Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 12: Confrontations and Decisions

Banhi felt a sense of dread as she walked to class. She could feel the stares of her classmates burning into her, and the whispers followed her down the hall.

Her heart sank as she overheard snippets of conversation from Ira and her group of friends, spreading malicious rumors about her. They painted her as a tease, accusing her of luring men in with her so-called innocence. The weight of their words pressed down on her, intensifying her unease.

As she passed a group of guys, they started making fun of her.

Banhi quickened her pace, keeping her head down, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.

Her heart pounded as she tried to block out the crude comments and offensive catcalls. She wished she had the courage to confront them, but she knew it would only make things worse.

She stepped into the classroom with her head held high, but the murmurs and gossip surrounded her. Whispers about her slapping Danish, along with degrading remarks, reached her ears. She clenched her jaw and forced herself to ignore them, though the sting of their words lingered. Without a word, she walked to her seat, took out her notebook, and prepared for the lesson.

Ira, the wealthiest and most popular girl in college, strutted over and perched herself on Banhi's desk, her short skirt riding up. Banhi looked up, confused. Before she could react, Ira grabbed her notebook and tossed it to one of her friends, who began flipping through it, laughing.

Banhi sighed. "Can you give that back?"

Ira smirked. "Oh, did we bother you? So sorry." She tossed the notebook back carelessly as her friends giggled.

Banhi, trying to stay calm, said, "This isn't necessary, Ira. Just give me my book back."

Ira's friend, Ria, mocked, "Oh, look at Banhi! Such a sweet, obedient girl who only cares about studying."

Suddenly, the door opened, and Danish entered with Pranav, Ranveer, and Surendra. Ira instantly changed her demeanour, pretending Banhi was the one bothering her.

Danish, however, didn't care. His eyes scanned the room, then settled on the seat behind Banhi. Without a word, he stared at the students occupying it until they got up and moved away.

Banhi could feel his intense gaze on the back of her head. Ira, noticing this, felt a sharp pang of jealousy but said nothing.

Danish and his friends started talking loudly, making indirect comments meant to irritate Banhi. She tried to ignore them, focusing on her notes.

Pranav leaned toward Danish. "Look at Banhi, so serious. Maybe she's trying to learn from us."

Ranveer chuckled. "Yeah, studying is her favorite activity."

Banhi gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. I've never even seen them touch a book, and I'm supposed to learn from them?

Just then, Gaurav walked in, and Banhi's face lit up. She waved at him, catching his attention.

Danish noticed and clenched his phone tightly. Gaurav , feeling the weight of Danish's stare, hesitated but eventually walked over and sat beside Banhi.

Danish stood up and ordered, "Gaurav , move."

Gaurav instinctively started to rise, but Banhi grabbed his hand and said firmly, "Stay."

Danish's jaw tightened, his fury barely contained. But before he could say anything, the teacher walked in, stopping any further confrontation. Danish reluctantly sat back down, seething.