Ishana was busy studying in the university library. She then closed her book as it was time to go back to class.

She stood and went towards the door but her leg got tripped and she was about to fall when a pair of hands came and saved her from falling. Ishana opened her eyes and saw Abhiman was holding her so that she wouldn't fall. His hands were on her waist and he was looking at her. Ishana was looking at him and they both were lost in the moment. They forgot the outside world. Abhiman was looking at her with love and affection. Ishana was just lost in his eyes as if she was trying to understand it. They were in the same position for some time. And then they heard someone clearing their throat. They looked up only to witness Vanshika standing there, leaning on the door, her arms crossed, a playful smirk playing on her lips.

Ishana looked at her and got confused why she was smirking, and then she looked at Abhiman and realized the position they were in. She immediately stood up and was looking everywhere except Vanshika.

Abhiman had a slight blush on his cheek.

"If your romance has ended, let's go to the class." Vanshika then asked.

"We were not romancing!" Ishana and Abhiman said, in unison.

"Dikh hi raha tha." She said with a smirk.

Ishana then said, trying to divert the topic, "Uhh..uhh..chal na yaar,Vanshiii," and she ran out of the room.

Meanwhile, Vanshika was still looking at Abhiman. Abhiman then said,

"Kyaa??"

Vanshika just gave a knowing look, a mischievous glint in her eyes, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

Abhiman, feeling his cheeks warm even more, finally blurted, "Kya haii?!"

Vanshika pushed off the doorframe, walking closer to him with a slow, deliberate pace.

"Oh, nothing," she purred, a wide grin spreading across her face.

"Just wondering if I should apologize for interrupting such a tender moment." She emphasized the words with exaggerated sweetness.

"Huh!!kuch bhi!!" Said Abhiman while scratching his neck.

"You love her, right?" Vanshika's voice was soft, devoid of its usual teasing, yet it cut through the air.

Abhiman snapped back, his eyes widening. He got shocked hearing this.

"Uhh... it's... it's... not like that," he stammered, his voice betraying his attempt at denial.

"Don't you dare to lie to me, Abhii. I have seen it. The way you were looking at her, it clearly says that you are in love with her." Vanshika's expression didn't waver, her gaze piercing.

"Aesa kuch nahi hai, Vanshiii."Abhiman looked away, then back at her, a desperate plea in his eyes.

"Oh, really?" she challenged, stepping closer.

"Come on, Abhii. I have seen the love for her in your eyes since the day you met her. So don't you dare to make any excuses."

Abhiman finally sighed, defeated. The truth was a heavy weight, but also a relief, to finally voice it aloud, even to Vanshika.

"Yes, I love her," he confessed, the words quiet but firm.

He then added, his voice dropping to a desperate whisper, "But please, don't say this to her."

Vanshika looked at him for a while, her usual playful demeanor replaced by something deeper, more understanding.

"Bhagwan hi bachay tumhe uss se," she murmured, a genuine warmth in her eyes.

"You are not objecting it?"Abhiman looked at her, shocked.

"How am I supposed to object it, Abhii? I have seen true love in your eyes for her. And I think you are the right guy for her."She chuckled softly, a genuine smile forming.

A wave of relief washed over Abhiman.

"I don't know whether I'm right guy for her or not," he said, his gaze returning to the door where Ishana had disappeared,

"But I'll try to be a right guy for her."

"So," Vanshika began, her voice taking on a familiar teasing lilt again,

"when are you going to propose to her?"

"When the right time comes," he said, his gaze firm with resolve. Abhiman's blush returned, but this time it was accompanied by a hopeful smile.

She nodded, understanding his words completely.

"Alright then," Vanshika said, brightening the mood as she headed towards the door.

"Let's go back to the class, or else Professor Sharma will give us detention for being late and for excessive public displays of 'balancing'!" She winked at him.

Abhiman chuckled, a lighthearted sound that cut through his earlier nervousness, but there was still a slight blush on his cheek. He followed her out, the image of Ishana's startled eyes and soft smile lingering in his mind, now tinged with a quiet, certain hope.

They both entered the classroom and sighed in relief as the professor hadn't reached the classroom yet. They went towards their usual group. Abhiman looked at Raghav, who was busy with his book, and a mischievous thought sparked in his mind.

"Yaar, I don't know why I'm unable to see anything from this side," Abhiman declared loudly, gaining their group's attention, including Raghav's, who looked up from his book.

"Kyu be andha ho gaya kya tu?"Vihaan, ever the straightforward one, immediately asked.

"Areey nahi yaar, I just... I just can't see the letters from here. It's too far." Abhiman countered with mock exasperation.

"Then who told you to sit on the last bench?" Navya, always ready with a retort, chimed in.

Abhiman then turned his attention to Vanshika, who was sitting beside Ishana, engrossed in her own book, clearly uninterested in their group's usual banter.

"Vanshiii, yaar, can you sit here instead? I'll sit there!"

Vanshika slowly raised an eyebrow, a clear challenge in her gaze. Abhiman returned her look with a knowing smirk, and Vanshika just rolled her eyes, a small, amused smile playing on her lips.

"Awara Ashiq," she muttered under her breath which Abhiman heard and smirked implying he was looking for an excuse to sit closer to someone. She stood up from her place.

"Thank you, yaar, Vanshiii! Ek tu hi hai apni!!!" Abhiman grinned.

