ShAkhi FF | Deserve to be loved? | Chapter 13 - pg 44|*Updated* - Page 19

Originally posted by: sosweetsumi

aww they are childhood friends

uff just let them meet

hehe ladoo and star so cute

@bold- Waito! we will make it special. 😉

Thanks for the review.❤

Originally posted by: chinnu_kaku

❤️☺️totally in love with this

Glad that you are enjoying it ❤

Originally posted by: Prizi

So shaurya loves his star.

Oh I'm loving this...ab inko jaldi se pata bhi chal jaye

@bold - can't say love. But yeah, he was attracted to her at that time.

Thanks for reading the story.❤

Originally posted by: Prerna30

Heyy ... Just read all the parts of the story.

Must say its a brilliant one.

I'm really enjoying reading it..

Loved this Star & Ladoo thing. 🙂

Looking forward to read next part..

Hey!

Thank you so very much for the feedback.❤

Glad to have a new reader.❤❤

Hope you enjoy the upcoming one too.

Originally posted by: Javeria3991

Awesome

Thank you ❤

Chapter 8: The Groves of College Life

The Next day

Anokhi along with Reema reached the college early as she wanted to discuss the presentation. Her feet didn't pain much but she felt weakness in her body due to the emotional breakdown and all the medicines.

They got seated in their class and Reema showed Anokhi the PPT for cross-checking. Kabir arrived 10 minutes late and he passed on the script he prepared while Anokhi explained to them the examples she had written by going through the books and the internet.

The clock stuck 9:15 and the class started filling up with students. Anokhi's legs started shivering in nervousness as the time came closer. She read the script again and again, though she knew it by heart. Kabir tried distracting her by making jokes but received death glares in return.

The professor arrived and asked students to volunteer with the presentation. Anokhi stood up first, surprising Reema and Kabir. The projector started and Kabir began with the introduction, which was to be followed by some examples from Anokhi and then Reema.

Anokhi's frame trembled as she walked to the podium but as soon as she started, Kabir was surprised to see the confidence reflected in her voice. Nobody could say that this was the same girl who was hell nervous a minute ago. The presentation went well and they were able to answer all the questions asked.

The professor was impressed by the extent of their research and congratulated them, lifting their morale. After the class, few students walked up to them, praising their hard work and some of them easily became Kabir's friends whereas Anokhi preferred them to be just classmates.

Later on, as directed by the HOD of the commerce department, a WhatsApp group was formed for all the updates and notices.

The next 2 lectures went by with the members of the college societies coming into their classes to brief them about their societies and persuading them to join the same. Posters and details were circulated to the class groups and they were informed about the orientation to be held after the break time in the college ground.

On the other side, Shaurya reached the college on time to prevent himself from getting trapped with Shagun again. However, unfortunately, Shagun was already holding the seat for him.

Though the classes were going well, Shaurya's patience level was dripping with each passing second as it was becoming difficult for him to concentrate on the lecture with Shagun trying to touch him at every instant possible.

Before the break time, presidents of the societies walked up to their classes. The hierarchy of each society was such that the president was the student of Masters 2nd year batch, the manager was to be chosen from Masters 1st year batch and the heads for the departments of the society was to be elected from the bachelors' batches.

The presidents of the various societies were already appointed and so now the turn was for the managers and the heads. Shaurya nominated himself for the managerial position of the commerce society whereas Shagun nominated herself for the photography society.

For the elections to be held later that week, they were asked to come up with a speech and a new tagline for their respective society.

After the break time, orientation was conducted for the bachelor batches, and announcements were made about elections for the head position. Many students gave their names, and after a lot of thinking, Anokhi nominated herself for the Editorial Head of the commerce society; Reema for the Creative head of the Event management society and Kabir for the editing head of the Photography society.

They were asked to come up with ideas of events, games, and seminars that could be conducted in the society and how they could contribute as the head.

***

After the classes got over, Shaurya was coming out of his class when his eyes fell on the first floor and the thought of Anokhi popped into his brain. He fished out his phone to check on her health when he realized that he didn't even have her number. With the thought of ringing her flat, he decided to go home.

