11:30 PM - Meena and Nisha's Room
The soft drizzle outside had grown into a steady rhythm, like the ticking clock counting down Nisha's fear. She sat stiffly on her bed, staring at the message again.
> Neha (10:46 PM):
Video nahi aaya. 12 baje tak o bhej do warna tum jaanti ho kya bhejna hoga.
Nisha's hands were cold. Her chest heavy. She glanced at Meena, who sat beside her, watching her quietly.
Nisha (whispers):
"She won't stop, Meena. If we don't send that video, she'll demand a nude. And I... I just can't do that."
Meena (softly):
"We already kissed once... but we didn't record it."
Nisha (guiltily):
"I didn't think I'd actually have to send proof...
Meena exhaled slowly. Her voice had no judgment.
Meena:
"If doing this stops her... we can record it. Just one kiss. We've already done it once."
Nisha (nervously):
"You're okay with that?"
Meena leaned a little closer. Her hand gently brushed Nisha's.
Meena (soft smile):
"I'm not doing it for Neha. I'm doing it because I care about you."
There was a beat of silence. Rain hitting the glass. The soft hum of the fan. The way Nisha's breath caught in her throat.
She nodded.
Meena picked up her phone and propped it up.
Meena (gently):
"When you're ready..."
Nisha swallowed her anxiety and moved closer. Their knees touched. Their hands found each other. Then, without hesitation this time, Meena leaned in.
The kiss wasn't quick. It wasn't rushed. It lingered-soft lips meeting softly, breath shared, fingers tightening just a little as the seconds stretched.
The camera blinked red.
This time, the moment was captured. But something else happened, too. There was no fear. Only heat. Connection.
When they pulled apart, Nisha's eyes glistened-not with sadness, but something else.
Nisha (whispering):
"I didn't know a kiss could feel like that..."l
Meena (quietly):
"Neither did I. Until you.
Nisha looked at the recording.
Nisha:
"I guess this is enough. It's short... but clear.
She hit send.
---
Meanwhile - 11:50 PM - Canteen back alley
Neha stood under the overhang, flipping through her phone, surrounded by her usual group.
Nima (concerned):
"Neha... you're really going through with this?"
Neha (smirking)
"She sent the video. See? I told you she would."
Nima:
"But this is blackmail. If someone finds out-"
Neha:
"No one will. Girls like her don't have the power to speak out. She's poor, scholarship ke bharose. One word from me, my dad pulls his donation-she's gone."
Nima (quietly):
"You've changed."
Neha:
"No. I've learned how to keep people in their place."
---
Back in the Room - 12:05 AM
The video was sent. Nisha sat on her bed, emotionally drained, staring at her phone.
Meena:
"You okay
Nisha:
"No. But better... because of you."
Meena (softly):
"We'll deal with her. Together."
She reached over, fingers brushing Nisha's cheek, wiping a tear.
Nisha (leaning in):
"Meena... this wasn't just for the video, was it
Meena (barely above a whisper):
"Not even a little.
Their foreheads touched. And outside, the rain fell like a lullaby.
End of Episode 3