"Bhakk!" Vanshika retorted, making everyone laugh. Abhiman made a fake sad face and then, with a barely contained eagerness, practically slid into the seat beside Ishana.

As Abhiman settled in next to Ishana, a comfortable silence fell between them. Ishana, though pretending to focus on her book, could feel his presence beside her. A subtle warmth radiated from him, and a faint, sweet scent—maybe his cologne, maybe just him—drifted over. She risked a quick glance and found him looking at her, his eyes soft and a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Their eyes met for only a second, but in that fleeting connection, a spark ignited, a silent acknowledgment of the shift in the air between them. Ishana quickly looked back at her book, a shy smile touching her own lips. Abhiman, too, turned his attention to his book, but a quiet satisfaction settled over him.

Meanwhile, Vanshika moved towards Raghav's side.

"If you don't mind, can I take that corner seat, please?" she asked softly, her voice a pleasant murmur that cut through the background hum of the classroom.

Raghav looked up from his book, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

"Of course," he said, nodding. He subtly shifted his bag, making ample space for her. As she settled into the seat beside him, a faint, clean scent—like fresh laundry and a hint of something floral—wafted towards him. It was Vanshika's scent, familiar and comforting, yet now, somehow, it felt different. A warmth spread through his chest.

They both opened their books, pretending to be engrossed, but a quiet awareness hummed between them. Raghav found himself stealing glances at her from the corner of his eye. The way the light caught the strands of her hair, the slight furrow of her brow as she concentrated, the delicate curve of her neck – every small detail seemed magnified. He felt an inexplicable pull, a desire to lean in, to whisper something, anything, just to hear her respond.

Vanshika, too, found her thoughts drifting from the words on the page. She could feel Raghav's proximity, a comforting anchor. A peculiar lightness filled her, a sense of ease she rarely felt with anyone else. She smiled faintly to herself, a private moment of contentment.

Just then, the professor strode into the classroom. "Good morning, class!" he boomed.

"Good morning, sir!" the students chorused, the moment between Raghav and Vanshika, and Abhiman and Ishana, breaking as everyone straightened up, ready for the lecture to begin. The class started, but the subtle connections forged in those few moments lingered in the air.

The class was totally engrossed in the lecture. Vanshika was particularly focused, her pen flying across the pages of her notebook as she meticulously jotted down every point the professor emphasized.

Raghav, sitting beside her, was also diligently taking notes, but every single minute, his eyes would drift. He'd steal a quick glance at her, admiring the way her brow furrowed in concentration or the slight curve of her lips when she understood a complex concept. Each fleeting look was a quiet moment of appreciation, a subtle acknowledgment of her presence beside him.

The lecture finally ended, and the usual midday chaos erupted as students gathered their belongings. The whole class started heading towards the canteen, a wave of chatter and laughter filling the air. However, Raghav, Vanshika, Abhiman, Ishana, and their friends remained. They were still deeply engrossed in their books, seemingly oblivious to the exodus, a small island of quiet study amidst the departing crowd.

"Alright guys, let's go!" Vihaan stretched his arms above his head, letting out a satisfied groan after completing his work.

"Yeah, I'm so tired, and I desperately need something to eat."Navya wholeheartedly agreed.

Everyone nodded, gathering their belongings. They began heading towards the canteen, the promise of food and a break spurring them on. Abhiman and Vihaan were deep in conversation about the recent cricket match, while Ishana and Navya chatted animatedly about fashion trends.

Vanshika walked side-by-side with Raghav, who was scrolling through his phone. She was still trying to understand a particular topic in her book, a slight frown creasing her brow as she concentrated. After a moment, understanding dawned, and a small, satisfied smile spread across her face. She closed her book and tucked it into her bag.

Just then, a familiar figure stepped in front of her, blocking her path. Vanshika looked up, her smile immediately fading into a look of irritation. She knew Ajay was about to say something that would get under her skin.

"How are you, baby?" Ajay drawled, his smile smug.

"Abhi tak toh theek hi thi," Vanshika retorted dryly.

"Wanna have with me?" said Ajay seemed unfazed.

"Can you please just get the hell out of here?" Vanshika's irritation spiked.

Ajay took a step closer, about to persist, when a cold voice cut through the air.

"Babyy."

Vanshika turned around, her eyes widening slightly as Raghav stood there. He stepped in front of her, intertwining their hands. His thumb gently brushed her knuckles, a warm, comforting sensation.

"Why are you standing here? Let's go to the canteen. Everyone's waiting for us." Raghav asked, his voice smooth, eyes fixed on Vanshika.

"Yeah, actually... uh..." Vanshika began, her gaze flicking to Ajay. Raghav noticed her glance and turned his attention to Ajay, his own eyes hardening.

"What now, Ajay?" Raghav asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"I was talking with my girl," he sneered, pointing at Vanshika. His blood was boiling, seeing them so close, their hands linked.

Raghav's jaw tightened. He took a deliberate step forward, his grip on Vanshika's hand tightening almost imperceptibly.

"Dare you to call her yours again, and I'll break your mouth." he snarled, his voice a dangerous whisper that sent a shiver down Vanshika's spine,

"Oh, big talk, Raghav. What are you going to do? Get your daddy to fight for you?" Ajay scoffed, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

Raghav's eyes narrowed, a muscle ticking in his jaw. His voice dropped, thick with menace.