Shaurya booked a cab and was waiting for it at the gate when his eyes fell on the other side of the road where he spotted Anokhi and her 2 friends. They were serious for one second and then laughing the other. He smiled seeing Anokhi's carefree laugh for the first time and decided to wave her a Hi when Shagun joined him, asking him to accompany her to a movie.

He politely declined but Shagun tried coaxing him making Shaurya lose his cool. He glared at her but before he could say anything his phone vibrated signaling the arrival of his cab. He flashed his phone before Shagun, who huffed and then walked away.

Shaurya sighed in relief and tried locating his cab when he again spotted Anokhi. But this time it was only she and the guy.

Shaurya then located his cab, which was also on the other side. He was crossing the road when he noticed an argument erupting between Anokhi and her friend wherein the guy seemed to be convincing her for something but Anokhi refusing it. Shaurya reached his cab but stood transfixed to his spot, his eyes fixated on the two friends.

He saw the guy grabbing Anokhi's arm and Anokhi jerking it away. Annoyed at this behavior, Shaurya thought of intervening but he stopped recalling the happenings of the previous day. He should not interfere in her matters.

After about 20 seconds, Shaurya saw Anokhi nodding and the guy taking a breath of relief. His eyes widened as he saw the guy getting on his bike, and then Anokhi hesitating before climbing on the back seat.

He looked on when he noticed her salwar shifting a little as she attempted to sit on the bike hence giving him a view of the bandage on her leg.

His eyes now widened in horror and he rushed to her because as expected while getting on the bike, Anokhi's sprained ankle caused her to lose her balance and she jerked backward her hands trying to grip Kabir's shoulder.

But Shaurya reached her on time and pulled her to him through her waist while Anokhi's hands landed on his chest. Kabir too lost his balance due to the sudden moment but was able to get a grip on the handle hence preventing the bike and himself from falling on the road.

Anokhi was still looking at Shaurya, shocked by his sudden appearance while his eyes were lined with concern. Her hands were fisting on his shirt as Shaurya's hands protectively held her steady with a strong grip on her waist.

"Anokhi, kya hua?" Kabir asked getting off the bike.

Anokhi's eyes shifted to Kabir breaking the eye contact. She again looked at Shaurya who gradually pulled back his hands after steadying her on her feet.

"Theek ho?" Shaurya asked concerned.

Tucking a hair strand behind her ear, Anokhi glanced at him and nodded.

There was a sudden shift in Shaurya's eyes and he almost yelled "How could you be so irresponsible? Kal jo kuch hua uske baad bhi tumhe apna khayal rakhna nahi ata?".

"Kya hua tha kal?" Kabir asked perplexed.

Anokhi glared at Shaurya and Shaurya bites his lips, mentally cursing himself. Whenever he tries doing something right, it always has to turn the other way.

"Vo iske paer mei lagg gy thi." Shaurya tried doing some damage control.

Anokhi too agreed with him "Han vo, metro station mei fisal gy thi"

"Acha...toh ab theek hai na?" Anokhi nodded.

"Good. Toh chale?" Kabir asked looking at the time.

Anokhi fidgeted with her fingers and looked up at Kabir giving him a brief nod.

"Kahan jaa rahe ho?" Shaurya questioned seeing hesitancy in Anokhi's eyes.

"Vo Kabir mujhe metro station takk drop karne ke liye FORCE kar raha hai." Replied Anokhi glaring at Kabir.

Kabir's eyes shot wide in shock "Mai force kar raha hu? Wah! Sir, maine aisa kuch nahi kiya hai. Vo toh bas Reema apne parents ke saath chale gy thi, orr kyuki iss time par Anokhi ka akele metro takk jana safe nahi tha, maine ise SUGGEST kiya ki mai drop kar deta hu. Ab aap hi btaiye sir, maine kuch galat kiya?"

He completed and gritted his teeth looking at Anokhi, who just rolled her eyes and looked away.

Kabir had no idea that his voice has fallen to deaf ears as soon as he addressed Shaurya as 'sir'. Shaurya just stared at him blankly. "Sir?"

