The afternoon sun was blazing over the village.

Most of the villagers had taken shelter inside their homes, but the old orchard belonging to Anvika's family remained quiet beneath the shade of the mango trees.

Behind the orchard was a large pond.

Anvika had spent countless summer afternoons there during her childhood. After returning from the city, she had found herself drawn back to the familiar place.

That afternoon, she had come alone.

Her younger sister was nowhere around.

Anvika had changed into her swimming clothes and stepped into the pond. Soon, she was swimming peacefully from one side to another, enjoying the cool water.

She had no idea that someone was approaching the orchard.

Abhiraj Thakur entered through the trees with several of his men.

He had come to inspect the boundary of the land adjoining the orchard.

While walking, one of his men suddenly stopped.

"Thakur Sahab, woh—"

Abhiraj followed his gaze.

The moment he saw Anvika in the pond, his expression hardened.

She was swimming completely unaware that anyone was there.

Abhiraj's eyes immediately moved toward the men accompanying him.

A few of them had also noticed her.

His voice turned cold.

"Neeche dekho."

The men instantly lowered their eyes.

"Ji, Thakur Sahab."

Abhiraj's jaw tightened.

He didn't like the fact that they had been standing there watching her.

"Sab log yahan se jao."

One of the men looked surprised.

"Ji?"

"Maine kaha, sab log baag ke doosre raaste se jao."

"Ji, Thakur Sahab."

Without another word, the men turned and left.

Abhiraj remained there for a moment.

His eyes went back toward the pond.

Anvika was still swimming, completely unaware of what had just happened.

He looked away.

"Pagal ladki..." he muttered under his breath.

He walked toward the edge of the pond.

Anvika finally noticed him.

She stopped swimming.

Her eyes widened.

"Thakur Sahab?"

Abhiraj looked at her sternly.

"Yahan akeli kya kar rahi ho?"

Anvika frowned.

"Yeh hamara baag hai."

"Baag tumhara hai, iska matlab yeh nahi ki tum akeli yahan aa jao."

Anvika crossed her arms over the water.

"Main bachpan se yahan aati hoon."

"Ab tum bachchi nahi ho."

His words made her pause.

For a few seconds, neither spoke.

Then Abhiraj turned away.

"Bahaar aa jao."

Anvika frowned.

"Aap mujhe order de rahe hain?"

Abhiraj looked over his shoulder.

"Haan."

Anvika rolled her eyes.

"Main abhi nahi aa rahi."

Abhiraj stared at her for a moment.

Then, unexpectedly, he stepped into the pond.

Anvika's eyes widened.

"Aap kya kar rahe hain?"

Abhiraj continued walking into the water.

"Swimming."

"But—"

He ignored her and moved farther into the pond.

Anvika stared at him in disbelief.

"Thakur Sahab!"

Abhiraj finally turned toward her.

"Ab tum bahaar jao."

Anvika looked at him angrily.

"Aap khud toh pond mein aa gaye!"

"Kyuki ab yahan main hoon."

Anvika couldn't understand his logic.

She splashed a little water toward him.

"Bahut ajeeb hain aap."

Abhiraj wiped the water from his face and looked at her.

"Kal bucket."

He paused.

"Aaj paani ke chheente."

Anvika tried not to smile.

"Toh?"

Abhiraj shook his head.

"Tumse door rehna hi behtar hai."

He turned and swam toward the deeper part of the pond.

Anvika stood there for a moment, watching him.

For some reason, despite his stern behavior, she couldn't stop the small smile from appearing on her face.

Neither of them knew that this quiet pond would soon become the place where their unusual relationship would begin to change.