"I don't need anyone to fight my battles, Ajay. I'm more than enough to handle scum like you." He squeezed Vanshika's hand gently, a silent reassurance, before turning his full, icy glare back to Ajay.

"Now, I suggest you take your sorry self somewhere far away before I forget we're in public."

Ajay, clearly taken aback by the sheer intensity of Raghav's anger, hesitated. He met Raghav's furious gaze for a moment longer, then scoffed one last time, turned, and stalked away, muttering under his breath.

Raghav watched him go for a second, his posture still rigid. Then, his shoulders relaxed, and he turned to Vanshika, his gaze instantly softening.

"Are you okay? Did he do something?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"No," she said softly, "I'm fine. Thanks." She smiled at him, a genuine, relieved smile.

"Let's go then." He smiled back, the dangerous glint entirely gone from his eyes.

"Yes," she agreed, a warmth spreading through her as he kept their hands intertwined. They both headed towards the canteen.

Upon reaching there, their friends were already engrossed in their usual banter. Only Abhiman, sitting with Ishana, was watching them with a subtle smile on his face. His eyes went straight to their intertwined hands, and a knowing smirk played on his lips. He gave Raghav a pointed look, one that screamed, I knew it.

Raghav looked at him, confused for a moment, wondering why Abhiman was giving him that particular look. Then, he realized: their hands were still intertwined. Before he could react, Vanshika looked at him, her eyes subtly widening, and she discreetly gestured for him to release her hand. Raghav understood immediately, a blush creeping up his neck. He gently released her hand, and they took their places within the group.

Vihaan, Ishana, and Navya turned to them.

"Why did you two take so long to come?" Vihaan asked, his mouth already full of food.

"I was just trying to understand a really tricky topic, and Raghav was helping me. That's why we got a bit late." Vanshika quickly supplied an excuse.

They all seemed convinced and, without further questions, resumed their lively banter, the tension of the earlier encounter fading into the background of their easy camaraderie.

____________________________________________________________________________________

3 MONTHS LATER,

The air in the examination hall crackled with a familiar tension. It was a unique blend of nervous anticipation and focused determination. Desks were arranged in neat, silent rows, each student hunched over their paper, a pen scratching steadily, or a brow furrowed in deep thought. The only sounds were the rustle of question papers, the soft clicks of pens, and the occasional cough, each noise amplified in the hushed intensity of the room. Time, usually so fleeting, seemed to stretch and warp, marked only by the slow sweep of the clock's hands and the quiet footsteps of the invigilators patrolling the aisles. This was the arena where weeks of late-night studies, rushed revisions, and shared anxieties culminated – the university exams.

Raghav, Vanshika, Abhiman, Ishana, Navya, and Vihaan were all there, scattered across different rows, each deeply immersed in their own papers.

Raghav's pen moved with practiced ease, his mind racing through formulas and concepts. He paused occasionally, eyes drifting for a brief moment, not to check on others, but to gather his thoughts, his gaze momentarily distant.

A few rows over, Vanshika was a picture of serene concentration. Her handwriting was neat, her answers concise, reflecting her thorough understanding of the material. She occasionally chewed on the end of her pen, a small habit when faced with a particularly tricky question, before writing down her solution with quiet confidence.

Abhiman, meanwhile, was tackling his paper with a more… energetic approach. He'd scribble furiously for a few minutes, then lean back, eyes scanning the ceiling as if seeking inspiration, before diving back in. He occasionally glanced in Ishana's direction, a quick, almost imperceptible flick of his eyes, just to reassure himself she was there, safe and focused.

Ishana herself was methodical, taking her time with each question, rereading it carefully before committing her answer to paper. Her concentration was absolute, her movements precise.

Navya looked like she was in a quiet battle with her paper, a determined frown fixed on her face, while Vihaan occasionally stretched his neck, eager for the clock to tick faster.

The silence of the hall was punctuated only by these small, human indicators of intense mental effort. For these friends, this exam was not just a test of their knowledge, but another shared experience, a silent, individual challenge unfolding simultaneously within the same focused space.

The piercing ring of the bell cut through the hushed tension of the examination hall, signaling the end of the exam. A collective sigh of relief swept through the room as pens were dropped, and students stretched, their bodies stiff from hours of focused stillness. Papers were neatly stacked and handed over, a silent exchange marking the culmination of intense mental effort.

Raghav was one of the first to emerge from the hall, a confident stride in his step. Abhiman followed soon after, shaking out his hand as if to loosen the cramping muscles from furious writing. Navya and Vihaan appeared next, animatedly discussing a particularly tricky question. Ishana walked out, a thoughtful expression on her face, while Vanshika, looking as composed as ever, collected her belongings with an air of quiet satisfaction.

They converged outside the hall, the quiet camaraderie of the exam room replaced by the familiar buzz of their friendship.

"So, how was it, genius? Did you ace it?" Abhiman immediately clapped Raghav on the back.

"Felt good. What about you, drama king?Raghav grinned.

Did your 'I can't see from here' strategy pay off?" he teased, a playful glint in his eye.

"Let's just say I had a very inspiring view. But seriously, that last question was a killer, right?"Abhiman just winked.

"Oh, don't even get me started on the last one! I think my brain just short-circuited." Navya groaned.

"Mine too! I'm convinced they put that in just to mess with us." Vihaan agreed, shaking his head.

"It was challenging, but I think I managed. What about you, Vanshika?" Ishana, however, looked relatively calm.

