Prologue 5

"Why did she want to save him?" Isha's mind churned with this puzzling question about the new boy, Krishna. To her, he was an inconsequential presence, yet there was something strangely compelling about her urge to intervene. Isha's heart raced with conflicting emotions. She couldn't help but wonder why she felt compelled to intervene. Yami's timely interference prevented her from stepping in, but the questions still swirled in her mind.

"Was it merely guilt, a sense that Sid might be targeting him because of me?" Isha's inner dialogue continued to grapple with conflicting thoughts. "Am I losing my mind? It's not always about me. They seemed friendly, didn't they?" Her thoughts wavered, swaying between various possibilities. "Well, that's good. Now I can stop thinking about them." But the ironic truth was, even as she tried to stop, her mind refused to comply.

Enough was enough. Isha commanded herself to halt this internal turmoil. "STOP," she mentally shouted. "I need to focus on my studies, on how to surpass everyone. I am different, not like the others. These distractions won't shake me." Indeed, Isha was unique in her determination, a trait Siddharth acknowledged as well.

Siddharth, the epitome of perfection in the eyes of his peers. Whether it was academics, fights, friendships, or extracurriculars, he excelled. Isha had known Siddharth for years, their families were closely intertwined, their friendship stemming from childhood. But then came that incident, which forever altered the course of their relationship.

Blaming himself for an accident that left his best friend disabled, Siddharth withdrew into a self-imposed exile. Isha likened this to a "little cave," an isolated realm he retreated into to transform himself. Emerging from this internal journey, Siddharth was different, driven to be more than before. He distanced himself from Isha and most others, focusing on academics, boxing, and often engaging in heated debates with Tanishk, her genius older brother.

Isha felt a sense of betrayal. Her friend had transformed into someone unfamiliar. This new Siddharth, this "boring" version, was no longer her companion, no longer her rival. The connection they once shared had faded into oblivion. She didn't like this new Siddharth. There was one time he tried to reach out, and she responded with anger, yelling at him. "I hate you," she spat. He didn't fire back, though. Just smiled and left. It was so different from what she expected. Why was he acting like those incomprehensible adults?

Gradually, their interactions dwindled, confined to rare gatherings. Siddharth's new persona emerged during family events. He seemed mundane, distant, no longer the extraordinary rival she had cherished. Her perceptions shifted; she believed he had lost his spark, reduced to seeking her brother's assistance for improvement. He was no longer the Siddharth she admired.

At a party was thrown at her house, celebrating her brother's fifth rank in the entire country, The Mahajan Mansion was looking beautiful as always, and in the middle of the party stood the person who was the key to this event. Everyone congratulated him and eventually, Siddharth too went to her brother. After congratulating him and having some normal conversations, "I want to try the exam," he said. Her brother, for the first time, agreed. Those words stung: "42/100." Impossible. Her brother had scored 96 on the same test, but Siddharth, at her age, managed 42.

She impulsively followed suit, eager to prove herself. Her brother frowned at first but allowed it. "28/100." Reality hit like a truck. Had he surpassed her long ago? Was that why he distanced himself? Why he stayed silent when she yelled? Worthless, her brother muttered. Tears streamed as she dashed outside. 

Accepting Siddharth's superiority was a bitter pill. She confronted the truth that he had outshone her long ago. Had this knowledge-driven his distance? Had it stifled his responses to her anger? Her anger turned to tears. She was "worthless," her brother muttered. Siddharth tried to follow her, but her brother intervened, diverting him into a conversation.

Time passed, and her understanding improved. She began to bridge the academic gap, but Siddharth's horizons now had expanded beyond textbooks. He excelled in sports, and communication, and even defended her against unwanted advances. He was a silent protector, working behind the scenes to shield her.

But this new boy, Krishna, might have threatened that unspoken protection. This realization was her answer. However, Isha was unwilling to accept this protection. She aimed to prove her strength and break free from the perception of vulnerability. Her resolve was unwavering. 

"Yami," she called. "Yes?" her friend responded. "We're going to study for the next semester too." Her intent was clear - she would not just surpass Siddharth academically; she would excel. Her genius mind was up to the task, and her determination would be her driving force.

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The expanse of the ground spread before them, marked by several clusters of boys led by different leaders. "Looks like a potential gang clash," Rudra remarked, a chuckle in his voice. He was at the helm of a 13-member squad, accompanied by three other groups of around 20 to 25 individuals each. "Indeed, they're practically begging for a gang brawl, so let's give them one," Sohaib responded, standing on a rock, exuding a commanding aura. 

