Chapter 23

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Chapter 23

Avni blinked, her vision adjusting to the soft lighting of the nursing room. She quickly realized where she was—and then, just beside her, she noticed Neil slouched in an uncomfortable-looking chair. He'd fallen asleep there, arms folded, his brow slightly furrowed even in rest. A warm blush crept over her cheeks as she watched him, feeling a mixture of gratitude and happiness.

"Neil..." she murmured softly.

At the sound of her voice, Neil's eyes fluttered open. He quickly straightened, concern filling his gaze as he reached out to help her sit up.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked gently, his hands coming up to cradle her face.

"Yes, much better," Avni replied, her voice steady but her heart racing.

Neil took a steadying breath, relief evident in his eyes, but his expression turned serious. "What happened back there, Avni?"

Avni hesitated, her fingers curling slightly into the sheet. "Neil, I... I'm trying to get past everything, but that touch—it wasn't right. It felt too close to...that night." Her voice faltered, but she continued. "I looked around for you. You're the only one who makes me feel safe, the only distraction I have from it all." Her cheeks warmed again, and she looked down, hoping he hadn't noticed her blush.

Neil's eyes softened, but as her words sank in, a fierce protectiveness took hold of him. The memory of that guy—the way he'd grabbed Avni—came flooding back, and anger flashed in his gaze.

"I'll make sure he regrets ever laying a hand on you," Neil said, moving to stand, but he stopped when he felt her hand gently holding his.

"Neil, will you fight him?" Avni asked, her tone soft yet curious.

"Of course," he replied, unwavering. "He needs to understand that he crossed a line."

She looked down, gathering her words. "Neil, please don't. I... I'm scared you'll get hurt." Her voice barely rose above a whisper.

The fierceness in Neil's gaze softened. He took a breath, keeping his voice gentle. "Avni, I get it. But if he thinks he can get away with this, he might try it someother time . They need to know that there are consequences."

After a pause, Avni looked up and gave a small nod. "Then... just warn him. Let him know he can't behave that way again. And if he crosses the line again, then... I won't stop you."

A silent agreement passed between them as Neil nodded, his anger tempered by her concern. He lifted her hand to his chest, giving it a light squeeze.

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Neil stormed out of the nursing room, his expression taut with simmering anger. DD followed closely, sensing his friend's frustration.

"What's his name? Which branch and year?" Neil demanded, barely pausing as he marched down the corridor.

"His name is Kharan Kapoor. BBA, 2nd year," DD replied.

"What? I've never seen him before," Neil muttered, eyes narrowing.

"He joined just two days back. He was in Delhi before but transferred here because he caused some trouble there. He's in another section, that's why we haven't noticed him until now," DD explained.

The two walked purposefully toward their classroom, where they spotted KK lounging casually with his friends and a few other students. Neil's gaze locked on KK, his jaw tightening as he approached.

"Mr. Kharan Kapoor, can I have a minute with you?" Neil's voice was smooth but laced with unmistakable sarcasm.

KK smirked, not missing a beat. "Yes, Mr. Neil Khanna, aka the savior of Avni," he replied, matching Neil's tone.

Neil's eyes flashed. "Whatever you pulled in the corridor was completely unacceptable. I'm angry, and I expect you to keep your distance from her," he said, his tone cold.

KK raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "You mean, the little... excuse I found to get close to her?"

Neil stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "I mean, don't even think about being near her again."

A lazy grin spread across KK's face. "I'm afraid I can't do that. I'm too interested in her now. I'm not backing off."

Neil's expression darkened. "What?"

KK leaned back, clearly enjoying the effect his words were having. "I know you could probably kill me and make it look like some robbery or serial killer story, but I'm not afraid of you, Neil Khanna. And besides, you two are still... just friends, aren't you? That leaves a window for me."

A surge of rage shot through Neil, and his hand instinctively moved, ready to strike. But Avni's words from earlier echoed in his mind. Restraining himself, he grabbed KK's shirt collar instead, pulling him close and speaking through gritted teeth.

"I'm giving you a final warning. Stay away from her." Neil released him, his gaze hard and unyielding as he turned and walked away.

As he left, KK watched him with a sly smile. "Won't be that easy. Guess I'll just have to befriend Avni first," he murmured to himself, planning his next move.

In the back of the class, two girls exchanged anxious whispers. One leaned in closer, wide-eyed. "Did you hear what KK said about making it look like a robbery or something? He didn't deny it... does that mean Neil actually planned Sanjay's murder?"

Her friend's eyes widened, and they glanced nervously in Neil's direction, wondering if the rumors were true.

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The next day, Avni sat quietly in the library, absorbed in her notes after discovering her first class had been unexpectedly canceled. Her focus was intense as she turned the pages, determined to make the most of the time.

"Hi, Avni," a voice broke the quiet, and she looked up, startled, to see KK standing beside her.

Avni's expression remained unreadable as she merely glanced at him before turning back to her work.

"Avni, I'm really sorry about yesterday," KK said, his voice softened with apparent regret. "I didn't know anything about you and made a huge mistake. I promise, it won't happen again. I'm truly sorry for everything."

Hearing the sincerity—or at least what seemed like it—in his voice, Avni looked into his eyes, gauging his remorse. After a brief pause, she nodded. "It's okay. Realizing your mistake is enough for me."

She went back to her notes, clearly signaling she was done with the conversation.

But KK, not one to back down easily, shifted his approach. "Avni, could you help me with commerce? My last college didn't have it in the first year, and here they want me to complete it along with this semester's subjects. I'm not the best with studies, but I'd be a good student for you. Please?" he asked, his tone hopeful.

Avni hesitated, thinking it over before responding. "Alright, come to the library every day after classes, and I'll help you," she said.

KK's face shifted, surprised. "What? In the library? I don't like libraries. How about we go to a coffee shop instead? We can study there in the evenings."

Avni, unfazed, packed up her bag and stood to leave. "If you're serious about studying, come to the library every afternoon. Otherwise, forget it," she said firmly, her tone final.

With that, she walked away, leaving KK standing in the library, caught off guard by her directness. He watched her retreating figure, clearly realizing that winning Avni's attention wasn't going to be as simple as he thought.

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