You are Impossible.

The rest of the family had retreated to their rooms, leaving Mark and Anushka alone in the kitchen. The clinking of dishes and the soft hum of the dishwasher filled the space as they worked together to clear the table. The atmosphere was light, filled with the kind of easy camaraderie that had always defined their relationship—only now, there was an undercurrent of something deeper, something neither of them could quite put into words.

Mark picked up a stack of plates, his tone teasing as he glanced at Anushka. "You know, Ruhi, you're surprisingly good at this whole domestic thing. I didn't peg you for the type."

Anushka rolled her eyes, though there was a smile tugging at her lips. "And what type did you peg me for, exactly?"

Mark pretended to think for a moment, his expression mock-serious. "The type who's too busy saving the world to bother with something as mundane as clearing the table."

Anushka laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "Well, someone has to keep you in line. And since you're clearly incapable of doing it yourself…"

Mark grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I'm plenty capable. I just like watching you do it. You're kind of adorable when you're bossy."

Anushka's cheeks flushed, but she didn't back down. "Adorable, huh? I'll remember that the next time I'm assigning you a task at work."

Mark's grin widened. "See? Bossy. But I like it."

They continued to banter as they finished clearing the table, their laughter filling the kitchen. It was easy, natural, the kind of interaction that made it hard to believe Mark had ever been gone. But beneath the surface, there was a tension, a pull that neither of them could ignore.

Once the kitchen was spotless, Anushka wiped her hands on a towel and turned to Mark. "Well, that's done. I should probably get back to work. Bytewave's been breathing down my neck about this project."

Mark leaned against the counter, his arms crossed over his chest. "You're working this late? Come on, Ruhi, even you need a break."

Anushka shrugged, though she couldn't hide the tiredness in her eyes. "Deadlines don't wait for breaks. Besides, I'm used to it."

Mark's expression softened, his teasing tone replaced by something more genuine. "You don't have to do it alone, you know. I could help. I mean, I'm not as brilliant as you, but I can hold my own."

Anushka's eyes widened, and she shook her head immediately. "Don't say that, Mark. You're so brilliant Mark, I can't quite match you. You taught me so much—how can I be better than you? If anything, I'm standing on your shoulders."

Mark looked surprised, his gaze searching hers. "You really believe that?"

Anushka nodded, her tone firm. "Of course I do. You're the one who pushed me to think bigger, to take risks. You're the reason I'm where I am today. So don't ever sell yourself short, Mark. You're incredible."

Mark's expression softened, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, Ruhi. But just you know I may have taught you a lot but I still believe I can't match your full potential. Anyway, that means a lot."

They moved to the living room, settling on the couch with Anushka's laptop between them. The glow of the screen illuminated their faces as they worked, their heads bent close together as they discussed the project. Mark's presence was a welcome distraction, his quick wit and sharp mind making the work feel less like a chore and more like a collaboration.

At one point, Mark leaned back, stretching his arms above his head. "You know, Ruhi, you're kind of amazing. How do you manage to keep all this straight in your head? It's not normal for a girl like you."

Anushka glanced at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Years of practice. And a lot of caffeine."

Mark chuckled, his eyes warm as they met hers. "Well, I'm impressed. But then again, I'm always impressed by you."

Anushka's cheeks flushed, but she didn't look away. "You're not so bad yourself, Mark. When you're not being impossible, that is."

Mark's grin widened, his tone teasing. "Impossible, huh? I think you like me that way."

They continued to work, their conversation shifting between the project and more personal topics. Mark told her about his childhood, about the pranks he and Jerry used to pull, and Anushka shared stories about her early days at Cyber Genesis. The hours slipped by unnoticed, the world outside the living room fading away.

By the time they finished, it was well past midnight. Anushka closed her laptop, stretching her arms above her head with a yawn. "Well, that's done. Thanks for your help, Mark. I couldn't have done it without you."

Mark smiled, his expression soft. "Anytime, Ruhi. You know that."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the night settling over them. Then Mark stood, offering her a hand. "Come on. Let's get you to bed."

Anushka took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. They walked upstairs together, their footsteps soft on the carpeted stairs. When they reached Anushka's door, she turned to him, her expression hesitant. "Well, goodnight, Mark. Thanks again for your help."

Mark didn't let go of her hand, his gaze searching hers. "Ruhi… can I come in? Just for a little while? I… I don't think I can sleep yet."

Anushka's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. "Mark, it's late. And… I don't know if that's a good idea."

Mark's expression was earnest, his voice soft but sincere. "I just… I don't want to be alone right now. And I like being around you. It helps. Please?"

Anushka hesitated, her mind racing. She knew she should say no, that letting him into her room this late was crossing a line. But the look in his eyes, the vulnerability in his voice, made it impossible to refuse. "Alright," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "But only for a little while. And only because I still have some work to do."

Mark's face lit up with a smile, his relief evident. "Thank you, Ruhi. I promise I won't be a bother."

Anushka's room was cozy, the soft glow of her desk lamp casting a warm light over the space. She sat at her desk, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she worked on it and put together different data into a report. Mark sat on the edge of her bed, his gaze fixed on her as she worked.

"You're really cute, you know that?" Mark said, his tone filled with admiration.

Anushka glanced at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Mark! When you're not distracting me, you're not so bad yourself."

Mark chuckled, leaning back on his hands. "I'm not distracting you. I'm just… appreciating the view."

Anushka's cheeks flushed, but she didn't look away. "You're impossible."

Mark's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You keep saying that, but I think you like it."

Anushka rolled her eyes, though there was no real annoyance in her expression. "Keep telling yourself that."

They continued to banter, their conversation shifting between playful teasing and more serious topics. At one point, Mark stood, walking over to her desk and leaning against it. "You know, Ruhi, I don't remember everything about us. But I know that being around you… it feels right. Like I'm where I'm supposed to be."

Anushka's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. "Mark…"

Before she could say more, Mark reached out, his hand brushing against hers. "I don't know what the future holds. But I do know that I want you in it. However this plays out, I want you by my side."

Anushka's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling. "Mark, I…"

But before she could finish, Mark leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was soft but filled with promise. It was a moment that felt new, a connection that transcended memory.

When they pulled apart, Anushka's eyes were shining with tears. "I'm not going anywhere, Mark. I promise."

Mark smiled, his hand cupping her face.