Author pov..

Rani went to the kitchen to bring food for Devnath.

The house was unusually quiet, the kind of silence that follows illness.

Devnath glanced at Nirmala Dadi and asked, his voice low with concern,

"Ma... how is Divya now? Is she feeling any better?"

Without turning her eyes away from the television screen, Nirmala Dadi replied,"The fever is gone. She took her medicine. But fever drains all the strength from the body. She's very weak and resting in her room."

Devnath exhaled softly. "Alright. I'll check on her once."

Nirmala Dadi remained lost in her serial's dramatic twists. Beside her sat Rahul, a book spread open on his lap.

His eyes pretended to follow the pages, but his mind was glued to the television.

Every few seconds, he stole glances at the screen, acting as though he were studying.

Devnath walked toward Divya's room, his steps slow and careful.

She was asleep, her face pale yet calm, as if sleep itself was guarding her.

He didn't have the heart to wake her.

Instead, he gently placed his hand on her forehead, holding his breath for a moment. No heat. Her temperature felt normal.

A wave of relief passed through him.

He adjusted the blanket around her shoulders, tucking it in like one does for a child, his touch full of quiet care.

Then, just as silently, he stepped out and closed the door, making sure not to disturb her fragile rest.

Back at the dining table, Devnath sat down. His eyes immediately caught

Rahul's little performance the open book, the serious face, the not-so-serious intentions.

Rani arrived and placed the food on the table.

Devnath began eating, then spoke in a firm, final tone,"From now on, Rani, send Rahul to Vaibhav for tuition."

The words hit Rahul like thunder.

He looked up at his father, fear clearly written on his face.

"Why, Papa?" he asked quickly. "I don't want to study with Vaibhav bhaiya."

Devnath put his spoon down and looked straight at him.

"I've seen your sixth-grade result. You barely passed. And now you sit here watching TV and putting on an act of studying in front of me?"

Rahul's throat went dry. His heartbeat raced.

Nirmala Dadi, however, had no interest in the real drama unfolding at home.

For her, the television drama was far more entertaining.

She remained absorbed in it, unmoved by the tension in the room.

Rani broke the silence.

"I was thinking the same. Till now I used to teach him, but now I don't understand his syllabus. You don't get time either. And if he studies with Divya, they'll only fight."

Devnath nodded slowly.

"You're right. I'll talk to Vaibhav and ask him to teach Rahul as well."

Rahul felt a chill run through him.

Vaibhav bhaiya terrified him.

He had seen how strict Vaibhav was with his tuition students and how fear kept them silent.

Panic took over, and he blurted out,

"Papa, why are you worrying so much? I'll study on my own. And why waste money unnecessarily? First school, then coaching. You work so hard to earn money. It won't be right for me to throw it away like this. Please think about it, Papa."

Devnath studied his son's face for a long moment, then finally spoke,

"Alright. The exams in September if you score good marks, you won't need tuition. But if the marks are bad, you will go. No arguments."

Relief washed over Rahul like a sudden breeze.

"Okay, Papa," he said quickly. "I'll score good marks. I promise."

Devnath nodded once.

"Now go. Why are you still sitting here? Go study in your room. Dadi is watching her serial you won't be able to focus here."

Rahul stood up slowly and walked toward his room, his steps heavy. His favorite serial was about to begin the one he never missed.

But today, fear had already won over comfort.

He closed his door behind him, knowing that this time, he really would have to study.

After Rahul left the room.

Rani turned toward Devnath and spoke in a low, careful voice.

"Vaibhav came today," she said. "He came to apologize to Divya."

Devnath looked up, surprised.

"That poor boy is drowning in guilt,"

Rani continued. "He truly asked for forgiveness. But Divya..." She paused, choosing her words. "Divya said that just the way he humiliated her in front of the entire college, he should apologize to her in front of the entire college as well."

Devnath froze. Shock crossed his face.