"It was fair. Nothing too unexpected." Vanshika shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips.

Raghav looked at her, a silent admiration in his gaze. He knew how thoroughly she prepared, but her calm confidence always impressed him. He found himself wishing he could have been seated next to her, just to feel that steady presence.

"Well, whatever happens, at least it's over for now! "Kuch khane chale?" Abhiman declared, clapping his hands together.

A chorus of agreement met his question

"Chalo khane chalte hai fir!" Abhiman declared, already halfway out the door. The rest of the group, a mix of relief and lingering exam fatigue, readily agreed, their stomachs rumbling in unison.

"Hey, you know what? Our exams are finally over! Why don't we do something fun? Like, actually go somewhere and enjoy ourselves?"As they walked, Vihaan suddenly brightened.

"Oh, I'm totally in! But where, though? Any ideas?"Navya's eyes lit up.

"Let's go for shopping!"Ishana immediately chimed in.

"No!!!!Absolutely no shopping. I swear, if I hear that word one more time, I might actually scream." Vanshika, who had been listening quietly, immediately shot that down,her voice firm.

"Yeah, I'm with Vanshika on this one. We always end up at the mall. It's time for something different, something better."Abhiman nodded in swift agreement.

"Yeah, actually. But where, then? Something that feels like a real break."Raghav, who had been contemplating, nodded as well.

"I've got it! What about an amusement park? Let's go there!" Said Vanshika, a sudden spark in her eyes, snapped her fingers.

A moment of surprised silence hung in the air, then Vihaan's face broke into a wide grin.

"An amusement park? That's brilliant!"

"Oh my god, yes! Rollercoasters, games, cotton candy... I'm in!"Navya clapped her hands together.

"That sounds amazing! I haven't been to one in ages."Ishana's eyes gleamed with excitement.

Abhiman turned to Vanshika, a wide, appreciative smile on his face.

"Vanshika, you're a genius! That's way better than wandering around shops."

Raghav looked at Vanshika, a genuine warmth spreading through him. Her spontaneity was one of the things he found so captivating.

"Yeah, Vanshika, that's a fantastic idea. I think we all needed something like this."

"Alright then!" Vihaan pumped a fist in the air. "Amusement park it is! But first... canteen. My stomach thinks my throat's been cut."

Laughter erupted, and the conversation immediately shifted to planning their post-canteen amusement park adventure, their steps now even lighter with the prospect of unadulterated fun.

As they settled into their usual booth at the canteen, the aroma of spices and fresh food filling the air.

"Okay, this amusement park idea is awesome! But, like, when are we actually going?" Navya piped up.

"What about tomorrow? Friday, right after class?"Vihaan offered, already halfway through his samosa.

"No way!!! Maine Preeti ko promise Kiya hai ki mai kal uski physics project banane Mai madt karunga." Abhiman shook his head.

"Aur mai kal papa ke saath bahar ja rahi hu," Ishana added.

"Sunday? Sablog toh free rehete hai na?"Navya then suggested.

"I have a family thing on Sunday morning, might be back late." Raghav shrugged.

"And I promised aunt I'd help her with something,So Sunday's a no-go for me too." Vanshika chimed in.

A collective sigh went around the table. It seemed coordinating their schedules was harder than acing their exams.

Raghav, always the pragmatic one, tapped his fingers on the table.

"Alright, listen. How about Saturday?" He looked around at their faces. "It's a holiday for everyone, right? And we can have all day there. Plus, we'll have Sunday to recover from whatever crazy rides Vihaan drags us onto."

Everyone's faces brightened. "Saturday!!!Yes, that works perfectly!" Navya exclaimed.

"Genius, Raghav!" Abhiman agreed, giving him a thumbs up.

"Saturday sounds great," Ishana smiled, looking at Vanshika for confirmation.

"Saturday it is then." Vanshika nodded, a genuine smile on her face.

They continued eating, laughing, and chit-chatting, the canteen buzzing around them. They talked about potential rides, what snacks they'd devour, and teased each other about who would scream the loudest on the rollercoasters.

Suddenly, Vanshika's phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, and a frown creased her face as she saw the screen: an unknown number. A beat of hesitation, then curiosity won out. She tapped to answer.

"Hello?" she said, her voice clear, but with a hint of wariness.

Vanshika's face, usually so composed, was etched with a sudden, alarming seriousness. She didn't say another word, just a quiet, tense,

"I'm coming," into the phone before she disconnected the call. In a swift motion, she grabbed her backpack, slung it over her shoulder, and ran.

"Vanshika! Hey, Vanshika, rukk!" Abhiman called out, but she didn't seem to hear them. She was already halfway out of the canteen, a blur of motion. She sprinted out of the university building, fumbling for her car keys as she reached her vehicle. She settled herself in the driver's seat, started the engine with a roar, and sped out of the parking lot, tires squealing faintly as she disappeared down the street.

The group was left staring at the empty doorway, a sudden, heavy silence settling over their table. Confusion morphed into concern on their faces.

"What in the world just happened?" Navya finally voiced, her eyes wide.

"Jo kuch bhi hua but..mujhe usse rokna chahiye tha,usse akele nahi bhejna tha! I... I'm getting really scared now."Ishana wrung her hands. Her voice trembled slightly.

"Scared? Why are you getting so scared, Ishana? What was that all about?" Navya looked at her, puzzled.

