Waiting for the Sun ☀️

Chapter 2 - Who's that girl ?

Abhimanyu's eyes narrowed as he looked at Karan, the irritation from the morning clearly simmering just below the surface. He took a step closer, his voice cold and calculating.

"Whoever did this," he said slowly, "didn't have the nerve to confront me directly. So he decided to go after my car instead." His jaw clenched. "I need to find him, make an example of him, so no one tries something like that again."

Karan shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the students standing nervously in front of Abhimanyu. Some looked pale, their fear palpable. They dared not meet his gaze, heads lowered as if hoping to disappear. Suddenly, the headmistress appeared, her voice cutting through the tension with the force of authority.

"What's going on here?" Katrina's sharp gaze swept over the group, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene.

Karan winced, Abhimanyu sighed, and Abir simply watched with his usual unbothered expression. Katrina's tone turned harsher. "Why aren't you all in class? Get back inside immediately!"

There was a collective rush as the boys scrambled to obey, the echo of footsteps filling the hallway. All except Abhimanyu, who remained rooted in place, arms crossed defiantly.

"Abhimanyu," Katrina said, fixing him with a piercing stare, "you're coming with me."

He rolled his eyes but followed her to her office. She picked up the phone, dialing Abhimanyu's father. After a moment, she began explaining the situation, but his father interrupted brusquely.

"Do whatever you have to," he snapped. "I have more important matters to deal with." With that, he hung up, leaving Katrina speechless.

Abhimanyu's smirk only widened as he looked back at her. "See?" he said smugly. "He doesn't care."

With that, he turned and left the office, leaving Katrina staring after him, a mix of frustration and disbelief in her expression.

_

Hours later, the bustling energy of Udaipur welcomed Akshara and her mother. The two of them finally arrived at Katrina's house, a sprawling villa with a lush garden, each plant and flowerbed meticulously arranged. Anushka's face lit up as Katrina opened the door, and the two women hugged tightly, laughing and wiping away tears of joy.

"Oh, it's so good to see you, dear!" Anushka said, her voice thick with emotion. Katrina held her friend close, sharing a quiet moment of gratitude.

"It's been too long," Katrina replied softly. "And just look at you!"

From the doorway, Akshara watched them quietly, hauling in the heavy bags with a reserved expression. Katrina's gaze softened as she turned to the young girl. "I can't believe it—this is Akshara?"

Akshara nodded, standing politely, feeling slightly overwhelmed by Katrina's enthusiastic welcome. Katrina's warm smile grew wider as she reached out to hug her.

"My goodness, how you've grown! And look how beautiful you are!"

Anushka nudged Akshara gently. "Say hello to your Aunt Katrina, dear."

"Hello, Aunty," Akshara replied quickly, her tone polite but cautious.

Katrina took Anushka and Akshara around the house, proudly showing off the spacious living areas and the vibrant garden, where roses and jasmine bloomed under the warm Udaipur sun. "I'm so happy you're both here! With this big house and no family of my own, I could use the company."

They reached Akshara's room—a cozy, feminine space with a soft pink-and-white theme. The furnishings looked plush and elegant, and a brand-new computer sat on the desk.