Episode 3: Boyfriend Snatcher

The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains as Tariq, Zoya, Shaina, and Mahika gathered around the breakfast table. The atmosphere was tense, each bite of food weighed down by unspoken emotions.

Tariq’s voice broke the silence sharply. “Shaina, why did you snatch Mahika’s boyfriend?”

Mahika smiled confidently, but Shaina’s heart sank, her face twisted in hurt. “What?” she stammered. “Uncle, this girl is lying to you.”

Mahika laughed coldly. “You’re a boyfriend snatcher,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Zoya’s anger flared. “Mahika, keep quiet! Shaina didn’t do anything wrong. She doesn’t even like the boy.”

“That’s not true.” Tariq cut in, his voice firm. “Shaina,Apologize to your sister.”

Shaina’s eyes widened in shock. “Apologize? I will never apologize!” she shouted, grabbing her bag and storming out of the room. Tariq and Mahika exchanged worried glances, while Zoya followed after Shaina, concern etching her face.

Meanwhile, Ranvijay arrived at school on his bike. All the students pointed and laughed at him. Suddenly, Aryan and Yug bumped into him. Ranvijay almost lost control and crashed. Aryan and Yug laughed mockingly and ran away, leaving Ranvijay standing silently, upset.

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*Flashback: Yesterday Night*

Ranvijay was deep in conversation with his father’s personal assistant, Gaurav, about Raj Vikram and Shaina. “That girl will lead me straight to Raj Vikram,” he muttered with a bitter edge, his eyes dark with determination.

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In the parking lot, Zoya quickly caught up with Shaina, gently taking her hands in hers, concern etched across her face.

“Don’t worry, my baby girl,” Zoya whispered soothingly. “Mahika is just young and foolish. She doesn’t know what she’s doing.”

Shaina’s eyes remained clouded with hurt. “I know, Aunt. But why is he siding with her?”

Zoya shook her head softly, trying to ease the sadness. “He’s not, Shaina. Don’t go to school with that heavy heart. Smile, for me.” She pulled Shaina into a warm embrace, holding her tightly. Slowly, a faint smile broke through Shaina’s tears.

“I love you, Aunt,” Shaina murmured as she pulled away and walked off, while Zoya watched her go with a hopeful smile.

Later that afternoon, after class, Shaina found herself confiding in Nithya about Amit.

“I always knew he was in love with you,” Nithya said with a knowing smile.

“Really?” Shaina’s voice trembled with surprise, a flicker of hope igniting inside her.

“Of course. So why did you reject him?” Nithya asked gently.

Shaina looked down, ashamed. “I didn’t reject him. I just left without saying a word.”

Nithya sighed. “That’s the same as rejection.”

Their conversation was cut short by a raucous crowd nearby. Curious, they moved closer and saw a group of students gathered, laughing and jeering. In the middle, Aryan and Yug were pouring water on Ranvijay, who looked soaked and stunned.

Shaina’s protective instincts flared. Without hesitation, she pushed through the crowd and shouted, “Stop it!”

A girl from the crowd sneered, “Shaina, when did you become such a loser?”

Anger flared inside Shaina’s chest. “Hey! Watch your mouth!” she snapped, her voice sharp and unwavering.

Mahika, standing beside the crowd, smirked cruelly. “Is the loser your boyfriend now or what?”

Laughter erupted from the crowd, but Shaina didn’t back down. Instead, she helped Ranvijay to his feet, her eyes burning with quiet defiance.

....

Arjun stood at the doorstep of Neek’s house, a mix of determination and frustration tightening his chest. She had blocked his number, and now her mother, Rashi, was talking to him firmly through the door.

“Go already,” Rashi snapped, her voice sharp with disappointment. “Since you can’t take care of her properly, there’s no point in you being here.”

Arjun took a deep breath. “Aunt, I have the money. I promise, I will get her to Sharda,” he said, his voice steady despite the tension.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Neeks appeared, her eyes shining with excitement. She stepped forward, facing Arjun boldly. “Is that true?” she asked, hope flickering in her voice.

Meanwhile, far away from this confrontation, Shaina was sitting beside Ranvijay, offering him comfort. “Don’t worry about those bullies,” she said softly, her smile gentle yet reassuring.

Ranvijay looked at her, a mix of confusion and gratitude in his eyes. “Why are you defending me?” he asked quietly.

Shaina chuckled, her playful grin lighting up her face. “I’m a superhero,” she teased. “I save people.”

Ranvijay’s face lit up in admiration. “Wow. Can I be your fan?”

“Of course,” Shaina replied, laughing warmly. “I don’t have many fans, so you’re special.”

They shared a genuine moment of laughter. But across the empty classroom, Amit was approaching, his face clouded with pain. Seeing them together, he hesitated, then quietly turned away.

Later, tears streamed down Amit’s face as Mahika walked in. Her heart ached seeing him so vulnerable. “I’m sorry about Shaina,” she whispered, stepping closer.

Amit wiped his tears away quickly, trying to regain control. “I’m not crying because of her,” he said, voice cracking. “Just… please go.”

Mahika’s eyes shimmered with hope. “I can be yours, if you want,” she said softly.

A small, sad smile crossed Amit’s lips. “Really?” he asked, a flicker of something tender in his gaze.

Mahika nodded, but before she could say more, Amit shook his head. “Sorry, Mahika. You’re not my type.” Without another word, he walked away, leaving her standing there, crushed and alone.

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