"It's... it's Vanshika's thing. Whenever she gets really tensed or distressed, or if something genuinely shakes her up, she just... she goes into this mode. She doesn't see anything, doesn't hear anything. She just focuses on getting to wherever she needs to be, and she drives like a maniac. That's why we usually try to keep her from getting behind the wheel when she's like that. But I guess we were too late to stop her this time." Vihaan sighed, running a hand through his hair. A worried frown deepened on his face.

They were all getting visibly tensed, the cheerful canteen atmosphere now feeling jarringly out of place. But more than anyone else, Raghav was consumed by a gnawing anxiety. His mind raced, replaying Vanshika's sudden departure, the grim set of her jaw. What could possibly have happened that would make her leave like that? His heart pounded with a fear he couldn't quite name, an overwhelming need to know if she was okay.

Just then, Raghav's phone buzzed. He answered it, a curt "Hello?" on his lips.

What he heard on the other end made his face drain of color, replaced by an alarming seriousness that mirrored Vanshika's earlier departure. His jaw tightened, and he disconnected the call, his eyes sharp with urgency. He looked at Abhiman and Navya.

"Come along with me," he said, his voice clipped and decisive.

They exchanged a quick, bewildered glance.

"What happened?" Abhiman asked.

"Yeah, what's wrong?" Navya echoed.

"Nothing," Raghav bit out, already pushing himself from the table.

"Just come. Now." His tone left no room for argument.

"You too. Everyone." He then looked at Vihaan and Ishana.

Seeing the undeniable seriousness of the situation reflected in his usually calm demeanor, they all nodded. The group abandoned their unfinished food and sprinted out of the canteen, a wave of apprehension washing over them. Raghav was already at his car, pulling out his keys with swift, urgent movements. He settled into the driver's seat, his friends scrambling into the passenger seats and the back. He started the engine with a roar, and with a squeal of tires, he drove off, following the path Vanshika had taken just moments before.

Vanshika slammed her car into a parking spot outside the School, the tires protesting with a sharp screech. She burst from the vehicle, her long strides carrying her swiftly through the school gates and directly towards the principal's office. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a chilling premonition tightening its grip.

Before she reached the principal's door, Vanshika skidded to a halt in the middle of the deserted corridor. The sight before her made a gasp catch in her throat.

Akash and Darsh were slumped on a narrow bench, their head bowed. A trickle of blood coiled from the corner of their lips, staining their pale skin, and their pristine school uniform was torn at the shoulder, revealing a bruise already forming beneath the fabric. Their usually bright eyes were clouded with pain. Beside them sat Abhimanyu, Shaurya,Aditya and Siddharth looking equally disheveled but less injured. Their hair was ruffled, and there was a smudge of dirt on their cheek, but the raw distress in their eyes mirrored Akash's.

Vanshika immediately dropped to her knees in front of Akash and Darsh, her hands trembling slightly as she gently checked them for more injuries.

"Aki, Darsh,tum...tum.. theek ho na dono?Kya hua, baccha? Tum... ye sab kaise?" she whispered, her voice laced with desperate concern.

Then, her gaze snapped to Abhimanyu, Shaurya, Aditya and Siddharth. She reached out, her touch equally gentle.

"Ayu?Tum teno, Kya hua? Ye sab kya hai? Kisne kiya ye sab?" Her voice was a low, urgent demand for answers.

Before Abhimanyu could even begin to explain the chaotic scene, the principal's PA emerged from the office. "

Excuse me, are you their guardian?" she asked, her tone formal.

Vanshika rose quickly, her eyes still darting between the boys and the PA.

"Yes, I'm their sister."

"Principal ma'am has called for you," the PA instructed, gesturing towards the open door.

With a final, worried glance at the boys, Vanshika led them into the room.

"Excuse me, ma'am," she said, her voice regaining some of its usual composure, though the underlying tension was palpable.

The principal, a stern-looking woman with spectacles perched on her nose, looked up from her desk.

"Yes, please come in, Miss...?"

"Vanshika Sharma," she stated, her gaze unwavering.

The principal gestured for Vanshika to take a seat. Vanshika settled into the chair, her gaze fixed on the principal.

"What happened, ma'am? Why did you call me? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tight with suppressed anxiety.

The principal didn't answer immediately. Instead, her gaze flickered from Akash,Darsh,Aditya,Abhimanyu, Sidharth and Shaurya whose eyes were still blazing with defiance towards the two boys standing opposite her desk, and then to those two boys themselves. Vanshika followed her gaze. The other boys' condition was far worse than her brothers; they looked like they'd been thoroughly beaten, their faces bruised and swollen.

"Miss Sharma....,Your brothers have badly beaten these two students."the principal began. Her voice grave.

Vanshika's head snapped back to her younger brothers, her eyes wide with a silent question: Is this true? What did you do?

But before she could utter a word, the principal interrupted,

"Before you say anything, Miss Sharma, please listen to them." She gestured behind Vanshika.

Vanshika turned to see Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya standing there, looking a little terrified, their eyes wide with fear and silent accusation. Vanshika was shocked to see them.

"What happened?" She turned back to Akash and Abhimanyu, her voice softer now, but still firm.

Abhimanyu looked directly at her, his voice surprisingly clear despite his disheveled appearance.

"Di, it's not our fault. These two boys,they were troubling Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya for a long time." he gestured vaguely towards the bruised students.

