Muddat

9. Holding on, letting go

Avik rushed up to Aadrika as soon as he saw her standing in front of the college gate.

"Come on di, itna bhi bura nhi hai jitna aap expression bna ri hain" Avik said with a smirk

"Shut up, Ek toh already mujhe tension hori hai and you're making fun of me," Aadrika retorted, playfully punching Avik's arm.

Avik chuckled, and they walked towards the college building together. Behind them trailed Avin, keeping his distance yet unable to help but glance at Aadrika now and then. He wanted to say so much but could never find the right words. As they reached her classroom, Avik gave Aadrika a quick hug, whispering words of encouragement, while Avin just watched, awkward and silent.

The day at college passed by in a blur of introductions, lectures, and overwhelming new experiences. Aadrika tried her best to focus on her studies, but her mind kept drifting back to the emotional turmoil she had experienced since returning home. The introduction session was a mess, Aadrika fumbled to form a proper sentence as she wasn't used to the attention she was getting. Everyone was looking at her as if she's an alien species. She understands it's because of admission at last year but she couldn't help being anxious.

During a free period, Aadrika decided to head to the canteen for a snack. Just as she was about to step inside, she tripped and, in the process, accidentally pushed the guy in front of her, spilling his drink all over him.

"What the hell"

Aadrika stood rooted, she looked at the damage she has caused.

"I... I'm sorry, voh galti se gir gaya, I'll pay for it" She said fumbling to find her words

"Sorry? Tumhari sorry ka kya karunga mai?Mera din toh kharab hogaya na? " He said and shoved Aadrika

"Dekho, i'm apologising right? It was an accident i said I'll pay for it" he again pushed her

"Stop pushing me, what do you think you're doing"

Avin who was passing by saw all this and he was filled with rage. He approached the guy who was pushing Aadrika and firmly grabbed his arm to stop him.

"That's enough. She said she's sorry, and it was an accident. There's no need to get physical," Avin said, his voice surprisingly calm.

The guy looked at Avin with surprise, not expecting him to intervene. He pulled his arm back from Avin's grip and scoffed, "Mind your own business, Avin. Tujhse baat nhi kar ra hun mai"

Avin's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer to the guy, showing that he wouldn't back down. "It is my business, Apologise to her right now."

"Varna kya" the guy smirked, that was it for Avin. Avin landed a punch right across his jaw, making Aadrika gasp.

"Avin kya kar raha hai" Aadrika said pulling him away while Avin gently removed himself from her, and shushed her.

Avin turned around,the punch had taken the guy by surprise, and he stumbled back, clutching his jaw in pain. He looked at Avin with anger and shock, but before he could retaliate, a few of his friends intervened and held him back.

"You'll regret this, Avin!" the guy threatened, still seething with anger.

Avin stood his ground, unafraid of the guy's threats. "I won't tolerate anyone mistreating my sister or anyone else for that matter. Learn to treat people with respect, or face the consequences."

The guy looked at Aadrika in shock, so she was a Malhotra. He shouldn't have gotten involved in the first place. His friends took him away from there before he signed a death warrant of his. Avin turned his attention to Aadrika, who was looking at him with a mix of surprise and gratitude.