Dev's P.O.V.

Amidst the rising tide of applause, I turn to face the sea of faces filling the auditorium. Smiles and claps swell like a wave within me, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. This is the climax of all those rehearsals, our big performance. My heart races like a drummer's beat, my fingers tremble, and tears blur my vision. It’s a wild mix of excitement, nerves, and disbelief.

In the crowd of strangers, I spot a familiar face—my dad. His eyes sparkle with an unexpected pride, his applause echoing in my chest. It's surreal seeing him so proud. A lump forms in my throat, and tears mix with the sweat from the stage lights.

The clapping engulfs me in a cocoon of sound, a warm embrace from the universe. I close my eyes, letting the tears flow.

Raj’s eyes meet mine, his smile cutting through my emotions like sunshine. Amidst the crowd, he cheers, his energy infectious. Raj, my rock and biggest supporter. He’s the one who pushed me to share my talents with the world. His presence across the room lifts my spirits, and I silently mouth a heartfelt “thank you” to him, my heart swelling with gratitude.

As the applause continues, I step off the stage, my heart still pounding. I rush to my mom, my constant cheerleader. Her embrace envelops me, her excitement contagious.

“I’m so proud of you!” she exclaims, her voice full of genuine pride and love.

“Me too,” I whisper to myself, quietly affirming the moment. I’m proud of pushing my limits and touching the hearts of those who listened.

Then, unexpectedly, my dad’s voice slices through the moment, breaking the celebratory symphony. He clears his throat, and my mom and I turn towards him, curiosity and anticipation in our eyes. I hold my breath, waiting.

“It was good,” he says, his tone casual but with a glimmer of genuine admiration in his eyes. It’s an unexpected validation, something I never thought I’d hear. My heart swells with an emotion I can’t quite name, and tears of joy threaten to spill over. It’s more than just acknowledging the performance; he’s acknowledging my singing, my hard work... acknowledging me.

“Thank you,” I manage, my voice trembling with gratitude and awe. “I’ll go change now,” I add, needing to escape the whirlwind of emotions. After a quick goodbye to my mom, I slip into the makeup room, savoring the brief solitude.

As I trade my stage clothes for something more comfortable, I catch my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are still puffy from tears, but beneath them lies a newfound confidence. I take a deep breath, ready to rejoin the world outside.

Stepping out, I'm greeted by the familiar warmth of Raj standing by the door, a reassuring presence. His smile, warm and genuine, cuts through the darkness like a beacon. His eyes, usually tender, now burn with affection in the soft light. As I approach him, a mix of emotions courses through me, making me blush.

“You rocked tonight,” Raj says, sliding his phone into his pocket. A flush of warmth floods my cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration.

“Thanks,” I mumble, my voice soft, unable to meet his gaze. The intensity of his eyes feels like a spotlight on my vulnerability. “And, um, thanks... for earlier.”

His brows furrow in a delightful display of puzzlement. “Earlier? You mean for…” He winks.

I shake my head, words tumbling out in a hurry. “Not for the kiss. I mean, yeah... not that I didn’t like it... I mean, the double thanks. One for earlier, like, earlier earlier, when you were there before I went on stage. I was a bundle of nerves, and you were just... there.”

A chuckle escapes him, a musical note that dances in the air and wraps around my heart. His head tilts back slightly, his cheeks adorned with the gentle flush of laughter. It's a sight that ignites a warm glow within me, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips in response to his infectious joy.

“Ah, got it,” he manages between chuckles, his eyes twinkling with a playful light. “You were nervous, huh?”

I nod again, feeling a mix of self-consciousness and relief. “Yeah, really nervous.”

Raj's laughter subsides, leaving behind an enchanting air of camaraderie. “Well, I’m glad I could be your pre-performance support system. You were amazing out there.”

His words are like a soothing balm, easing my lingering nerves and boosting my confidence. “Thanks,” I reply, feeling a bit more at ease with the attention.

"So, where are you headed now?" he asks, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"To the washroom," I blurt out without thinking, a sense of urgency overtaking me. The anxiety from earlier had kept me too preoccupied to even consider my basic needs.

Raj's lips quirk into an understanding smile. "Got it. Don't let me keep you. We'll catch up later."

....

I turn and set off toward the parking area, where the much-needed respite of the washroom awaits. The cool night air greets me, a reminder of the world beyond the auditorium's warmth, and I can't help but carry Raj's smile with me as I head toward my destination.

