Closer than we knew

Chapter 5

A group of first-year students stood by the canteen area, chatting with each other. It was their first week on campus and they were equally excited and nervous about their future.

Suddenly they saw, a tall and broad-shouldered man approaching them, followed by a few of his buddies. "Look what we've got here", He said loudly, moving closer towards them with a mocking grin. It was Qasim. He was a final-year student who enjoyed making life difficult for freshers.

The students became nervous and looked at each other in fear.

"Newcomers, huh? Scared already?!," he said. "Let's see if you can handle the pressure of law school this way."

He approached a short, timid-looking boy wearing glasses. "What's your name, kid?" Qasim asked placing his arm on his shoulder.

The boy stammered, "R-Rizwan."

"Rizwan, huh?" Qasim echoed, "Tell me, Rizwan, do you know what happens to freshers here? Especially those who don't impress the seniors?"

Rizwan swallowed hard, unable to answer.

Qasim smirked, turning to another fresher, a girl this time, who was clutching her backpack tightly. "And you, Do you think you're smart enough to survive here? No doubt you're beautiful but that won't help much."

Before she could respond, Qasim's friends bursted out laughing, making the environment more tense. He was enjoying every second of it. He loved causing trouble, and since his father was a politician, he was never afraid, and no one dared to mess with him.

Before Qasim approached another guy, a voice rang out from behind him.

"Leave them alone, Qasim."

Everyone turned around to see who had spoken. It was Sitara, standing a few feet away with her arms crossed.

Qasim raised an eyebrow, moving towards Sitara. "Oh, Sitara. Didn't know you were here to babysit," he said, his tone mocking. "I am just having fun. You know it's the senior's obligation to teach freshers."

Sitara looked annoyed and said, "What you're doing right now, isn't fun. It's harassment, and I guess you know it better, being a senior as you said."

Qasim rolled his eyes. "Come on, stop being dramatic. I'm just helping them toughen up. They'll thank me later when they know how to handle real pressure."

"Pressure? You think bullying them is going to help?" Sitara shot back. "These students are here to study law, not to be humiliated by you. If you have nothing better to do, then leave."

Qasim's face darkened. He wasn't used to being called out in front of others, especially not in public. He noticed others giggling and looking at him and he felt furious.

"Watch your tone, Sitara," Qasim said in a threatening voice. "You don't get to tell me what to do."

Sitara didn't even flinch. "Someone has to because you keep forgetting that you don't own anyone here. If you keep this up, you'll find yourself facing the Disciplinary Committee and your father won't be able to save you then."

The first-years looked shocked to see someone standing up for them, especially to Qasim. They already heard plenty of stories about him and how no one dared to stand up against him.

Qasim glared at Sitara, his fists clenching at his sides. He could hear students chuckling, he hated being laughed at.

"Fine," he said. "I'll let it go for now. But you'll regret this, Sitara. No one embarrasses me and gets away with it." He said pointing a finger at her.

Sitara looked unbothered by his threat, "Do whatever you want to, Qasim. I am not scared of you."

Qasim turned and walked away quickly, followed by his friends. Few people shared glances knowing extremely well that Qasim would not let this go easily.