As the group entered the college to make inquiries and explore the campus, they were struck by the beauty of their surroundings. The sprawling green lawns, meticulously landscaped gardens, and sleek, modern buildings created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

“Mujhe toh yahi admission chaiye… kitna sundar campus hai…” Isha said, her voice filled with awe as she took in the picturesque setting.

“Pehle dekh toh lo acche se, abhi toh aaye hain…” Akshat teased, a playful smirk on his face. His comment elicited laughter from the group, lightening the mood.

“Chalo yaar, kitna timepass karenge abhi…” Vaidehi said, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of curiosity and impatience.

“Haan…” Vrinda agreed, as they moved towards the classrooms to interact with the staff and gather information about the admission process.

After their questions were answered and they had gathered ample information about the college, they decided it was time to check off the next college on their list.

“Chalo abb… next college dekhte hai…” Anish suggested, his enthusiasm evident.

“Suno na… maine na aate waqt ek panipuri ka thela dekha tha, chalo na kha ke aate hain…” Vaidehi whispered conspiratorially to Isha and Vrinda. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and the other two girls nodded in agreement without hesitation.

“Ruko, main Anish ko bata ke aati hoon abhi,” Vrinda said, about to leave the group.

“Are yaar, itna kya usse puchna hai? Hum abhi aa jayenge wapas. Agar hum bata denge na, toh pakka Shriyan mana karega, pura plan kharab ho jayega…” Vaidehi interrupted, her voice filled with urgency.

“Kyuu… Shriyan kyun mana karega?” Isha asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Kuch nahi, aise hi kaha… chalo na…” Vaidehi urged, her eyes pleading.

“Nahi, pehle bata…” Vrinda said, her curiosity now clearly evident.

“Thik hai, batati hoon… par pehle promise karo main bata dungi toh tum dono chaloge…” Vaidehi said, her voice serious.

“Haan, thik hai, batao,” Isha said, nodding in agreement.

“Promise…” Vrinda said, holding out her hand to seal the deal.

Vaidehi took a deep breath and said, “Woh mujhe na kal thoda sa fever tha… toh Shriyan ko pata lag gaya aur usse lagta hai ki yeh sab bahar ke khane se ho gaya hai… par sach mein aisa kuch nahi hai… aur thoda sa fever tha… usne badha chadha diya… chalo na abb…”

“Accha thik hai, chalo jaldi,” Isha agreed, her voice resolute.

The girls slipped away discreetly, avoiding the attention of the boys who were engrossed in their discussion about the college and the next stop on their list.

At the panipuri stall, Isha called out to the vendor, “Bhaiya, panipuri dijiye… 3.”

As they waited for their order, the boys—Anish, Akshat, and Shriyan—finished their conversation and realized that the girls were missing. Concerned, Anish and Akshat began searching for them, their worry mounting with each passing minute.

“Ruko, main abhi Vrinda ko call lagata hoon…” Anish said, pulling out his phone and dialing Vrinda’s number.

“Koi zaroorat nahi hai…” Shriyan said abruptly, his tone firm.

“Kya bol raha hai tu…” Akshat asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

“Are, mujhe pata hai woh kahan hain…” Shriyan said, placing a reassuring hand on Akshat’s shoulder. “Tum dono bas mere saath chalo…”

Without waiting for further explanation, Shriyan led the way, with Anish and Akshat following closely behind, their concern growing with every step they took.

Meanwhile, the girls were relishing their panipuri. Vaidehi, still hungry, decided to order another plate. Vrinda and Isha tried to dissuade her, their concern evident.

“Are yaar, kuch nahi hota…” Vaidehi insisted, her determination clear.

Just as she was about to take her first bite of the second plate, Shriyan appeared abruptly in front of her, causing her to freeze in shock. Vaidehi managed a strained smile, her posture rigid. Shriyan’s expression was a mix of irritation and concern.

“Tum yeh kya kar rahi ho?” Shriyan asked, his voice tense and serious, cutting through the bustling noise of the stall.

“Woh… yeh… dono mujhe le aayi hain, main toh nahi bol rahi thi…” Vaidehi stammered, her gaze fixed on the ground, unable to meet Shriyan’s eyes.

“Hum…” Vrinda and Isha said simultaneously, their voices overlapping in the tense atmosphere.

“Nahi… Matlab… woh…” Vaidehi’s voice trailed off, her words failing her under Shriyan’s intense scrutiny.

“Chup… Mujhe sab pata hai… tum inhe lekar aayi ho, yeh tumhe nahi…” Shriyan said, his tone firm and unyielding.

“Pr… tumhe kaise pata hum yaha aaye hain…” Isha asked, glancing at Anish for any possible clues.

“Woh, maine college main enter karte waqt dekha tha aur mujhe pata tha Vaidehi zaroor kuch karegi… bas mujhe aane mein thoda late ho gaya…” Shriyan explained, his gaze fixed on Vaidehi, who continued to look down.

“Sorry…” Vaidehi said softly, finally raising her eyes to meet Shriyan’s.

“Kya… mujhe kuch sunai nahi diya…” Shriyan said, though he had heard every word clearly.

“Sorry…” Vaidehi repeated, her voice a bit louder, but still tinged with anxiety.

“Abhi mujhe kuch sunai nahi de raha…” Shriyan said, his voice steady but firm.

“Sorryyy…” Vaidehi said, her voice rising in frustration as she looked directly into Shriyan’s eyes. The conversation was now drawing the attention of those around them, who watched in silence.

“Tumhari tabiyat kharab ho jati hai isliye kaha tha kuch bahar ka mat khana…” Shriyan said, his tone softening slightly, revealing a hint of concern.

“Accha, main aisa phir nahi karungi… sorry kaha na, chalo abb…” Vaidehi said, her voice filled with resignation.

“Thik hai, chalo…” Shriyan said, paying for the panipuri they had eaten, his expression softening as he did so.

As they left the stall, Vaidehi muttered to herself, “Waise itna kya hua tha… bas thoda sa toh kha rahi thi main… sabke samne bol diya…”

“Chalo chalein,” Shriyan said, taking his bike and positioning it for Vaidehi to sit behind him.

The group continued to explore the remaining campuses and visit the ones they had shortlisted. By the time they wrapped up their visit, it was around 4 PM. They decided to take a break and enjoy some coffee. As they settled into a café and sipped their drinks, discussing the events of the day, Vrinda’s phone rang. Her face went pale as she listened, her expression turning to one of sheer shock and fear.

“Kya hua, Senorita… itni tense kyu lag rahi ho?” Anish asked, his voice laced with concern.

“Woh… main…” Vrinda struggled to speak, her shock leaving her nearly paralyzed.

“Bolo, Senorita… Main hoon tumhare saath, kya hua hai?” Anish asked, his anxiety palpable as he reached out to her.

Vrinda’s lips moved, but no words came out. The sudden and severe shock had left her unable to communicate.