The passage of time seems distorted as I navigate the emptying auditorium. Cars line up near the school gate, their engines humming as people begin to depart. I quicken my pace, knowing I've spent too long changing.

Entering the washroom, I flush and step out to wash my hands. The sound of running water masks the familiar footsteps drawing near the restroom entrance, and a wave of unease washes over me. My body tenses, a sense of discomfort settling within me, as I try to ignore the growing apprehension.

"You let that Prefect guy kiss you," a voice, more sinister than I remember, echoes, causing a chill to snake down my spine. No, it can't be him. Not here, not now. Panic bubbles within me, and I struggle to maintain my composure. The footsteps grow louder, like an impending storm, and I feel my heart pounding against my chest as though seeking escape.

I can't bear to look at him, can't bring myself to meet his eyes in the mirror, my heart racing, and my eyes widen in shock as my fears materialize behind me. It's him—the figure I've tried so hard to forget, the shadow of a past I've been trying to bury. My breath catches, my body betraying my efforts to stay composed.

He's standing there, the same malevolent smile etched on his lips. The memories of what he's capable of flood my mind, triggering a surge of anxiety. My muscles tense, and I clench my fists, trying to control the involuntary tremors that ripple through my body. This can't be happening.

His gaze locks on me, predatory and invasive. My throat tightens, and my chest constricts as the feeling of being cornered takes hold. I can't breathe. Memories of his cruelty crash over me, rendering me powerless, and my mind races to find an escape from this nightmare.

Desperation surges within me, urging me to escape, to avoid the torment I know is coming. "Go away," I whisper under my breath, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anger. But it's not enough; it's never enough. I need to protect myself...I need get out of here.

"Did you miss me?" His voice echoes in the empty washroom.

Every inch of my being screams at me to flee, but my feet remain glued to the floor. The echo of his voice bounces around the walls, suffocating me with a reminder of my vulnerability. I try to summon the courage to speak, to tell him to leave me alone, but my voice seems to have deserted me.

As he steps closer, his presence suffocates me. His words are like a venomous whisper in my ear, and I can feel his malevolence radiating from him. The suffocating grip of fear tightens its hold on me, and my mind races to find a way out of this nightmare.

I can't let him see my fear, my weakness. But as his fingers inch closer, the past crashes into the present, overwhelming me with a surge of panic. Every nerve in my body screams to run, to escape, but my body remains paralyzed by the specter of his presence.

And then, in an instant, something within me shifts. A spark of defiance ignites, fueled by years of suppressed rage and terror. No more. I can't let him control me any longer, I spin around, my hands balled into fists. Adrenaline courses through my veins as I push against him with every ounce of my being. The shock on his face is evident as he stumbles backward, his body crashing to the ground with an audible thud. It's a surge of power I've never felt before, a release of pent-up anger and fear.

Summoning all the courage I can muster, I find my voice. "Leave me alone," I manage to blurt, my words shaky but laced with newfound determination. It's a whisper, a plea for him to release me from his grip. I can't allow him to break me again.

Without a second glance, I bolt towards the exit, my legs feeling unsteady beneath me. My heart pounds in my chest like a jackhammer, and my breath comes in ragged gasps. The world blurs around me as I push through the door, stumbling out into the night. The grass is cool against my palms as I fall to the ground, my body trembling uncontrollably.

Tears blur my vision as I clutch the grass beneath me, trying to ground myself. But the panic is overwhelming, an unrelenting force that threatens to drown me. My heart feels like it's about to burst out of my chest, each beat reverberating in my ears like a relentless drum.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to shut out the fear that grips me. I focus on the sensation of the grass against my skin, the cool air filling my lungs. Slowly, I force myself to take deep breaths, each inhale a conscious effort to regain control. It's a battle against the terror that threatens to consume me, a fight to find some semblance of calm amidst the chaos.

Minutes—feels like hours—pass as I lie there, my breath eventually steadying, though the remnants of panic still linger. With shaky limbs, I manage to sit up, my chest still heaving as I wipe away tears with the back of my hand. The night around me is quiet, the darkness a stark contrast to the turmoil I've just experienced.

Then, like a dark omen, a presence looms over me again, his figure casting a shadow in the moonlight. My pulse quickens, and my breath catches as he approaches, his fingers outstretched as if reaching for me. "Go away," I manage to whisper, my voice barely audible, but he ignores my plea.