"Yes, di, they were troubling them a lot. They even tried to touch her!" Shaurya, then, chimed in.His face was flushed with indignation.

"Yes, di, and we cannot tolerate anything regarding our sisters." Added Aditya, his own eyes mirroring the anger.

"That's why we beat them." Darsh and Akash spoke in unison, their voices ringing with a fierce conviction.

Vanshika looked at the girls, Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya, who were still a little fearful, huddled together. She slowly stood up from her seat and walked towards them. Gently, she knelt down, bringing herself to their eye level.

"Are you okay, baccha?" she asked, her voice soft and laced with genuine concern.

At her comforting tone, Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya immediately lunged forward, hugging her tightly and bursting into tears. Vanshika was stunned by their sudden outburst, but she quickly wrapped her arms around them, pulling them close and beginning to gently stroke their hair, murmuring soothing words.

"Shhh...shhh...it's okay," she whispered, her own heart aching for their distress. After a moment, she gently pulled back just enough to look at each of their tear-streaked faces.

"Look at me," she urged. The girls slowly lifted their gazes to hers.

"Zada pareshan kiya na?" she asked, her eyes reflecting understanding, knowing they had been troubled deeply. The girls nodded, fresh tears welling up. Vanshika gave them a gentle, reassuring smile and carefully wiped their tears away with her thumbs.

"Ab nahi karenge," she promised, her voice firm.

She then stood up and turned, her expression hardening as she faced the principal.

"Ma'am," Vanshika began, her voice calm but with an unmistakable edge of resolve.

"With all due respect, my brothers, acted as any protective siblings would. They saw girls being harassed, being touched inappropriately, and they reacted. Is it ideal? No. Should they have resorted to violence? Perhaps not. But what about the behavior of these two boys?" She gestured towards the still-bruised perpetrators. "Why were they allowed to harass these girls to such an extent that it escalated to this point?"

"Miss Sharma, while I understand the protective instinct, violence is not the answer in a school environment. There are proper channels to report such behavior. Your brothers are facing disciplinary action for their actions." Said The principal while adjusting her spectacles, her gaze unyielding.

"And what disciplinary action are those boys facing for what they did to Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya?" Vanshika countered, her voice rising slightly.

"Because from what I gather, this wasn't a one-time incident. This has been 'troubling them for a long time.' Were these 'proper channels' exhausted? Were these girls protected before my brothers had to step in?" Vanshika's eyes flashed with a fierce protectiveness that mirrored Akash and the other boys earlier resolve.

"My brothers might have thrown punches, but those boys were committing acts of harassment and potentially assault. There's a fundamental difference between defending someone from being touched against their will and being the one initiating that violation."

"We are investigating all aspects of the incident, Miss Sharma. Both parties will be dealt with appropriately." The principal's expression wavered slightly.

"Appropriately isn't good enough, ma'am," Vanshika stated, stepping a little closer to the principal's desk. "My brothers reacted to a failure in protection. If these girls felt safe and protected by the school, they wouldn't have needed my brothers to intervene with force. I expect a thorough investigation into the harassment these girls endured, not just the physical altercation. And I expect consequences for all involved parties that reflect the severity of their actions. Because if this school cannot ensure the safety of its female students, then perhaps it's not the place for any of them."

She stood tall, her gaze unwavering, clearly indicating she wouldn't back down. The principal met her stare, a hint of surprise in her eyes at Vanshika's firm stance.

The principal was momentarily speechless, taken aback by Vanshika's unwavering stance and the undeniable truth in her words. She opened her mouth, then closed it, clearly at a loss for an immediate retort.

Vanshika took a deep breath, her gaze softening slightly, but her resolve remained firm.

"Look, Ma'am, I know whatever my brothers did was not good. They absolutely shouldn't have broken protocol by taking matters into their own hands, and I'm not excusing the violence." She paused, her eyes sweeping over the two bruised boys. "But this has been going on for a long time. Whether it was just troubling them, or trying to touch them, or anything else, it's your responsibility to take care of what's going on in this school."

The principal finally found her voice, though it lacked its earlier conviction.

"Miss Sharma, we have systems in place. Students are encouraged to report any issues to their teachers or counselors."

"Encouraged to report, yes," Vanshika interjected, a touch of exasperation in her tone. "But were their reports heard? Were they acted upon? These girls were clearly terrified enough to keep silent, or felt unheard if they did speak up. My brothers wouldn't have resorted to this if they believed the 'systems in place' were actually working to protect their sisters. This isn't just about my brothers' actions; it's about the environment that allowed such bullying and harassment to fester until it exploded like this."

The principal's shoulders sagged almost imperceptibly. "I assure you, Miss Sharma, we take all allegations of harassment very seriously."

"Then show it, Ma'am," Vanshika urged, her voice resonating with quiet power. "Show these girls that this school is a safe place for them. Show my brothers that they don't have to be the last line of defense. I expect not just disciplinary action for all students involved, but a clear plan on how the school intends to proactively prevent such incidents in the future, and how it will ensure students feel genuinely safe to report without fear." She glanced back at Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya, who were still standing quietly, looking vulnerable. "Their safety and well-being should be the priority here, above all else."

The principal stared at her, a new understanding dawning in her eyes. It was clear Vanshika wasn't just a concerned sister; she was an advocate, articulate and determined.