Kabir narrowed his eyes, confused. "Huh?"

Anokhi understood where this conversation was heading. Though she wouldn't mind enjoying Kabir getting berated by Shaurya, she was getting late. She should be home by now completing her notes.

So, she turned to Kabir and explained "Kabir...Shaurya...inka naam Shaurya hai"

Kabir looked at her and nodded"Han lekin hai toh bad.."

Before he could complete Shaurya interrupted. "Nahi...that's okay! But call me Shaurya" He wasn't in a mood to hear how old he was twice in one week.

"Oh okay!" Anokhi was having a hard time suppressing her chuckle at Kabir's puzzled expressions.

"Maharani ab apki ijazat ho toh hum chal sakte hai?" Kabir mocked folding his hands.

"Ah! Ek second..vo maine cab bulay hai. If you want you can come with me. I mean hume jana toh ek hi jagah hai toh..." Shaurya suggested pointing at the cab.

Kabir lips curved into a wide smile at the offer and he immediately agreed."Han yeh sahi hai...Anokhi tu inhi ke saath chale jaa. Varna 10-minute ke raaste mei muje 100 baar sunaygi ki how I forced you into coming with me". He smirked at the end and looked away crossing his arms.

Shaurya chucked "Vo toh hai.." And the guys exchanged a sympathetic smile.

"Matlab kya hai aap dono ka?" Anokhi exclaimed, offended.

"kuch nahi" Both blurted at the same time and then laughed sharing a HI-FI

Anokhi huffed and started to walk away but Shaurya held her arm, pulling her back.

"Acha sorry...ab tum btado kaise jana hai. Cab pura dinn wait nahi karegi"

Anokhi looked at the cab and then at the bike. Though she was quite annoyed by their teasing, she decided to let that slide. "Han mai apke saath cab mei chal leti hu. "

"Shukar hai. " kabir sighed earning a - i will kill you look from Anokhi while Shaurya pursed his lips in amusement.

"Lekin ek shart hai". Kabir shook his head leaning on his bike as Anokhi continued "Cab ka fare half-half hoga"

Shaurya wanted to deny but kabir signalled him to not. So he agreed and nodded "Okay fine!"

After bidding goodbyes, Kabir took off on his bike while Shaurya and Anokhi got seated in the cab.

***

In the cab: -

Silence surrounded them as Anokhi gazed at the busy streets through the window while Shaurya was busy on his phone.

After a few minutes of contemplation, Shaurya apologized "Umm..Sorry vo mujhe tumhare dost ke samne kal ki baat nahi karni chahiye thi"

Anokhi twisted in her seat to face him "It's okay!".

Shaurya smiled and finally asked "So, how have you been?"

Anokhi gave him a soft smile and replied "I'm fine now. Subah thodi weakness thi lekin ab theek hu"

"Good...umm...Tumhe doctor ka number chahiye?"

"Kyu?" Anokhi squinted her eyes, not understanding his implication.

Shaurya scrunched his brows and explained "Tumhari medicines ke liye. I mean you can consult him if you face any problem or something."

Anokhi nodded "Yeah, sure! Aap mujhe text kar dijiye.". She again started looking out the window.

"I...I don't have your number" Shaurya replied with an awkward smile, scratching the back of his neck.

Anokhi looked at him, surprised. His parents have her number but he doesn't? But then her logical mind reasoned Why would he? It had been just a day with him talking nicely to you, without any perceptions hovering over his brain.

Shaurya cleared his throat breaking her trance and she quickly supplied "981******0"

He pinged her with a text. "Done"

"Received" Anokhi flashed her phone with a smile.

They conversed about general topics of college and how the classes were going. Anokhi shared about her presentation and Shaurya congratulated her advising her to participate in competitions as much as she could as college life is the best phase where she could experience the maximum exposure. It is the time to open up and explore yourself to the fullest.

His pep talk boosted Anokhi's morale as after giving her name for the elections, she was quite apprehensive if she had made the right choice and if she was ready to lead a team. But now her nervousness was fading away.

