The sun, a benevolent orb, cast a golden hue across the quiet town, signaling the dawn of a momentous day. Inside Ishana's bustling home, a mix of nervous excitement and anticipation filled the air. Today marked a significant new beginning for five young individuals.

Vanshika, ever the organized one, double-checked her perfectly packed bag, which she'd brought over last night, a faint smile playing on her lips, a blend of eagerness and a touch of apprehension for the unknown challenges ahead.

Ishana, usually boisterous, was uncharacteristically quiet, a thoughtful expression on her face as she imagined the bustling college campus; her excitement was palpable, but tinged with a silent hope for new friendships.

Vihaan, the most outwardly enthusiastic, practically vibrated with energy, his eyes bright with unbridled anticipation for the independence college promised, though a subtle furrow in his brow hinted at the seriousness of this next step.

The three friends, ready to embark on their collegiate journey, knew the next few years would be full of fresh challenges, new friendships, and the pursuit of their dreams.

Meanwhile, Abhimanyu, Ishana's younger brother entering the 11th class, tried to maintain a cool facade, but the slight bounce in his step betrayed his underlying enthusiasm for the fresh start at a new school, his mind already racing with thoughts of new subjects and sports teams.

Akash, Ishana's youngest brother, stepping into the 8th, clung a little closer to his parents, his lower lip subtly trembling with a mix of nervousness and wide-eyed wonder at the thought of unfamiliar hallways and faces, yet his grip on his new backpack was firm, ready for the adventure.

Breakfast was a lively affair, punctuated by last-minute advice from parents, shared jokes, and the clinking of cutlery.

"Baccho sab rakh liya na? ID card wagera?" Ishana's mother asked, pouring juice.

Vanshika nodded,"ha aunty humne sab rakh liya!"

Vihaan grinned, spooning a generous helping of poha onto his plate. "I just hope ki college ke canteen ka khana decent ho. My survival depends on it!"

Ishana nudged him playfully. "Don't be dramatic, Vihaan. We'll figure it out. I'm just looking forward to the cultural clubs. Imagine all the new people we'll meet!" Her voice held a note of hopeful wonder.

"Aap log kitne lucky ho!," Abhimanyu chimed in, buttering his toast. "New college, total freedom. I'm stuck with school, even if it is a new one." He tried to sound nonchalant, but his eyes darted to his parents, a mischievous glint there.

Ishana's father chuckled. "Aur tumhara kya, Akash? Ready for your new adventures?"

Akash, who had been quietly munching on his toast, looked up, his eyes wide. "Kya waha bada playground hoga, Papa? Aur kya meri new teacher acchi hongi?" His voice was a soft whisper, a mix of nervousness and wide-eyed wonder.

"Of course, champ!" his father reassured him, ruffling his hair. "And you'll make lots of new friends."

"Bas apne purane dosto ko mat bhul jana, Akash!" Vihaan teased, making Akash giggle.

As they stepped out, the cool morning breeze seemed to whisper encouragement, ushering them towards their respective paths. Each of them carried a unique blend of hope and eagerness, ready to embrace the adventures that their new educational chapters held.

_________________________________________________________________________________

"Well, this is it," Vanshika said, a hint of awe in her voice as she gazed up at the imposing college building. "Our new home for the next few years."

Ishana linked arms with Vanshika, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Can you believe we're finally here? It feels like just yesterday we were stressing over entrance exams."

Vihaan, ever the pragmatist, adjusted the strap of his backpack. "Less stressing, more cramming, I'd say. But yeah, it's pretty surreal." He gestured towards the main entrance. "Shall we do this then? No turning back now."

Vanshika took a deep breath, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within her. "Nope. No turning back." She looked at Ishana, then at Vihaan, and a shared understanding passed between them – a silent acknowledgment of the adventure about to begin. "Alright team," she grinned, "let's go get 'em."

With a collective nod, the three of them squared their shoulders and walked towards the grand entrance, ready to step into their new chapter.

_________________________________________________________________________________

The grand hall buzzed with a chaotic symphony of chatter and footsteps, a vibrant tapestry of new beginnings. As Vanshika, flanked by Vihaan and Ishana, stepped further inside, a hush gradually fell over the crowd. Conversations died down, and heads turned, a ripple of curiosity spreading through the students who had moments ago been engrossed in their own introductions.

