Ever since returning from Haridwar, Aryan had grown unusually quiet. On the other hand, Tamanna—the beautiful, confident girl—was someone who enjoyed being in the limelight. But when Aryan started ignoring her completely, it left her visibly unsettled.
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind Aryan in the classroom.
Voice: "Aryan."
He turned around and responded calmly.
Aryan: "Yes, Abhijit?"
Abhijit Paul was Aryan's new friend—someone he had bonded with during their last class.
Abhijit: "Aryan, meet my friend Tamanna."
Yes, the same stunning girl.
This time, Aryan greeted her formally.
Aryan: "Hello, I'm Aryan Paul."
Tamanna smiled faintly, attempting to conceal her reaction, and introduced herself.
Tamanna: "Hi, I'm Tamanna Das."
Aryan: "Alright."
True to his nature, Aryan didn't engage further and instead focused on his classes.
Since it was the first day, the second period was suspended. Soon after, the students exited the airport terminal.
Later, Aryan and his close friend Mandeep headed toward the iconic jackfruit tree at their college campus, a popular resting spot for students, where they met Abhi and his group of friends. Smita, a polite and friendly girl, was also part of the gathering.
GC College wasn't only known for its academic prestige but also for its symbolic jackfruit tree, which had become a cultural spot for student interactions.
The group chatted casually before heading to the cafeteria to grab a bite.
While Aryan and his friends were eating, Tamanna entered the cafeteria with Abhijit and another stern-looking man.
She walked directly to Aryan's table, extended her hand, and said:
Tamanna: "Hello, Aryan."
Aryan: "Hello."
Aryan shook her hand politely.
Tamanna: "Would it be alright if we joined your table?"
Aryan looked around at his friends, who all nodded positively, encouraging him.
Aryan: "Sure, go ahead."
Tamanna and her group took three nearby seats.
Tamanna: "Aren't you going to introduce us to your friends?"
Aryan: "Yes, of course."
He introduced everyone: Abhi, Biraj, Smita, Pushpita, Bipasha, Kajol, Priyanka, and Tutu.
Aryan: "And you already know Mandeep."
Tamanna: "You already know Abhijit. This is Sanjeeb."
Then came greetings from both sides.
Tamanna, seemingly trying to impress or possibly intimidate Aryan, added:
Tamanna: "Did you know that Sanjeeb's father is a magistrate? In fact, his entire family holds high-ranking positions in society."
It was clear—Tamanna felt envious of Aryan's composed demeanor and tried to elevate Sanjeeb to belittle him.
But Aryan immediately sensed her intent. He responded only with a disinterested "Mmm," accompanied by a blank expression.
Realizing her move had failed to make an impact, Tamanna grew visibly annoyed and abruptly left the cafeteria with Sanjeeb, citing a vague excuse.
Surprisingly, Abhijit chose not to follow her. Instead, he stayed back with Aryan and the others—perhaps because he had already started valuing his new friendships.
Once Tamanna had left, Aryan's friends broke into laughter, though Aryan himself remained calm and composed.
Abhijit: "Why are they laughing so much?"
Before Aryan could reply, Mandeep answered on his behalf.
Mandeep: "We're laughing at Tamanna's attempt to impress us. She tried so hard to undermine Aryan that she ended up looking foolish."
Abhijit: "Yeah, she always boasts about her boyfriend's family wealth."
Biraj: "But didn't she know about Aryan's family background?"
Abhijit (confused): "Who is Aryan, really?"
Mandeep: "Have you heard of that family from Silchar who currently holds dominance in Srikona? They own a real estate empire and properties across Assam."
Abhijit: "Yes! That's the zamindar family of Srikona, right?"
Mandeep: "Exactly. Aryan is their grandson."
Biraj: "His elder brother owns Sagarika Resort and Sagarika Regency."
Kajol: "And Aryan himself owns the Cachar Club in Silchar."
Abhijit (in disbelief): "Seriously?"
After that revelation, they all resumed eating with cheerful ease and later began heading home.
---
At the Parking Lot:
As Aryan walked to get his bike, a voice called out from behind.
Tamanna: "Aryan! You're here? I didn't think you even had a bike."
Without a word, Aryan mounted his bike and prepared to leave.
Before he could exit the parking lot, Smita stepped in front of him.
Smita: "Aryan, could you drop me home?"
Aryan: "Sure, hop on."
---
On the Way:
Aryan: "Did you tell your family about what happened?"
Smita: "No. If they find out, they'll be upset. They might even stop me from continuing my studies."
Aryan: "Alright. It's your call."
Smita: "Hmm."
A few moments later, they reached Smita's house. Aryan dropped her off and headed home.
---
Inside Smita's Room:
Her cousin, Rimpi Bhattacharjee, entered.
Rimpi: "Smita, who dropped you home just now? Was it Manab?"
Smita: "Rimpi di, where are you even looking?"
Rimpi: "I saw someone drop you off. But I must say, if that was Manab, he looked quite pale and weak. He should really take better care of himself."
Smita (angrily): "Rimpi di, don't mention that name in front of me again. The one who abandoned me was not Manab!"
Rimpi: "Alright, calm down."
Rimpi: "Then tell me what happened between you two? And who was the guy that brought you home today?"
---
Will Smita reveal the truth to Rimpi?
How will Rimpi react when she learns what Manab did?
And will Tamanna's jealousy eventually cause real trouble in Aryan's life?