The fear intensifies, each step he takes echoing in my ears like a relentless drumbeat. "Go away," I repeat, my voice a little louder, a bit more desperate, but it's as if my words are carried away by the wind.

His fingers are almost there, a chilling anticipation in the air. "Go away!" I scream, desperation fueling my voice, hoping to break through the nightmare that's closing in on me. And then, just as his touch seems inevitable, a different voice slices through the terror—a voice I didn't expect, a voice that brings a sliver of relief.

"Hey, you Okay?" His voice reaches my ears, a gentle breeze in the midst of a raging storm. But I'm paralyzed, unable to respond. The suffocating silence wraps around me, my tongue heavy and my jaw clenched tightly. My body tenses as I hear faint movements from the washroom behind me. Panic surges through my veins like a wild current, urging me to escape, to flee from this place of terror.

The wave of panic crashes over me, engulfing me in its icy grip. Fear overwhelms my senses, rendering me gasping for air, my heart pounding like a war drum. Tremors wrack my body, threatening to topple me. Desperation floods my mind, begging for calm, for control, but it slips through my fingers like sand. Tears stream down my face, a torrent of uncontrollable emotions. I struggle to find solace in each breath, but the air eludes me, teasingly out of reach. Helplessness tightens its grip, squeezing the last remnants of courage from my trembling soul.

Aman settles down beside me, his intention clear, but when he reaches out to touch me, I flinch involuntarily, my body still reeling from the panic that has consumed me. His hand hesitates mid-air, understanding dawning in his eyes. He gets it—I can't bear the touch right now.

"It's okay, Dev," Aman's voice is calm, steady, a reassuring presence amidst the chaos. "I'm here." His words soft, extending the safety net that my racing thoughts desperately need.

Tears blur my vision as I struggle to regain control of my breath, the world around me still spinning with echoes of terror. But Aman's voice breaks through, "You're safe."

He continues, his words a lifeline pulling me back from the brink. "You're not alone. I'm right here."

My trembling begins to ease, my breathing gradually steadying. I lift my gaze to meet his, my vision blurred by tears, and manage a hesitant nod. It's not much, but it's a step—a sign that maybe, just maybe, I can find a way to navigate through this overwhelming fear.

As Aman continues to offer his voice, a beacon of calm, his hand still hovers in the air, a gesture of understanding. I find solace in his presence, his unwavering support, and slowly, ever so slowly, the grip of panic begins to loosen its hold on me.

"Hey, hey, it's Okay," Aman's voice breaks through the chaos, a lifeline in the tempest. He leans closer, but this time, he understands my need for distance, for safety. "Just breathe, breathe with me. Breathe in and breathe out," he guides, his inhales and exhales a steady rhythm. I mimic his pattern, my breath slowly finding its cadence, the panic ebbing away like a receding tide.

"Dev," Vikram's voice pierces the fragile calm near the washroom door. Dread clutches at my heart, a merciless grip that tightens with every passing second. Please, just leave. Go away. The words reverberate within my mind, a desperate plea for solitude. Hastily, I rise, seeking refuge behind Aman's protective shield.

"Go away!" I manage to scream, my voice trembling with fear and desperation. Aman swiftly turns to face me, confusion etched onto his features as he witnesses the turmoil between Vikram and me. With a quick glance in my direction, he stands up, bridging the distance between Vikram and me, becoming a barrier against the encroaching danger.

"Did you hear him? Leave," Aman's voice carries a firm command, determination lacing every word. But Vikram remains rooted in place, impervious to Aman's words. He sidesteps, his gaze fixed upon me with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. "Dev, why did you do that? Why did you push me, baby?" His words carry a disconcerting mix of concern and possessiveness, casting a sinister shadow over his intentions.

The night descends into an ominous cloak, its darkness swallowing the surrounding world. The only source of illumination, a dim light above the washroom, casts eerie shadows across the scene. I sit on the cold ground, my body trembling with fear, vulnerable and exposed. Aman stands before me, a stalwart guardian, and a few steps away, Vikram looms like a predator. His gaze, laced with menace, locks onto mine, a predator fixated on his prey. Each passing second intensifies the rapid thumping of my heart, a primal instinct urging me to fight or flee.