Yet, the trio remained unfazed. Their steps were steady, their gazes fixed forward, a silent testament to their confidence. Vanshika, walking between her friends, carried an undeniable aura. Boys paused mid-sentence, their eyes drawn to her. Some stared with open admiration, a quiet respect for her composure, while others' gazes lingered, a less innocent glint in their eyes. Ishana too garnered attention, though it was Vanshika who seemed to command the room's collective focus.

Meanwhile, the girls' attention was almost entirely on Vihaan. Whispers rippled through their groups as they subtly, and not so subtly, cast glances his way, taking in his relaxed yet assured demeanor. The three friends, a self-contained unit, navigated the suddenly silent hall, their confidence an almost tangible shield against the myriad of curious stares. They moved as if the crowd didn't exist, a testament to their unwavering resolve to make their mark.

Suddenly, a figure materialized directly in Vanshika's path, bringing them to an abrupt halt. He was tall, with an overly confident smirk plastered across his face, and his eyes raked over Vanshika with an unnerving intensity.

"Hey, baby girl, looking so hot!" he drawled, his voice cutting through the lingering silence of the hall.

Vanshika's expression remained impassive, a flicker of irritation the only betraying emotion. "Can you just move aside?" she stated, her voice flat, devoid of any warmth or invitation.

The guy, however, seemed to take her disinterest as a challenge. He chuckled, a grating sound. "Oh, come on. Don't play hard to get. Everyone knows I'm the hottest guy in this whole college. You'd be lucky to be on my arm."

Vihaan stepped forward, placing a hand lightly on Vanshika's back. "She asked you to move," he said, his tone firm, a warning barely veiled beneath the politeness. "Now, if you don't mind."

"Back off, pretty boy," the guy sneered, dismissing Vihaan with a flick of his wrist.

His gaze was still fixed on Vanshika.

"Seriously, I'm telling you, it's a golden opportunity. Be my girlfriend. We'd be the hottest couple on campus."

Ishana, her patience clearly wearing thin, crossed her arms. "She's not interested. Can't you take a hint?"

"Oh, she will be," he countered, puffing out his chest. "Just needs a little convincing. What do you say, beautiful? Give me your number. We can start our reign tonight."

Vanshika met his gaze, her eyes cold, a slight, almost imperceptible smirk playing on her lips. "You know," she began, her voice calm and clear, cutting through the guy's inflated ego, "I'd rather date the dusty whiteboard in our classroom. At least it has a chance of developing a personality."

A stunned silence fell. The guy's smirk faltered, replaced by a look of bewildered shock. The few students who had dared to listen in struggled to stifle their laughter.

The guy's face, initially contorted in shock, began to flush a deep crimson. The smirk that had seemed permanently affixed to his features vanished, replaced by a mixture of disbelief and wounded pride. A low murmur rippled through the onlookers, a few suppressed chuckles escaping the more daring students. He opened his mouth, then closed it, clearly struggling to form a coherent retort.

Vanshika, however, didn't give him the chance. Without breaking eye contact, she took a deliberate step forward, forcing him to instinctively take a step back. Vihaan and Ishana, a silent but formidable presence on either side of her, mirrored her movement.

"Now, if you'll excuse us," Vanshika said, her voice cool and unwavering, "we have better things to do than stand around with inflated egos and empty heads."

She then subtly gestured to Vihaan and Ishana, and in a synchronized move, the trio simply walked around the flustered boy. The crowd parted for them once more, but this time with a palpable sense of admiration and even a few whispers of "Savage!" and "Did you hear that?" The guy, still frozen in place, watched them go, his face a picture of utter humiliation.

However, Rohan, as they would later learn his name, wasn't ready to admit defeat. He pushed through the lingering onlookers and quickly caught up to Vanshika, grabbing her arm.

"Hold on a second!" he demanded, his voice thick with a mix of desperation and anger. "You can't just talk to me like that and walk away. Who do you think you are?" He tightened his grip. "Look, I'm serious. You're going to be my girlfriend. I don't take no for an answer."

Vanshika's eyes narrowed, a cold fury replacing her earlier amusement. She looked down at his hand on her arm, then slowly met his gaze. "Let. Go. Of. Me," she articulated, each word sharp and precise, cutting through the noise of the hall.

Vihaan instantly moved, his hand clamping down on Rohan's wrist with surprising force. "She said let go," he stated, his voice low and dangerous. There was no politeness in his tone now, only a clear threat.

