Friendship is love and love can have second chance

### Chapter 22: Enraged Abhinav Kasauli

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets of Kasauli as Abhinav paced anxiously in his living room. It was 3 PM, and the usual hustle and bustle of the school day was coming to an end. The twins, Abhir and Naveer, were supposed to be finishing up their classes, and he had asked Muskaan to pick them up today. Little did he know that the day would take a turn for the worse.

As Abhinav waited, his phone rang, jolting him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was Principal Priya Kapoor. His stomach dropped as he answered.

"Mr. Sharma, this is Principal Kapoor. Where are you? It's really late, and we can't keep your children at school," her voice was firm, but there was an underlying tone of concern.

"I'm so sorry, Principal Mam. I'll be there in a moment," he replied, his heart racing. He disconnected the call and quickly grabbed his keys, rushing out the door. The thought of his children waiting for him alone at school gnawed at him.

Meanwhile, Muskaan had just finished a long day at work and was on her way to the school when she noticed a commotion ahead. Her heart sank as she saw two boys harassing two girls on the sidewalk. The girls looked frightened, their faces pale as the boys loomed over them, laughing cruelly.

Without a second thought, Muskaan stepped in between the girls and the boys, her expression fierce. "Leave them alone!" she shouted, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. One of the boys sneered, and before he could react, Muskaan slapped him hard across the face.

The sound echoed in the air, drawing the attention of passersby, but none dared to intervene. The girls seized their chance and ran, but Muskaan found herself frozen in place. The boys, infuriated by the slap, quickly turned their fury on her. With a swift movement, they grabbed her arms, dragging her toward their den—a dimly lit alley that reeked of danger.

Muskaan struggled, her heart pounding. "Let me go! You can't do this!" she yelled, but her cries fell on deaf ears. The boys were too strong, too motivated by their twisted sense of power.

Back in his car, Abhinav's thoughts raced as he drove towards the school. He replayed the principal's words in his mind, anxiety building with each passing second. When he finally arrived at the school, he was greeted by an empty parking lot. Panic surged within him.

"Where are they?" he muttered under his breath, his heart pounding against his ribcage. He rushed into the school building, but the halls were quiet, the classrooms empty. Just then, he noticed the principal waiting for him, her expression grave.

"Mr. Sharma, your children—"

### Dialogue Scene

**Setting: The school parking lot, where Abhinav has just rushed in to find Abhir and Naveer waiting anxiously. The Principal stands nearby, observing the interaction.**

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**Abhinav:** (breathless) I am extremely sorry for being late, Principal Mam. It was just... I asked my sister to pick the twins up because I had important work that couldn't be held.

**Principal Kapoor:** (calmly) It's okay, Mr. Sharma. Just remember, next time, please take care to ensure they are picked up on time.

**Abhinav:** (nodding) As you wish, Mam. Thank you so much for looking out for my sons.

**Principal Kapoor:** (smiling) It's my responsibility. They are good boys.

*(As the principal walks away, Abhinav turns to Abhir and Naveer, who are standing by the car.)*

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**Abhir:** (excitedly) Papa! Where were you?

**Naveer:** (frowning) We were waiting for you!