Within a few minutes, they reached the flat. The car came to a halt and Anokhi skimmed through her bag for the purse as she asked the driver "What's the fare?"

"180"

"WHAT!?" Anokhi's head jerked up, shocked and she looked at Shaurya who just shrugged in response. They shared the fare as decided and then got off the car.

***

As soon as they reached inside the building, Anokhi turned to him "Itna costly? Aap roz cab se aate jaate hai?"

"Yeah!" Shaurya replied as they took the staircase. The lift was under repair since the last morning. Anokhi took small steps due to her injury and Shaurya matched her pace, his hands in his pocket.

"Look, it's not like I enjoy spending so much money. It's just I don't like traveling in the metro all by myself." He explained and glanced at Anokhi, who nodded understandably.

"Apka koi dost nahi hai...to accompany you?" Anokhi asked as they crossed the first floor.

"Nah! Not now. But Ahir will be joining me soon." Shaurya replied smiling.

"Humari classes ki timings alag hai varna mai hi aapko puch leti." Anokhi said quite concerned about him spending so much on just travelling.

They reached their floor and both stood facing each other, not knowing how to end the conversation but Anokhi had already lost so much time in arguing with Kabir and in the traffic, so she decided to go first.

"Umm...I have some work so..see you soon?"

Shaurya passed her a sheepish smile and nodded "Yeah! Sure! See you soon. Take care."

"Take care." Anokhi smiled back.

***

Few days went by with the bachelor batches getting familiar with the campus, the new subjects, and the professors. Whereas, for the masters batch it was more about the practical exposure. So, a few workshops and seminars were arranged to get them familiar with the practical world which, in turn, would help them chose the discipline they want to major in when the time comes.

Academically, Anokhi was busy getting herself equipped with so many new things. First the presentation and now the elections. While on the friendships front, it was going surprisingly good for her. Reema and Kabir were giving her all the time she required and were neither forcing any conversation on her nor asking too many questions.

She observed Reema as a sweet and soft-spoken person but with a confident demeanor when it comes to putting up her viewpoint, which Anokhi personally liked a lot.

On the other hand, Kabir, as assumed, was a chilled-out person with no care for "Log kya kahenge!". He was not afraid of embarrassment and believed in trying everything rather than having any regrets later.

When it comes to Shaurya, Anokhi was quite confused about her equation with him. Yes. They were neighbors. But were they friends? After the day she went with him in the cab, they haven't really talked.

If they would see each other in the corridor or outside the apartment, they would exchange a nod and a smile as an acknowledgment but that was all. He had asked about her health on text two-three times and that's all they had talked about in the past two-three days.

***

Breaktime

Shaurya was walking in the corridor thinking about the points to add in his speech for the election the next day when a person suddenly hugged him from behind making him stumble. He although managed to maintain his balance, the hug was suffocating.

But then Shaurya recognized the person, and a grin spread across his lips as he turned and exclaimed "Ahir!!"

Ahir beamed at him and they shared a brotherly hug. "Tune toh ek hafte baad ana tha?" Shaurya asked as they pulled away.

"Han, lekin kaam jaldi hogya tha toh maine socha lets surprise you" Shaurya smiled but before he could say anything, a sharp voice interrupted them "OH MY GOD!"

Shaurya face-palmed while Ahir suppressed his chuckle as they turned to look at the owner of the voice

"Oh! Hii, Shagun. What a pleasant surprise!" Ahir stepped forward to take her in a hug but Shagun stepped back holding her hand forward instead "Please! Let's just stick to handshake."

Ahir shrugged and shook hands with her while Shaurya pursed his lips, controlling his anger.

"Finally, tumne Shaurya ka status use kar hi liya apne fayde ke liye... Mujhe pta tha tum sirf matlab ke liye uske dost ho. Orr aaj dekho, your presence in this prestigious institute proved my point." Shagun smirked, flicking a hair strand behind her ear.