"Any idea if it's just him or if reinforcements are coming?" Rudra inquired while adjusting the beads of rudrakshas on his wrist. "We'll know when he arrives," Sohaib answered, setting his sights on the boy approaching them.

'Is this Siddharth? The same guy who singlehandedly took down the eight commanders from BPS High?' Rudra pondered internally, a surge of heat rushing through his veins. Who would win if they were to fight? Could Siddharth actually defeat him? If so, how? Would it be through sheer strength? Rudra considered his own physical prowess, which he believed would enable him to easily overpower Sohaib in a fight. Was this newcomer truly more potent than himself? His initial instinct was to charge forward and engage, but Sohaib's restraining hand halted his movement. Glancing back at Sohaib, Rudra found Sohaib's gaze fixed on the approaching figure.

"Who might you be?" Sohaib inquired. The boy's response was concise: "Siddharth sent me."

"Is Siddharth afraid to come himself? Is that why he's sending his underlings? Was he worried we'd rough him up?" The boy's taunt elicited giggles from the gathered crowd, met by a knowing smile from Sohaib.

"Is he too timid to face us directly? Are his minions here to test the waters? Or did he genuinely want a conversation?" Rudra approached the boy with a smile that sent shivers down everyone's spine. 'This unpredictable guy,' Sohaib mused to himself.

"Don't make me laugh. Even the toddlers from SVVM could wipe that smirk off your face," the boy retorted, a smirk of his own etched across his lips.

Rudra's grin widened as he looked at him again, "So you're saying you could do that too, huh?" He stepped forward, the grin still lingering. "Then let's save the energy. We'll need it soon," Sohaib advised as he positioned himself before the boy. 'This infuriating guy, always spoiling my fun,' Rudra silently grumbled. "I would take on that Siddhartha, or whoever he is," he announced, his gaze fixed on Sohaib.

"Hey, little brat, what's your name?" Rudra addressed the boy walking beside Sohaib."KD," the boy replied, his steps unwavering. The group eventually reached the designated spot. Sohaib's content smile indicated their target's arrival – three boys at the forefront, backed by a group of around twenty. The tallest among them was Siddharth, presumed ruler of SVVM. Beside him stood Abhay, known as 'The Manager,' and Ishan, dubbed 'The Knight.'

"Have you come for a fight?" Sohaib locked eyes with Siddharth. "You're still as much of a hypocrite, Sohaib," Siddharth retorted, eliciting a laugh from Sohaib. "And you're here with just these twenty? Do you really think that's enough?" Siddharth inquired a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Twenty-one," Siddharth's smile remained steady. "So, should we find a quiet corner to chat or just get on with the brawl?" Siddharth inquired with a smile."Who's the hypocrite now? We both know we're here for a fight. Let's not pretend otherwise," Sohaib retorted, his gaze unwavering.

"Well, it seems like you're underestimating me. Let's proceed, then," Siddharth accepted, his tone confident. "Unless you'd rather have a go at these smaller fries first," he added, a challenging edge in his voice. Sohaib responded with an annoyed expression, his attention shifting back to Siddharth.

A message notification chimed, drawing Sohaib's attention. "Ah, your comrades are certainly eager," Siddharth remarked, cracking his knuckles. Sohaib returned his phone to his pocket, a slight smile gracing his lips. The signal had been given, and the impending showdown was about to commence.

FOO! Sohaib watched in perplexity as Siddharth began to jump in place, emitting short breaths as though mimicking a fight with an invisible foe. "Are you out of your mind? You'll exhaust yourself that way," Sohaib quipped, leaping towards Siddharth with a clenched fist. But, to his surprise, the blow struck nothing but air.

"Don't worry about me, sweetheart. Even if I were bleeding and half my body paralyzed, I'd still take on ten of you," Siddharth declared, a challenge in his voice. The insult stoked the flames of Sohaib's fury, not one to tolerate such behavior.

Amidst this unfolding chaos, Rudra's face lit up as he read the message. "It's a go. Enjoy yourself," Sohaib's text had affirmed. Finally, the moment had arrived to face the figures that had intrigued him for so long. The fights, He recalled that Sohaib had barely managed to defeat Abhay last time, using less-than-honorable tactics. However, this only meant one thing: Sohaib would do anything to win, but even still he was more than sure Rudra would easily overpower him. 