The principal, her expression now stern and resolute, turned her gaze to the two bruised boys who had been harassing the girls.

"You two are suspended for one week, effective immediately. And let me make this absolutely clear: any further incidents of harassment, bullying, or inappropriate behavior, and you will face permanent expulsion. This school has a zero-tolerance policy for such actions, and your parents will be informed of this decision and the reasons behind it."

She then looked at Akash, Abhimanyu, Darsh, Shaurya, Aditya and Siddharth. Her voice softened slightly, though it remained firm. "As for you five, I appreciate what you did in defending your friends. Your protective instincts are commendable. However, it is against the protocol of this school to engage in physical altercations. If there is any kind of such situation in the future, you must immediately report it to a teacher or, better yet, come directly to me. I will take action, but please do not repeat this kind of behavior again. This is my first and last warning to you all."

She then looked at Vanshika, who was still glaring at the two suspended boys, her anger palpable. "Miss Sharma, I am truly sorry for the oversight on our part that allowed this situation to escalate to this point. We will be implementing new, more stringent measures for reporting and addressing harassment, and counselors will be made more accessible to students. I'll make sure this won't happen again. And I hope your brothers will not repeat the same thing."

Vanshika nodded, her expression softening a fraction. She then turned towards her siblings and took all of them out of the principal's cabin.

They were outside in the corridor, the sudden quiet a stark contrast to the heated exchange moments before. Vanshika looked at the boys, her arms crossed over her chest. They were all looking at the floor, like chastised puppies. She sighed, a long, drawn-out breath.

"Look," she began, her voice firm but lacking its earlier severity. "Whatever you did was right, standing up for them. But when something like this was happening, you should have told me, or your older brothers. Why did you go fight by yourselves?"

Darsh looked up, a hint of indignation in his voice. "Di, we didn't do anything first! Akash saw them, and he got angry, so he went to hit them. But then those two started hitting him, and that's when Adi bhaiya and I got angry, so we started hitting them back."

Aditya nodded vehemently. "Then Shaurya bhaiya and Ayu bhaiya and Sid bhaiya came. They stopped us and asked why we were fighting. When Akash told them what had happened, they themselves got angry and started hitting them. Then we joined in too!"

Vanshika listened to their rapid-fire explanation. A part of her swelled with fierce pride; her brothers had made a brave decision to protect their sisters. But another part of her was consumed by concern. They shouldn't have taken matters into their own hands; anything could have happened to them.

She took a deep breath. "Dekho, tum logo ne jo kiya woh sahi tha," she said, her voice softer now, "lekin tumhe aese baat ko apne haatho mein nahi lena chahiye tha. Kuch bhi ho sakta tha."

She sighed again. "Chalo, jo hua so hua. Ab bhool jao aur aainda se wapas mat karna." The boys all nodded, their heads still bowed.

Vanshika then turned towards the girls, her expression melting into warmth. She opened her arms, and Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya immediately rushed into her embrace. She held them tightly. "Agar koi bhi dikkat ho ya kuch ho, toh darne ki zaroorat nahi hai," she said gently.

"I know ki yahan tumhare superhero bhaiya hain, but still, agar kuch bhi problem ho ya kuch, mujhe aap teeno bol sakti ho."She looked at them with a soft smile. "Aap teeno mujhe apni behen mante ho na?"

The girls nodded vigorously, their eyes shining with gratitude.

Vanshika smiled, her heart full. "Toh bas. Aainda se agar kuch ho, aur agar aapko mujhse share karne ka mann ho, toh bata sakti ho." The girls smiled, a genuine relief washing over their faces, and hugged her even tighter.

Vanshika then turned back to the boys, her arms still open, inviting them. Without a second thought, Akash, Abhimanyu, Darsh, Shaurya, Sidharth and Aditya all piled into a tight group hug around her. She squeezed them fiercely. "I'm proud of you, my boys," she murmured, a genuine warmth in her voice. The boys giggled, feeling the unconditional love and pride from their sister.

Just then, they heard a flurry of hurried footsteps coming towards them. Vanshika looked up, and there, rushing down the corridor, were Raghav, Abhiman, Vihaan, Ishana, and Navya. Their faces were etched with palpable tension and concern.

Raghav immediately went towards Sakshi, who still looked fragile after her tears. He pulled her into a tight hug, gently stroking her hair.

"Shhh, it's okay," he murmured, his voice soft with reassurance. "I'm here now, shant ho jao, baccha. It's okay."

Abhiman moved swiftly to his sister, Preeti, who also threw her arms around him,

"It's ok ab kuch nahi hoga,Mai aa gaya na ab,shanth ho ja" he said and started stroking her hair, whispering comforting words.

Navya went to her sister, Divya, embracing her tightly and offering solace,

"Tu theek hai na??"

Vihaan, ever the practical one, went directly to Akash, Abhimanyu, Darsh,Aditya, Sidharth and Shaurya, quickly checking them over for any lingering injuries.

"Are you guys okay? What exactly happened?" he asked, his gaze sharp with concern.

Ishana, tears welling in her eyes at the sight of her brothers' disheveled appearance, went straight to Abhimanyu and Akash, her hands gently touching their bruised faces, checking for more injuries.

"Oh, my poor brothers," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She then looked at Vanshika, who was watching all of them, a complex mix of emotions on her face. Ishana immediately pulled Vanshika into a tight hug. Vihaan, seeing this, joined in, enveloping Vanshika in a group hug.

