Recap chapter 10
Just then, the three of them reached the college. Ahaan stopped his car, and all three got out and walked toward Kartik and Pari, who were standing there. Seeing the three of them coming together, Kartik said,
"What's going on? Today all three came together, and that too in the same car!"
When Yash's eyes fell on Ishan standing there, he thought to himself,
"After what I did yesterday, this rude guy won't even talk to me, let alone look at me."
The three of them reached their friends, and everyone started wishing each other good morning and talking. But Yash and Ishan were just staring into each other's eyes.
Seeing Yash, Ishan thought to himself,
"What does this boy actually want? Understanding his mood swings is harder than understanding girls."
Thinking this, he walked away toward his class.
Chapter - 11
Yash and his friends walked toward their class, laughing and teasing each other as usual. The corridors of the university were already buzzing with noise when a group of senior students suddenly entered the classroom. Their serious expressions instantly silenced everyone.
One of them announced,
"After two weeks, our university will organize the Freshers' Party. Any student who wants to participate in any program must register their name at the Cultural Department."
The moment the announcement ended, the classroom exploded with excitement. Whispers, cheers, and dreamy smiles filled the air.
Yash leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. He already knew how grand the Freshers' celebrations were in this university. Every year, a huge party was organized, and even famous celebrities were invited. There were competitions, dance performances, singing contests, and most importantly—the titles of Mr. Fresher and Miss Fresher, which every student secretly dreamed of winning.
But unlike others, Ishan felt nothing. The news didn't excite him; it irritated him. He hated unnecessary gatherings, loud music, and fake smiles. He had already decided that he would skip the event completely and even avoid college that day.
However, destiny had other plans.
The Cultural Board unexpectedly selected Ishan as one of the board members. The irony of fate almost made him laugh bitterly. Now, no matter how much he hated it, he had to be involved. Sighing inwardly, he decided to focus on his studies instead of overthinking.
Time passed, and soon it was lunch break. Students rushed out of their classes, and the canteen filled with noise and laughter. Yash arrived with his group and placed their orders. Everyone was discussing the Freshers' Party with excitement.
Then someone mentioned casually,
"Did you hear? Ishan is also a Cultural Board member."
A slow, dangerous smile curved on Yash's lips.
At the same time, Ishan entered the canteen to grab a coffee. Kartik noticed him and loudly called out,
"Ishan! Come here!"
Ishan walked over, coffee in hand, his expression cold and unreadable.
"What is it? Why did you call me here?" he asked flatly.
Kartik grinned. "Sit with us today. Have lunch together."
Before Ishan could reply, Yash smirked and said mockingly,
"Leave it, Kartik. Why force him? Big people don't like sitting with kids."
Ishan's eyes darkened. Without saying a word, he pulled a chair and sat down, his gaze locked on Yash. The tension between them was so intense that others were secretly enjoying the silent war of glares.
Nayra smiled and asked,
"Ishan, you became a Cultural Board member, right?"
Ishan nodded and smiled slightly.
"If anyone wants to participate in any competition, give your name to me."
Their food arrived, and the mood lightened. Pari suddenly looked at Nayra's hoodie and said,
"Nayra, your hoodie looks really good."
Nayra laughed softly.
"It's Yash's. I liked it when I went to his house this morning, so he gave it to me."
Ahan whistled teasingly.
"So clothes are being exchanged today. Tomorrow, hearts will be exchanged."
Ishan, Kartik, and Pari spoke together,
"Shut up, Ahan!"
Laughter erupted at the table.
After lunch, Pari suggested ice cream. Everyone agreed, and Pari went to get them. She returned with a large tray, but suddenly her hand slipped, and the entire tray of ice cream fell on Nayra.
Gasps filled the canteen. Nayra's dress was completely stained.
Without thinking, Yash immediately removed his jacket and wrapped it around her. His expression turned dark as he shouted at Pari,
"What were you doing? You ruined Nayra's dress!"
Pari froze, tears forming in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Nayra. I didn't do it on purpose. It was an accident."
Nayra gently held her hand.
"It's okay, Pari. Please don't cry."
Kartik stepped forward.
"Let's go to the washroom, Nayra. Your dress needs cleaning."
They walked away together.
Yash suddenly remembered that Nayra's spare dress was in the car. He took Ahan's keys and headed outside.
Pari hesitated and asked,
"Can I come with you? I can help."
"No," Yash replied coldly. "Go to the washroom and wait. I'll bring the dress. You can give it to her."
He turned to leave, then glanced at Ishan.
"Come with me. I need help."
Ishan frowned.
"Pari offered. Why did you reject her? Now go alone."
"You're impossible," Yash muttered, but Ishan followed him anyway.
They reached the car. Yash took the dress and turned to leave when Ishan suddenly held his hand.
"Why are you so angry, Yash?" Ishan asked quietly. "It was just an accident."
Yash paused. His anger faded into something deeper—something vulnerable.
"I know. I'm not angry at Pari. I'm just… too protective of Nayra."
He looked away, his voice lowering.
"After my mom, Nayra is the only person who took care of me. She stood by me when I had nothing. I don't want her to get hurt. Not even a little."
For a moment, Ishan didn't know what to say. He had never seen Yash like this—so honest, so fragile.
They reached the washroom. Yash handed the dress to Pari and asked her to give it to Nayra.
When Nayra came out of the washroom, she saw Kartik waiting for her. Her face lit up.
"Sorry, I got late," she said softly. "But why were you waiting? You should have gone with the others."
Kartik smiled warmly.
"How could I leave you?"
They walked back together.
Evening arrived, and students started leaving. Yash was walking with his friends when a familiar voice called his name.
"Yash!"
He turned and saw his coach, Vishal. A bright smile spread across Yash's face. He ran and hugged him tightly.
Vishal had been his mentor since he was thirteen. Charming, confident, and admired by everyone—especially the girls.
"You did well choosing this university," Vishal said proudly. "Now focus on both studies and football. Our team is selected for the international level this year."
Yash grinned.
"Don't worry, sir. You're there to train us."
Vishal's expression softened.
"No, Yash. I won't be your coach anymore."
Yash's heart sank.
"Why? And who is coming?"
Vishal smiled gently.
"Everyone has to leave someday. Your new coach is Vidyut Sahay. You'll meet him soon."
With that, he walked away, leaving Yash lost in thoughts.
Later, Yash and his friends decided to go out.
"Let's go to a bar!" Ahan suggested excitedly.
"No," Yash replied. "Let's go to a cafe. We can eat and plan for Freshers."
It was surprising—Yash never chose cafes over bars.
Kartik smirked.
"Sunshine Cafe?"
Nayra teased,
"Yeah, Yash will like it."
They all knew why.
Outside, Ahan opened the car door for Nayra and Pari, but Nayra said softly,
"I'll go with Kartik on his bike."
Kartik smiled, feeling strangely happy.
He asked her to drive, but Nayra shook her head.
"No, you drive. I'll sit behind."
Thank you