A Turning Point in the College
The campus was buzzing with unease. Kritika and Shristi sat in a secluded corner, away from the chaos, their voices hushed but filled with concern.
"This year is a total mess," Kritika muttered, twirling her coffee cup absentmindedly. "Nothing is going right. Wick was in love. Vivaan isn't an ally of The Shield anymore. Roy allied with The Shield, and now... Wick has become heartless again."
Shristi scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I don't care about him. He's just mad."
Kritika smirked. "I agree—madly in love with you."
Shristi flinched at the words. She knew, deep down, that she was drawn to him. But the thought of getting hurt again made her heart clench. She shook off the feeling and turned the conversation to something else.
---
Meanwhile, across the campus, Nick had his own mission.
Varsha was walking outside, her steps light but determined, when Nick casually fell into step beside her.
"Varsha," he called out.
She stopped momentarily, glancing over her shoulder. "Are you serious? Take a hint," she snapped, making it clear she didn't want to talk.
Nick grinned. "Don't be angry, love. I've changed now. Even if you walk away, I'll never quit trying to win you over."
Varsha folded her arms. "You and your tricks, your expensive jewelry, your smooth talk—you can leave me alone."
Nick sighed dramatically. "Come on, take a chance. Talk to me. Get to know me."
With a frustrated sigh, Varsha relented and sat down on a nearby bench. "Fine. So, what do you want to talk about?"
Nick's playful demeanor softened. "You. Your dreams, your hopes—everything you want to do in life."
Varsha eyed him skeptically. "Just to be clear, I'm too smart to be seduced by you."
Nick chuckled. "That's exactly why I like you."
The tension between them eased, and as they talked, the hours slipped away unnoticed.
---
The Grand Tournament Announcement
Three days later, an announcement shook the campus—the Grand Tournament was happening next month. Excitement rippled through the students like an electric current.
Wick, however, had something else on his mind.
He sought out Shristi and found her sitting in her dimly lit room, lost in thought. Without hesitation, he called her out for a walk.
They strolled in silence for a while before Wick spoke. "I think you should be the captain of the female team in the tournament." His voice was steady, determined. "And don't worry—this will all pass one day."
Shristi's expression twisted in frustration. "There is no easy way, Wick. No matter what I do, I get hurt. The people around me get hurt."
Wick stopped abruptly, turning to face her. His jaw clenched, and his voice rose, firm and unyielding. "Could you stop thinking about what everyone else wants? What I want, what he wants, what your parents want? Take control of your own life. Live like it's yours, not theirs."
Shristi blinked at him, stunned.
"And you're going to lead the female team in the tournament. That's it. I'm not listening to anything else," Wick declared before storming off.
---
The Trip & A New Threat
As Wick returned to his room, he was met with an unexpected sight—Nick grinning widely, surrounded by Dipanshu, Dev, Deep, and Shreekant.
"Brother, it's finally time," Nick announced.
Wick raised a brow. "For what?"
Nick clapped a hand on his shoulder. "The group trip we've been planning forever."
Wick hesitated. "I don't know if it's safe. Shristi—"
Nick waved off his concerns. "Relax. Sam won't try anything. And besides, we have enough guys here to protect her."
With some reluctance, Wick agreed, and that night, they set off.
---
A New Player Enters
The next day, a boy strolled into the college, his presence commanding attention. He was unfamiliar to most, yet he moved as if he owned the place.
He wandered through the halls before stopping at the canteen, where he spotted Shristi. A smirk tugged at his lips as he approached her.
"Hey there, beautiful," he said smoothly, leaning in slightly.
To Shristi's surprise, no one intervened. No warnings. No protective glares from The Shield. Nothing.
She barely acknowledged him, brushing past without a word. But something else unsettled her.
Wick wasn't in college.
That night, as she scrolled through her phone, an unknown number messaged her.
Anonymous: We didn't get to talk much today. But don't worry, we'll have plenty of time.
Shristi's grip on her phone tightened.
The next day, he followed her again. His presence was suffocating, but her mind was already overwhelmed with other things. She ignored him again.
But this time, she decided to ask Wick for help.
When she explained everything, Wick's expression darkened with fury.
He pulled out his phone and called Vyshank.
"Who the f* dared to go near her?"** Wick's voice was laced with cold rage. "And what the hell was everyone else doing? Roy told me not to worry about her."
There was silence on the other end before Vyshank spoke, his voice trembling.
"Wick... it was Eddie. He's back."
Wick went completely still.
Shristi, sensing the shift, asked, "Who is Eddie?"
Vyshank hesitated before answering. "The real leader of The Shield. The strongest in this entire college. Stronger than even Wick... and Roy."
Shristi's blood ran cold.
That night, another message popped up on her phone.
Anonymous: Sweet dreams, Shristi.
She frowned, ready to ignore it, when suddenly, a second message arrived.
Wick: Don't worry. From now on, Eddie will protect you itself.
Shristi stared at the message in shock.
Eddie? Protect her?
---
A Decision Made in the Shadows
Just hours earlier, Wick had met Eddie in secret.
Wick didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I need you to keep an eye on someone," he said firmly. "Shristi."
Eddie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Didn't think you'd ever ask me for help. You in love with her or something?"
Wick exhaled sharply. "That doesn't matter. Just promise me she'll be safe."
Eddie studied him for a moment before nodding. "I give you my word—nothing will happen to her."
Later that night, Nick found Wick staring at the sky, lost in thought.
"You go out every night, thinking about her, don't you?" Nick said knowingly.
Wick didn't deny it. He simply whispered, "Yeah. I'm truly in love with her."
And in the darkness, as the world shifted around them, Wick prepared himself for whatever storm was coming next.
To be continued...