Just then, someone forcefully pulled Parth back, slamming him against the wall. Vedanshi gasped for air, as if her breath had just returned. She began breathing heavily, placing both hands on her knees and taking long, deep breaths.
"Are you okay, Vedanshi?" Nayan asked gently, patting her back and then softly rubbing it. Vedanshi nodded while coughing. Nayan turned and glared at Parth, who lowered his eyes in shame. After a few moments, Vedanshi regained her composure. She stormed toward Parth and slapped him hard across the face. The slap was so intense that her fingers left a visible mark on his cheek.
Then Nayan shouted, "Are you out of your mind? What were you trying to do? This is a college, not your house and even if it were, you have no right to force yourself on someone. Just look at her, she was suffocating!" Parth replied, "Sorry, sir. But this is a personal matter. You shouldn't interfere. She is my fiancée."
Vedanshi stepped forward again and slapped him a second time, even harder.
"What did you just say? Fiancée? My foot! Who do you think you are to decide that? Personal matter? Really? Who are you to me? From today onward, don't even try to come near me, Parth. Whatever we had ended a year ago. That's it. So please, get out of here!" Vedanshi screamed.
Thankfully, the loud music playing outside and the students dancing kept her voice from reaching beyond the room.
Parth still tried to approach Vedanshi, but Nayan stepped in front of her.
"Leave her," Nayan said, glaring at Parth.
Parth walked out. Vedanshi felt as if all the strength had drained from her legs. She stumbled, and Nayan quickly held her by the shoulders. Vedanshi covered her face with both hands and began to cry.
Nayan stood silently for a while. He didn't say anything, but he kept holding her gently by the shoulders. Even after a long time, when Vedanshi didn't stop crying, Nayan took a deep breath and said,
"Vedanshi, look, I don't know what happened between you two. But I will say this: if any relationship is toxic, get out of it immediately, or it might be too late. You still have time. Many people wait too long. So take care of yourself. And now, come outside. Otherwise, your friends will come looking for you, and it won't be good if they see you like this."
Nayan spoke to her with genuine care.
Vedanshi nodded and slowly composed herself.
Nayan had overheard Vedanshi and her friends talking the previous night, so he knew everything. But he didn't say anything to her.
As the two of them stepped outside, they saw Mithil standing there, staring at them. He grabbed Nayan's hand and led him away.
As Vedanshi and Nayan stepped out of the bathroom, Mithil whisked Nayan away.
"Hey Vedanshi! Where have you been? We've been looking for you everywhere," came Sagar's voice from across the hall.
Vedanshi sighed. "Ugh, my saree got ruined. I spilled juice all over it. By the way, how long is this party going to last?" she asked.
"It's pretty much over now. Everyone's just chatting away," Sagar replied.
They walked into the hall, and the scene looked like the aftermath of a grand family function—like the bride had just been sent off and the guests were recovering. Some were sprawled across sofas, others perched on chairs, a few sat cross-legged on the floor, and one or two had even claimed the tables. Nearly everyone clutched a glass of juice, huddled in their own little groups. The air buzzed with voices, a hum not unlike a swarm of bees.
A soft smile crept onto Vedanshi's face. These college days—they always end up becoming memories.
"Sagar, I think I'm going to head home now. My head's splitting," Vedanshi said, rubbing her temple.
"I'll drop you," Sagar offered.
But Vedanshi shook her head. "You'll be needed here to help the seniors clean up and reset everything. You guys should help them out. I'll grab an auto from the gate—it's easy from there."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked out.
She was halfway to the gate when a bike screeched to a halt beside her. Vedanshi stopped abruptly. She didn't need to look twice—she already knew who it was.
Her eyes locked onto Parth's with a sharp glare.
"Looks like you've forgotten that slap already, Parth," she said coldly. "The mark on your cheek is still fresh."
"I know I made a mistake, Vedanshi," Parth said, his voice trembling. "You can punish me however you want, but please… come back to me. I promise I'll never leave you alone again. I really love you, Vedanshi. You know everything. Then why are you ignoring me?"
Vedanshi's eyes flared with anger. "Promises, Parth? You made promises before too. Have you forgotten? What happened to those? I trusted you, didn't I? Even my father was willing to wait. You had to finish your studies. What happened to all that? And by the way—why are you back now?" Her voice was sharp, but her eyes glistened. After all, first love leaves deep marks.
"Look, Parth," she said, folding her hands. "I've moved on with my life. Don't pull me back now. Please, for God's sake, just leave me alone."
Parth grabbed her hand. "Please, Vedanshi, listen to me. I know you still love me. I'm sorry. Things were messed up back then. Please forgive me. Just talk to me, Vedanshi," he pleaded.
"Leave my hand, Parth. It's hurting. Are you crazy? People are watching!" Vedanshi glanced around nervously. "I said let go of my hand! Can't you hear me? I've moved on, Parth. I don't believe in love anymore. Let me go!" She tried to pull her hand away, but Parth gripped it even tighter.
"Not until you forgive me," he said stubbornly.
"Parth, it's hurting. Please… leave my hand," Vedanshi cried out in pain. But Parth wouldn't budge.
Just then, a car pulled up beside them. As the window rolled down, Parth instantly let go of her hand.