The night of the traditional day event had come and gone, but the lingering warmth of Nyrah and Vishal's dance echoed in their hearts as they navigated the complexities of their budding relationship.

Next day Nyrah went to her college and got seated in her class. The lecturer started the class but Nyrah found herself lost in thoughts about Vishal during her psychology lectures. Her mind wandered to the warmth of his hand against hers on the dance floor, a memory that made her heart race. Yet, the shadows of her past whispered warnings in her ear, reminding her of the pain and betrayal she had endured. She pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on her friends Kaira and Harshith who were animatedly discussing the psychology competition they had signed up for.

“Nyrah, you’re going to join us, right?” Harshith asked, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. Kaira chimed in, “We need your insights, especially after what happened at the traditional day. You’ve got a perspective that could really bring our project to life!”

The idea of collaborating with Vishal again excited Nyrah, but the fear of being exposed to her past in front of him held her back. “I’ll think about it,” she replied, forcing a smile.

Later that day, as she walked through the bustling campus, she noticed Rohan lingering at the edge of the crowd. He approached her with a confident smile that made Nyrah uneasy. “Hey Nyrah, great job at the event! I was hoping we could hang out sometime. You know, get to know each other better?”

Nyrah’s heart raced, not from excitement, but from anxiety. “Uh, I’m really busy with college work right now,” she stammered, trying to sidestep his advances. Just then, Vishal appeared, his presence radiating warmth and protection. He glanced at Rohan, his expression sharp, then turned to Nyrah, concern etching his features. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just discussing college stuff,” Nyrah said quickly, grateful for Vishal’s timely arrival. Rohan shrugged, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. Vishal and Rohan stared each other before Rohan walked away.

“Thanks for that,” Nyrah breathed, relief washing over her. Vishal smiled, though she could sense an undercurrent of tension in his demeanor. “Don’t let him bother you. You deserve to feel safe here,” he replied, his voice firm with conviction.

Later Nyrah and Vishal went to canteen to catch up with Kaira and Harshith. " So are you excited to work with Nyrah?" asked Kaira to Vishal. He passed a smile towards and Nyrah and says "always,for everything". But Nyrah asked Kaira with confusion visible in her face " You and Harshith were about to participate too. What happened?". Kaira with a faint voice said " I have to go Delhi due to a family emergency and Harshith is accompanying me, but you both can do it and I am sure you will win the competition". Nyrah was feeling uncertain but didn't bother much as Vishal was by her side.

Vishal POV:

This is a good chance for me to get more familiar with Nyrah and it could be a big step for our journey. I hope she feels safe with me and doesn't get uncomfortable. I'll do anything to protect her from the pathetic world and people.

Nyrah POV:

It feels bad that Kaira and Harshith can't be with me but I am glad that I can be with Vishal in this. I am sure we can work together we'll. I don't know why do I feel so safe and secure when he is around. It's like he is ready to protect me from everyone who is against me. I wish I could understand my feelings and detangle them like I detangle my earphones. Wait, what? Earphones? I guess I am mad. I am using random things as metaphor. I have to get into right mind.

Later that evening Vishal and Nyrah decided to meet in a cafe to discuss about the upcoming competition.

Next day they both catch up at a cafe and starts discussing about the competition ideas. " I feel we should give a presentation about bullying. It's an unpopular concept and people don't speak up often thinking society would blame them or won't care about their feelings. These days many children are the victims of bullying. The other don't realise they are bullying their classmates or people who are familiar to them. It would help children to understand the difference between healthy teasing and bullying. Bullying can actually traumatize a kid" said Nyrah. The tears in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by Vishal. He understood her feelings and handed her a glass of water and asked her with a polite tone "Did you get bullied in the school days Nyrah?". Nyrah nodded and gave a faint smile. Vishal realised she was not yet comfortable and ready to speak about it so he tried to distract her and discussed about the competition and later dropped her home.