Rani went on, her voice heavy with concern. "Please try to understand her holding onto a fight with this much stubbornness isn't right. She's still young. She doesn't understand where pride ends and damage begins. You need to explain this to her."

She sighed softly before adding, "And Vaibhav... that poor boy agreed. He said he would apologize in front of everyone."

Hearing this, anger rose sharply inside Devnath anger directed at Divya.

His jaw tightened, but he forced himself to stay calm.

After a moment, he spoke with control,"Don't say anything right now, Rani. Let Divya recover fully first. Once her health is better, I'll talk to her myself. I won't let her hold onto meaningless stubbornness."

Rani nodded slowly."That's exactly why I didn't say anything to her either. You explain it to her when the time is right."

Devnath gave a quiet nod in response, the weight of the situation heavy.

Two or three days passed, and Divya's health slowly returned to normal.

Her fever faded, and so did the constant worry in the house but something else remained unresolved.

Ishani came to Divya's house to meet her, hoping for warmth, for conversation, for things to feel the way they once had.

But Divya didn't speak to her.

Not a single word. She stayed distant, silent, as if an invisible wall now stood between them.

Ishani felt the weight of that silence more than any harsh words.

Every day, Vaibhav took Ishani to college with him and brought her back home as well.

The journey was quiet.

Too quiet. Ishani didn't make any new friends during these days.

She drowned herself in her studies, using books as a shield to escape her loneliness.

Studying became her refuge, the only place where her thoughts didn't hurt as much.

Vaibhav, too, remained silent. His sister, his mother, and Divya none of them were speaking to him.

Their silence was heavy, suffocating, and filled with unspoken disappointment.

He carried it with him everywhere, saying nothing, feeling everything.

On the other side of the school, chaos continued.

Deepak and Deeksha fought every single day their arguments were loud, bitter, and endless.

Between their anger and accusations stood Rahul, trapped and helpless, getting crushed between two people, with no way to escape the tension.

Divya woke up early that morning.

After days of illness, today she was finally going back to college.

Staying at home for so long had made her restless.

She quickly got out of bed, freshened up, got dressed, and walked into the kitchen to help her mother.

Rani looked at her and smiled with happiness."So, you're going to college today?" she asked warmly.

"Yes, Maa. I'm going today," Divya replied.

After helping in the kitchen and making breakfast, Divya went back to her room to get ready.

Almost half of her time was wasted just managing her curly hair.

Sometimes she felt like shaving her head completely at least then there would be no daily drama of fixing these useless curls.

Somehow, she managed to style them when suddenly Devnath walked into her room."So, my daughter is going to college today?" he asked.

Divya smiled softly. "Yes, Papa."

Devnath's expression turned a little serious. "Divya, I want to talk to you about something."

"Sure, Papa," she said.

He sat down on the edge of her bed

and gestured for her to sit beside him.

Divya went and sat near him.

With calm wisdom, Devnath spoke, "Beta, what Vaibhav said to you that day... I understand it was wrong."

Divya stiffened in shock. "How do you know about that?" she asked.

Devnath smiled gently. "Vaibhav himself told me everything. He's the one who brought the doctor that night. He bought your medicines too. He even apologized to all of us, saying he made a big mistake."

Divya was stunned.

Devnath continued, "Malini ji and Ishani haven't spoken to him for a week now, because you haven't forgiven him."

"What?" Divya exclaimed. "Aunty isn't talking to him either?"

"Yes," Devnath nodded. "That's why I'm saying leave this stubbornness and forgive him. When someone feels ashamed and sincerely apologizes, we should accept it. Asking him to apologize in front of the whole college that was your mistake."

Divya looked down and said quietly, "I didn't say it seriously, Papa. He has said many hurtful things to me before, but he never apologized. So this time, in anger, I told him to apologize in front of the college."

Devnath sighed softly. "Earlier, Vaibhav scolded you only for your studies. But that day, when he crossed the line, he himself realized how wrong he was. That's why he said sorry. You should forgive him with a clean heart."