Ishana stepped in front of Vanshika, creating a physical barrier. "Are you deaf? Or just incredibly dense? She doesn't want to be with you. Get it through your thick skull!"

Rohan winced under Vihaan's grip but still tried to assert himself. "This is between me and her! You two stay out of it! And you," he glared at Vanshika, "you're just playing hard to get! Everyone wants to date me! You'll regret saying no."

Vanshika met his gaze, her eyes cold. "There's nothing to say. I'm not interested in you, or your 'golden opportunities.' Now, for the last time, move." Her voice was calm, but the steel beneath it was unmistakable.

Vanshika's patience, stretched thin by his obstinacy and now outright aggression, snapped. Before he could react, her fist connected with his jaw in a sharp, resounding crack. The sound cut through the murmuring hall. Vihaan and Ishana, seeing the familiar fire ignite in Vanshika's eyes, instinctively took a swift step back, knowing from past experience that the consequences of pushing her this far were usually swift and impactful. Rohan reeled back, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief, a hand flying to his throbbing jaw. He was momentarily stunned, frozen in place.

Then, his face contorted with rage. His blood boiled, and he lunged forward, grabbing both of Vanshika's wrists in a viselike grip, twisting them painfully.

"You BITCH!" he snarled, pulling her closer, his eyes blazing with intent. He was about to raise his free hand, clearly intending to retaliate with force, when a new figure, seemingly out of nowhere, moved with lightning speed.

Vanshika's gaze snapped to him the moment he moved. It was a fleeting glimpse – broad shoulders, dark hair, an intensity in his eyes that mirrored her own simmering fury. In that split second, amidst the chaos, something shifted within her. A jolt, like static electricity, that was completely separate from the adrenaline of the fight.

A blur of motion, and a powerful punch landed squarely on the side of Rohan's jaw. The impact sent him stumbling sideways, his grip on Vanshika's wrists breaking. He crashed into a nearby group of students, scattering them like bowling pins, and landed in an undignified heap on the polished floor.

"I think you've caused enough trouble for one day," a calm, deep voice stated.

Vanshika, rubbing her wrists, looked up to see a tall, well-built young man standing protectively in front of her. He had an athletic build and a composed demeanor, his eyes fixed on the floored bully.

Rohan on the floor groaned, pushing himself up on an elbow, his face a mask of pain and fury. "Who the hell are...... you?!" he spat, glaring at his new assailant.

The newcomer simply raised an eyebrow. "Someone who doesn't appreciate seeing a lady harassed." He then looked directly at Vanshika, his expression softening slightly. "Are you alright?"

Vanshika nodded, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks."

Vihaan, stepping forward, clapped the newcomer on the shoulder. "Nice timing, man. He was really pushing it."

Ishana, ever observant, gave the new guy a once-over. "You handled that well. He deserved it."

The new guy offered a small, polite smile. "Just happened to be passing by. Some people just don't know when to quit."

He then turned his attention back to the groaning bully, who was now slowly trying to pick himself up.

"I suggest you take your bruised ego and find somewhere else to cause a disturbance. Unless you want another lesson." His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Rohan, now fully upright, was a picture of wounded pride and simmering fury. He wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes darting between the newcomer, Vanshika, Vihaan, and Ishana. The silent crowd, having witnessed the swift turn of events, held its breath.

"You think this is over?" he snarled, his voice hoarse, attempting to regain some semblance of control.

"You just made a big mistake. A really big mistake." He gestured vaguely around the hall.

"You'll regret this." He pulled out his phone, his thumb flying across the screen.

"You think you can just waltz in here and punch me? We'll see about that. You're going to pay for this. All of you." He held the phone to his ear, glaring at the group.

"Yeah, it's me. Listen, I need you to meet me at the main entrance, now. There's a situation."

With Rohan still on the phone, a low rumble began to spread through the hall. Heads turned towards the main entrance as a group of five burly, older students, easily recognizable as a common type of campus tough, strode in, their expressions menacing.

Rohan, seeing his reinforcements, puffed out his chest, a triumphant sneer returning to his face.

"Took you long enough!" he shouted to his approaching crew, then pointed a finger at Vanshika, the newcomer, and Vihaan.

"These are them! They jumped me!"

The leader of the new group, a muscular guy with a shaved head and a sneer even more pronounced than Rohan's, cracked his knuckles.

