us alone once more.

I tapped Viaansh’s shoulder, signaling him to finally release my lips. He chuckled, the sound deep and playful, while I couldn’t help but giggle in response. The tension from a moment ago had completely melted away, replaced with a lightness that made everything feel even more absurd and amusing.

Viaansh gripped my hand firmly, pulling me toward his bike. We both climbed on, the engine roaring to life as we sped toward my house, the night unfolding around us.

Viaansh brought his Bullet to a halt just a short distance from my home, ensuring no one would spot us. I stepped off the bike, and he removed his helmet, his eyes lingering on me with an almost wistful gaze.

"See you tomorrow in college," he said softly, his voice carrying a trace of something deeper.

I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips.

'Hmm.'

"Bye," I waved, my heart racing a little faster.

"Bye," he replied, his voice quieter now.

Just as I turned to leave, I felt him tug me back, his hand pulling me toward him.

"I love you," he whispered, his words wrapping around my heart.

A soft laugh escaped me as I cupped his cheek, gazing into his eyes.

"I love you too."

His eyes fluttered shut as he pressed a tender, lingering kiss to my forehead, leaving me breathless.

"Go," he said, his voice low but filled with longing.

I nodded, taking a few steps toward my house, but before I could fully turn away, I heard the roar of his engine. I glanced back, watching as his figure disappeared into the distance, leaving me with a lingering warmth that only he could stir.