After a pause, Divya nodded. "Okay, Papa. I'll forgive him. And I'll tell him not to apologize in front of the college."

Devnath's face lit up with happiness.

He kissed her forehead lovingly.

"That's my daughter," he said proudly. "I knew it. My daughter is very sensible."

Divya smiled playfully. "Papa, I've always been sensible. You people just don't notice."

Devnath laughed. "Come on, let's have breakfast. Otherwise, your mother will blame me for letting it get cold."

Divya laughed too, and together, the father and daughter walked to the dining table for breakfast.

When they reached the dining table, Rahul was already sitting there with his notebook open, trying hard to memorize his lessons.

Divya looked at him and smirked.

"Wow," she said dramatically, "even monkeys have started studying these days."

Rahul shot her an annoyed look.

"Honestly, things were better when you were sick," he snapped. "At least your mouth stayed shut."

Devnath immediately frowned in anger. "Rahul! Is this how you talk to your sister? She's older than you. Have you forgotten how to speak respectfully to elders?"

Divya grinned proudly at Rahul, enjoying the fact that he had just been scolded.

Rahul turned to his father, offended. "Papa, when she called me a monkey, you didn't say anything. You've always taken this witch's side. You don't love me at all."

Divya instantly jumped in. "Of course he loves me more," she said innocently. "I'm his real daughter, and you're the adopted one. That's why Papa keeps scolding you."

Rahul looked at Devnath. "See, Papa? Now you won't say anything?"

Devnath felt his head starting to ache after listening to both of them. "Divya, stop it," he said firmly. "Why are you provoking him?"

"But Papa" Divya tried to argue.

"Enough. Silence. Both of you,"Devnath said strictly.

Both Divya and Rahul went quiet.

Divya noticed Rahul clenching his jaw in anger, flashing his teeth at her in silent frustration.

Just then, Rani walked in carrying everyone's breakfast plates.

Devnath asked, "Where's Maa today? Why hasn't she come to eat?"

Rani replied casually, "Your mother was watching the serial's mega episode till midnight yesterday. Now she's sleeping."

Devnath looked shocked. Divya and Rahul burst out laughing.

"It's okay," Devnath said after a moment. "Let her sleep."

Rani said nothing more and started placing the plates on the table.

Devnath then turned to Rahul. "Close your notebook now. Eat your breakfast."

"Papa, you don't understand," Rahul protested. "I have math test today, and I don't understand anything."

Devnath shook his head. "You didn't feel like studying yesterday, and now studying won't help. Eat your breakfast and go to school."

With a defeated sigh, Rahul closed his notebook and started eating.

Devnath, Divya, and Rahul left for their respective college and school, each stepping into their own routine for the day.

When Divya reached college,

Virendra noticed her from a distance.

He walked up to her with a teasing smile."Well, well... the junior finally shows up after so many days."

Divya smiled lightly. "Yeah, I wasn't feeling well for a while. How have you been?"

"I'm fine," Virendra replied. "Do you have any free periods today?"

Divya frowned slightly. "Yes, I do. Why?"

"There's a football match today," he said casually. "I'm playing. You should come watch."

Divya's face instantly brightened. "Oh? Then I'll have to come. Okay, I'll be there."

"Great," Virendra said with a grin. "I'll see you later then."

She nodded, and Virendra walked away.

Divya continued on her way when

Akash suddenly appeared in front of her."Oh, hi. How are you?" he asked.

"I'm fine," Divya replied.

"Ishani told me you weren't well,"

Akash said gently. "Are you okay now?"

"Yes, I wasn't feeling well earlier," Divya said.

"Hm..." Akash murmured.

An awkward silence settled between them.

Feeling uneasy, Divya spoke up. "Okay, I'll leave now. We'll talk later."

Akash wanted to say something his

lips parted slightly but the words never came.