While leaving Nyrah turned around and said "Thanks Vishal, for staying with me today and not forcing me to say about it. I am really thankful for whatever you did in the past and how you are with me. It means a lot to me." " I would never force you for anything Nyrah. Thank you for coming in to my life and making me happy again" said Vishal. Nyrah was surprised and asked him " But you always smile around people and you did that in the past too.... Before we met". Vishal with a faint smile answered her "People hide many things Nyrah. Sometimes we are not ready to say them out loud and sometimes people are not ready to listen". " I'll always try to be with you Vishal. Maybe I can't do what you did for me but I'll do whatever is possible for me" said Nyrah with a reassuring smile. "You being with me is enough for me. Your existence means everything for me Nyrah" said Vishal and there was silence for a moment, both trying to figure out what exactly they are feeling for eachother.

As they were lost in eachother eyes Nyrah father watched her and called her out. Nyrah was shocked to see her father and asked Vishal to leave immediately. Vishal couldn't force her further and left from there not knowing what Nyrah has to face. Nyrah was walking slowly getting scared what her father would say now as she is well aware how strict he is about talking with boys.

Nyrah entered the house and tried to go her room but got startled when her father shouted on her " Don't you understand when I say you to not talk with guys? Why do you have to be so difficult to handle? You are being such a burden for me?" Nyrah could feel her eyes were getting welled up but she wanted her father to know how much she wanted his love. " I am not difficult to handle dad. I just want your love and trust. He is Vishal and he is a good guy. He didn't do anything wrong. You can even meet him if you wish to, but stop blaming me for everything" Nyrah said with her cracked voice. Her father got more angry and shouted "I wish you were not alive and I wish if you just vanish and never come back in my life. I wish to abandon you" and left her in the living room .

Nyrah got disheartened and rushed to get room,locked her door and started crying.

Nyrah POV:

Am I a bad daughter? Why do I always have to get valued for everything? Why does he hate me so much? I guess he would be happy if I am not with him anymore. He would lead a happy and calm life. I guess I am the chaos in his life. I wish someone loved me and understand my feelings.

Nyrah was crying and later realised her periods has started. She took a hot shower and trying to get relaxed when a notification popped up in her screen. She didn't realise that she was smiling when she saw Vishal have called her and triple texted her.

Nyrah POV:

My bad. It seems I have kept my phone in silent and didn't realise Vishal called me. Why do I have to be so careless about everything? I feel hungry but I can't cook right now. If dad waked up he would put up another fight. I wish I could have pasta. Anyways, let's call Vishal and talk with him. He must be wondering about me not answering his calls.

Nyrah called Vishal and informed him that her phone was in silent. But she was feeling happy that there was someone who was checking on her. While she was lost in her thoughts about Vishal, he asked "Why are you silent ,Nyrah? Is everything fine? What are you thinking about?" Nyrah didn't know what to answer and said in a hurry "I want to eat Pasta, Vishal. But I can't cook now". Nyrah face palmed thinking there would be nothing worse excuse than this. Vishal chuckled and said " it's fine Nyrah,I can bring it for you". " No Vishal,you don't have to worry and come so far. I can manage something" said Nyrah. "This is not a work for me. I would do this happily and you don't worry about the distance. I'll take care of it" said Vishal and cut the call. Nyrah was wondering what he would do.

After 1 hour she got a call from Vishal asking her to come out. She slowly sneaked out and saw Vishal waiting for her with a bag in his hands. "Here,your pasta. From my kitchen to your stomach" said Vishal with a smile. Nyrah blushed and took the bad from his hands. "Did you cook this Vishal, because there would be no restaurants open at this hour" asked Nyrah with surprise in her eyes. Vishal blushed a little and said " Yeah, I have made it for you. I hope you like it". "I am sure it tastes amazing. The smell is so good" said Nyrah. Then Vishal drive away and Nyrah went to her room and enjoyed her pasta.

She didn't know what she would be feeling in the next few days and how would she cope up with them.

Hello Sweet souls, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I will try to update regularly and be consistent from now.

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