Uncertainty looms heavy in the air, a palpable tension that demands action. Meeting Vikram's gaze, my heart races, my body quivering involuntarily. In a desperate bid for safety, I grasp Aman's leg, clinging to him as if his presence alone can ward off the impending danger. Aman's body tenses, his gaze shifting to me, concern etched into his features. Furrowing his brows, he frowns, sensing the gravity of my distress. His eyes narrows in understanding, his body coiled like a spring ready to strike. His jaw clenches, muscles tense with a promise to protect..

Behind Aman's protective shield, I remain seated, my body trembling, eyes wide with terror. As Vikram takes a step closer, Aman discards his umbrella, abandoning any pretense of peace. In a swift, fluid motion, he springs into action, unleashing a barrage of punches upon Vikram's unsuspecting form.

Behind Aman's protective stance, I cower, my body a tremor of fear, my eyes wide with unadulterated terror. Vikram takes a deliberate step forward, his grin widening into a maniacal smile that sends a wave of revulsion through me. The air thickens with menace, a palpable tension heavy with foreboding.

And then, in an explosive eruption of violence, Aman transforms into a tempest, a fury unleashed upon Vikram's unsuspecting form. His fists strike with unrelenting force, each blow punctuating the air with a symphony of pain. Vikram stumbles back, his twisted smile faltering as shock and agony replace his deranged demeanor. The sound of flesh meeting flesh mingles with my own frantic breaths, weaving a tapestry of chaos and desperation.

But Vikram is relentless, his obsession unyielding. "Why are you behaving like this?" he taunts, his voice a disturbing melody that echoes through the corridor. "You love me, Dev. We're boyfriends." His words are a twisted reminder of a connection I've tried desperately to sever. He takes a step closer, eyes gleaming with a fanaticism that chills me to the bone. "Come here, Dev," he commands, his voice dripping with possessiveness, his gaze like a predator locking onto prey.

But just as Vikram's fingers threaten to brush against my skin, Aman lunges forward, his movements swift and fluid. His arms encircle Vikram from behind, the force of his action sending them both crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. The impact echoes through the corridor, punctuating the chaos of the moment.

Aman's grip tightens, his strength evident as he restrains Vikram, his body a barrier between us. Vikram struggles beneath Aman's hold, his manic laughter now a discordant symphony of frustration and anger. "Let go of me!" he seethes, his voice a venomous snarl that clashes with the night's eerie silence.

Aman's voice, calm and steady, cuts through the chaos. "Stay away from him," he warns, his tone unwavering, a command that brooks no defiance. Vikram's struggles continue, his body writhing with a desperate determination that's matched only by Aman's unwavering resolve.

I observe the violent spectacle before me, my mind a swirling vortex of confusion and fear. Flashes of memories, long buried, surge to the forefront like lightning illuminating the darkness. The cold tiles of a bathroom floor, cruel laughter, the sickening sound of a flushing toilet. Pain, humiliation, and the agony of being overpowered. The vivid recollections blur with the chaos unfolding around me, the boundaries between past and present merging into a disorienting haze.

Aman's fists rain down upon Vikram with unrelenting force, each blow a visceral reminder of the violence that exists within us all. The sharp cracks of impact reverberate through my being, mingling with the echoes of my own fear. I watch in horrified awe, my heart pounding in my chest, a cacophony of emotions tearing through my fragile composure. I'm frozen, paralyzed by a mixture of horror and fascination, unable to tear my gaze away from the brutal dance of aggression.

As Aman's onslaught continues, a surge of adrenaline propels me forward, the remnants of my own cowardice driving me to action. My legs wobble beneath me as I rise, drawing in ragged breaths. The weight of my inaction bears down on me, a suffocating burden that ignites a rush of self-loathing. Tears stream down my face, mingling with the sweat of fear and shame.

Without sparing another glance at the brutal scene, I dash towards the auditorium, my steps frantic and unsteady. Each footfall thuds like a battle drum in my ears, urging me onward with a relentless urgency. Despite the occasional stumble, determination fuels my momentum, my heart pounding in rhythm with the rapid pace of my steps. The grand entrance of the auditorium stands before me like a haven, bathed in a soft, inviting glow. The noise of the outside world fades as I burst through the doors, a sanctuary from the chaos outside.

