What is the religious ruling on unintentional speaking and hand-holding with female colleagues during studies?

If a man asks women for something, he should ask them from behind a veil, because that is purer for the hearts of both men and women. The basic principle when a man addresses a non-mahram (definition) woman is that it should be only to the extent of need, from behind a veil, without softness in speech, and without privacy. Any communication that does not meet these guidelines may lead to severe consequences, such as holding hands. Therefore, one must avoid mixing with non-mahram women and seek a place of study where the two genders do not mix. If that is not possible, then one must lower their gaze and limit their address to women only to the extent of need.