Kismat ek Khel

Chapter 1: New beginnings ⛅

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The sun peeked over the horizon, signaling the start of Shanaya's college journey. Nervous but excited, she approached the campus gates, her eyes wide with anticipation. "This is it, Shanaya... new beginnings," she whispered to herself.

The campus buzzed with the energy of students, groups already formed, laughter echoing in the air. As Shanaya scanned the area, trying to find her footing, she noticed a group of students standing apart from the crowd. Kiara, Neha, Priya, and Rehaan-an influential clique whose presence commanded attention without effort.

Before she could process the intimidating sight, Kiara's sharp voice cut through the chatter.

Kiara: "Oye, dekh! Nayi ladki!" She smirked, eyeing Shanaya from head to toe. "What's your name, dork?"

Shanaya froze for a second, feeling every eye on her. The trio laughed under their breath, feeding off Kiara's arrogance.

Neha: "Lagta hai, bolna bhool gayi... kitni cute si lag rahi hai." She rolled her eyes dramatically.

Shanaya gulped, trying to think of something to say, her palms getting clammy. 'Just don't make it worse,'she thought to herself.

Before things could escalate, Rehaan, who had been quietly watching the exchange, finally stepped forward. His voice calm, yet commanding.

Rehaan: "Bas karo, guys. She's new. Give her a break."

His words stopped the laughter in its tracks. Shanaya looked up, surprised. Kiara's smile faltered, a flicker of jealousy crossing her face as she glanced at Rehaan.

Kiara: "Rehaan, why are you even-" She let out a sigh, her irritation seeping through. "Whatever, do what you want."

Priya: "Rehaan, you always have to be the hero, don't you?" She raised an eyebrow, trying to lighten the mood but failing to mask her curiosity.

Rehaan turned to Shanaya, his tone softening. "Tum thik ho?"

Shanaya nodded slowly, unsure of what to say. She gave him a faint smile, still processing the sudden shift in dynamics.

Shanaya: "Haan, I'm fine... thank you," she mumbled, her voice barely audible over the murmurs around them.

Kiara, visibly unsettled, crossed her arms and gave Shanaya a once-over again. "Chalo, let's go. We have better things to do than babysit."

As they walked away, Shanaya stood frozen for a moment, heart still racing from the encounter. 'That could've gone worse,' she thought, casting a glance back at the group. Kiara turned slightly, catching her eye, her expression unreadable. The tension between them hung in the air.

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Later that day, in the cafeteria

Shanaya carried her tray, scanning for a quiet corner. The morning's encounter still weighed on her mind, but she was determined not to let it ruin her first day.

Just as she found a seat, Neha and Priya sauntered past her table, laughing about something. They slowed down when they saw her.

Neha: "Oh, look, it's the girl Rehaan saved. Kaafi lucky ho tum, huh?"

Priya: "Lagta hai Rehaan ko naye projects mein interest aa gaya hai." She winked at Neha, and they both giggled.

Shanaya clenched her fists under the table, fighting the urge to snap back. But before she could, Rehaan appeared again, walking up to the table casually.

Rehaan: "Neha, Priya... tum dono thak nahi jaati kya? Seriously, kuch aur kaam nahi hai?"

Neha: "Kya yaar, Rehaan, we were just joking. Tum toh itne sensitive ho rahe ho."