Episode 3

AVA POV:

"Rajveer is not like this at all, I don't know what's wrong today, don't take it to heart," Rajveer's friend said with affection, which made me feel a little better. At least there's someone who doesn't scold me.

"By the way, I'm Dev, Rajveer's best friend," he said with a smile, and I returned it in kind.

"You know, your friend is really bad, I don't want to look at him, he's a monster," I said, but suddenly I realized I was badmouthing Rajveer in front of him.

"What did I just say? He'll scold me in front of everyone again," I thought, mentally kicking myself.

"You think I'll tell him, huh? If you think that, you're right," he said, smirking and bursting into laughter.

    My eyes welled up with tears. I walked shakily to the college office. To my surprise, Papa was sitting on a chair, holding a water bottle and an apple. I approached him cautiously.

"What's wrong, Papa? Didn't the work go well?" I asked, concern etched on my face.

"I've been sitting here, Rajveer has gone inside. He left me here like a little boy, giving me water and an apple," Papa said with a smile on his face.

I felt a bit irritated. Why is he being so caring towards my Papa? I didn't have the courage to ask, and I didn't have the strength to take scolding right now.

         After a while, Rajveer emerged from the office.

"Come here," he called out to me.

"Yes?" I replied.

"Hostel is already full, so they've allotted you a room in the extension block," he explained. "Don't worry, it's fine," he added reassuringly.

I looked puzzled. "What do you mean by the extension block?" I asked.

Rajveer looked at me and said, "Come with me, I'll show you the extension block."

"No need, just tell me the way," I replied.

"You know what, miss? I don't care whether you want me to come or not. Rajveer decides what he does or doesn't do. So, just follow me," he said suddenly, his voice laced with anger.

"Let's go, uncle," he said to Papa and walked ahead.

I stood my ground in anger, refusing to follow. "I'm not going," I thought to myself. But then I realized I had no choice since I didn't know the way.

      This time, he didn't ride his bike; instead, he walked alongside Papa and me. Everyone around us seemed to be watching the scene unfold, yet no one attempted to approach me or strike up a conversation. It felt strangely surreal.

       He walked ahead with his friend and Papa, while I trailed behind like a lost child. He pointed out Extension 1, a small quarter-type building near the main hostel.

"Don't worry, uncle, everything's fine here. You two go inside and talk. We aren't allowed in, but if there's any issue, just call us. Let's exchange numbers."

"Princess, give him the number," Papa said.

"My phone's battery is low and it's switched off, Papa," I said, telling a blatant lie. Rajveer clearly caught on, and I could tell he was slightly annoyed.

"Alright, uncle, I'll head off," he said, walking away without even glancing back at me.

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