"Did you feel like attracting boys by showing off your body, Tuha?"
Hearing such a sudden remark, Tuha was startled and looked around. She saw Farabi standing there. Following his gaze, she noticed that the cloth covering her legs had slipped up quite a bit. Quickly, she sat properly. Since she had crossed her legs while wearing a saree, the fabric had shifted. She wasn't used to wearing sarees—today was the spring festival, and she had worn it under her friends' pressure. Had she known she'd face such a situation, she would never have worn it.
After adjusting her saree, Farabi left his spot. Before leaving, he threw her a hard look, as if saying, "You're finished today, Tuha."
Tuha Hasan, a second-year honors student, is the eldest child of her parents. She has a younger sister, Miha, who studies in class 11. Though Tuha is playful and mischievous with everyone, she is extremely timid around one person—Farabi. He has recently joined her college as an assistant teacher. Apart from that, Farabi is also her cousin.
Farabi Chowdhury is the only child of his parents. He studied abroad and, instead of joining his father's business, chose to teach at the college—though the reason behind this is unknown to Tuha. Their relationship is like that of enemies. Ever since returning to the country, Farabi never misses a chance to insult Tuha. Sometimes she talks back, sometimes she stays silent out of fear. His anger is terrifying.
Seeing Tuha sulking, Khushi asked, "What happened? Why are you making such a gloomy face?"
Her question only fueled Tuha's anger. "Shli, because of you I had to hear all that from Farabi! If I see him now, I'll kll him!"
Khushi was stunned. She understood something serious had happened.
"What happened, tell me."
Tuha angrily explained everything. Khushi sighed, "I don't understand what kind of rivalry you two have. He's always after you. Did you know each other before?"
Tuha was startled but quickly changed the topic, "Where's Medha?"
"Somewhere around. She'll come."
Medha arrived and saw Tuha's gloomy face. "What happened?"
Ignoring her, Tuha started scrolling on her phone. Khushi said, "Don't you get it? Madam had a fight with Farabi sir."
Medha sighed, "I can't deal with these two. They fought again today?"
"We didn't fight! My saree slipped, and he just said that. Anyway, I'm going home."
"You're leaving now?"
"Yeah. I'll freshen up first."
As Tuha headed toward the bathroom, suddenly someone pulled her into a dark room.
"Who is it?" she asked, trying to gather courage.
No answer.
The person pinned her against the wall and touched her waist. Tuha shivered. Suddenly, he pulled her closer, buried his face in her neck, and pressed warm kisses on her skin. She trembled with every touch—it felt familiar. He brushed his nose along her neck softly.
Then he whispered near her ear, "How much more will you do to drive me crazy, Tahu Pakhi? I'm getting intoxicated by you… completely consumed by your charm. Will you be able to handle it?"
His warm breath and soft voice drove her mad. She held onto her saree tightly, eyes closed.
"You'll be punished for intoxicating me like this. Be ready."
He kissed her forehead gently and left.
Tuha opened her eyes, breathing heavily. Along with fear, there was another strange feeling. What was this feeling? She didn't know who he was, but she knew one thing—someone loved her deeply, protected her, and stayed by her side. Maybe that's why she couldn't protest.
Without telling anyone, Tuha went home. Standing under the shower, she cried, "Why are you pulling me so close? Why are you binding me to you? I can't take this anymore. Stop hiding—come in front of me… please."
She collapsed on the floor.
---
The next morning, sunlight woke her up. Her body felt heavy. How did she get here? She was in the washroom...
Her mother entered, "Tuha, how did you faint in the bathroom? And when did you come home? If Medha hadn't called, I wouldn't have known."
Tuha couldn't answer properly. Just then Medha came in and changed the topic.
---
Later, Miha teased, "Farabi is so handsome, I feel like kissing him!"
Tuha and Medha were shocked.
---
The next day in class, Farabi entered. All the girls stared at him admiringly.
"Good morning, students."
"Good morning, sir!"
Khushi whispered, "His smile is so beautiful."
Tuha got irritated, "Don't say anything about him in front of me!"
Farabi suddenly said, "The girl in black dress, stand up."
It was Tuha.
"What were you discussing?"
Tuha replied boldly, "She said your smile is beautiful. I said it's not."
The class was stunned.
Farabi smirked, "So you were observing my smile deeply?"
---
Later, again someone pulled Tuha aside.
"Tahu Pakhi… it's me."
She recognized the voice—her mysterious lover.
"Will you not let me live peacefully? Why are you hiding? Come in front of me if you have the courage!"
He bit her neck lightly in anger.
"You can't escape me. You're mine. I'm not a coward, I'll come in front of you soon… but not yet."
His words sent chills through her.
After he left, Tuha muttered, "Acting like Farabi…"
She paused.
Why did she say that?
---
Her thoughts broke as Medha called, "Come quickly! I have a surprise!"
Tuha rushed over—
And jumped in joy.
---