Before he could gather the courage, Divya had already walked away quickly, leaving behind a silence filled with things left unsaid.

Divya walked into her classroom when a girl named Prachi came up to her.

"Hey! Where have you been? You haven't come to class for so many days," Prachi said.

"Yeah, I wasn't feeling well," Divya replied softly.

Prachi hesitated for a moment, then said, "Okay... but honestly, you shouldn't have come today."

Divya frowned. "Why? Why shouldn't I have come?"

"Physics professor taking a physics test today," Prachi explained. "Everything they taught in the past week."

Divya's heart sank. "What? I wasn't even attending classes. I don't have any notes. How am I supposed to give the test?"

Prachi shook her head. "Sir said whoever comes today will have to take the test."

Divya sighed in frustration. "That's not fair. I'll talk to him myself."

"Okay, as you wish," Prachi said.

Prachi sat down on the bench and gestured for Divya to sit beside her. Divya took her seat.

A few moments later, Ishani entered the classroom.

When she saw Divya, her face lit up with happiness. She walked straight toward her.

"You didn't tell me you were coming today," Ishani said warmly. "I would've come with you."

Divya didn't respond. She deliberately ignored her.

The smile faded from Ishani's face.

Hurt crept into her eyes.

"Please don't be upset anymore,"

Ishani whispered. "I'm really sorry."

Divya finally spoke, her voice calm but heavy. "Please don't say sorry. Don't make me the bad person here. You didn't do anything wrong. But we can't be friends anymore."

Ishani froze.

"If you stay close to me, I'll pull you into the wrong company," Divya continued quietly. "It's better for you to stay away from me."

"That's not true, Divya," Ishani said quickly. "Bhaiya said those things in anger. There's nothing like that-".

Before she could finish, the professor walked into the classroom.

Ishani swallowed her words and moved to another bench. The professor started teaching, while

Ishani sat alone silent, distant, and carrying a heaviness that no one else in the room seemed to notice.

As soon as the class ended, Divya stood up from her bench and slung her bag over her shoulder.

She started walking out, asking a girl nearby about the physics professor's cabin.

Once she got the directions, she headed off without looking back.

Ishani, who had noticed Divya leaving, immediately followed her.

She walked quickly, trying to keep her in sight but within moments, Divya vanished right in front of her eyes.

Ishani searched around anxiously, scanning the corridor, but Divya was nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly, someone grabbed Ishani and pulled her aside.

Startled, she gasped and looked up, fear flashing across her face.

Meanwhile, Divya reached the professor's cabin.

Inside, Vaibhav was already there, standing near the desk, explaining something to the professor, who seemed deeply occupied

Divya knocked softly and said, "May I come in, sir?"

"Come in," the professor replied casually.

As Divya stepped inside, her eyes fell on Vaibhav.

She froze in shock. Vaibhav, too, was surprised to see her there after so long.

But Divya ignored him completely and walked straight toward the professor.

"Sir," she said politely, "I wasn't well, so I couldn't come to college. Today you're taking a test, and I haven't studied anything."

The professor looked at her sharply, irritating clear in his eyes. "So what do you want, madam?" he said sarcastically. "That I give you a separate lecture? Or prepare special notes just for you?"

Divya stood there, confused and embarrassed by his taunting tone. "No, sir... it's not like that," she began, but the professor cut her off.

"If you were sick, you should've taken notes from someone and studied," he snapped. "Now I don't want to hear anything. You will have to give the test. Your marks will be added to your semester. Be careful next time."

Divya's face fell. Her confidence shattered, she stood silently, eyes lowered.

Just then, Vaibhav spoke up. "Sir, she's telling the truth. Her health really wasn't good, that's why she couldn't attend."

The professor looked at him in surprise. "Vaibhav, do you know her?"

Vaibhav hesitated for a second, then replied awkwardly, "Yes, sir. She's my neighbor. Please let her go this time. I promise she'll prepare proper notes from now on."