"So, you think you can just lay hands on our guys on campus, huh? Big mistake, freshers." He eyed Vanshika with a particularly leering gaze. "Especially you, little miss. You got some nerve."

Before the leader could take another step, Vanshika was already moving. With a speed that belied her seemingly calm demeanor, she launched herself forward, aiming a swift kick towards the closest of the approaching group – not the leader, but a stocky guy on his flank. He grunted as the kick connected with his shin, momentarily buckling his knee.

Simultaneously, the newcomer, with an almost fluid grace, stepped forward to meet the charging leader. His movements were precise, economical. He blocked a wild swing from the leader with one arm and countered with a sharp jab to the solar plexus, knocking the wind out of the bigger guy.

Vihaan, meanwhile, didn't hesitate. He engaged another one of the goons, his movements less flashy but equally effective. He used his height and reach, keeping the guy off balance with well-placed shoves and feints, looking for an opening.

Ishana, no longer content with merely disrupting, let out a fierce yell and joined the fray directly. While not possessing Vanshika's raw power, she was agile and resourceful. She ducked under a clumsy swing from one of the goons, delivering a sharp elbow to his ribs before twisting away. She used her smaller frame to her advantage, darting in, landing quick, stinging blows to vulnerable areas – knees, shins, solar plexus – and then disengaging before her opponents could retaliate effectively. She was a whirlwind of calculated chaos, her movements surprisingly effective at keeping the two remaining goons constantly off balance and frustrated.

Rohan, seeing his plan unfold into an unexpected melee, stumbled back, his phone forgotten, yelling, "Get them! Get all of them!"

Vanshika, having effectively disabled the first guy, spun and delivered a rapid succession of punches, a blur of controlled aggression. She wasn't just throwing wild swings; each hit was calculated, aimed at vulnerable points. The other two goons, initially thrown off by Ishana's interference, found themselves facing Vanshika's unexpected ferocity.

The newcomer, having dealt with the leader, moved to assist Vihaan, his punches precise and powerful, quickly evening the odds. The hall had erupted into a chaotic tableau of shouts, grunts, and the thud of impacts.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the trio – and their unexpected ally – fought with a surprising coordination and effectiveness, turning what was meant to be a swift intimidation into a full-blown brawl on their first day of college.

The shouts, the grunts, and the distinct thud of fists connecting with flesh echoed loudly through the usually orderly college hall. The murmuring crowd, initially hesitant, now pushed back, creating a wider circle around the escalating brawl. Just as the fight reached its peak, a new, authoritative presence cut through the chaos.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" a booming voice demanded, resonating with years of campus authority.

All heads, including those engaged in the fight, swiveled towards the sound. Striding purposefully through a parting of the crowd were two stern-faced individuals: a tall, imposing man in a crisp shirt and tie, clearly a senior administrator, and a formidable woman, likely the Dean of Student Affairs, her expression a mix of shock and unyielding displeasure. They were accompanied by a couple of security guards, who immediately moved to intervene.

"BREAK IT UP! IMMEDIATELY!" the Dean commanded, her voice like a whip.

The fight, which had been a whirlwind of motion, suddenly froze. Rohan's friends, though still fuming, hesitated. The newcomer quickly stepped back from his opponent, his stance still ready but no longer aggressive. Vihaan and Ishana also disengaged, their breathing heavy but their eyes still sharp.

Vanshika, however, was in the middle of delivering a particularly sharp kick to one of the goons' shins when the shouts came. She completed the motion, causing the guy to hop back with a yelp, before straightening up, her hair slightly dishevelled, but her expression defiant.

The senior administrator, his eyes scanning the scene, focused on the dishevelled Rohan and his dazed friends first. "You! What in the world do you think you're doing? On the first day?!"

Rohan, now looking significantly less confident with authority figures present, stammered,

"Sir, they... they started it! They attacked me!" He pointed a shaky finger at Vanshika and the newcomer.

The Dean, however, had keen eyes. She took in Vanshika's composed stance, Ishana's defensive posture, Vihaan's readiness, and the newcomer's calm demeanor, then looked at Rohan's bruised jaw and his friends' various states of disarray.

"Is that so?" she said, her voice dripping with skepticism. Her gaze settled on Vanshika. "And what is your version of events, young lady?"

