A few minutes later, Aryan emerged from the darkness, holding a couple of bags in his hand. Without saying a word, he walked over and used his key to unlock Smita's side of the car door.
Before Smita could say anything, Aryan handed her the bags and said firmly,
Aryan: "Don't let your thoughts go negative. These bags have a few outfits for you. Please change into something comfortable."
Earlier, while they were returning from the Chandighat tea estate, Aryan had noticed that Smita seemed visibly uncomfortable in her current clothes. She was too hesitant to ask for a change, so Aryan had quietly parked the car in an alleyway behind a nearby mall to buy her some clothes without making a scene.
Smita (in a soft tone): "Alright."
She gently closed the door and changed her clothes inside.
A few moments later, Smita rolled down the car window and spoke out.
Smita: "I've changed. You can come inside now."
Without a word, Aryan took his place in the driver's seat, started the engine, and after a brief pause, called Kajol.
Aryan: "Is the paperwork done?"
Kajol: "Almost complete."
Aryan: "Good. I'm coming to pick you up."
He ended the call, then drove straight to the Udharbond Police Station. There, Aryan picked up Kajol before heading out toward Silchar.
As they drove, Kajol began explaining what had happened at the station.
Kajol: "I've managed to get through all the formal paperwork. But for the next steps, we'll need someone experienced."
Aryan: "Don't worry. I know someone who can help."
Both Kajol and Smita were aware of Aryan's influential social background, so they trusted his words without question.
Kajol: "Alright."
Kajol: "There's one more thing, Aryan."
Aryan: "What is it?"
Kajol: "Some boys from Kaibartatal—Manav and his gang—showed up at the station today."
Aryan: "Hmm. Don't worry about them. They won't be a problem."
Aryan: "For now, let's drop Smita home."
Smita: "No... no."
Kajol: "Wait, what? You don't want to go home?"
Smita: "No."
Kajol: "Why not?"
Smita: "My whole family is away in Bihar for a family function. They won't return for another two days. I'm home alone… and honestly, I don't want to tell them about any of this right now."
Aryan: "I understand. Then we'll have to find you a safe place to stay for the night."
Kajol: "In that case, she can stay with Tutu at her rented apartment."
Smita: "Tutu? Who's that?"
Aryan: "That's Trishika's nickname."
Smita: "Hmm…"
Only Trishika's close friends were aware of her nickname.
Aryan: "Kajol, call Tutu and fill her in."
Kajol: "On it."
Smita: "But—"
Aryan: "Don't worry. They'll keep everything confidential."
Hearing that name triggered thoughts of Manav in Smita's mind again, so Kajol quickly changed the topic to lighten the mood.
Kajol: "Alright, new topic. Smita, tell me—who gave you that dress?"
Smita: "Aryan."
Kajol: (sarcastically) "What?! Aryan, do you always carry women's clothes around with you?"
Just then, Aryan slammed the brakes, and Kajol nearly lurched forward in her seat.
Kajol: "What the hell, Aryan! Why did you hit the brakes like that?!"
Aryan: (in his signature monotone) "Enough nonsense. We've already arrived."
Indeed, they had reached their destination.
Aryan: "Look, there's Tutu—waiting for us."
They stepped out of the car, and Kajol greeted her friend warmly.
Kajol: "Hey, Tutu! How are you?"
Tutu: "Hi! I'm doing great."
There was a subtle but noticeable spark of chemistry between Kajol and Tutu.
Tutu: "Oh! Aryan, you're back? Did you bring the stuff I asked for?"
Aryan: (stoic) "No. I didn't have time to go shopping."
Everyone close to Aryan knew that ever since returning from his mysterious training, he had become emotionally detached. But they had come to accept him as he was.
Tutu: "Fine, but you owe me."
Aryan: "Fair enough. I'm ready to make it up to you."
Tutu: "So, who's this with you?"
Aryan: "You already know her. Smita Bhattacharjee."
Tutu: "Ah, yes. Smita, nice to meet you."
Tutu, being naturally friendly, extended her hand for a handshake. Smita responded politely.
Tutu: "I've already spoken to Poorbali and Sweety di. They're okay with it."
Tutu, Poorbali, and Sushmita (nicknamed "Sweety") were roommates originally from Jeerighat, now pursuing higher studies in Silchar.
Aryan: "Thanks a lot. And please thank Poorbali and Sweety di on my behalf too."
(Since Sweety was Aryan's senior, he respectfully added "di" after her name.)
Tutu: "Come on, Smita. Let's go to my room. Tonight, we'll just relax and have fun."
They were all careful not to bring up Manav in front of Smita again.
Aryan: "Wait, Tutu. Did you cook anything yet?"
Tutu: "Not yet. I'll prepare something once we're inside."
Aryan: "No, let's order something instead."
Tutu: (teasingly) "Oh? Are you paying for it?"
Aryan: "Yes, I am. Place the order—what do you guys want?"
Tutu: "What, are we ordering from Cachar Club now?"
Aryan: "Why not? I'm one of the owners now."
Tutu: "Fine! But I'll have to check with Poorbali and Sweety di first."
Aryan: "Sure. Ask them and place the order. Send me the bill."
Tutu: "Done."
Smita: "Aryan, thank you so much… for everything."
Aryan: "It's alright. And remember—you can call me anytime you need help."
Smita: "I will."
They exchanged goodbyes, and Aryan and Kajol drove off toward Aryan's maternal grandparents' home. Tutu led Smita upstairs to her apartment.
After weaving through Silchar's traffic, Aryan and Kajol finally reached his grandmother's house. There, Aryan shared the news that he had bought a stake in Cachar Club and had made new investments in Mumbai. His family and close friends congratulated him with warm hearts. Later that evening, they all had dinner together.
As the night came to a close, Aryan's local friends returned home, while Kajol and a few others from Udharbond stayed at his grandmother's house.
---
What will happen next?
Will Manav and his gang succeed in taking revenge on Aryan?
Why has Aryan kept his connection with IMAA and the Star Group a secret from his family and friends?