…In College…
(Niwan was heading towards the college canteen. Suddenly, someone shoved him hard from behind.)
Atharv (laughing): "Hey, O Niwan! Where are you running off to in such a hurry? Come on, I won't let you get away today. Take out the money, or I'll beat you up right here."
Niwan's face turned pale. He clearly remembered what had happened yesterday.
Niwan: "I... I don't have anything today, Atharv. Let me go."
Atharv snatched his bag and threw it on the ground. Just as Niwan bent down to pick it up, Atharv slapped his shoulder hard.
Atharv (yelling): "Who do you think you are? You pushed me yesterday, didn't you? I'll teach you a lesson today."
Terrified, Niwan thrust his hand forward—"Stop right there!"
And it happened. Atharv suddenly fell backward, as if pushed by a strong force. His eyes were filled with panic.
Just then, a strong voice rang out:
Ruhan (walking over with quick steps): "Enough, Atharv! Have you no shame? You keep bothering someone every day."
Atharv glared at him, "And who are you to interfere? What's it to you?"
Ruhan (anger in his eyes): "Whoever I am, I know this much—if you lay a hand on him again, it won't end well for you."
Atharv laughed at first, but seeing the fiery glint in Ruhan's eyes, his face turned pale. He kicked the bag and ran away from there.
Niwan stood there, his hands still trembling.
Ruhan (softly): "You okay? Don't be scared by his words. He's all talk."
Niwan looked at him… their eyes met for a moment. A strange feeling, as if they'd seen each other before, heard each other before… but he couldn't remember.
Niwan (in a faint voice): "Thanks, bro."
Ruhan gives a slight smile and picks up his bag, handing it to him. Ruhan: "Come on, let's go to the lecture hall. Atharv won't bother you again now." Niwan started walking with him.
(At the end of the corridor, a mysterious masked man watches the two. His mask is black, covering from his forehead to his nose—only his lips are visible. He looks at the red bracelet-like band on his wrist and smiles.)