The news had spread like wildfire.
By the time Shumaila stepped onto campus the next morning, whispers and judgmental glances followed her like shadows. Students murmured in hushed tones, their eyes flickering toward her before quickly looking away. Some weren't even trying to be subtle.
"She actually did that to Hamza? Damn, that's low."
"I heard she completely betrayed him. Took his project and handed it to Karan."
"Guess she's not as tough as she acts. Just another backstabber."
Walking beside her, Komal and Akansha exchanged uneasy glances. "This doesn't seem good," Akansha muttered under her breath. "People are actually buying into this nonsense."
Komal scoffed, crossing her arms. "Figures. They'd rather believe a juicy scandal than the truth. It's ridiculous."
But despite the growing rumors, Shumaila's face remained cold, impassive. If the stares and whispers were affecting her, she didn't show it.
"Let them talk," she said indifferently. "They'll get bored eventually."
Akansha frowned. "Are you sure you'll be okay? We can skip class today."
Shumaila shook her head. "No need. You two go. I'll handle this."
Before they could protest further, she turned on her heel and walked toward her class alone, head held high.
As Shumaila made her way through the corridor, the judgmental glances only seemed to intensify. It was as if she had become some kind of villain overnight.
And then, she spotted him.
Hamza.
Standing by the lockers, talking to a couple of his classmates, his posture was tense, but his face was unreadable.
For a brief moment, their eyes met across the hallway.
A fresh wave of anger surged through Shumaila's veins. Without breaking stride, she walked straight toward him, stopping just close enough for her words to reach him but far enough to make it clear she had no intention of staying.
"Well, congratulations," she said coldly. "I hope you're satisfied now."
Hamza stiffened. "What—"
"You wanted to ruin my reputation? You got what you wanted." Her voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable sharpness beneath it. "Enjoy it while it lasts."
She didn't give him the chance to respond, turning on her heel and walking off before he could utter another word.
Hamza's jaw tightened as he watched her disappear down the hallway. A part of him wanted to stop her—to argue, to demand more answers—but his pride, his lingering anger, wouldn't let him.
"She has some nerve," he muttered under his breath.
"I know, right?" a familiar voice chimed in.
Hamza turned to see Taniya approaching, her expression painted with false sympathy. "I mean, I always knew she had an ego, but this? Betraying you like that? Even I wouldn't have stooped that low."
Hamza didn't respond, his fists still clenched at his sides.
Taniya tilted her head. "Look, I won't lie—I've caused my share of problems for your group, but I never would've done something like that to you. What she did? That was just cruel."
Hamza exhaled sharply, still saying nothing.
Taniya's lips curled slightly. "I get it. You're pissed. You have every right to be. So, if you ever need someone who actually has your back... well, let's just say I wouldn't mind being friends."
Hamza hesitated only for a second before nodding. "Fine."
It wasn't a deep commitment. It wasn't trust. It was anger. And right now, that was enough.
By midday, students were called to the university's auditorium for a mandatory seminar on 'Career Development & Future Prospects.' It was the kind of event most students didn't care for, but attendance was compulsory.
The group had already gathered inside, securing seats together.
"Where's Hamza?" Rudra asked, scanning the room. "I saved him a seat."
"He'll come," Siddarth muttered, arms crossed. "Maybe."
Moments later, Hamza entered.
Rudra spotted him immediately and waved toward the empty seat beside him. "Yo, over here!"
But Hamza didn't even glance in their direction.
Instead, he walked right past them and headed straight toward Taniya, sliding into the empty seat beside her.
The group fell silent, exchanging stunned glances.
"Tell me I did not just see what I think I saw," Komal said, blinking in disbelief.
"You saw it," Sneha muttered, crossing her arms.
Aarav exhaled sharply. "What the hell is he doing?"
Shumaila, who had been silent, let out a dry laugh, shaking her head. "And yet, I'm the traitor? Look at his damn tactics."
The tension remained thick as the seminar went on, but no one was paying attention anymore. Their focus was elsewhere—on the growing fracture within their group.
The moment the seminar ended, Rudra wasted no time. He caught up to Hamza in the hallway, grabbing his arm before he could leave.
"We need to talk."
Hamza turned, his expression unreadable. "What?"
Rudra frowned. "Are you serious, man? Taniya? You ignored the entire group for her?"
Hamza scoffed. "I don't owe anyone an explanation."
"Bullshit!" Rudra snapped. "You think throwing yourself into Taniya's corner is going to make anything better? You think that's going to fix whatever mess this is?"
Hamza's eyes darkened. "I don't need to 'fix' anything. Shumaila made her choice. Now I'm making mine."
Rudra clenched his jaw. "This isn't just about you and her anymore, Hamza. You're cutting yourself off from all of us."
Hamza crossed his arms. "Maybe that's for the best."
Rudra stared at him, searching his face for any sign that this was just anger talking. But Hamza looked serious.
After a long moment, Rudra exhaled and shook his head. "You're making a mistake."
Hamza didn't flinch. "Then let me make it."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Rudra standing there alone, frustration simmering beneath the surface.
And just like that, the cracks within their group deepened further.