The professor thought for a moment, then turned to Divya. "What's your name?"

"Divya Pathak," she answered softly.

"Alright," he said. "I'm letting you off this time, Divya only because Vaibhav requested it. This shouldn't happen again."

Divya simply nodded, unable to say anything.

Without looking back, she turned and walked out of the cabin.

Divya had barely taken a few steps when her eyes caught something that made her stomach twist.

A boy was gripping Ishani's hand, pulling her close, forcing a kiss on her despite her resistance.

Something inside Divya snapped.

She rushed forward, yanked Ishani away from him, and without hesitation slapped the boy hard across the face.

The sharp sound echoed in the corridor.

For a second, the boy stood stunned.

Then his face burned red with rage.

"How dare you!" he shouted, raising his hand to strike Divya.

Before he could touch her, someone caught his wrist mid-air.

Vaibhav.

He held the boy's hand firmly, his grip unbreakable.

Vaibhav recognized him instantly-Raj Thakur.

Son of an MLA. A name known for arrogance and goon-like behavior throughout the college.

Raj tried to free himself, twisting and jerking his arm, but Vaibhav didn't let go.

Vaibhav's eyes shifted and landed on Ishani shaking, crying, barely able to stand.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.

Divya answered, her voice cold with anger."He was trying to force himself on Ishani."

That was enough.

Vaibhav punched Raj straight in the face. Blood burst from Raj's nose as he stumbled back.

"Do you even know who I am?" Raj growled. "I'll destroy all three of you so badly you won't even understand what-"

Another punch cut him off.

Fear replaced arrogance in Raj's eyes. Without another word, he turned and ran.

Vaibhav watched him disappear, his fists clenched, chest heaving.

Then he turned back to Ishani and crouched slightly in front of her.

"What happened, baccha?" he asked softly. "Tell me."

But Ishani couldn't speak. She just held onto Divya's hand and cried.

Divya looked at Vaibhav.

"You go. I'll talk to er and tell you everything."

Vaibhav hesitated, worried written all over his face, but finally walked away anger simmering with every step.

Divya led Ishani to a quiet corner and wrapped an arm around her.

"You're safe now," she said gently. "Please stop crying."

Through broken breaths and hiccups, Ishani finally spoke."He's been bothering me for days. First he held my hand and dragged me aside... then he proposed. I somehow escaped."

Divya listened, her jaw tightening.

"He found my number somehow and called me," Ishani continued. "He said ignoring him was a mistake... that he wanted to make me his girlfriend nicely but now he'd have to 'fix' my attitude."

Divya felt sick.

"And when I was following you," Ishani whispered, trembling, "he grabbed my hand, held my waist, kissed my neck... he was about to kiss my lips."

Divya stared at her, shock turning into fury."And you didn't tell anyone? Not even Vaibhav?"

"I wasn't talking to bhaiya..." Ishani sobbed.

"Oh God, Ishani," Divya said, her voice breaking despite her anger. "Anything could have happened to you. You stayed silent for me?"

Ishani cried harder.

Divya wiped her tears and then said firmly,"No more crying. Look at me. You're safe."

Ishani slowly calmed down.

Divya handed her water, waiting until her breathing steadied.

"Come on," Divya said. "Let's go to class."

"I'm scared to go alone," Ishani whispered.

"I'll walk you there," Divya replied. "You have a test today."

"Yes... but you don't have notes," Ishani said quickly. "I'll help you cheat."

Divya stared at her, stunned and then smiled faintly, shaking her head.

"You really are impossible. I spoke to the physics professor. I don't have to give the test."

Ishani's face finally relaxed.

They walked into the classroom together.

Prachi was chatting with a few girls.

"Let her sit with you," Divya said.

"Sure," Prachi replied, making space.

Divya turned to Ishani.

"Stay here. I'll meet you after class."

Ishani nodded quietly.

"Okay."

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