A New Beginning & A New Threat
The next day at college was chaotic for Shristi. After everything that had happened—the nightmare, the revelations, and her parents' growing concern—she had finally agreed to move out of the hostel.
The only problem? The flat she originally wanted wasn't available.
So, instead of moving alone, she convinced Varsha and Subha to shift with her. Though the apartment was a bit farther from college, it was spacious, and with friends around, the transition felt less daunting.
The moving process was exhausting, but thankfully, Annu, Bhumi, and several others came to help, making the workload lighter. By the time they were done, the sun had started to set, and exhaustion seeped into her bones.
But little did she know, someone had been watching her.
---
Across the campus, a tall, well-built student leaned against his motorcycle, his sharp gaze locked onto Shristi as she hurried past, completely unaware of the attention she was drawing.
Jimmy, a top fighter from Georgian University, felt something shift inside him the moment he saw her.
"She's gorgeous…" he murmured under his breath.
His friends, noticing his dazed expression, followed his gaze. One of them scoffed. "Dude, don't even think about it."
Jimmy frowned. "Why not?"
Another friend smirked. "Because she's untouchable."
Jimmy raised an eyebrow. "Says who?"
One of the college students passing by overheard their conversation and stopped. "Says Wick."
At the mention of the name, Jimmy's friends tensed, but Jimmy merely tilted his head. "And who the hell is Wick?"
The student chuckled darkly. "If you're serious about sticking around, you'll find out soon enough. Just a warning—Wick doesn't take kindly to people messing with her."
Jimmy clenched his jaw. He didn't like being told what to do, much less being warned off by a name he didn't even recognize.
Before he could retort, his friends pulled him away.
"Not now, Jimmy. Let's gather information first," one of them advised.
Jimmy exhaled sharply but nodded. "Fine. I want everything there is to know about this Wick."
And so, the hunt began.
---
Wick Returns
Two days later, a sleek black car rolled into the college parking lot. The door swung open, and Wick stepped out, stretching his arms above his head with a groan.
"Man, that trip was hella exhausting."
Deep stepped out after him, rolling his shoulders. "Yeah, but at least we got everything done."
Wick let out a tired chuckle. "True."
Before they could head inside, Nick approached them with a knowing smirk. "You guys remember what's happening tonight, right?"
Wick raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Nick sighed dramatically. "The party, genius. The one hosted by the other colleges?"
Wick blinked. "Oh. Right."
Deep shook his head. "You seriously forgot again?"
Nick grinned. "And Wick, you've been specially invited for the car race."
Wick's interest piqued at that. "A race, huh?"
Nick nodded. "Some of the best racers from different colleges are participating. Everyone's looking forward to seeing you in action."
A slow smirk formed on Wick's lips. "Now that sounds fun."
---
Shristi Learns About the Party
Meanwhile, on the other side of campus, Shristi was sitting with some of the girls when she overheard a conversation between Hina, a senior, and a few others.
"So, what's this party you guys are talking about?" Shristi asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Hina turned to her with a grin. "It's a huge gathering between all the colleges. A way to socialize, form connections, and well… have fun."
Shristi nodded, but before she could respond, another girl added with a sly smile, "And of course, the biggest attraction is Wick."
Shristi frowned. "What do you mean?"
Hina smirked. "Oh, you don't know? Wick is the main event of the party. He's participating in the car race, and apparently, a lot of girls are interested in him."
Shristi's stomach twisted unexpectedly.
Hina leaned in slightly. "Who knows? Maybe someone will win his heart tonight."
Shristi felt an unfamiliar pang in her chest. A mix of annoyance and something she wasn't ready to name.
No… No, that can't happen.
She shook her head, dismissing the thought, but the unease remained.
---
The Night of the Party
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the city lights flickered to life, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
Inside their dorms and apartments, groups of students prepared for the night ahead. Laughter, teasing, and excitement filled the air.
At the boys' apartment, Wick and his friends stood before a mirror, making last-minute adjustments to their outfits.
Dipanshu smirked. "Wick, you ready to steal the show?"
Wick rolled his eyes. "I'm just here for the race."
Nick chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that."
Meanwhile, in her new flat, Shristi stared at her reflection, conflicted emotions swirling in her eyes.
She had told herself it didn't matter.
And yet, deep down, she knew—she wasn't ready to see Wick with someone else.
To be continued...