"You want to attend the class?"- Anaisha straightened, taking slow strides towards Hasan. He glared at her, repulsion building up in his heart. Anaisha stood a few distances from him and exhaled deeply.

"You wanted me to apologize, right? Now, you must apologize to me. Only then, I will let you out." She gestured with her head.

Hasan pressed his lips tightly, remaining unresponsive. But he dropped his bag to the ground.

"Apologize," Anaisha spoke louder and harsher. Hasan shook his head.

He folded his hands and stared at her with confidence. Anaisha kept looking at him, slightly impressed by his stance. The fearlessness and certainty in his eyes almost melted her.

"You think you are doing great, so cool, by not letting me write the exam, and taking advantage of the situation." – He took a step closer, - "Well, I have news for you, your highness. I am ready to fail but not apologize to an arrogant girl like you. Instead, I will complain about you all and get you suspended." He said, boldly.

Anaisha scoffed, looking away, and then looked back at him, - "You and I are alone in this room. I can frame you for far worse." She threatened him. A slow smirk appeared on her lips. Hasan looked at her blankly for a while before clearing his throat and then, he straightened in his place.

"Go ahead." He challenged her.

Anaisha raised an eyebrow, - "Are you sure? You will not only be expelled from this college but be black-listed as well." She warned him.

"I believe in truth. And God is with the truth."

Anaisha blinked at him and began laughing. Hasan frowned, - "What is so funny?" He shrugged.

She kept laughing for some more time and then straightened, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, - "You believe in God? Really? Come out of your fantasy."

Hasan nodded slowly, - "Hmm, an atheist. Are you an atheist because you genuinely don't believe in superior power or because nowadays it is cool to disown one's religion?" His voice mocked her. Anaisha looked away, some unpleasant memories made her feel bitter. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Listen, I am here for your apology. Just don't waste our time."

He sounded genuine. And it rang a bell in her head.

Anaisha straightened and fixed her expressions, - "Okay, just go to hell." She slammed her palms together and turned around, marching towards the door when Hasan's voice, stopped her in her tracks.

"Funny for an atheist to say so." He taunted her. She turned around and flung her hair from her shoulder and continued to glare at him.

"You talk too much. It is not good, Nerd."- Then, she banged at the door, - "Open the door, Priyank."

Priyank looked puzzled as Anaisha forced past him. He glanced at Hasan, who stood with his back straight and chest puffed up. A mocking smile on his face. Priyank looked away and followed his friend.

After they had gone, Hasan let out a breath and checked his watch. He had missed ten minutes of his class and quickly, grabbed his bag. Making mental prayers he rushed towards his class.

The Professor was surprised to find Hasan coming late to class. He had made a good impression of himself in this one month. And on that trust which he had built, Professor let him in. Hasan thanked him and hurried to his place. He had missed ten to fifteen minutes of one-hour class, but he didn't want to panic and instead make the most of the rest of the time. Thought of Anaisha or their confrontation took a back seat in his head. 

"No one can trouble, your highness. She enough for that."

"Bullies are cowards and so, are you. You think you are untouchable, sitting on the high horse. But you are wrong. You don't care about anyone's feelings, but have you thought how it feels when someone makes you feel like a trash."

Ever since, Anaisha returned from college she couldn't throw Hasan out of her mind. One-month old words, still fresh in her mind. And today's incident just heightened her emotions for him.

"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Your highness, had to stoop so low for an apology."

"Why are you so desperate for my apology?"

Abhinav passed by his younger sister's room and stopped noticing the door was open. He walked in and found Anaisha standing by her window. With her arms folded and a restless mind, she stared out of the window.

"What happened?"- He placed his palm on her shoulder, - "Why are you being like a Devdas?" He smiled at his comment. Anaisha doesn't look at him but kept staring at the evening sky.

Abhinav looked briefly at her, then shrugged and turned away. He had just finished office and wanted to rest. He checked his mobile and smiled to himself, Minal will be calling him any time soon.

"Oh, that reminded me."- He touched his forehead and turned to his sister again, - "Choti, I have something interesting to say."- He lightly hit her shoulder with his elbow, - "My engagement is next week. You have to help me select a ring and also, get yourself a decent dress."

Anaisha smiled to herself and turned her head, - "Of course." A wicked thought came to her mind.

As the night passed, Anaisha kept tossing and turning in bed. Thoughts of Hasan kept sleep away from her. She didn't want to admit but she was impressed by his attitude. No one has stood up to her like he did. With her threat anyone would have gotten worried or scared. But he didn't budge. Perhaps, he knew she was bluffing or—maybe because he had firm believe in truth?

Anaisha clicked her tongue and turned to face the other side and sighed, placing her hand under her cheek. She needed to throw him out of her system else she won't get any peace. Without a second thought, she sprung from her bed and headed out to the backyard. As she stepped out, she saw someone walking in the garden. She wondered what someone would do so late in the night. She looked ahead and realized it was Babita. Anaisha pressed her lips and looked away, in her mind she dropped her plan.

Aryaman watched Babita strolling alone in the backyard. He clenched the curtain and looked on helplessly. It hurt him to see her so restless and indifferent towards him. Many times, he wondered why he didn't listen to her and divorce her.

"I can't divorce you because of the society pressure but you can. Please, divorce me. Please, I beg of you."

"I am sorry, Babita. I am helpless too. Masa—"

"Why is everything about your Masa? I had gone to my home with my son, then why did she get me back here? Everything wrong that is happening, it is because of you and your mother. Why am I being punished? Why my son? Why can't you divorce me and stay happy with your daughter and—your mistress."

"What are you talking, Babita? Abhinav is a boy, my heir. How can I let you take him with you?"

"Then throw away your daughter."

"Are you insane? Where will she go? What will happen of her? She is just three for God's sake."

Aryaman sighed and turned away, letting the curtain fall over the window. He walked wearily towards the bed and placed the book, his reading glasses on it. Then, he laid down on the bed and looked at the ceiling. Sleep eluded him.

Many times, he wondered what was he fighting for? For whom was he punishing Babita? He pondered over whether he should be doubting about his daughter's paternity. Whenever he thinks of Anaisha's paternity, he feels guilty of judging the only woman he loved with all his heart and soul.

He sighed, - "Kairavi!" The name still makes his heart to flutter. 

Hasan, boy, you are definitely in Anaisha's radar now. Good luck. And Anaisha, babes, don't over think about him ;)

And Aryaman? Do you guys think he a victim here or he could (should) have done something?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, please. And do tell how was the Chapter. Stay Tuned for the next update, my lovelies. *Lots of love* *Hugs and Kisses.*