HUKUMAT : WAR FOR THRONES

UNWANTED INCIDENTS

Nainital.

It had been a week since the group had enrolled in college, and Manvi had become their favorite target for annoyance. They seemed to thrive on irritating her, each of their actions crafted to gain her attention, but she met their antics with indifference, her heart a fortress against their advances.

Since the resurgence of her nightmares, she had taken refuge with Shivay and Akshat, alternating between their apartment and college, finding solace in their presence. Each night, their conversations and laughter dulled the shadows of her dreams, creating a fragile cocoon of safety.

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The aroma of sizzling eggs and freshly brewed coffee wafted through the apartment, wrapping Manvi in a comforting embrace as she made breakfast. Shivay and Akshat joined her at the kitchen table, their expressions serious, contrasting the warmth of the moment.

“Manali, we have to go to Mumbai for an emergency,” Shivay said, the gravity of his tone making her heart race with worry.

“Is something wrong? Anything serious?” she asked, her voice laced with concern as she set down the spatula, her mind racing with possibilities.

“No, Maan, it’s just important work. We don’t know all the details yet,” Akshat explained, his tone reassuring. “We’ll figure it out when we get there. Until then, just stay here, and keep ignoring those guys like you've been doing for the past week.”

After a quick breakfast, they dropped her off at college, handing her the apartment keys with an admonition to call if she needed anything. As they drove away, a sense of foreboding filled the air, leaving Manali feeling both lonely and apprehensive.

Upon entering the bustling college, she quickly spotted Ruchi and her other friends. They made their way to the first lecture, where the classroom buzzed with energy. There was only one seat left—right next to Mayank.

“Ruchi, can I take your seat?” Manali asked, her heart sinking at the thought of sitting next to him.

“Maan, you know I can’t see properly from the back. Sorry, yaar,” Ruchi replied, oblivious to Manali’s discomfort.

With a resigned sigh, Manali moved toward Mayank, who flashed a charming smile that made her skin crawl. Throughout the lecture, he kept trying to engage her in conversation, but she refused to even look his way, focusing instead on the lecture, her heart hardened against his attempts.

"This girl... who does she think she is?" Dev muttered from the back, his voice dripping with disdain.

As the lecture ended and the class emptied, Mayank and his gang lingered behind. Manali packed her bag, eager to escape.

“Maan, I’ll catch up with you in the canteen. I left my phone in the classroom,” Ruchi said, her tone strangely rushed.

Manali glanced at her, sensing the unusual urgency but decided to brush it off. “Okay, go get it.”

Ruchi hurried back into the classroom, glancing over her shoulder. The moment she disappeared, Mayank turned to his friends, a predatory glint in his eyes.

“Tell me what I should do now. That bitch is literally ignoring me,” he said, pressing his body against Ruchi when she returned, grabbing her from behind, inhaling her fragrance as if she were a trophy.

“Mayank, Shivay and Akshat won’t be at college for the next month. It’s the best time to make an impression. Just put in more effort and be more gentle. She’ll eventually come around. I’ll convince her myself,” Ruchi said, folding her arms around his neck, desperate to play both sides.