HUKUMAT : WAR FOR THRONES

ATTACK

The Sherawat mansion, typically a place of eerie silence, felt even more unnerving today. Despite being filled with servants and maids, it was as if no one truly lived there—everyone was absorbed in their own world, hidden away in their rooms, attending to their own lives. The mansion only came to life on rare occasions when the children returned, gathering briefly in the grand hall.

But today was different. From the early hours, a palpable tension hung in the air. Geetanjali Devi, usually composed and authoritative, was pacing through the hall, her expression a mix of anger and anxiety. Everyone noticed her unease, but no one dared to speak. Her aura was powerful, almost intimidating, and it kept everyone in check.

Pratyush, her loyal assistant, approached her cautiously, whispering something into her ear. Whatever he said ignited a spark of fury in her eyes.

"Uski juraat kaise hui!" she bellowed, her voice echoing through the mansion as she shattered a vase in a fit of rage.

The shattering sound sent a wave of fear rippling through everyone present. Her anger was like a storm, and no one wanted to be caught in it.

"Tell him to leave at once, and I want this matter resolved as soon as possible," she hissed through gritted teeth before storming off to her room.

As Geetanjali Devi disappeared up the grand staircase, Pratyush let out a deep breath, the tension easing from his shoulders. Without wasting any time, he too left the mansion, knowing that there was much to be done.

Nainital

A group of 5-6 boys had taken admission in the middle of the semester, something highly unusual. The college trustee had forced the principal to enroll them.

"Don't you dare raise your voice in front of us, or your college will be dead," one of the boys threatened, grinding his teeth as he spoke to the principal.

With that, the group of boys left the office.

"God, what is this? Is this a college or what? Shameless students... but what can I do?" the principal muttered, shaking his head as he sat down in his chair.

**Canteen**

"Maanu, tujhe pata hai? Abhi-abhi ek new group ne admission liya hai college mein," Ruchi said as she entered the canteen, excitement in her voice.

Manali, Shiv, Akshat, and a few of their friends were sitting there, having lunch.

"Mid-semester mein admission? Wow, lagta hai principal ke kuch jyada hi special students hain," Anya commented, her tone light but sarcastic.

"Shut up, yaar Anya. Kuch toh gadbad hai, varna principal aise nahi hai," Shiv replied, his brow furrowed as he thought deeply.

Manali playfully patted his head. "Tere iss peanut jaise dimaag mein jyada pressure mat daal, varna voh bhi khatam ho jayega."

Their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of Manali's phone. She answered it briefly, her expression turning serious.

"Principal ne bulaya hai, we have to go," she informed them.

Shiv immediately jumped from his seat, but Manali quickly punched him on the back. "Tumhe nahi, mujhe aur Akshat ko. We'll meet you in class after the break," she said and moved towards the principal's office with Akshat.

"What happened, Maan?" Akshat asked, noticing the tension on Manali's face.

"Nothing. Akshat, kuch strange nahi lag raha? Like mid-semester mein kisi ka enroll hona and then principal ka hume bulana," she replied, her voice tinged with worry.