THE HACKING HEARTS.

"So, the order was hers?" Linda asked, referring to Mark's earlier request.

"Yes," he replied simply.

Mark pushed the door open, holding it for Linda, whose hands were full with the food.

Anushka was still in bed. Though the pain had subsided, she felt too lazy to get up.

"Anush," Linda called softly, walking over to her. Anushka had slowly dozed off but stirred at the sound of her voice.

"Linda..." Anushka said, startled as she opened her eyes. "When did you get here? Why didn't you let me know you were coming?" She quickly sat up, pulling the blanket up to her chin.

"Mark," she called, her gaze shifting to where he sat at her desk, watching them quietly. "I see you've already met Linda, my childhood friend."

"Linda," she continued, gesturing toward him, "this is Mark, my..." She hesitated, unsure of what to say.

"Her boss," Mark interjected smoothly, a faint smirk on his face.

Linda raised an eyebrow, a playful grin forming. "Oh, I see. Anyway, I brought you your favorite. I didn't realize Mark already had an order for you. What do we do with the third order?"

"Mark can have it," Anushka suggested casually.

Mark shook his head. "No, I'm good. I was just about to leave anyway."

"At least try the burger," Anushka insisted. "If it's not good, I'll find a way to make it up to you for the trouble."

Mark sighed, sensing he wasn't going to win this argument. "Alright, if you insist. But I won't eat it here—I really have to get going. Besides, I can rest easy knowing you're in good hands now."

Linda smiled and quickly packaged one of the burgers separately, handing it to him.

"Thanks," Mark said, standing up and heading for the door.

As he opened it, he turned back to address Anushka. "And Ruhi, don't be stubborn. Take the day off tomorrow, alright? Rest."

"Alright, alright," she muttered, rolling her eyes but smiling faintly.

"Take care," Mark said to both women before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

"He's a nice guy," Linda said, her eyes lingering on the door Mark had just exited.

Anushka leaned back, resting her head on the headboard. "And yet so moody," she muttered.

Linda turned back to her friend, frowning. "He didn't seem moody to me."

"That's because he's been in a good mood lately," Anushka replied. "You wouldn't want to see him on one of his bad days, though. Trust me, I've seen a part of it."

Linda smirked as she striped, moving to the wardrobe. "So, how is he your boss?" she asked, retrieving two pairs of shorts and a tank top. She tossed one pair to Anushka and slipped into the other.

"Technically, he's not exactly my boss—more like a trainer," Anushka explained, standing up and slipping into the shorts. "I haven't landed the actual job yet, but I'm in training for it."

She grabbed one of the juice cans and took a sip, pausing to let the sweetness linger before speaking again. "But I won't lie. I've really enjoyed working with him. He's a great guy."

Linda arched an eyebrow, a teasing grin forming on her face. "Is there something brewing between you two?"

Anushka rolled her eyes, sipping her juice. "Please don't start. I can't even think about that right now."

"But you're not getting any younger, girl," Linda said, nudging her. "You should find love—someone who gets you."

"I hear you," Anushka replied, setting the can down. "But not Mark. Maybe—just maybe—I'd have a chance with Jerry." She smiled mischievously.

"Who's Jerry?" Linda asked, tilting her head curiously as she placed her juice down.

The two girls sat cross-legged on the plush black-and-white carpet by the bedside, chatting and eating.

"Mark's younger brother," Anushka said, her smile widening. "Every time I think of Mark, I get excited. He's hot, charming—he's everything." She paused for a moment, then added, "But Jerry? Yes, he's great, but I don't think it would ever work between us. I can't imagine that. Mark, though... I could see it."

Linda's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing slightly in confusion as she studied her friend.

"Do you even hear yourself right now?" Linda asked.

"Of course I do. Why?" Anushka replied, sipping her juice as if oblivious to what she had just admitted.

Linda stared at her, a knowing smile creeping across her face. It was becoming clear—whether Anushka realized it or not—that she might be developing feelings for Mark.

"Okay, if you say so... So what's this job you're training for?" Linda asked, her curiosity piqued.

"To work at Cyber Genesis," Anushka replied, trying to chew down a mouthful of fries.

Linda's eyes widened. "Wait, so you're telling me Mark is somehow related to Alice Bendilani?"

"Not just related," Anushka said, wiping her hands with a napkin. "He's her eldest son."

Linda gawked at her friend, then narrowed her eyes in mock accusation. "Anush, you're a terrible friend. How could you get a foot into your dream job and not tell me?"

Anushka winced slightly, feeling guilty. "I thought you guys didn't care," she admitted. "You always criticized my work, so I figured it wasn't worth mentioning."

Linda sighed, her disappointment evident. "That's why I envy you, Anush. You never back down from your dreams." She paused, her expression darkening as her voice grew softer. "Not like me... Do you think I wanted to end up where I am?"

Anushka's brows furrowed in concern. "What do you mean?"

Linda hesitated, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "My dream was to become a teacher," she confessed, her voice trembling. "But when my parents found out, they pushed me into business, claiming it paid more. And sure, I get the money—but my heart has never been in it. I feel... empty."

The raw honesty in Linda's words struck a chord with Anushka. Her eyes welled up instantly, her delicate nose turning red as she sniffled.

"Come here," Anushka said softly, opening her arms. She pulled Linda into a tight hug, her emotions spilling over as she tried to comfort her friend.

Linda buried her face in Anushka's shoulder, her voice muffled. "I wish I had your courage. You've always fought for what you wanted, no matter what anyone said."

Anushka sniffled again, patting Linda's back gently. "You still can, Linda. It's never too late to go after what makes you happy."