Manab Nag, Aryan's close friend from Kanchakanti Vidya Mandir, had been a constant presence in his school life. During their early years, the two were inseparable. While Aryan often managed his daily expenses through odd jobs, Manab was already honing his skills in photo and video editing. By the 8th grade, Manab had begun working in local video production, and by 9th, he had collaborated on state-level music videos. Astonishingly, in 10th grade, he worked on projects with international appeal.
However, after the 10th board exams, Manab moved to Silchar. There, he encountered a group of Cabarta boys, whose influence helped him give up smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Around this time, Aryan was grappling with a personal tragedy—the loss of his father—which deeply affected his mental state.
As college admissions unfolded, Aryan became friends with new classmates, including Abhi and Smita Bhattacharjee. From their first encounter, Aryan found himself drawn to Smita. Over time, his feelings deepened into love. The trio often attended tuitions and college together, gradually growing closer.
Everything seemed to be going well until Aryan's college friends were introduced to Manab.
Given their past friendship, Aryan had already told Manab about Smita. When the two groups met, Aryan made the introductions himself. However, not long after, Manab developed feelings for Smita as well. Although he was aware of Aryan's bond with her, Manab saw it as a challenge—something to conquer. Fueled by envy, he devised a plan to sabotage Aryan's image by spreading malicious rumors. He was confident that his connections among the Cabarta gang would shield him from consequences.
Around this time, Aryan fell ill due to a reaction to some medication, leaving him bedridden for over two days. With the doctor recommending strict bed rest, Aryan disconnected from everyone—including his closest friends. This was when Manab initiated his scheme.
He wasted no time and spread damaging rumors across Silchar and Udharbond. Stories like "Aryan caught harassing a teenage girl" or "Aryan secretly married and brought a girl home" circulated rapidly. These rumors reached their college as well.
Meanwhile, only Kajol and Suraj, a friend from Udharbond, knew the truth about Aryan's condition. In Silchar, Manab manipulated Smita, Abhi, and others by presenting them with these lies. Although Aryan's friends didn't fully believe the rumors, they were concerned and tried contacting him. However, respecting the doctor's advice and not wanting to burden anyone, Aryan didn't respond.
Taking advantage of Aryan's silence, Manab brainwashed Smita. The very next day, he proposed to her. Confused and hurt, Smita—without receiving any clarity from Aryan—accepted. But Manab didn't stop there. He further leveraged his connections to spread these rumors citywide.
What Manab didn't realize was Aryan's silent strength.
Aryan's father was a highly respected figure in both Silchar and Udharbond. Throughout his upbringing, Aryan had been introduced to influential members of the local business community. His polite and sincere nature earned their trust.
So, when the rumors reached these businessmen, they investigated and quickly discovered Manab's involvement. Furious, they considered police intervention and punitive action.
But Aryan, determined to handle the matter himself, persuaded his father's friends not to interfere.
Using his own network, Aryan quietly suppressed the rumors instead of directly confronting Manab—at least, not yet.
Aryan's composure came from strength. Unlike Manab, who attended a private college and was supported only by a few Cabarta friends, Aryan had earned admission to one of Assam's top government colleges due to his excellent grades. His good behavior and active involvement had also earned him the trust of student union leaders and faculty alike.
The Confrontation
The confrontation happened soon after, in the presence of Smita, Abhi, their friends, and Manab's crew. Aryan calmly asked Manab to explain the situation in front of everyone. Though Aryan's face was stoic, the tension was clear.
Instead of apologizing, Manab tried to justify his actions. He knew Aryan's anger, but more importantly, he was aware that many powerful individuals from Udharbond and Silchar now stood against him.
Unable to stand his ground, Manab walked away—taking Smita with him. Aryan then explained the entire situation to his friends. Meanwhile, Manab tried to further manipulate Smita during their walk.
A Darker Chapter
Two months earlier, during Aryan's isolation, Manab had even used his Cabarta friends to threaten Aryan's college group, creating further chaos.
But now Aryan had returned, stronger.
He spent time bonding with his friends, practicing new skills, and focusing on self-development. During this phase, he learned to drive, refined his techniques, and importantly, never once tried to contact Smita.
Then came the day of the 12th board results.
Aryan passed with a first division. Joy swept through his household. One by one, he checked on his friends' results—every single one had succeeded. They quickly decided to celebrate with a lunch gathering.
Lunch Plans and A Hint of the Future
Swaroop asked, "Great! But where should we go for lunch?"
Suggestions came quickly.
Priyanka: "AS-11 Dhaba, near N.N. Dutta Road."
Pushpita: "No, that's too common now."
Abhi: "Then how about 'Eat and Fit' in Mahasarak?"
Biraj: "Sagarika Resort. Rohit owns it, remember?"
Aryan: "No. I have a better idea—Kachar Club."
Abhi (surprised): "You seriously want to lunch at Kachar Club?"
Aryan: "Yes. Why not?"
Abhi: "You do know your uncle Arjun and cousin Anuja tried to buy that place, right? But they backed off, and your elder cousin Rohit's major competitor now owns it."
Aryan: "Exactly. That's why I want to experience the club as a guest before I think of buying it myself."
Biraj (in disbelief): "Wait—you're planning to buy Kachar Club?!"
Aryan: "Yes. But before that, I need to buy at least one car and a bike."
Abhi (grinning): "Then I have some good news for you."
Biraj: "What is it? Tell us!"
Abhi: "Patience. I'll tell you at lunch."
Aryan: "Can I invite Kajol and Akash too?"
Abhi: "Sure. Then it's settled—lunch at Kachar Club."
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To Be Continued…
Will Aryan really buy Kachar Club?
What is Abhi's good news?
Which car will Aryan purchase for himself?