Next Day

Vihaan's POV

I woke up with an unshakable feeling of happiness. The memory of last night lingered—Jia had hugged me, apologized, and, for the first time in so long, things felt right between us. I couldn't stop smiling.

Throughout the day, I found it hard to focus on classes. My thoughts kept drifting to her until, surprisingly, I heard her voice behind me.

"Vihaan," Jia called.
I turned, startled. "Yes, Jia?"
"Are you free?" she asked casually.
"Uh, yeah. Why?" I replied, although I did have work. For her, I'd make time.
"Let's go out somewhere," she suggested, leaving me speechless.
"Are you serious?" I asked, unsure if I heard her correctly.
She nodded.
"I don't want to be a burden or, you know, hang around unnecessarily," I teased.
"Fine, don't come," she said with a shrug, turning to leave.

I grabbed her hand, stopping her in her tracks. "Shh. Don't say anything," I murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"What are you doing?" she asked with a shocked face.
"Shall we?" I asked, grinning. She nodded, and we walked away together.

Ishani's POV

"I hate these classes," I grumbled as we left the lecture hall.
"You and me both," Rohan replied with a sigh.

"Have you noticed Vihaan acting differently?" I asked him.
"Definitely. He hasn't been himself lately, and I'm pretty sure it has to do with Jia," Rohan said knowingly.

"We need to figure out what's happening between them," I said, and Rohan nodded.

Before we could continue, Yash appeared, his usual smug expression plastered on his face.
"Hey, Ishani," he said casually.
"Seriously, Yash? What do you want now?" I asked, my patience already thin.
"You're making a huge mistake rejecting me," he said arrogantly.
"If it's a mistake, it's my favorite one," I shot back, glaring at him.
"Enjoy your new boyfriend," he sneered, his tone dripping with malice.

Before I could respond, Rohan stepped forward, grabbing Yash's wrist mid-air as he tried to slap me.
"You coward," Rohan growled, his voice dangerous. Then, with one swift motion, he slapped Yash, leaving everyone around us stunned.

I froze, unable to process what had just happened. A fight broke out between the two, and the chaos drew a crowd.
"Rohan, stop!" I finally yelled. He paused, glaring at Yash, and let go of him.

I ran out of the class, still shaken, when someone grabbed my hand.
I screamed, only to hear a familiar voice. "Ishani, it's me," Rohan said gently.
I looked at him, his face filled with concern.
"Calm down. Don't be scared. I'm here," he said, his voice soothing.

I couldn't hold it in anymore and burst into tears. He hugged me tightly, his warmth making me feel safe.
"I've got you, Ishani. Don't worry," he whispered, and I sobbed harder, letting the fear and tension melt away.

Vihaan's POV

Jia and I had made our way to the canteen. I figured starting small was the best approach with her.
"Why the canteen?" Jia asked, visibly unimpressed.
"Because it's convenient," I replied with a shrug.
"I said I wanted to go out," she protested.
"Relax," I said, amused by her stubbornness.
She shot me a look. "Fine. What should we eat?"

Before I could answer, her attention shifted. "Wait, is that Ishani and Rohan?" she asked, pointing to a corner of the room.
I followed her gaze and saw them. Ishani was crying.
"Why is Ishani crying?" Jia asked, her concern immediate.

Without another word, we rushed over to them.
"Ishani," Jia said softly, her voice filled with worry.
Ishani turned and threw herself into Jia's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Didi..." she choked out.
"What happened, Ishani?" Jia asked, brushing her sister's hair back gently.

I turned to Rohan, who looked shaken.
"Rohan, what's going on?" I asked.
Rohan sighed. "It's Yash. He came to the class and tried to confront Ishani. Things got out of hand, and he almost hit her. I stopped him, but I think it scared her," he explained.

Jia's expression darkened instantly. She stood abruptly, her jaw set.
"Where are you going?" I asked her.
"To deal with him," she replied coldly.
"Jia, don't. Think about Ishani's reputation—and yours," I pleaded, but she ignored me.
"Rohan, take Ishani home. Vihaan, come with me," she ordered. I had no choice but to follow her.

Rohan's POV

I couldn't believe Yash had tried to hurt Ishani. Anger coursed through me as I drove her home.

Ishani sat quietly beside me, and I could feel her glancing at me nervously.
"Rohan, what will Jia di do?" she asked softly.
"I don't know," I replied tersely, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

She hesitated before asking again, "What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing," I said, my tone clipped.

"Don't lie to me, Rohan. I know something's bothering you," she said firmly.
"Ishani, just drop it," I snapped, my frustration spilling over.

"Rohan, I—"
"Shut up, Ishani!" I yelled, immediately regretting it.

Vihaan's POV

Jia was on a mission, and nothing I said could stop her. I followed her silently, ready to intervene if things went south.

We found Yash loitering near the parking lot. Jia stormed up to him, her eyes blazing with fury.
"It's you, isn't it?" she demanded.
Yash turned to her, smirking. "And who are you to interfere?" he sneered.

Jia stepped closer, undeterred.
"I'm someone who won't let cowards like you get away with anything," she said sharply.

I stayed a few steps behind, watching. Jia didn't need me to defend her—she was fierce on her own.
"You think you're some kind of hero?" Yash scoffed.
"No. I just know when to stand up for what's right," she replied, her voice steady.

Yash's smug demeanor faltered under Jia's glare. She didn't shout or make a scene. Instead, she delivered her words with a calm intensity that left him speechless.

I couldn't help but admire her strength. Jia was a force of nature—someone who didn't back down, even in the face of injustice.

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I'd like to let you know that the next chapter is already in the works, and I'm excited to continue this journey with you. However, due to my work commitments, there might be times when I can't update daily. Please know that I deeply value your patience and understanding during these moments.

I'll do my best to provide regular updates and maintain the rhythm of the story, ensuring each chapter is as engaging and heartfelt as possible. Your love and support motivate me to keep writing, and I'm truly grateful for the time and energy you invest in reading and connecting with these characters.

Thank you for sticking with me, for your kind words, and for being part of this creative adventure. Your encouragement means the world to me.

Happy reading, and stay tuned for more exciting developments in the story!

Warm regards,
Erica <3