Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 7: The Unexpected Turn

The private lunchroom was filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and soft chatter. The room was lavishly decorated, with plush seating and an assortment of gourmet dishes laid out on the tables. At the center, Danish, Ranveer, Pranav, and Surendra sat in a circle, their presence commanding the attention of everyone else.

Pranav noticed a student attempting to sit nearby. "Hey, you. Move it," he commanded with a flick of his wrist. The student, head down, quickly relocated to a distant table.

Ranveer leaned back in his chair, smirking. "It's like they forget who's in charge around here."

A freshman nervously approached, carrying a tray. "Excuse me, I—"

Before he could finish, Surendra kicked out a chair, causing the freshman to trip and spill his food. The room erupted in laughter.

"Nice one, Surendra," Pranav said, grinning. "That's what happens when you don't watch where you're going."

The freshman, cheeks burning with humiliation, quickly gathered his things and exited under the derisive gaze of the elite group.

"Why do they even try?" Danish chuckled, watching the freshman leave. "It's like they enjoy being humiliated."

Ranveer shook his head, still laughing. "Some people just don't learn."

Pranav turned to Danish, his expression serious for a moment. "You know, we should remind them who runs this place."

"Absolutely," Danish replied, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "And we'll start by making an example out of anyone who steps out of line."

Surendra nodded in agreement. "Let's make sure they know their place."

The group resumed their conversation, the atmosphere in the lunchroom tense as other students carefully avoided drawing attention to themselves. The message of the hierarchy was clear.

Banhi was deeply engrossed in her work at the library when a girl approached her.

"Banhi, ek professor aapko bula rahe hain," the girl said, sounding urgent.

Banhi looked up, slightly annoyed at the interruption. "Kaunse professor?"

"Dr. Mehra," the girl replied. "Woh keh rahe the ke abhi aapko unse milna hai."

Sighing, Banhi gathered her books. "Theek hai, main abhi aati hoon."

The girl left.

As Banhi walked towards Dr. Mehra's office, her mind still on the assignment she had been working on. Just as she passed the sports room, a strong hand suddenly covered her mouth, and she was dragged away. She tried to scream and struggle, but Pravan and Ranveer's grip was too strong.

"Chup raho!" Pravan hissed as they forced her into a car. Surendra was driving, and Danish sat in the passenger seat, smirking at her.

Banhi's heart pounded with fear. "Kya kar rahe ho tum log? Chhodo mujhe!" she pleaded, her voice muffled by the hand over her mouth. They just laughed and mocked her.

"Kitna shor machati ho, Banhi. Relax," Ranveer sneered, tightening his grip on her arms.

Danish turned around from the passenger seat, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Tumhe yeh sab shauk se nahi kar rahe hain, Banhi. Tumne socha tha tumhe sab kuch mil jayega bina kuch sacrifice kiye?"

Banhi struggled harder, tears streaming down her face. "Please, mujhe chhodo. Maine kuch galat nahi kiya," she cried.

Pravan laughed. "Galat aur sahi ka sawaal nahi hai, Banhi. Yeh toh bas ek game hai, aur tum is game ka hissa ho."