INVISIBLE STRINGS // SARAJ

a shift

Her eyes widened. She hadn't expected this. "Oh, uh... thank you, Sir," she said, her voice betraying a hint of disbelief.

He smiled, clearly enjoying her surprise. "What I wanted to ask was, how did the leadership camp go? Did you feel it helped you grow, or was it just another requirement?"

Savi relaxed slightly, the topic shifting to something more conversational. "It was... interesting," she said with a smirk. "I mean, I learned a lot about teamwork and problem-solving, but there were some hilarious moments too."

"Like what?" he asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

"Well," she began, grinning, "there was this one task where we had to cross a 'river' using only a few planks of wood. Arjun—our self-proclaimed genius—insisted on being the leader. He got so caught up in giving orders that he forgot to actually check if the planks were stable. Let's just say half the team ended up in the 'river.'"

Ishaan laughed, the deep, genuine kind that made her grin widen. "Sounds like Arjun. He's always full of confidence, isn't he?"

"Too much for his own good," she agreed.

They shared a moment of easy laughter, the tension of their earlier formality melting away. But before she could add another anecdote, a sharp female voice cut through the air.

"Ishaan!"

Both of them turned toward the source of the voice. A woman stood a short distance away, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, dressed smartly in a fitted kurta and jeans. She had an air of confidence and familiarity about her, and her tone carried both excitement and surprise.

Ishaan's expression shifted from amusement to a mix of surprise and recognition. "Reeva?" he said, his brows lifting slightly as a smile spread across his face.

Savi's eyes flicked between the two of them, noting the way Ishaan seemed genuinely pleased to see this woman. The connection between them was palpable, even in those brief seconds.

Savi cleared her throat softly, feeling like she might be overstepping a personal moment, "I should probably get going, Sir," she said, adjusting the strap of her bag.

Ishaan turned back to her, as though remembering she was still there. "Oh, right. Thank you for sharing, Savi he tapped her arm lightly, " And seriously, great work on the paper."

"Thanks," she said, offering a small smile before stepping back. "See you around, Sir."

She turned and walked away, she was surprised that he had seemed her out to offer compliments. She was still confused on his relation with Isha Maam, but she felt like maybe that was something she had more right to talk to her Isha Ma'am instead. 

Savi walked to where her motorobike was parked and got on, ready to head home, when Rajat stepped in front of her.

"Thakkar, move," she said, her surprise fading and instead she raised a brow. 

He grinned, unfazed. "Nope."

"Seriously, Thakkar. I'm not in the mood."

Ignoring her protests, he reached over and plucked the key out of the ignition.

"Rajat!" she exclaimed, trying to snatch it back.

He held it out of reach, his taller frame giving him an advantage. "You're coming with me. No excuses."

"Nahi aa sakti. I have things to do!" she argued, jumping slightly to grab the key.

He smirked, dangling it just out of her grasp. "You're so short, Chavan. It's a losing battle for you anyways"

She glared at him, crossing her arms. He seemed to be in a way happier mood, Rajat wasn't really like this normally, so carefree. She had only seen this bubbly side of him in a few seclusive moments, and she had a feeling she knew the reason behind it.  "Fine. What do you want?"

He pocketed the key, his grin widening. "It's a surprise."

Savi sighed, defeated. "You're impossible."

"Thank you," he said cheerfully. "Now hop off. We're going."

"Where?" she asked, exasperated.

"You'll see," he said, walking off with her key still in hand.

Muttering under her breath, Savi followed him, curiosity slowly replacing her annoyance.

***

PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT!! I'm excited for the leap and everything that comes after, I love broken x broken ships so much and I'll def explore savi's past wayyy more.