On the Way to College
Devansh was driving, Veer beside him. Aishwarya sat in the back, behind Veer, and Raahithya was next to her, his fingers curled tightly around her right hand. Two black cars followed them for security, keeping close like shadows.
Midway through the ride, Raahithya leaned his head onto her shoulder and closed his eyes. She tensed instinctively, her gaze flickering toward the front seat. But when he tightened his grip, she stilled. Letting him be was easier than risking another scene.
I just need to reach college. That's all that matters. Once I'm inside, I'll be around familiar faces. Books. Classrooms. Structure. Something that makes sense.
When the car pulled up outside the college gates, the slight jolt of the brakes made Raahithya stir. He sat up slowly and turned to her.
"You want to go inside? Give me a kiss."
She scoffed and reached for the door handle.
We're at college, not your mansion. What is he even thinking?
But before she could open the door fully, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into the seat, leaning over her.
Not here. Not now. These people already have too much to talk about. I won't give them more.
She leaned in and kissed him—brief, controlled, just enough to free herself.
Raahithya let her go. Without another word, she stepped out of the car. Veer followed at a distance, silent as ever.
The moment she entered the campus gates, it felt like all eyes turned toward her. The air around her thickened with whispers and glances.
Same courtyard. Same steps. Same building. But it all feels... different now.
Her eyes scanned the students—some familiar, some new—but their expressions weren't the same. Some looked curious. Others looked pitying. A few were just plain confused.
This place used to feel like a second home. My break from everything else. The only space where I felt like myself. But now even these walls feel like they're watching me. Like they know.
She kept her head down and walked faster.
A fractured arm. Bruises. Tension in every step. They're going to talk. They probably already are. But I'm here for classes, not their gossip. I have to remember that. College is mine. They can't take that away from me.
"Aish?"
She looked up. Rachel was already pushing through the crowd toward her, concern tightening her features.
Rachel: "Are you okay?"
Aish: "Yeah, I'm fine."
Rachel: (glancing behind Aish) "That guy... he works for Raahithya, right? Why is he following you here?"
Aish: "So I don't run away."
Rachel: "What?! That's insane!"
Veer, standing a few feet away, shot Rachel a warning look but didn't dare direct the same intensity toward Aishwarya.
Aish: "I need to use the restroom."
Rachel: "I'll come with you."
As they walked toward the restroom, Veer followed at a measured pace behind them.
Aish: "You need to wait here. You can't come into the women's restroom."
Veer didn't argue, standing guard outside.
Inside the restroom--
Aish: "I need revenge."
Rachel: "I'll help. Do you have a plan?"
Aish: "I can't come up with anything while being trapped in his house. That's why I want to left Mumbai. I don't think he can control me in Ahmedabad."
Rachel: "Alright! I'll distract Veer. You can run and book tickets under my name."
Aish: (shaking her head) "No. If he finds out, he won't spare you. I can't put you in danger."
Rachel: "It's okay! I can handle it."
Aish: "No. I won't risk you. I have a plan, but for that, we need the police. Do you have any relatives in the force?"
Rachel: "No, but Yash does. I'm sure he'll help."
Aish: "Perfect. Get the details from him, but don't involve him. This is too dangerous."
Rachel: "Got it."
Aish: "Do you have an extra phone that isn't in use?"
Rachel: "Yeah, I'll bring it tomorrow."
Aish: "You're the best. But from tomorrow... we're not friends anymore."
Rachel: "What?!"
Aish: "If we fake a fallout, Raahithya won't suspect you. We'll only meet here, in this restroom. When they interrogate you, just say you don't know anything."
Rachel: Ohk..!
Aish: lend me your Phone, we'll call Harvey."
Rachel: "Your friend Harvey? Sure."
Rachel handed her phone to Aish after unlocking it.
Aish quickly dialed. The phone rang.
Harvey: "Who's this?"
Aish: "It's me, Aish. This is Rachel's number."
Harvey: "Why are you calling from her phone? Is this about that crazy man? What the hell is going on? Are you okay?"
Aish took a deep breath and explained everything.
Harvey: "What the f***?! You're in a huge mess. I told you to stay safe at that damn camping trip! This is why you should listen to me!"
Aish: "I'm sorry, yaar."
Harvey: "Forget that! I'm coming there."
Aish: "No! That'll ruin my plan. I need to escape Mumbai first. Until then, don't contact me."
Harvey: "Then how do I reach you?"
Aish: "Through Rachel. But don't save each other's numbers. Keep conversations to a minimum. And ya..Is that okay with you, Rachel?"
Rachel: "Obviously."
Aish: "Good. I'm hanging up now. Bye."
Harvey: "My poor Aish... take care."
She ended the call.
Aish: "As per the plan, the day after tomorrow, we'll have a huge argument."
Rachel nodded in agreement, and they exited the restroom.
Veer was still waiting, and the three of them attended their lecture as if nothing had happened.
After class, Rachel met with Yash and got information about his cousin in the police force. She learned that he was part of a highly loyal team known for helping women in distress. Relieved, she thanked Yash and returned to Aish.
During lunch, they slipped into the restroom again.
Rachel: "I got the details. His cousin is trustworthy, and his team has a solid reputation for protecting women."
---
College Corridor
Aish and Rachel exited the washroom, their footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor as they made their way toward the classroom. The plan was in motion.
Aish: (whispering) "Just follow my lead."
Rachel: (nodding) "Got it."