Vanshika met her gaze directly, unflinching. "Sir, Madam, we were simply trying to enter the college when this individual," she gestured dismissively at Rohan, "blocked our way and began verbally harassing me. When I asked him to move, he refused, then escalated to demanding I be his girlfriend and tried to physically assault me when I refused." She rubbed her wrist subtly. "We defended ourselves."

Vihaan stepped forward. "That's exactly what happened, sir. He wouldn't let up."

Ishana added, "He grabbed her, and then his friends showed up. We had no choice but to defend ourselves."

The newcomer, stepping slightly forward, spoke calmly. "I was just walking by when I saw the commotion. He was definitely instigating and then physically assaulting her. I merely intervened."

The Dean's eyes narrowed on the bully's group. "Physical assault, you say? And you thought it was appropriate to call your 'friends' to settle a dispute?" She turned to the bully. "Your name, young man, and your batch?"

The bully, now pale, mumbled his name and batch, clearly realizing he was in deep trouble.

"And yours?" she asked Vanshika, Vihaan, Ishana, and then the newcomer. They all provided their names.

The senior administrator cleared his throat. "This is not how we conduct ourselves at this institution. Such behavior on day one is completely unacceptable. All of you, to my office. Now." He pointed towards a corridor. "And this includes all five of you," he added, looking pointedly at the bully's group. "And you," he nodded at the newcomer, ""we'll need a statement from you as well."

The three friends, along with their unexpected ally and the thoroughly chastened bully and his bruised crew, began to make their way towards the administrator's office, the tension still thick in the air.

_________________________________________________________________________________

The walk to the administrator's office was long and silent, punctuated only by the occasional glare from the bully's group towards Vanshika and her friends, glares that were met with unwavering, almost bored expressions from the trio. The newcomer, whose name they still didn't know, walked with a quiet confidence, seemingly unfazed by the impending official inquiry.

Upon reaching the office, a spacious room with dark wood paneling and an air of serious authority, they were directed to sit on a row of uncomfortable chairs. The administrator, Mr. Sharma, and Dean Kapoor took their places behind a large desk. The two security guards stood by the door, ensuring no further incidents.

Alright," Dean Kapoor began, her voice crisp and formal. "Let's get this sorted. Rohan," she looked at the bully, "start from your perspective."

Rohan, clearly intimidated now that he was away from his cronies and facing direct authority, mumbled, "I... I just saw her, and I said hi. She was really rude, and then she hit me. Then these two," he gestured to Vihaan and the newcomer, "jumped in. I just called my friends for help." His version was a heavily sanitized, self-serving account.

Mr. Sharma jotted down notes. "And you, gentlemen?" he asked Rohan's friends. Their stories largely mirrored Rohan's, painting themselves as innocent bystanders or victims.

"Alright," Dean Kapoor said, turning her sharp gaze to Vanshika. "Your turn."

Vanshika, maintaining her calm demeanor, spoke clearly and concisely. "As I stated earlier, Madam, he blocked our path. He made inappropriate comments and then demanded I be his girlfriend. When I refused and asked him to move, he became aggressive. He grabbed my wrists, refusing to let go, and was about to hit me when I reacted. My friends and the gentleman here intervened when his friends arrived to escalate the situation." She left out the 'savage reply' part, sticking to the facts that would portray them as victims of harassment and assault.

"And you two?" Mr. Sharma asked Vihaan and Ishana. They corroborated Vanshika's story, emphasizing Rohan's initial aggression and physical grab.

Finally, Dean Kapoor looked at the newcomer. "And your account?"

"I was walking towards the registration counter," he began, his voice steady. "I witnessed the initial confrontation. The young lady asked him repeatedly to move, but he refused. He was verbally aggressive, then physically grabbed her. When his friends arrived, it escalated rapidly. I merely intervened."

"Mr.?" she trailed off, realizing she still didn't know the newcomer's name.

"Raghav," the newcomer supplied. "Raghav Sharma."

At the mention of his full name, both Mr. Sharma and Dean Kapoor's expressions subtly tensed.

A flicker of surprise, almost apprehension, crossed their faces, though they quickly composed themselves. Vanshika, ever observant, caught the fleeting change, but she remained silent, her gaze unwavering.

Dean Kapoor leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled. "So, we have two very different narratives. However," she paused, her eyes sweeping over Rohan's group, who looked increasingly uncomfortable, "Mr. Rohan, your past disciplinary record does not do you any favors here. We have multiple reports of similar aggressive and harassing behavior."

Rohan's face paled.

