The energy of the freshers' party was still electric as students reveled in the night's festivities. The music pulsed through the venue, and while many were lost in the dance and laughter, a new storm was brewing, one that no one saw coming.
As the effects of the spiked drink slowly started settling in for Shumaila, another drama was already unfolding on the other side of the venue. Riya, still bitter from previous encounters, spotted Komal and seized the opportunity to stir more chaos.
"Oh, look who's here," Riya sneered as she sauntered towards Komal, her voice dripping with venom. "Still acting all high and mighty, huh? Guess you forgot who really owns the spotlight."
Komal, never one to back down from a fight, squared her shoulders and shot back, "You should really work on that insecurity, Riya. It's getting embarrassing."
A small crowd began to gather as the tension crackled between them. Riya's smirk deepened as she played her trump card.
"Oh, you think you're untouchable? Let me enlighten everyone with some fresh gossip." She flipped her hair and dramatically announced, "Did you all know that one of the newly transferred football players is none other than Komal's ex? And guess what? He's planning to propose to her tonight!"
The words struck like a thunderbolt, sending murmurs rippling through the crowd. Komal's face fell, her usual confidence faltering for a brief second before she clenched her jaw.
Siddarth, who had been watching the argument, immediately stepped in. "What the hell is wrong with you, Riya? Why do you always feel the need to dig up dirt just to humiliate someone?"
Riya laughed mockingly, "Oh, look at this! Prince Charming to the rescue! How cute. Siddarth, tell me, are you really defending her? Or do you just hate the fact that she already has someone who wants to make her his? I mean, you're not dating her, right? Let's see what happens when her real boyfriend comes back into the picture?"
The entire group tensed at her words, but before anyone could react, Komal finally spoke up, her voice steady yet dangerous. "Whatever happened between me and my ex is none of your business, Riya. And if he is here to propose, then he's going to be sorely disappointed because that part of my life is over."
Siddarth, his fists clenched, glared at Riya. "You're pathetic. If you think cheap tactics like this are going to break our group, you're dead wrong."
The conversation had drawn the attention of everyone at the party, but before things could escalate further, another situation started unfolding—this time, at Shumaila's table.
The effects of the spiked drink had fully kicked in. Shumaila, who had been holding herself together, suddenly found herself feeling lightheaded, her body uncooperative. Her vision blurred, her head spun, and a strange warmth flooded through her veins.
Taniya, noticing her state, smirked. The moment she had been waiting for had arrived. She leaned toward her minions and whispered, "Time for the real fun."
As if on cue, one of Taniya's friends stepped up to the center of the room. "Let's heat things up with another dare! Since our dear Shumaila has been such a sport tonight, why don't we give her something extra exciting?"
All eyes turned toward Shumaila, who struggled to keep her composure. "What now?" she mumbled, her voice slightly slurred.
Taniya's minion grinned. "How about this? Since you're sitting here all alone, why don't you go up on stage and give a sexy dance performance for everyone?"
Laughter erupted among Taniya's gang as the humiliating dare echoed through the venue. Shumaila blinked, trying to process the words. A heavy haze clouded her mind, making it difficult to think clearly.
Before she could react, the group of minions began egging her on, chanting her name as if challenging her. People in the crowd joined in, oblivious to the cruelty behind the dare.
Hamza, who had been watching from a distance, immediately sensed something was off. His brows furrowed as he saw the way Shumaila's body swayed slightly, how her eyes lacked their usual sharpness.
"Something's wrong," he muttered under his breath. His instincts kicked in as he pushed through the crowd, making his way toward her.
Before things could go any further, the rest of the group also realized what was happening. Sneha, Komal, Aarav, and the others rushed forward, attempting to break through the circle forming around Shumaila.
"That's enough!" Siddarth's voice boomed, silencing some of the noise. "You can't force her to do something like this."
Taniya, feigning innocence, pouted. "Oh, come on, it's just a game! If she's so strong, she should be able to handle a little challenge, right?"
Shumaila tried to stand, but her knees buckled slightly. Before she could stumble, a firm hand grabbed her arm, steadying her.
Hamza.
The entire group, along with the onlookers, froze as Hamza positioned himself in front of her, shielding her from the prying eyes. His jaw clenched, his gaze cold and menacing as he glared at Taniya.
"Back off." His voice was quiet but sharp as a blade.
Taniya's smirk faltered for a second before she regained her composure. "Oh? And what are you, her knight in shining armor now?" she teased, trying to maintain control of the situation.
Hamza ignored her and turned to Shumaila. "Come on, we're leaving." His tone left no room for argument.
Shumaila, still dazed, felt the warmth of his hand around her wrist. She didn't resist. Something about his presence felt… steady, reassuring.
Karan, who had been watching from a distance, clenched his fists. He had been planning to step in and 'save' Shumaila from this situation, but Hamza had beaten him to it. The sight of Hamza being the one to protect her only fueled his irritation.
Meanwhile, Taniya, though annoyed that things hadn't gone as planned, watched the scene unfold with calculating eyes.
"Interesting…" she murmured to herself, an idea forming in her mind. If Hamza was willing to stand up for Shumaila like this, maybe there was another way to use this situation to her advantage later.
As the group quickly ushered Shumaila out of the venue, the night that had started as a party had now turned into something much darker—unraveling new tensions, new rivalries, and new grudges that would soon come to light.