Inside the auditorium, an eerie stillness reigns, punctuated only by the muted sounds of students tidying up the stage. My eyes search the crowd for familiar faces, and there, near the stage, I spot my parents engaged in conversation with Raj and Piya. With shaky legs, my breath hitching, I stumble towards them, driven by a desperate need for refuge. The pounding in my chest matches the rapid rhythm of my heart, the aftermath of the recent events weighing heavily upon me. Tears continue to stream down my cheeks, mingling with exhaustion and the remnants of lingering fear.

"Mom!" The word escapes my lips in a choked sob as I throw myself into her waiting arms. She turns, her expression a mix of concern and surprise at my frantic urgency. Without hesitation, her embrace envelops me, providing a safe haven in the midst of the storm. I clutch onto her with a desperation that borders on need, my fingers digging into her shoulders as if I could anchor myself to reality. My face buries itself in the crook of her neck, seeking solace in her familiar scent, a balm against the chaos that threatens to consume me.

"He's here, Mom. He's here," I manage to choke out between sobs, the weight of my fear spilling forth in fragmented pieces. Her arms tighten around me, offering comfort and security as I release the pent-up emotions that have plagued me. The world outside fades, replaced by the soothing rhythm of her heartbeat and the gentle hush of her voice.

Confusion tinges my father's voice as he calls out behind me, seeking answers to the turmoil that's shaken me to my core. But my mind is a tumultuous whirlwind, unable to form coherent responses as my voice remains trapped by the weight of my emotions. The questions linger unanswered, swallowed by the void of my own internal torment.

"Shh, Dev, don't be afraid," Mom's voice is a soothing melody, whispered against my ear like a lullaby for my troubled soul. Her fingers stroke my hair, gentle and tender, as if to soothe away the traumas that haunt me. "Breathe, my love. In and out. In and out." Her words guide me through the tempest, grounding me with the simple rhythm of breath as she focuses on restoring a sense of calm, a lifeline amidst the chaos.

I nod, my grip on her unwavering, as she guides me to a nearby seat. Kneeling before me, she cups my face in her warm hands, her gaze locked onto mine. In the depths of her eyes, I see the love etched into every line, the unbreakable bond that connects us. Her touch is tender, a gentle reminder that she's there to support and protect, to shield me from the terrors that threaten to engulf me. "Just relax," she murmurs, her voice a soft reassurance, a balm against the storm raging within.

My father approaches, his hand reaching out to rest on my shoulder. Despite my best efforts, my body tenses, an involuntary response to the touch that evokes a flood of emotions. My body tenses involuntarily, an instinctive response to the touch that evokes a surge of anxiety. His gaze bears down on me, a mix of concern and confusion, as if seeking answers I'm not ready to provide. His hand hovers uncertainly, frozen in mid-air, as I struggle to reconcile the complex emotions that his presence ignites within me.

In search of stability, my hand instinctively finds its way to Raj's arm, seeking his presence for solace. Beside me, he stands as a pillar of strength, his eyes a mirror of compassion and empathy. In his embrace, I find a sense of safety, a cocoon of security where I can unravel without fear. His arm encircles me, a shield against the world outside, and slowly, my racing heart begins to find a steadier rhythm in response to his steady presence. The warmth of Raj's embrace tempers the storm within me, offering a glimmer of respite in the face of uncertainty.

"Don't worry," he whispers in my ear, his voice a gentle caress that soothes the tempest within. "I'm here." His words cascade over me like a protective cloak, a shield against the tumultuous outside world.

As Raj's presence anchors me, I catch a fleeting glimpse of my mother's gaze, a mixture of surprise and delight illuminating her eyes. A tender smile, fragile yet potent, graces her lips—a beacon of hope piercing through the darkness that has clouded our world.

My father's eyes remain fixed on me, his jaw clenched with determination, emotions simmering beneath his composed exterior. And then, with a low, rumbling growl of resolve, he declares, "I'll be back," and strides out of the room, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and a wake of palpable tension in his wake.

"Where are you going?" Mom's voice carries both concern and urgency, her gaze trailing after his retreating form. Her eyes then lock onto mine, a mixture of love and anxiety dancing within their depths. She turns to Raj with a gentle plea, her voice threaded with a maternal yearning, "Raj, would you please stay with Dev for a while?"

Raj nods, his gaze meeting mine with unwavering assurance. In his eyes, I find not only the strength to weather the storm but the promise of a companion who will stand by me no matter what trials lie ahead.