The college courtyard was bustling with students, the hum of chatter and laughter echoing across the campus. Mukul walked with his four cousins—Liya Moreau, Rishika Raichand, Rhea Malhotra, and Liya Moreau—, each discussing their latest studies and projects. Though the siblings were brilliant and confident, a few arrogant boys had begun underestimating them, unaware of the silent power Mukul carried.
The Incident
It started as a whisper, a few disrespectful comments aimed at the girls, mocking their skills and questioning their achievements. Mukul's sharp gaze caught every detail. He remained calm at first, watching quietly, his mind calculating the best response.
But when the insults escalated, targeting his cousins' honor, something within Mukul ignited.
With a swift motion, Mukul approached the group, his presence alone commanding silence. "You think words can define them?" His voice was cold, measured, and firm.
The boys laughed nervously, trying to maintain bravado. But Mukul moved with precision:
Each misstep they made was anticipated.
Each attempted strike met his controlled counter.
Within minutes, they were thrashed and left humbled, bruised not only in body but in ego.
Protecting His Sisters
After ensuring the boys would no longer trouble them, Mukul turned to his cousins. "Are you alright?" he asked, his tone softening.
Vanya, Kiara, Sakura, and Aarohi nodded, awe and relief shining in their eyes. Mukul's actions were not just about strength—they were about care, protection, and respect.
"You… you really are different," Kiara whispered.
Sakura smiled, her admiration clear. "We always knew you were extraordinary, but seeing this… it's amazing."
Earning Respect and Love
From that day onward, the cousins' perception of Mukul transformed:
They no longer saw him as just a brilliant student; they saw him as a guardian and protector, someone who would go to any lengths for family.
The bond deepened—they treated him not only with respect but with love akin to a real brother.
Mukul, content in his low-profile nature, silently acknowledged the shift, understanding that true respect was earned, not demanded.
Even among peers, Mukul's reputation subtly grew: the quiet, unassuming genius who would stand unwaveringly for those he loved.
A Bond Strengthened
That evening, as the cousins walked together back to the dormitory, their laughter mingled freely, their trust and admiration for Mukul cemented.
Mukul walked slightly ahead, glancing back with a faint smile. They were more than cousins now—they were allies, partners, and family united by respect and love.
The college courtyard might have been just another battlefield, but for Mukul and his cousins, it was a moment that would solidify their bond for years to come, preparing them for the greater challenges that awaited beyond the walls of academia.