Shaurya stepped forward to give her a piece of mind but Ahir was quick to beat him "Kitni ajeeb baat hai na Shagun... 3 saal hogye hume school se nikle hue...lekin lagta hai tum abhi bhi 12th standard mei hi atki hui ho. Par chalo koi baat nahi. Mai tumhari yeh misunderstanding bhi clear kar deta hu. Maine SIAC ka MBA entrance test dekar, yahan admission liya hai." He explained in a calm voice, making Shagun roll her eyes.

She started to say something when Ahir spoke up again "Par ek second, Jahan takk mujhe yaad hai, tumhare papa bhi toh yahan professor hai na? Toh kahi tumne toh..." and he trailed off deliberately.

Shagun's eyes widened and she snapped "What do you mean? Han?"

Ahir quirked an eyebrow, chuckling at her reaction "Kuch nahi..mai toh bas aise hi..."

Shagun glowered in annoyance "Anyways, I don't want to waste my time talking to you (directing her concentration to Shaurya she said in a soft voice) Shaurya, shall we go for a coffee?".

Ahir crossed his arms as he too looked at Shaurya, amusement dancing in his eyes. He knew what was coming.

Shaurya smiled giving hope to Shagun which then came crashing down as he replied "Well! I'm going to have lunch with Ahir. So, please excuse me.".

Circling his hand around Ahir's shoulder, Shaurya walked away without giving a glance to the now fuming Shagun.

***

Anokhi's classroom: -

"Anokhi chal na...please!" Reema pleaded as she grabbed the notebook in which Anokhi was scribbling her ideas for the elections.

Anokhi snatched it back and said "Nahi Reema. Muje bohat kaam hai. Mai aaj nahi chal sakti. Orr vaise bhi mere paas tiffin hai..tum log jao."

Tired of Anokhi's constant excuses, Reema plopped down beside her"Anokhi, tu har baar yahi kehti hai. Orr tu jhoot matt bol, Maine dekha tha ki tu aaj tiffin nahi laay."

Anokhi lowered her eyes at getting caught. She was too busy preparing for the society elections last night that she woke up late in the morning and so didn't get time to prepare the tiffin. She was hungry but she had no choice.

So, she looked at Reema and tried to convince her "Yaar Reema kal elections hai. I need to prepare for it"

Kabir had enough "Sab ho toh gya hai. Ab kya baaki hai?". Both he and Reema glared at Anokhi, raising their brows, silently ordering her to speak up the truth.

Anokhi sighed putting down the pen and spilled the beans "Mujhe khaane par paise nahi kharch karne...I'm saving up for a laptop"

Reema and Kabir looked at each other and Kabir signaled her to go ahead as he scratched the back of his neck. Reema closed Anokhi's notebook and turned to her"Hum canteen nahi jaa rahe baba"

"Hmm?" Anokhi was confused.

"Tu bhi na Anokhi. Hum log toh vo campus ke peeche chole-kulche wale ke paas jaa rahe hai. Bas 30 rupaye ki plate hai...itna toh chalta hai na?" Reema asked with a smile. Anokhi looked at Kabir who too nodded.

"Han...this much I can spend" Anokhi agreed and packed her bag as she stood up to leave.

***

The backside of the campus: -

All the three friends got settled on the small bench in front of the tiny Chola-Kulcha stall. It was the peak of the afternoon and hence the scorching heat was giving them a hard time.

Kabir went to the nearby juice stall to buy some refreshing drinks while the ladies waited at the bench after placing their order. They were scrolling through their phones and chit-chatting when Reema noticed the group approaching the stall.

She exclaimed worried "Oh god! Yeh log toh vahi hai..."

"Kon log?" Anokhi looked up from her phone and spotted a group of 4, but the faces looked unfamiliar to her.

Reema turned to her and explained "Yeh log kal canteen mei freshers ki ragging kar rahe the"

Anokhi was shocked "Par ragging toh allowed nahi hai?"

Reema tried to assure her although she was scared herself "Han. Lekin kuch extreme nahi tha usmei. Like they were asked to sing, dance, do a handstand...that's all. It was not harmful"

While they were talking, the group noticed them and one of the two girls whispered something to the guy standing beside her who smirked listening to her plan.

