Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 3: The Challenge

Banhi and Dhriti sit anxiously across from the dean, who adjusts his glasses and looks at them sympathetically.

"Don't worry, girls. I will look into the matter. Meanwhile, try not to think about it too much," the dean reassures them.

"But sir, this is not the first time. We need something to be done, what if Gaurav's condition was more serious?" Banhi insists.

"I understand, Banhi. These things take time. We will take appropriate actions," the dean responds.

The girls leave the office, Banhi's frustration evident.

"Let's hope he actually does something," Dhriti says, concern in her voice.

"We can't just hope. We need to be do something," Banhi replies determinedly.

Danish watches Banhi from a distance, intrigued by her resilience. His friends, noticing his gaze, start teasing him.

"Danish bhai, lagta hai tumhe Banhi mein kuch zyada hi interest hai aaj kal," Pranav remarks with a smirk.

"Haan, kab se dekh rahe ho usse, kuch plan hai?" Ranveer adds, nudging Danish playfully.

Surendra chimes in, "Bhai, yeh toh serious lag raha hai, they went to the dean."

Danish glares at them, his jaw tightening. "Kuch nahi hai aisa. Tum log apna kaam dekho, issa main dekhloga."

Pranav doesn't let up. "Arey, sach bata, Danish. Yeh tumhari nayi obsession hai kya?"

Ranveer chuckles, "Lagta hai humare Danish ko bhi dil aa gaya hai usko punish karna mein."

Danish's eyes flash with irritation. "Shut up, Ranveer. Tumhare jokes itne bhi funny nahi hai."

Surendra smirks, "Toh phir itna kyun gussa ho rahe ho? Hum toh bas mazaak kar rahe hain."

Danish clenches his fists, trying to keep his temper in check. "I said, enough. Stop talking about her."

They reach their private lunch room, and the teasing continues. Ranveer got immediately got busy and engaged in kissing two girls on his lap, looks up and grins. "Arey Danish, aaj kal tujhe kya ho gaya hai? You've been staring into nowhere for so long now, come enjoy with the girls."

Danish rolls his eyes, trying to change the subject. "Ranveer, kabhi toh kuch aur soch liya karo."

Ranveer laughs, "Kya karu bhai, ladkiyan khud aati hain."

Pranav chuckles, "Aur tujhe mana karna nahi aata."

Surendra shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips despite himself. "Tum log na... kabhi nahi sudhroge."

Ranveer spoke once again, "Par Danish, seriously, kya chal raha hai? Banhi ke saath, what's the plan?"

Danish's smile fades, replaced by a stern look. "Main bas dekh raha tha ki woh kitna tik sakti hai." Danish saw the look the boys were giving him and added," Mujhe usme koi interest nahi hai."

Pranav raises an eyebrow. "Oh really? Toh phir itna kyun dekh rahe ho usse? Admit it, you find her interesting."

Danish's temper flares. "Bas, bohot ho gaya. Tum log samajhte kyun nahi? Mere paas aur bhi kaam hain."

Ranveer laughs again, "Danish, tumhara gussa hi tumhara secret batata hai."

Danish slams his fist on the table, startling everyone. "I said, enough!"

The room falls silent, the tension palpable. Danish takes a deep breath, trying to calm down. His friends exchange glances, realizing they've pushed him too far.