"And the fact that you immediately resorted to calling a 'mob' on new students is a serious offense," Mr. Sharma added, his tone hardening. "This institution has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and harassment on campus, especially targeting freshmen."

Dean Kapoor continued, "Given the consistent accounts from Ms. Vanshika, Mr. Vihaan, Ms. Ishana, and the eyewitness account from Mr. Raghav Sharma, it appears Mr. Rohan, you and your associates were the aggressors. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated." She fixed Rohan with a piercing stare. "You will be facing immediate suspension, pending a full disciplinary review. And your friends here," she looked at the rest of Rohan's group, "will also be facing disciplinary action for their involvement in a campus brawl."

Rohan sputtered, "Suspension?! But they hit us!"

"You instigated it, Mr. Rohan," Mr. Sharma stated firmly. "And you escalated it. Ms. Vanshika's actions, while involving physical contact, appear to be in self-defense. And Mr. Raghav Sharma's intervention was clearly to prevent further harm."

Dean Kapoor then looked at Vanshika, Vihaan, Ishana, and Raghav. "As for you four, while we appreciate you standing your ground against harassment, campus brawls are also something we prefer to avoid. However, given the circumstances, and as this was clearly in self-defense, we will not be taking disciplinary action against you. Consider this a warning to report such incidents immediately, if possible, before they escalate to physical altercations."

She then softened her expression slightly. "That said, we commend your bravery. We do not want new students to feel unsafe on our campus." She gestured towards the door. "You are dismissed. Mr. Rohan, your parents will be contacted, and you are to leave campus immediately. The rest of your group will be receiving summons for a separate disciplinary hearing."

As Vanshika, Vihaan, Ishana, and Raghav rose to leave, a palpable sense of relief, mixed with a hint of satisfaction, washed over them. They had faced their first challenge head-on, and emerged not just unscathed, but vindicated. The subtle tension in the administrators' faces, however, remained a curious puzzle for Vanshika.

As Vanshika, Vihaan, Ishana, and Raghav stepped out of the administrator's office, the lingering tension from inside seemed to dissipate in the buzzing college corridor. Before they could fully process the events, two figures sprinted towards them, their faces etched with concern.

"Raghav! Tu theek hai? Humne sunna ki kuch lafda hua hai!" a girl exclaimed, her voice laced with worry as she skidded to a halt in front of him. She had bright, expressive eyes and quickly scanned him for injuries.

Beside her, a tall guy with a relieved sigh clapped Raghav on the shoulder. "Yaar jab humne sunna 'bawal' aur usme 'Raghav' hai, hum toh seedha bhage chale aaye. Kya hua?"

Raghav gave them a reassuring smile. "Mai theek hu yaar navya abhi.. Just a little... misunderstanding that escalated." He gestured vaguely back towards the office. "Ye mere naye dost hai, Vanshika, Ishana, and Vihaan. They were actually the ones being harassed."

Navya's eyes immediately softened as she turned to the trio. "Oh my god, tum log theek toh ho? We heard that Rohan guy was involved. He's a real piece of work."

"Hum theek hai, thanks to Raghav," Vanshika said, a hint of genuine gratitude in her voice. "He stepped in when things got out of hand."

"And Vanshika landed the first punch, which was glorious," Ishana added with a mischievous grin, nudging Vanshika playfully.

Abhiman let out a low whistle. "Seriously? Tumne Rohan ko maara? Impressive! That guy's been a menace for ages."

Vihaan nodded. "He definitely deserved it. He just wouldn't back off. And then his goons showed up."

Navya's brow furrowed. "So, Mrs.Kapoor aur Mr.Sharma ne kya kaha? Knowing Rohan, he probably spun some wild story."

"Wo usse suspend kar rahe hai, pending review, and his friends are facing disciplinary action," Raghav stated, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. "They believed our version of events."

"Finally!" Abhiman exclaimed, high-fiving Raghav. "It's about time someone put him in his place permanently."

Navya looked at Vanshika, a newfound respect in her eyes. "Seriously, kudos to you. Not many people stand up to him like that. And Raghav, good on you for stepping in. You always do the right thing."

"It was just the right thing to do," Raghav replied, shrugging slightly. He then looked at Vanshika, Vihaan, and Ishana. "So, are you guys heading to registration now? We can walk together."

Vanshika exchanged a look with Ishana and Vihaan. "Sounds good," she agreed. "We definitely need to get that sorted before anything else happens."