"Hey! Freshers?" The guy questioned as he made his way towards the girls. Anokhi and Reema stiffened. They looked up at the guy and nodded "Yeah!?"

As if in deep thoughts the guy said "Kal maine tumhe canteen mei nahi dekha...". The girls shook their heads sideways gesturing they were not there.

The guy smirked and shrugged "Koi baat nahi. Kal ka adhura kaam aaj pura kar dete hai"

"What do you mean?" Reema stood up from her seat, looking into his eyes. She didn't let her anxiety be reflected on her face.

One of the girls spoke up from behind "Arey! Cool down. Ab dekho, freshers' ho toh ragging honi toh banti hai na...You should have something to remember from your college life, right?"

Anokhi too stood up "Look, ragging campus ke andar ki jati hai. Aur hum abhi campus premises ke bahar hai. So, you can't rag us here." She completed and made a stern eye contact with each one of them present there.

The girl bites the insides of her cheeks visibly irked by her logic and snickered "Oh really!? So, Miss. Know it all. Tumse hi shuru karte hai".

Anokhi glared at her and then at the guy who tilted his head, his eyes moving up and down her body making Anokhi squirm at her place, but her stern expressions didn't falter.

With a lop-sided grin, he ordered Anokhi "Yeah! Seduce me with a dance. Here. Right now."

"She won't do anything like this." Reema chipped in.

"May I know why?" The other guy, who was till now spectator to the happenings, spoke up.

"Tumhe short-term memory loss hai? Abhi btaya na hum campus ke bahar hai. Agar tum logo ne kuch bhi zabardasti kari... toh it will be called harassment, not ragging. Samjhe?" Reema warned them firmly.

The guy moving towards Anokhi stopped and turned to Reema. "Tum bohat defensive ho rahi ho na apni friend ke liye. Let's start with you then."

Anokhi quickly interjected "No.! Deal with me first." Reema's eyes widened, she opened her mouth to say something but Anokhi held up her hand, stopping her.

"Okay! As you say ma'am" The guy sneered, an evil smirk adorning his lips.

Reema looked at her shocked and then at the stall owner, who had his head bowed doing his work. She looked around the deserted road and pulled out her phone to call for help when one of the girls quickly snatched it away.

"Tsk-tsk. Don't act over smart"

Reema tried getting back her phone but the girl tossed it to her group. Reema looked at them in disgust and tried thinking of something to help Anokhi.

Shaurya and Ahir who were heading outside for lunch noticed the commotion near the stall. They passed each other a quizzical look and started to move in that direction.

When the guy was inches away from grabbing Anokhi's waist for dance, her hand gripped his wrist stopping him.

"Oh! Defensive, huh? I like it" The guy deadpanned. Anokhi grimaced but then saw his other hand reaching up to her. She glared at him and a slap landed on the guy's face, shocking everyone including Shaurya and Ahir who had just reached on time to witness this sight.

The guy's eyes flared up in anger but Anokhi pushed him hard making him stumble back. The group gasped in shock while the guy took her move as a blow to his ego.

He strode towards Anokhi and in a swift move, his hand gripped her waist harshly, pulling her to him.

Anokhi's fists curled in range "You demanded it" She stated and yanked his hand away.

Shifting her hands to his arms in a tight grip, she kicked him at the place where the sun doesn't shine.

"Ahh! What.The.F***k!". The guy groaned in pain as he staggered back and his friends instantly stepped forward to prevent him from falling to the floor.

"You are going to pay for this" One of the girls growled tossing Reema's phone to Anokhi who caught it on time.

Reema cocked her head sideways as she circled her arm around Anokhi's shoulder with pride "Sure! We will see." They exchanged some looks before the group left from there to the doctor perhaps.

Ahir and Shaurya were standing at a distance with their jaws dropped. They were snapped back from the reverie as they heard some claps and saw a guy, whom Shaurya recognized as Kabir coming to the girls clapping all the way.

"Yeh ladki toh..." Ahir started as his gaze zeroed upon the fighter girl.

