...The art of falling in love...( Abhira❤️Armaan)

1.Shadows of Power...

Abhira stepped into the sprawling campus of Crestwood College, her heart thudding with excitement and a sprinkle of anxiety. The aroma of fresh paint mixed with the chatter of students filled the air as they made their way to different departments-Abhira for her Art course and Kiara for her Science.

"This is it!" Kiara said enthusiastically, nudging Abhira's shoulder. "The beginning of your new adventures!"

Abhira smiled back, And then passed by the campus courtyard, the notorious AARRC group-celebrated and feared in equal measure-caught sight of them. Led by the imposing Armaan, they were infamous for bullying freshers, and their laughter echoed ominously as they spotted the new girls. Abhira felt a shiver run down her spine as she and Kiara tried to pass unnoticed, but it was too late.

"Hey, you there!" One of them called out, and the Abhira froze.

"What's your name?" Armaan sneered, eyeing Abhira up and down, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Abhira," she replied boldly, though her heart raced.

"Nice to meet you, Abhira. We've got a little initiation for you. You see that bouquet?" He gestured to a cluster of flowers held by one of his friend. "Take that to the staff room and propose to Professor Yuvraj malhotra"

Abhira felt a wave of disbelief wash over her. "No way," she said, shaking her head. Laughter erupted from the group, and the pressure mounted.

"Come on, it'll be fun!" another guy chimed in, stepping closer.

Abhira's resolve only strengthened; she would not play their games. Just as she turned to leave, they pushed her forward. "What's wrong? Scared?"

Light ignited within her. With a swift motion, she unzipped her backpack, retrieved her water bottle, and doused the group with its contents. Gasps filled the air.

"Are you mad?!" Roohi exclaimed, wiping her face in shock. Tension thickened as the group snarled, ready to retaliate.

"Don't even think about hitting me," Abhira shot back defiantly. "What do you think you are, bullies?"

Just then, Armaan stepped forward, crossing his arms with a cocky demeanor.

At that moment, Kiara rushed in, grabbing Abhira's s hand. "I'm so sorry about her! Let's just go, okay?" she pleaded, pulling Abhira along.

Abhira resisted a moment longer, piqued by the urge to stand her ground. "Kiara, why are you-?"

"Because," kiara interrupted, urgency lacing her tone, "you have no idea what you're dealing with! This is the AARRC group! After the principal, they run this college. Trust me, whatever they say-just go along with it!"

Abhira's face scrunched in confusion. "But that's not right! I can't just let them walk all over me."

"Look," kiara insisted earnestly, "I know you, and I know you'll stand up for what's right, but right now, you need to keep a low profile. They can be dangerous. Please."

Before Abhira could retort, sounds of commotion swirled around them. A crowd gathered, and a few students whispered about someone getting beaten up in the garden-another victim of AARRC group. Abhira felt the anger bubble inside her, but kiara once again held her arm, leading her back.

As Abhira arrived on cafeteria in luch break the AARRC group was already loitering near the entrance, laughter spilling into the air like poison. Her stomach churned as her eyes met Armaan's. He raised a brow, acknowledging her presence with a look that sent a chill racing down her spine.

"Look who decided to show up!" Aryan shouted, his voice booming across the courtyard.

Wasting no time, Armaan strutted toward her, flanked by a couple of his lackeys. "You think you can just wash us off with some water and walk away? Not happening, Abhira."

"You want to play games?" Abhira said, trying to quench the quivering in her voice. "Maybe it's time someone taught you a real lesson about respect."

Armaan smirked, clearly enjoying the show. "And what could you possibly do? You're just a little fresher trying to act tough. These are the big leagues, sweetheart."

She stepped forward, her heart racing,You're nothing but a coward hiding behind a power trip."

The crowd around them gasped and hunched closer.Just as it seemed like violence was about to explode, Kiara finally broke through the throng, urgency etched on her face.

"Abhira! No!" she shouted, reaching for her cousin's arm. "Please, let's just go."

But Abhira pulled away defiantly. "No! I can't just be quiet and let him think he can push anyone around."

In that moment, Armaan stepped closer, fists clenched but perhaps also with a hint of grudging respect mingled with anger.

"Fine, let's see how brave you are when reality hits. You think this is all a game? Welcome to Crestwood, princess." He laughed bitterly before turning away, but not before tossing one last taunt over his shoulder. "Let's just say the AARRC group doesn't forget. You'll be seeing us around."

By the time they reached home, Abhira's adrenaline had faded, leaving her drained. Kiara's mom (Manisha) noticed the girls' tense faces and raised an eyebrow. "Why are you both home so early?"

"Mom," kiara started, "Abhira got in trouble. She stood up to the Armaan's group......"

"kiara!" Abhira interrupted.

But kiara's mother had already put her hands on her hips. "Abhira, listen to me. You can't take on the AARRC group. They don't just bully-they destroy anyone who crosses them. You need to promise me, promise me you won't get involved."

Abhira stared at her, conflicted. "But I-"

"Please," kiara whispered, squeezing her hand. "Just promise."

With a heavy heart, Abhira nodded. "Okay, I swear."

Abhira lay on her bed staring at the ceiling, the events of her first day at Crestwood replaying in her mind like a loop of unbearable footage. Beside her, Kiara flipped through her science textbook,

Hey," Kiara finally said, glancing up. "Are you okay?"

"Do I look okay?" Abhira snapped, instantly regretting her tone. "I'm just... frustrated. I shouldn't have to run from bullies.

Kiara set her book aside, concern etched across her face. "I get it, really I do. I would have reacted the same way. But you have to understand-this isn't just any college. The AARRC group has a reputation, and they aren't afraid to use it."

Abhira sighed, running her fingers through her hair. I just can't believe how easily everyone bows down to them. This is college, not a prison."

"Maybe," Kiara said, her expression softening. "But sometimes it's about surviving. You have to pick your battles wisely. Do you really want to be their next target?"

Abhira met Kiara's gaze, feeling the weight of her's concerns. But some part of her couldn't let it go, like a fire smoldering just beneath the surface, demanding to be set free.

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