iv.

3 years ago ~

" And I hope, the newcomer's will enjoy the freshmen social to the fullest. Have fun everyone. " the host retreated back, letting the freshers have their moment.

Krishnangi grinned ear to ear, and nudged Rutuja, " Chal na yaar, let's rock the dance floor. Why are you sulking? Waiting for someone? "

(C'mon buddy)

Rutuja clicked her tongue, " No, it's not like that. Just thinking- where's this Vihaan?)

" You so love him bro. Just confess already. " Krishnangi chuckled, sipping her mocktail.

When she realised that, Rutuja is adamant on waiting for her ' just bestfriend ', she decided to explore the dance floor by herself. It's her first year in this renowned medical college, and she wanted to cherish every moment in this phase of her life.

Krishnangi swayed a little to the bollywood beats, eyeing her bestie Rutuja from the corner of her eyes. Well, she's missing the fun!

The vibration of her phone bring her back to the real world. Her mother's name lighted up the screen, " Hello ma'a- I'm at the fresher's party- " phone pressed to her right ear, she went out of the chaotic club.

Standing under the night sky, outside the entry gate, she hummed as her mother instructed her about things, " Alright, will look after myself. Now I'm hanging up. Love you and good night. "

Pocketing the phone, instead of going inside, she make her way to the parking lot. She'd never been a night owl and realising how late it was, she wanted to rush to her apartment.

An urge to inform Rutuja about her departure crossed her mind but then again, she must've been with Vihaan by now. Engulfed in her thoughts, she didn't notice the silhouettes following her discreetly.

" Where are you going so early girl? The night's still young. " her breath hitched hearing the slurry voice.

Krishnangi turned around to notice two boys. The one's, whom she recognised, tried to bully her during her first day in the college. Ofcourse, she taught them a good lesson by reporting them to the dean. She locked her fingers in a tight fist, " What are you doing here? "

" Getting back at things you know- " one of the boys snickered, " -for the humiliation. You shouldn't have told the dean, kitten. It could've been just between us. "

She step back but voice firm, " You deserved that. Your friend too deserved that slap across his face- " the boys had a dark look marring their features.

" Oh, but Ruhaan don't have the same opinion. He's furious. Afterall, slapped by his own father, in front of the staff, is something that no one prefers- " a girl appeared from the shadows, her heels clicking on the pavement, " -and I want retribution for insulting my boyfriend. " 

Krishnangi knew the girl too well.

" You'll get what you want Nia. And so do we. " his perverted gaze slide down Krishnangi's jeans clad thighs.

Nia smirked bitterly and walked off winking at the boys. Krishnangi, tried to run off, but her strength was less as compared to the two muscled man who's ready to pounce on her. One of them came forward and hold her down on the ground, forcefully. Other, enjoyed the show.

She retched in his hold, scratching, biting, doing anything in her ability to get away but unfortunately, she failed every time. With each thrash her strength decreased. She even tried hitting the guy in his balls.

But his reflex was quick enough and she ended up underneath his mercy. With the remaining energy, she hit him on his chest, but he just laughed and nuzzled in her neck.

The tears that have been stopped, now rolled down her cheek, when she felt a lick on the base of her neck. A sob came out of her throat, as she gave up whatever hope was there in her. Noway she's going to be saved today.

" Give up, kitten. We might be gentle with you. " her eyes closed in submission.

In a second, much to everyone's surprise, the guy who's holding her down was pulled up and thrown to the side. She was wrapped in a warm embrace the next second. Then she heard the hasty retreat of the footsteps.

" You are alright. Nothing is going to happen to you. I'm here, now everything will be fine. " she looked at her saviour, more tears gathering in her eyes.

" Are you hurt somewhere? Bata mujhe. " she hugged him tightly and broke into more sobs.

(Tell me)

Vihaan caressed her back, thanking god for sending him at the right time to check up on her. He dialled Rutuja, calling her to meet them in their apartment.

Tears had dried out by the time Vihaan took her to the their place. Rutuja joined them shortly.

Krishnangi sat numb in her bed, " I know the boys. They're Ruhaan bhai's friends and have been summoned to the Dean's office before too. Records kuch thik nahin hain unke. But trust me, Krish- " he held her hand, " Ruhaan bhai can't even think of doing these kind of cheap things. I know my brother. "

(Their previous records are not good)

Rutuja nodded, " Yes, he can be an asshole sometimes, but he won't do things like this Krish, he won't. "

" I need to use the bathroom- clean myself- the touch, clean it. " Krishnangi made a beeline towards the washroom, face stoic.

Vihaan tried to stop her, but Rutuja held him back, " It's fine, you might need time to cope up with- whatever happened. Talk it out whenever you want, but just remember, if you need anything, we'll always be there for you. " both of them sighed, when their friend again didn't gave out any reaction.

Vihaan noted in his mind to ask his brother about this incident, while Rutuja prayed for her friend to retain the strength to move on from this.

On the other side, Krishnangi locked the door behind her back, sliding down the tiled floor. Closing her eyes, she breathed out shakily. Mist covered her orbs.

That night, the name Ruhaan Sharma was engraved in her mind with a bitter memory, which she can't forget even if she try. And she knew at the moment that, she'll be hating this person more than ever.