"Anokhi hai..." Shaurya completed with a smile.

Before Ahir could say something, Shaurya took off in Anokhi's direction, surprising him.

"Oh my god Anokhi, what was that!?" Reema exclaimed, jumping at her spot and taking Anokhi in a tight hug. Anokhi smiled and hugged her back.

"Han. Mai toh bas dekhta hi rehgya. Aisa lag raha tha jaise kisi movie ka fight sequence dekh raha hu" Kabir stated, amazed.

But then he turned serious and saluted "Girl power zindabad!"

Anokhi shook her head smiling when a voice boomed from behind, grabbing their attention "Yes, girl power zindabad!"

Anokhi looked at Shaurya, surprised by his presence "Aap?"

"Yeah! I saw what you did" Shaurya beamed at her and continued "You are a fighter."

Ahir too joined him "I agree". Anokhi recognized him to be Shaurya's friend and smiled while her friends just looked at the new person, confused.

"Hi, I'm Ahir" Ahir stepped forward for a handshake which Anokhi gladly accepted "Anokhi"

Quite dazed by his physique, Reema quickly forwarded her hand "Reema". Ahir smiled and shook hands with her followed by Kabir.

Shaurya and Ahir then asked Anokhi if she wanted to file a complaint against that group but Anokhi dismissed it stating that the incident took place outside the college and she handled it according to it. So, there was no need to involve any authorities. It was done and dusted. The matter was closed for her.

Reema and Kabir then invited them for a chola-kulcha lunch, to which they heartily agreed. Settling themselves on the opposite benches, with Reema, Kabir, and Anokhi on one, and Ahir and Shaurya on the other, they started chit-chatting.

Kabir stuffed a bite in his mouth and apologized "Sorry tumhe aise chorke jana pada. Vo juice ki shop bandd thi toh mai dusri market chala gaya tha...par vahan bhi kuch nahi mila."

Reema chuckled easing his guilt"Arey its okay! Orr vaise bhi..jaise Anokhi ne unhe handle kiya na...tu kuch nahi kar pata"

Kabir smiled "Though it hurts to say, but yeah, true that" and he winked at Anokhi who rolled her eyes.

Shaurya noticed this little exchange and asked "Anokhi tumne yeh sab kaise...I mean jo maine observe kiya usse laga jaise kisi professional ko dekh raha hu...tumne yeh sab kahi se seekha hai?"

Anokhi nodded "Actually, maine kuch self - defense classes li thi...online"

"Online?" Ahir asked, astounded.

Anokhi smiled at his surprise "Han.! Ab Kapurthala mei zyada kuch tha nahi orr apni safety toh apne haath mei hi hoti hai. Toh isliye videos dekhkar yeh sab seekh liya". A horrific memory passed through her which she immediately shrugged away.

"Wow!" Kabir exclaimed, his mouth hung open.

"Mujhe bhi sikhayegi? Please...?" Reema nudged Anokhi and she nodded "Sure!"

"Please, mujh par practice matt karna" Kabir pleaded in a frightening tone as images of Anokhi and Reema strangling him for his petty jokes crossed his mind.

All of them laughed at his scared face while Kabir clucked his tongue out, grinning eye to eye. They chatted, and shared laughs, conveniently missing the next lecture. But nobody seemed to care about it.

***

Thank you for all the love. I hope that you enjoyed the long update.

Please do leave your feedback.

LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TAGS FOR THE NEXT UPDATE.

***

~ Chapter - 9: Pg 29 ~

Link: -

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/158212213

Was waiting for this update.wow Anokhi has surely gained confidence and some genuine friends in 1st few weeks At college. Anokhi is so genuine and doesnt hesitate to hide her problems from her friends .Shagun is chipkali 🤣🤣.

Loved the ragging part where anokhi gave that boy what he deserved.

Liked the caring Shaurya.Actually love this bit that you have added that he is conscious about his age .😁

Please tag me in next update

Wonderful update, totally loved anokhi today

Omg! Read it in one go!! What a story. Such a amazing idea!!

Please tag me next time!

Mira❤️