They walked down the bustling corridor towards the registration area, the air was still charged with the aftermath of the brawl, but a new curiosity began to gnaw at Vanshika. She glanced at Raghav, who was chatting easily with Abhiman and Navya.

"Hey, Raghav," Vanshika began, her voice casual, yet direct. "Jab tumne Mr. Sharma aur Dean Kapoor ko apna pura naam bataya... I noticed they both seemed to tense up. Like, really quickly. What was that about?"

Raghav paused, a slight, almost imperceptible shift in his expression. Abhiman and Navya exchanged knowing glances.

"Oh, woh?" Raghav chuckled, though there was a hint of something deeper behind his eyes. "Yeah, well, it's... a bit of a family thing, I guess." He ran a hand through his hair. "This university... Meri family ki hai."

A beat of stunned silence fell over Vanshika, Ishana, and Vihaan. Their eyes widened, their steps faltering.

"Wait, what?" Ishana finally managed, her jaw slightly agape. "Ye Puri University tumhari hai?"

Raghav nodded, a wry smile touching his lips. "Pretty much. Iss University ko mere papa ne banaya hai!"

Vihaan let out a low whistle. "So, Mr. Sharma...Tumhare papa hai?"

Raghav shook his head. "Nahi, Mr. Sharma is the Dean of Administration. But wo mere family ke under kaam karte hai, as does Dean Kapoor. She know who I am."

Vanshika stared at him, a myriad of thoughts swirling in her head. The calm demeanor, the effortless intervention, the administrators' sudden tension-it all clicked into place. "So, you just... casually walk around, letting people harass you, knowing you could basically shut the place down?" There was a mix of awe and disbelief in her tone.

Raghav shrugged. "I try to keep a low profile. It's my first day too, you know? And honestly, it's more satisfying to handle things myself, or with friends, than to pull rank. It usually just makes things worse." He then grinned. "Besides, your punch was way more effective than any administrative action."

Ishana laughed, shaking her head. "This explains so much. I thought you were just incredibly chill for someone who can clearly throw a punch. You're literally the prince of this castle!"

"Well, now we know why they were so quick to believe our side," Vihaan added, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Guess Rohan picked the absolute worst people to mess with today."

Raghav chuckled. "Let's just say he won't be having a pleasant few days. And now you guys know my secret. Try not to spread it around too much, alright? I'm just trying to have a normal college experience."

Vanshika, still processing the revelation, looked at him with a new appreciation. "A normal college experience that involves punching bullies and having the Dean jump at your name? Somehow, I doubt that." She smirked. "But, secret's safe with us, Prince of Academia."

A shared laugh, light and genuine, rippled through the group. The weight of the morning's confrontation, and the startling revelation, seemed to settle into a comfortable understanding among them.

"A 'normal college experience,' huh?" Ishana repeated, still chuckling. "With bodyguards and a secret identity. Sure, Raghav, sure."

Raghav grinned, a hint of genuine amusement dancing in his eyes. "Hey, a guy can try! Though I have a feeling my 'normal' might be a bit different from yours now." He glanced at Vanshika. "You certainly set a high bar for first impressions."

Vanshika merely smirked. "Someone had to. Wouldn't want this place to get too boring, would we?"

Vihaan clapped Raghav on the shoulder. "Seriously though, thanks for stepping in, man. And for the... clarification. Explains why the Dean looked like she'd seen a ghost."

"No problem," Raghav replied, his gaze thoughtful as he looked at the trio. "It was... refreshing. Most people don't really know how to react in those situations. You guys handled it well."

Navya, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. "So, plan now? Registration, right? Before any more campus drama unfolds?"

"Definitely registration," Vanshika confirmed, picking up her pace. "I'm officially starving after all that excitement."

Raghav, much to the others' surprise, confidently led them to a less crowded counter, exchanging a brief, polite nod with a faculty member who seemed to recognize him. The process, miraculously, became significantly smoother and faster.

An hour later, armed with their temporary ID cards and welcome kits, they spilled out of the registration hall, blinking in the afternoon sunlight. They went towards the canteen and settled their comfortably.

"Yaar ye sahi tha," Vihaan admitted, stretching his arms above his head. "Thanks, Raghav. We owe you one."

