The streets of Shimla were quiet as the group wandered through the charming alleys, enjoying the crisp evening air. Naina and Milli walked ahead, their laughter ringing out as they admired the local shops. Kush and Mayank followed a few steps behind, teasing each other about who had eaten the most momos that afternoon.

"Look at them," Mayank said, gesturing toward Naina and Milli. "Lost in their world of scarves and trinkets."

Kush smirked. "Better than your obsession with those jalebis earlier."

Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the air. The boys froze as they saw two rough-looking men grab Naina’s bag, shoving her against a wall. Another man moved toward Milli, who stumbled back in fear.

"Let her go!" Milli’s voice quivered as she tried to shield Naina.

Kush’s eyes narrowed. Without a second thought, he sprinted toward the scene, Mayank hot on his heels. "Get away from them!" Kush yelled, his voice echoing through the narrow street.

One of the goons turned, sneering. "Stay out of this, or you’ll regret it."

But Kush wasn’t the type to back down. He lunged at the man holding Naina’s bag, landing a solid punch. The goon staggered, dropping the bag, but another one grabbed Kush from behind. Mayank tackled him, grappling with him on the ground.

Milli tried to pull Naina away, but one of the men blocked their path. "Going somewhere, sweetheart?" he taunted, reaching for her.

Before he could touch her, Kush broke free from the scuffle and stood between Milli and the attacker. "Don’t you dare," Kush growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The fight escalated quickly. The goons were strong, but Kush and Mayank’s determination outweighed their fear. Blows were exchanged, and Kush winced as one of the men landed a punch on his shoulder. Mayank managed to knock another one down, his knuckles bleeding but his spirit undeterred.

"Zindagi maut na ban jaye, sambhalo yaaron…"
The line from a distant song played in Kush’s mind as adrenaline fueled his every move.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the goons decided they’d had enough. One of them hissed, "This isn’t over," before they disappeared into the shadows.

Breathing heavily, Kush turned to Milli and Naina. "Are you okay?"

Milli nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "You… you didn’t have to—"

"I did," Kush interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. "You’re my friend. I wasn’t going to let them hurt you."

Naina clung to Mayank, who wiped the blood from his knuckles with a grimace. "Well, that was one way to spice up our trip," he said, attempting to lighten the mood.

Milli looked at Kush, noticing the cut on his forehead. "You’re hurt."

Kush brushed it off. "It’s nothing. I’ve had worse falls playing cricket."

But Milli wasn’t convinced. She grabbed a tissue from her bag and gently dabbed at the wound. Her touch was soft, her concern evident in her eyes.

For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade. Kush met her gaze, and in her eyes, he saw something he couldn’t quite name—gratitude, fear, and something deeper.

"Thank you," Milli whispered, her voice trembling.

Kush smiled faintly. "Anytime."

As they slowly made their way back to the guesthouse, bruised but safe, the bond between the four friends felt stronger than ever. Sometimes, courage isn’t just about fighting—it was about standing up for the people you cared about, no matter the cost.