INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2

CHAPTER 107

Happy Reading

Outside the Principal’s Office – After the Verdict

The Principal’s voice echoed cold and final in the hallway.

Principal:
“After reviewing all evidence, Abeer will be dismissed from school for one month. The investigation remains open — if innocence is proven, the record will be corrected.”

Abeer sat silent. The world blurred around him.

---

Outside the School Grounds

Andy storms forward, eyes blazing, grabbing Abeer by the collar.

Andy:
“You’ve embarrassed me enough!”
He strikes Abeer — hard across the face.

Dharshi: (running forward, voice breaking)
“Andy Uncle , stop! He didn’t—he didn’t do anything!”

Andy: (glaring)
“Stay out of this! This boy ruined my name, my respect!”

Dharshi: (tears rolling)
“He’s your son... not your shame.”

Before Andy could shout again, Sumitra intervened. Her calm voice shook with fury.

Sumitra:
“That’s enough, Andy. You don’t get to hit him and call that parenting.”

Andy: (growls)
“He’s not even your—!”

Sumitra: (cutting him off)
“Still more mine than you deserve.”

Sumitra stepped between them, gently pulling Abeer toward her.

Sumitra (to Dharshi):
“I’ll take care of him.”

She flagged a taxi. Abeer, dazed and bruised, climbed in. Sumitra gave Andy one last cold look before shutting the door.

________

Outside School – Dharshi Breaks Down

Dharshi dropped to the curb, crying. Her shoulders trembled, voice low and cracking.

Dharshi (whispers):
“I tried... I tried to protect him...”

Keerthi, who had been watching from a distance, stepped forward slowly and knelt beside her.

Keerthi:
“You don’t have to say anything. I’m here.”

She wrapped her arms around Dharshi without a word. Dharshi didn’t push her away this time.

Keerthi (softly):
“No matter what happened between us, I know you love him. And I know you’re right to believe in him.”

Dharshi nodded through tears.

____________

Angad’s Home – Evening

Sumitra sat on the couch, gently dabbing the dried blood from Abeer’s bruised face. Her hands were steady, but her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.