*Gokuldham Society. Morning sun filters through floral curtains. The glass of milk sits untouched in Rishi's hand, and Babita is watching him with that same mischievous smile that's been haunting his dreams since yesterday.*
---
**Babita (sitting across from Rishi, arms crossed under her robe):**
"So… you came through with the one lakh. That makes you quite the man of your word."
**Rishi (smiling, sipping the milk):**
"Just trying to live up to the trust... and maybe earn a bit of your legendary doodh in return."
*(He says it innocently, but the smirk on his face betrays the double meaning. Babita catches it instantly.)*
**Babita (grinning):**
"Hmm. So that's what you're after now? You think one glass of milk is enough to repay one lakh?"
**Rishi (mock surprise):**
"Wait, this isn't *the* doodh?"
**Babita (laughs softly, leaning forward):**
"Oh no, Rishi. *That* doodh is... special. Handmade. Custom. Warm. Tasty."
*(She pauses. Her eyes glint with amusement.)*
"Also expensive."
**Rishi:**
"How expensive?"
**Babita (tilting her head):**
"One lakh per sip."
**Rishi (mock choking on his milk):**
"Per *sip*? What's in it — gold?"
**Babita (leaning in, whispering):**
"No. Just me."
---
*(Silence. The room feels smaller suddenly. Rishi adjusts his collar.)*
**Rishi:**
"You drive a hard bargain."
**Babita (teasing):**
"I offer... premium service."
---
*(She stands, robe flowing as she walks toward the kitchen, hips swaying slightly more than usual. Rishi watches. Of course he does.)*
**Babita (calling from the kitchen):**
"You know… if you keep bringing envelopes like that, I might let you try more than milk."
**Rishi (grinning, calling back):**
"What else is on the menu?"
*(She returns, holding a second glass, this one filled with warm almond milk.)*
**Babita:**
"Well… there's sweetness, spice… and a bit of heat."
*(She sits beside him now, closer than necessary, knees brushing. She hands him the second glass. Their fingers touch. She doesn't pull away.)*
**Babita (low voice):**
"But you'll have to pay extra for the full-course experience."
---
**Rishi (narrating internally):**
*"I came here thinking I was in control. That I'd use my knowledge of the future to get ahead, to maybe win her over. But sitting next to her, watching her eyes, her confidence — I realized... I'm the one being played. And somehow, I didn't mind."*
---
**Babita:**
"Drink up. You've got a long day ahead."
**Rishi (teasing):**
"And if I come back tomorrow…?"
**Babita (smiles, brushing a hand across his shoulder lightly):**
"Bring cash."
---
> *As Rishi steps out of the flat, he catches a glimpse of Iyer entering the society gate. His heart skips. He looks back — Babita is still at the door, watching him with an unreadable smile.*
**Rishi (narrating):**
*"One sip. One smile. One mistake away from disaster. But I think I'm in too deep already."*