Vanshika was startled by their sudden, collective embrace, but she immediately understood. These were her friends, her family, expressing their deep worry for her. She quickly hugged them back, a wave of warmth washing over her.

Ishana pulled back slightly,

"Don't you have any sense, Vanshika?! How could you drive like that and come here all alone?"her voice laced with a raw fear that quickly turned to exasperation.

"Yes! You know how you react in these situations, how you drive when you're distressed, but still, you preferred to go all alone! Anything could have happened to you!"Vihaan nodded in stern agreement.

Vanshika sighed, her earlier tension slowly giving way to a more relaxed stance now that her family was safe and her friends were here.

"It's okay, guys, I'm fine. You can scold me later. First, go check on your own siblings. Make sure they're alright." She gestured towards Akash, Abhimanyu, Shaurya, Sidharth,Darsh, Aditya,Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya, who were still being consoled by Raghav, Abhiman, and Navya.

"Why didn't you tell anyone those boys were troubling you for so long?" Raghav asked Sakshi, Preeti, and Divya, his voice laced with concern.

"Today, they even tried to... to touch you. Akash, Darsh, Aditya, Sidharth, Abhimanyu, and Shaurya had to step in."

The girls looked at him, their eyes downcast.

"We were scared," Sakshi mumbled, and Preeti and Divya nodded in agreement.

Before they could elaborate, Vanshika cut in, her voice sharp with a hint of exasperation.

"Scared of what? That we'd judge you?"

The girls' heads dropped further, a collective nod acknowledging her words. Vanshika sighed, running a hand through her hair. Then, her voice softened,

"Look, dears, you shouldn't be scared of sharing such things with us. We're women; we understand. We've all faced uncomfortable situations, or know someone who has. It's not about judgment, it's about support. When you go through something like this, talking about it is the first step towards feeling safe again. We're here to listen, to help you figure things out, and to stand with you. Please, always remember that."

"We just... we thought we could handle it,

They were just words at first, then pushing, and we kept thinking if we ignored them, they'd stop."Divya whispered, her voice barely audible.

"And then today...When they tried to... it was so fast. We froze."" Preeti's voice trailed off, a shiver running down her spine as she remembered the fear.

"But that's exactly why you have to tell someone! We're your brothers, we're here to protect you. What if we hadn't been there today?"Raghav's jaw tightened.

"He's right," Vanshika said softly, stepping closer to the girls. "You shouldn't have to 'handle' that on your own. It's not your burden to bear. Ignoring them often just makes them bolder, unfortunately. And freezing in fear is a natural response when you're in danger, but it's also why having a support system is so crucial."

She knelt down slightly, making eye contact with each of them. "Look, sometimes these things start small, and it's easy to dismiss them. But the moment you feel uncomfortable, the moment someone crosses a line, no matter how small it seems to you, that's when you speak up. Whether it's to us, your parents, a teacher, anyone you trust. We want to be that safe space for you."

"But what if... what if you guys were mad at us for not telling you earlier?" Sakshi asked, finally looking up, her eyes still a bit wide.

Vanshika shook her head gently. "Never. We would be worried, yes, and maybe a little frustrated that you had to go through it alone, but never mad at you. Our anger would be directed at those boys, at the situation, not at the victims. We just want to make sure you're safe and that you know you're not alone in facing these kinds of things. Your safety and well-being are always our top priority."

"Think of us as your first line of defense. We can't help if we don't know what's happening. Okay?"She offered a small, comforting smile.

The girls nodded. Then,Raghav's gaze found Vanshika amidst the low murmurs of their friends. While the rest of the group was busy speculating about the incident, a different kind of worry still gnawed at him. He walked over to her, a quiet concern in his eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice for her alone.

Vanshika met his gaze, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Yes, I'm okay," she replied, though a subtle weariness lingered in her eyes.

"A little shaken, maybe. But the girls are safe, and the boys stood up for what's right."

Raghav nodded, a shadow passing over his face.

"I heard Vihaan about... how you drive when you're distressed. You really scared us, Vanshika. Seeing you just bolt like that..." He trailed off, the unspoken fear evident in his voice.

She looked down for a moment, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.

"I know. I'm sorry. It was just... when I heard Akash on the phone, I didn't think. I just had to get here. My mind just goes blank sometimes when I'm worried about them."

"Thank you for coming, though. All of you." She met his eyes again, a hint of vulnerability in hers.

"Of course," Raghav said without hesitation, his voice gentle. "We were worried sick. Especially after hearing what happened." He hesitated, then added, "And after your call earlier... I just knew something serious was wrong."

Vanshika's eyes flickered with understanding. She remembered their earlier conversation, the one she had conveniently left out the details of. "Yeah," she murmured, a small, wry smile touching her lips.

"Seems like we have a knack for finding ourselves in dramatic situations, don't we?"

Raghav chuckled, a genuine, warm sound. "It seems so. But at least we face them together now." His gaze lingered on her, a silent acknowledgment of the growing bond between them. The corridor, the anxious waiting, the impending parental storm-all faded slightly as a comfortable, intimate bubble formed around them, a shared understanding settling between their hearts.

This moment between Raghav and Vanshika is crucial for their developing relationship, showing his concern and her appreciation.

____________________________________________________________________________________

So finally someone came to know about Abhiman's feelings 😏

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