Dheeraj's POV (Flashback Continued)
Classes ended, and I didn't waste a second. I picked up my bag, walked straight out, and drove to the old factory. No hesitation. If I agree to something, I follow through. That's how I've always been. When I reached, I saw Naman's car already there. Good. He came. But something felt off. Too quiet. The moment I stepped inside and walked further in, I understood why. Manik was there. His group too. And Section D. I stopped. This wasn't a one-on-one. This was a setup.
"'One-on-one'? Then why are they here?" I asked, looking straight at Naman. He smirked like he had been waiting for that question. "I got bored. Changed the plan," he said casually. I exhaled slowly. I should've expected this. Section A doesn't fight fair, not when they have the advantage. Still, backing down now would cost more than just a fight. It would affect how Section E stands. So I stayed.
The punch came without warning, straight to my face. My head snapped to the side, the impact sharp, but I didn't step back. I closed the distance immediately and landed a solid punch to his stomach, followed by a kick that sent him down. No wasted movement. But then they all rushed me at once. So that's how it was going to be. Multiple opponents. Not ideal. I focused on efficiency—short movements, direct hits, no wasted energy. One after another, they went down. I didn't keep count properly, but around six of them were already on the ground. Still, I could feel it—fatigue setting in, breathing heavier, reactions slowing. Numbers always win in the long run.
I kept going anyway. I couldn't stop. Then suddenly, a sharp impact hit from behind. A pipe. My body dropped to one knee instantly, vision blurring for a moment. I forced myself up again. Not yet. I'm not done. I looked at Naman, steady despite the pain. "This is how you fight? Like a coward. Fight like a man," I said, even though my body protested. It wasn't smart to provoke him, but I needed to hold my ground mentally. If I broke there, everything would collapse.
He didn't like that. I could see it. His expression changed, jaw tightening. Four of them grabbed me, holding me in place. I didn't struggle much—I didn't have the energy to waste. Then he took the pipe and walked closer. "Let's see if you can talk after this," he said. I understood then. This wasn't about winning anymore. It was about sending a message.
Everything slowed—not actually, but in my head. I tried to shift, but I was too late. The pipe came down straight at my jaw. The impact was brutal. I felt the crack before the pain fully registered. Blood. Metallic taste. My body gave in, collapsing. My vision faded, and the last thing I saw was his smirk before everything went dark.
When I woke up, the first thing I registered was the sound of machines. Hospital. So I'm alive. My body felt heavy, unresponsive. I tried to move, slowly managing to turn my head. Vivaan was standing near the window, silent, staring into nothing. I tried to call him, but no sound came out. My throat wouldn't cooperate. He turned and noticed I was awake.
The doctor came in, followed by my parents. Questions came one after another, but I couldn't answer. Not because I didn't want to—my body simply wouldn't allow it. My mother sat beside me, placed some fruits, kissed my forehead, and then stepped aside. Vivaan came forward and sat down next to me.
"You feel like a hero?" he said with a faint smirk. I just looked at him. "This is the price of being brave," he added, his tone more serious now. I didn't see it as bravery. It was responsibility. There's a difference.
"I'm the class president now," he continued. "They'll follow me… even you." He paused slightly. "When you return… if you return… you'll do the same." That part was deliberate. I wanted to respond, to correct him, to remind him that leadership isn't taken like that—it's built. But my body didn't cooperate. Pain, weakness, silence.
"Don't force yourself if you can't," he said before standing up and walking away.
Damnit. Vivaan. I wanted to shout to punch him, curse him. But i can't. I only did that to keep them out of trouble but you're the one ruining them. I swear I'll take them back once I recover. You just wait Vivaan...
Aadhya's POV (Present)
So it was because of that fight.
That's why they're like this now… him and Vivaan.
That's why they kept asking me about Naman again and again. Making sure I don't… betray them.
"S-thanks…" I mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
"For what?" he asked, genuinely confused.
"Umm… because you're worried for me," I admitted quietly.
He smiled. A faint blush spreading across his cheeks.
"…You're special to us," he said.
Oh God.
Special.
My heart instantly started pounding faster. Why does that one word feel so heavy? So warm? I could feel my cheeks heating up, but I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face. I don't even know why I was this happy… but I was. Really happy.
"I admit… we decided to get back at him if he tried to pursue you," he added, a little awkwardly.
Damnit.
They even beat bhaiyya in being overprotective.
"Oh no… you spoiled it beforehand. Shit," I said jokingly, trying to lighten the moment.
He chuckled softly.
By the time we reached my house, the air felt calmer. Lighter.
"Thanks… till here is enough," I said, after we were near my house.
"But Adi… be careful. What you did to Kaal… he might come back for you," he reminded seriously.
Hmm.
Great. Made new enemies today.
"It's okay. I'll take care of it. I'm Aadhya after all," I said, flexing my arm like some hero.
He shook his head at my nonsense, smiling.
But then I softened a little.
"Don't worry… I'll be fine," I said, this time seriously.
I waved at him and walked inside.
The moment I stepped inside, my angry bhai greeted me like I had committed some crime I didn't even know about. Before I could even process anything, he grabbed my arm and made me sit on the sofa.
God… did I do something wrong? I don't remember doing anything.
Then he called Reyansh.
Oh.
So this isn't about me? Maybe I'm just the audience here.
Reyansh came down, confused. Bhaiyya motioned him to sit beside me. He immediately shook his head.
Haha.
Even he's scared.
Bhaiyya glared. That was enough. He sat beside me without another word.
Then bhaiyya started, "Maa has gone to nani's place. I have an important meeting out of station. I'll be leaving tomorrow. Both of you will be home alone… so behave properly."
We both nodded like obedient puppets.
"Good," he said.
Meeting over. Court dismissed.
I grabbed my bag and went upstairs to my room, collapsing straight onto my bed.
Damn…
Now the pain from the fall was hitting properly. My whole body felt sore.
Just as I was about to close my eyes, the door opened.
I turned.
Reyansh.
What is he doing here now?
"Since bhai is going out, I'm the elder one here," he started. "And I have a few rules. You'll follow them."
Damn.
This guy is actually serious. Like I'm going to follow—
My phone rang.
I reached into my pocket to grab it—and suddenly—
thud
Something fell on the floor.
Both of us looked down.
The kit.
Oh no.
Reyansh's expression changed instantly.
Crap.
That is NOT mine.
"AADHYA VERMA!" he shouted.
Full name.
Deadly sign.
"What?! Listen—that's not mine!" I said quickly, panicking.
But he wasn't listening. Not even a little.
"Whose is it?" he demanded, voice sharp.
"It's not mine!"
"Who's the father?" he snapped.
WHAT—
From where am I supposed to bring a father for something that isn't even mine?!
"There's none!" I shot back.
Wrong answer.
Very wrong answer.
"Is it Vivaan Oberoi Windsor… or Nikansh Mittal?" he asked loudly, his voice rising with anger.
WHAT THE HELL—
"Are you serious right now?!" I snapped, standing up. "You think I'd just casually—?!"
I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated.
"That's NOT mine. I found it earlier, okay? I didn't even know what to do with it!"
He stared at me, still not fully convinced.
Of course.
Why would he believe me?
"Then why is it with you?" he pressed.
"Because I picked it up like an idiot instead of leaving it there!" I shot back. "I was going to figure out whose it is!"
Silence.
Tense.
Heavy.
I crossed my arms, glaring at him.
"Use your brain for once, Reyansh. If it was mine… do you really think I'd just carry it around in my pocket like this?"
He was clearly not buying it. Then he went calling - bhaiyya. Shit I'm done.