As they approached the classroom, Aish suddenly staggered, her vision blurring. She clutched her head, her knees buckling beneath her.
Aish: (weakly) "I... I feel dizzy..."
Before she could collapse, Veer was at her side, his grip firm yet gentle as he guided her to the nearest bench.
Veer: (concerned) "Ma'am, are you alright?"
Veer: "Should I take you to the hospital?"
Aish: (shaking her head) "No need. Just a glass of water, please."
Veer hesitated, torn between fetching water and not wanting to leave her side.
Rachel: (stepping in) "You're just going to leave her here with me? Alone?"
Veer: (defensive) "Then why don't you go get the water?"
Rachel: (crossing her arms) "There's no way I'm leaving her alone with you."
Aish: (groaning) "Guys... please..."
She coughed softly, adding to the facade.
Aish: "Could you take me to the medical room?"
Veer nodded, offering his arm for support. Rachel moved to Aish's other side, and together, they guided her to the infirmary.
---
College Medical Room
As they reached the door, Rachel turned to Veer, her expression firm.
Rachel: "She's a girl; she needs privacy. Stay here."
Without waiting for a response, she ushered Aish inside and locked the door behind them.
Outside, Veer paced anxiously before pulling out his phone to call Raahithya.
Veer: "Sir, ma'am suddenly felt dizzy."
On the other end, Raahithya's chair scraped against the floor as he stood abruptly, causing the room around him to fall silent.
Raahithya: (urgent) "What? How is she?"
Veer: "She's in the medical room with Rachel."
Raahithya: "I'm coming."
He ended the call, dismissing his meeting without another word, and headed straight for the college.
---
College Medical Room
Inside, Aish was already slipping out through a side door, her movements swift and calculated. She hailed a rickshaw, directing it toward the police station where Yash's brother, Deepak, worked.
Upon arrival, she approached the front desk.
Aish: "Excuse me, where can I find Deepak?"
A constable pointed her toward an office. Knocking briefly, she entered.
Deepak: (looking up) "Yes, how can I help you?"
Aish: "I'm Aishwarya, Yash's classmate."
Deepak: (smiling) "Ah, Yash didn't mentioned that you might come by."
Aish: (urgently) "Please, don't inform him I was here. I need to speak with you confidentially."
Deepak's expression grew serious as he gestured for her to sit.
Deepak: "Of course. What's going on?"
Aish took a deep breath, recounting the events that had led her to this moment.
Deepak: "You came to the right place. My team specializes in cases like this."
He picked up the phone, calling in his senior officer, Anubhav, along with colleagues Divya and Arvind. As they entered, Deepak briefed them on the situation.
Divya: is he injured you
Aish: umm..his mens injured me but he didn't order them to do so..
Riya: Ohk
Anubhav: Btw "What's his name?"
Aish: "Raahithya Agarwal."
A palpable tension filled the room.
Divya: (whispering) "Raahithya... that son of..."
Arvind: (cutting her off) "Careful what you say."
Anubhav: (serious) "Are you certain?"
Aish: (nodding) "Yes."
She showed them the ring she was wearing, a symbol of her connection to Raahithya.
The officers exchanged uneasy glances.
Aish: "I don't want to file a complaint; I know how dangerous that could be for you all. I just want to get away, to Ahmedabad, far from him."
Anubhav's mind raced. He needed to inform Agastya without alarming Aish. Balancing the scales between aiding her and not provoking Raahithya was delicate.
Anubhav: "Don't worry. We'll figure something out. But how did you manage to come here? Isn't he keeping eyes on you?"
Aish: "He thinks I'm resting in the college medical room."
Anubhav: "So You should return soon.
Don't worry, We'll contact you with further instructions. How can we reach you?"
Aish: "Through Deepak."
Anubhav agreed, escorting her out and arranging a rickshaw for her return.
---
College Medical Room
Raahithya's car screeched to a halt outside the college. Striding in, he found Veer waiting.
Raahithya: "Where is she?"
Veer: "Inside, resting with Rachel."
Without hesitation, Raahithya knocked on the door.
Rachel: "Veer, why are you knocking?"
Veer: "It's not me; it's..."
Raahithya: (interrupting) "Open the door. Now."
Rachel's heart pounded. Recognizing the voice, she whispered to herself.
Rachel: "Oh, no... it's him."
The knocking intensified.
Raahithya: "Open up."
Thinking quickly, Rachel placed pillows under the blanket to simulate Aish's sleeping form. She then stepped outside, closing the door behind her and blocking it with her body.
Rachel: "You can't go in. She's... on her period and needs rest."
To her astonishment, Raahithya nodded.
Raahithya: "Alright."
Rachel blinked in disbelief.
Raahithya: "No one is allowed inside. Except me."
He moved her aside, entering the room. Rachel's breath caught in her throat.
Approaching the bed, Raahithya pulled back the blanket.
Aish: (groggily) "What's going on?"
Rachel marveled at her friend's impeccable timing and acting skills.
Raahithya: (softly) "Nothing, babe."
His phone rang, interrupting the moment.
Devansh: "Bhai, Agastya wants to talk to you about Bhabhi."
Switching lines, Raahithya listened as Agastya relayed the information he'd received from Anubhav.
Raahithya: "Understood."
Ending the call, a smirk played on his lips.
Raahithya: (thinking) "Raahithya (thinking): "So, you like playing games? Fine... I'll teach you how it's really done. And I must admit, your acting skills are quite impressive."
Then they held back to the villa
Then the day went as usual
Day ends