Rhythms of the Heart ✅

13

( netra's dorm room which she shares with her two other friends)
In the quiet solitude of their dorm room, Malang found a moment to confide in his best friend, Netra. The revelation about him and Rihanna dating was met with a shocked expression from Netra.

Malang, sensing her surprise, chuckled nervously, "I know, it's a bit unexpected, right?"

Netra, contemplating the news, responded with a thoughtful expression, "Well, it's your choice, Malang. If you're happy, I'm happy for you."

In her mind, Netra was a bit skeptical about Rihanna's sudden confession and interest in Malang. She had heard various things about Rihanna from other seniors, and it didn't quite align with the image she had of Malang. However, understanding Malang's caring nature and the impact of relationships on him, Netra chose not to intrude on his privacy. She resolved that if Malang was happy, she would support him wholeheartedly. Yet, a silent promise echoed in her thoughts - if anyone dared to hurt her best friend, repercussions would follow.

With an understanding smile, Netra added, "Just be careful, okay? And if she hurts you even a little, you know I'm here, right?"

Malang, appreciating Netra's concern, nodded, "Thanks, Netra. Your support means a lot to me."
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In the vibrant atmosphere of the bar, Rihanna couldn't resist sharing the thrilling developments in her newfound connection with Malang. Surrounded by her friends, the ones she had made the bet with, she gleefully flexed about how she successfully made Malang fall for her.

"So, you won the bet?" one of her friends inquired, a mischievous grin playing on their face.

Rihanna, basking in the attention, nodded confidently. "Absolutely! Malang is head over heels for me. It was almost too easy."

Her friends exchanged impressed glances, cheering for her apparent triumph. Rihanna continued weaving a narrative that portrayed her as the mastermind of this romantic conquest, relishing every moment of her self-declared victory.

Little did she know, the complexities and intricacies of relationships could not be neatly confined to a bet, and the repercussions of her actions might extend beyond the confines of the wager she had won.
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In the dimly lit gym, Neel unleashed his frustration on the weights, pushing himself to the limit. The rhythmic clinking of metal echoed his inner turmoil. With each lift and drop, he tried to drown out the shattering realization that Malang was now dating Rihanna.

As beads of sweat dripped down his face, Neel whispered to himself, "I thought he wouldn't fall for her. I hoped... I hoped for too much."

The gym became a sanctuary for Neel, a place where the physical strain could momentarily replace the emotional pain that gnawed at him. The intensity of his workout was a reflection of the chaos within, a futile attempt to escape the shattered pieces of his heart.

After the exhausting workout, Neel retreated to his dorm, collapsing into an uneasy sleep. The following days saw him withdrawing from college, feigning illness to escape the painful reality that confronted him.

Ishaan, sensing his best friend's turmoil, decided it was time to intervene. He approached Neel's dorm room, knocking gently on the door. Neel, looking drained and hollow, opened the door reluctantly.

"Neel, we need to talk. You can't keep shutting everyone out," Ishaan urged, concern etched on his face.

Neel, avoiding eye contact, mumbled, "I'm fine, Ishaan. Just not in the mood for college."

Ishaan, refusing to accept the vague response, pressed on, "This isn't about college. Something's eating at you, and I want to help. Talk to me, Neel."

In the dimly lit room, Neel's silence spoke volumes. Ishaan sighed, realizing that breaking through Neel's emotional barricade would require more patience and understanding.
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In the bustling corridors of St. Teresa's College, Malang couldn't help but notice Neel's conspicuous absence. Frowning, he pulled out his phone and dialed Neel's number, only to be met with the frustrating sound of unanswered rings.

Growing more concerned, Malang decided to approach Rihanna, hoping she might shed some light on Neel's mysterious disappearance. "Hey, have you seen Neel today? He's not answering his phone," Malang inquired, his expression marked by genuine worry.

Rihanna, with an air of nonchalance, responded, "No idea. Haven't seen him since yesterday. Maybe he's not feeling well or something."

Unsatisfied with the vague response, Malang decided to seek Ishaan's insight. Approaching him after a class, Malang asked, "Hey, do you know why Neel isn't coming to college? He's not answering my calls, and Rihanna doesn't seem to know."

Ishaan, with a somber expression, replied, "Neel's in his dorm. He's been avoiding everyone, not sharing what's bothering him."

Determined to unravel the mystery, Malang decided to pay Neel a visit after college. The worry etched on his face reflected the depth of their friendship and the concern he felt for Neel's well-being.
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The college day ended, and Malang couldn't shake off the worry about Neel's unexplained absence. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he made up his mind to visit Neel's dorm. As he approached the college gate, lost in his thoughts about Neel, a voice called out to him, disrupting his contemplation.

"Wait up, Malang!" Sam's voice reached him, and he turned to see her running towards him, seemingly out of breath. She caught up with him, and with a dramatic flourish, she asked, "Are you going to Neel's dorm? Can I come along?"

Malang, trying to conceal his reservations, managed a smile and agreed to her company. Deep down, he wasn't thrilled about Sam joining, but he didn't express it. They set off together towards Neel's dorm.

As they reached the door, an unspoken tension lingered in the air. Before Malang could knock, Sam, surprisingly eager, took the initiative and rapped on the door. The door swung open, revealing a shirtless Neel on the other side.