Waiting for the Sun ☀️

Chapter 5 - The Witch Hunt

Abhimanyu stormed down the hall, his fists clenched, water still dripping from his soaked hair and clothes. His face was twisted in fury, a cold fire blazing in his eyes as students whispered and gawked at his soaked appearance. His friends trailed behind him, equally drenched and embarrassed, exchanging uneasy glances as they watched their leader's temper simmer dangerously close to the surface.

As he neared the end of the hall, he stopped abruptly, his gaze sweeping over the students gathered around. He raised his voice, sharp and demanding, letting it echo through the corridor.

"Listen up, everyone !" he called out, silencing the crowd instantly. "I want every single one of you on the lookout. Bring me that girl." His tone was low, controlled, but dripping with menace.

The whispers rose again, curious faces turning to one another, puzzled but intrigued.

"What girl?" someone asked from the back.

"That scholarship girl !" He snapped, frustration clear in his voice.

Murmurs of recognition rippled through the crowd. Some students exchanged knowing glances, while others began to whisper more intensely. Abhimanyu's friends looked at him, uncertain but unwilling to question him in front of everyone.

Abir stepped forward, trying to keep up appearances with a smirk. "You heard him ! She made a mess, and now it's time for her to face the consequences."

Meher tossed her hair over her shoulder and added, "Honestly, she's been a thorn since day one. Always trying to stand out—about time she gets put in her place."

Abhimanyu's jaw tightened as he glared down the corridor, his pride stinging from the memory of the water spraying directly in his face. His friends and even some of his classmates looked up to him as untouchable; no one dared defy him, let alone humiliate him.

"Whoever finds her," he continued, his voice cold and steely, "brings her to me. Now."

Just then, Karan nervously entered the scene, flanked by a few students who had heard the commotion. Mishti, who was standing nearby, was visibly uncomfortable with the situation.

Karan shifted his weight, glancing at Abhimanyu.

"Abhimanyu, don't you think this is...a bit much?" Karan said hesitantly. He didn't meet Abhimanyu's eyes, choosing instead to stare at his soaked shirt, his own face a mixture of uncertainty and guilt.

Abhimanyu turned his gaze to Karan, his expression hardening. "Do you think it was 'a bit much' when she turned the entire gym into a circus act at my expense ? "

Karan swallowed, looking away. Mishti took a step forward, frowning as she looked at Abhimanyu, her voice quiet but firm.

"Maybe she was just...standing up for herself," she suggested. "After all, from what I heard, you cornered Raghav pretty harshly. What did you expect ? "

Abhimanyu's gaze flicked toward her, narrowing. He scoffed, shaking his head. "And you think that justifies her humiliating me in front of the entire school ? " He looked back at the crowd, his voice rising again. "I'm done letting her get away with it. Now, are you all going to stand there, or are you do what I ordered ? "

Abir chimed in, trying to lighten the mood but also clearly siding with Abhimanyu. "Come on, people ! Let's just give him a hand. Think of it as...loyalty."

Meher rolled her eyes, tapping her foot impatiently. "She thinks she's too good for all of us, anyway. Always so smug, like she's better than everyone else. Let's find her."