Episode 2: Aftermath

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The sun had barely risen when the silence in the Kapoor household was shattered by shouting.

Pooja, dressed in her school uniform and tying her hair in front of the mirror, froze mid-motion. The loud voices—her parents’—echoed from the living room. She clenched her fists, already knowing what she’d find, but hoping—just hoping—that this morning would be different.

She stepped out quietly, heart thudding. From the hallway, she could hear her father's angry tone rising and her mother's soft, pleading voice. As she peeked into the living room, her breath caught.

Her mother, Suhana, lay on the floor, crying, while her father, Amit, stood over her, gripping a leather belt. His expression was hard and unfeeling, a stark contrast to the pain in Suhana’s eyes. The belt… had been used.

Pooja rushed to her mother, kneeling beside her.

“Mum… are you okay?” she asked, her voice shaking.

Suhana wiped her tears quickly and forced a small, broken smile. “I’m fine, beta,” she whispered, nodding. But Pooja could see the truth written all over her mother’s bruised face.

“Go to school,” Suhana added softly, her voice weak but firm.

Before Pooja could respond, Amit appeared and roughly grabbed her hand. “Enough delays. Get in the car,” he said coldly.

She didn’t resist. As he drove her to school, the ride was silent. Just as she stepped out, Amit muttered, “Have a nice day. Study well.” Then he drove off without another word.

Pooja stood there for a moment, her schoolbag feeling heavier than ever. Her heart ached, but she forced herself to walk toward the building.

Meanwhile, things were shifting at Hallmark High. Principal Kajol had been dismissed by her superiors—word had spread like wildfire. Her once-feared reign was over. In her place stood the newly appointed Principal Mukesh, a man known for discipline and fairness. But Pooja barely noticed; her mind was still at home.

On the other side of the school gates, Kareena and her gang were waiting. Palak, Saif, Munni, and Raghav stood with arms crossed, all eyes fixed on the path ahead.

“There she is,” Kareena muttered, her lips curling into a smirk.

Pooja appeared at the entrance, walking beside her only true friend—Meera Sinha. The two girls talked quietly, unaware of the trap ahead.

“There’s our little star,” Kareena sneered sarcastically, stepping forward.

Pooja stopped in her tracks, her eyes meeting Kareena’s. Meera stood beside her protectively, sensing trouble.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Kareena said, flipping her hair. “We just wanted to welcome you properly.”

The gang chuckled.

Pooja swallowed hard, bracing herself. It was going to be another long day.

Meera knelt down beside Pooja, her eyes filled with regret. "We’re so sorry, Kareena. She didn’t know what she was doing," Meera pleaded softly, hoping to calm the angry girl.

Kareena’s eyes flashed with fury, but Meera’s sincere apology seemed to have an effect. Slowly, Kareena’s friends stopped laughing, and the tension in the air thickened.

Kareena sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, Meera, you’re so convincing." She looked down at Pooja, who stood frozen, confusion and hurt battling across her face. "Tell your little friend to apologize," Kareena demanded.

Pooja’s heart pounded fiercely. She felt shock and despair wash over her, unable to find the words to respond. The cruel mockery stung deeper than she expected.

Meanwhile, in a quieter corner, Suhana confided in her friend Swara about the turmoil at home. Her voice trembled as she spoke, the weight of her secret heavy on her shoulders.

"Swara," Suhana whispered, tears brimming in her eyes, "you have to help me. Amit’s anger… it’s getting worse. I don’t know how much longer I can take it."

Swara’s face hardened with concern. "You need to leave him, Suhana. Divorce him before things get even worse."

Suhana shook her head fiercely, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No, if I do, Pooja will be devastated. She’s already struggling… seeing him hit me every day breaks her too."

Swara’s heart clenched at the admission. She knew this was only the beginning of a long, painful journey for them both.

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