The dust swirled around the combatants as the last fight came to an end, with SVVM retreating. The air was tense with anticipation, and little was known about the enigmatic figure known as 'The Knight. His sporadic fights rendered him somewhat of an enigma. During the last skirmish, when Siddharth had been absent, he had taken charge near the places of Hotel Ashoka, forcing NJMS members to retreat. These might have been small fries, but Rudra was eager to engage. "Let's do this!" he called out, the assembly charging toward the central area of the ground. On the opposing end stood the SVVM team of just twenty. Did they genuinely believe this handful could take on the sixty or seventy amassed before them?

Most of the faces were unfamiliar to Rudra, It appeared they were not the usual fighters. However, his elite team of thirteen was unique. He scanned the crowd, his eyes searching for Abhay – a familiar face engulfed in combat with multiple foes. Amid the chaos, Before he makes an attack, his uninterested gaze was piqued as he saw a boy fall before him. An intriguing figure had caught his attention – a grin tugged at his lips as he charged toward the boy. Yet, astonishingly, the boy dodged Rudra, launching into a series of swift kicks that knocked out several opponents.

"Hey you! The boy with the silver earrings!" Rudra's voice thundered. The boy turned his gaze towards him. "Ishan," he responded. "Well, this just got interesting, FIGHT ME!!" Rudra shouted as he closed the distance. "Do you suffer from cognitive deficiencies, or is this your regular state of behavior?" Ishan retorted, delivering a punch to an adversary in front of him. 'That makes it ten,' Rudra sighed. Ten NJMS members had fallen to this boy, four from Rudra's own squad. 

Ishan was strong, more so than Abhay. Was this the ability of the said knight? He was a formidable opponent – strong enough to take on the heads of NJMS singlehandedly. "I'll take the lead," Ishan declared, turning his attention to Rudra before launching a punch. 

As the confrontation between Rudra and Ishan unfolded, it became apparent that Rudra's initial aggressive tactics wouldn't suffice. An unsettling realization struck Rudra – this approach wouldn't leave him time to take on Siddharth. He had to finish this quickly, Therefore a tactical shift was imperative. Drawing upon the reserve of techniques he had meticulously honed, Rudra's strategy transformed.

With deft movements, Rudra launched himself into a series of leaps, his feet making contact with the ground several times in quick succession. His blood simmered with newfound intensity as he engaged Ishan with heightened vigor. The clash of their skills revealed the true extent of Ishan's physical prowess, validating his title as 'The Knight'.

And then, with an explosive burst, Rudra lunged forward, his legs launching into a rapid series of kicks. The unexpected ferocity of his attack caught Ishan off guard, propelling him backward. Victory seemed within reach as Rudra prepared to stomp on his opponent, only to find his momentum abruptly halted. A gentle but decisive grip closed around his head, shoving it toward the ground.

The abrupt twist of events caught Rudra by surprise. He was thrown back, his body hitting the ground with a force that jarred his senses. Stunned and confused, he looked up to see a figure unlike any other. This boy did not possess the physique of a seasoned fighter, yet he had just bested Rudra with apparent ease. Rudra was bewildered – how could someone seemingly untrained in combat execute such a feat? The unusual sensation gnawed at Rudra; it was a sentiment he had never experienced before.

"Back off," the boy's voice was calm but authoritative. The realization hit Rudra like a shockwave, and within moments, Rudra comprehended the gravity of the situation. NJMS had fallen, a realization that hit him like a ton of bricks. "Sorry for the inconvenience, Krishna. I brought you here to show you around, not to engage in this." The words of the king of SVVM, Siddharth, filled the air. 

The implication was clear: Sohaib had been defeated. Rudra lay on the ground, his gaze fixing on the boy who had intervened. 'Krishna, you'll be etched in my memory,' Rudra silently vowed, his focus shifting momentarily as another figure emerged on the scene. "Remember when I said even a child from SVVM could obliterate you? This was the one I meant," KD announced with a smile. A wry grin played on Rudra's lips as he faced his adversaries, a determination burning in his eyes. His actions were driven by a complex mix of past experiences and a desire to protect those he cared about.

However, before he could retaliate, Ishan's voice reverberated. "You've been defeated. It's time to withdraw," Ishan's declaration pierced the air, a stark reality Rudra couldn't ignore. As Rudra prepared to pull back, his chest tightened with frustration. He couldn't continue this battle now, but he vowed silently that this was far from over. The tension in the air lingered as both sides retreated, the promise of future clashes hanging like a storm cloud. There would be another chance, another time. He reiterated this to himself as he prepared to pull back, his eyes locking with Krishna's.

While all this happened somewhere afar, Someone was talking to his long-lost friend, "I'll be there soon", the voice said as he hung up the call. 'Vyas', it read on the screen, and The guy smiled as he put the phone back on the table and lied on his bed.