"Definitely," Vanshika agreed, her expression genuinely grateful. "I was dreading that. So,ab hum officially college students hai,aur ye sara drama bhi khatam ho gaya hai,toh ab shayad hume ek dusre ko acche se introduce Kara Dena chahiye? Beyond the whole 'punched a bully' and 'secret university owner' thing."

Navya clapped her hands together. "Great idea! Mai hu Navya Kashyap. Mai Raghav aur abhii who is basically Abhiman childhood best friends hai."

"Abhiman Bharadwaj," the tall guy added, offering a warm smile.

Raghav nodded at his friends, then looked at the trio. " Mere baare mai toh jante hi ho,So ab tumhari baari."

Vanshika smiled, feeling more relaxed now. "I'm Vanshika Sharma, obviously. Tum teeno se milke accha laga!"

"Kya baat hai do do sharmaasss!" Said Ishana excitedly.

Ishana beamed. "Ishana Joshi! And these two are my partners in crime." She gestured to Vanshika and Vihaan.

"I'm Vihaan Mishra," he said, extending a hand to each of them in turn. "Glad to have a few more good people on campus."

"Looks like a good mix!" Raghav said, looking genuinely pleased. "Our group is definitely going to be... interesting."

"Definitely more interesting than the last few hours," Vanshika quipped, glancing at Raghav. "Though, I suppose that means we now officially know the campus's secret weapon."

Raghav just laughed, the easy sound echoing in the warm afternoon. "Just Raghav, please. But yeah, if you ever need a 'shortcut,' you know who to call. Or if you need someone punched, apparently."

The group shared another round of laughter, the bonds of their unexpected friendship solidifying with each shared moment.

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The remaining classes of the day felt like a blur of fluorescent lights, droning lectures, and the uncomfortable creak of new chairs. After the morning's adrenaline, sitting still felt almost impossible.

"Kya ye sirf mai hi hu," Ishana whispered to Vanshika, subtly stifling a yawn in their last afternoon lecture, "ya ye professor sidha book se padh raha hai in a monotone designed to induce hibernation?"

Vanshika stifled a giggle, scribbling a quick doodle in her notebook. "Mujhe lagta hai ki whiteboard back in the main hall had more personality than this lecture. At least it didn't drone on about 'foundational principles' for an hour straight."

"Shhh!" Abhiman hissed from the row in front of them, turning back with a mock-serious expression. "This is riveting stuff! I'm learning so much about... about... the optimal napping posture."

Raghav, who was sitting next to Vanshika, leaned in. "I tried counting the ceiling tiles. I think I made it to fifty-seven before my brain started buffering."

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day, the group met up outside, stretching like recently uncaged animals.

"My brain feels like it's been put through a cheese grater," Vihaan declared, running a hand through his hair. "I swear, the professor spoke entirely in acronyms."

"Mine tried to convince us that 'critical thinking' involves agonizing over the precise shade of beige for a paper," Navya groaned, rubbing her temples. "I think I prefer punching bullies to this."

Vanshika snorted. "Honestly, the morning's chaos was more stimulating. At least then I knew why my adrenaline was pumping. Now I'm just tired for no good reason."

Ishana pretended to check her pulse. "I'm worried. My heart rate hasn't spiked once since lunch. Is this what 'academia' feels like? A slow, intellectual flatline?"

Abhiman dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "I miss the thrill! The danger! The sheer joy of seeing Rohan's jaw meet Vanshika's fist!"

Raghav chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, let's hope ki kal ke lectures sahi rahe. Warna hume daily ek 'stress relief' session arrange karna hoga" He looked at Vanshika with a knowing grin. "I hear some people are quite good at providing that."

Vanshika playfully rolled her eyes. "Only if absolutely necessary. My knuckles need a break after this morning. But seriously, if tomorrow's classes are anything like today's, I might actually miss Rohan."

"Don't say that!" Ishana exclaimed, feigning horror. "You'll jinx us! One day of peace is all I ask, and then maybe we can orchestrate a minor, non-violent campus incident just to keep things interesting."

As they made their way to walk out of the campus, their laughter echoed through the corridors, a sign that even the most tedious of first-day classes couldn't dampen the spirits of their newly formed, unexpectedly bonded group.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the campus. The initial chaos of the first day was settling, replaced by a sense of anticipation for what the future might hold for this unlikely group of friends.

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So Raghav , Abhiman aur Navya ki entry ho gayi finallyyy......🥳🥳🥳. Do vote and comment. And let me know how was the CHAPTER.......