Chapter 10: A Hidden Bond, A Public Fight

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Returning to the hostel brought with it a strange sense of normalcy. But nothing was really normal anymore.

Reet now looked out for Abeer. Abeer now kept an eye on Reet. They didn’t talk much in public. But they noticed every little thing — from where the other was sitting in the class, to what they ate in the canteen, to how late they stayed up at night.

In the canteen, when Reet forgot her water bottle, Abeer quietly picked it up and placed it on her table — without a word. When Abeer skipped dinner because of a long phone call, Reet slid an extra paratha onto his plate and walked away.

They were husband and wife — but no one knew.

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Two Days Later: The Hostel Fair

It was a bright, festive evening. Lights glittered across the school grounds, stalls were everywhere, and students moved about in groups, laughing and chattering.

Preet (excitedly): "Reet! Chal jaldi, fair ke baad movie bhi dikhayenge humein! Outdoor screen laga hai!"

Reet smiled and joined her group. Abeer, with his boys, trailed behind casually but his eyes were already searching — for her.

They all gathered near the open-air movie area. Rows of plastic chairs were arranged in front of a giant white screen.

Abeer sat down in the third row with Arjun and a couple of other friends.

Reet sat ahead in the second row, with Preet beside her. But just behind Reet, in the fourth row, sat a boy Abeer didn’t quite recognize — and didn’t like the way he was leaning in.

The movie started.

Reet tried to focus, but she felt something strange. A hand brushed her back — at first, it felt like a mistake. But it happened again, lower this time, and lingered.

She stiffened. She didn’t say anything. She didn’t want to cause a scene.

But Abeer noticed everything. His gaze had been locked on her — not just out of habit, but protectiveness. And when he saw that boy lean forward again, his jaw clenched.

Abeer stood up. Arjun looked at him.

Arjun: "Kya hua, bhai?"

Abeer (serious): "Kuch nhi bus ek kaam pura karke aata hun ."

He walked up to the boy in the fourth row and tapped his shoulder.

Abeer (firmly): "Tu uth. Tere seat chahiye mujhe."

Boy (confused): "Mere seat? Kyu bhai?"

Abeer (cold and sharper): "Kyunki main keh raha hoon. Ab uth ke jaa."

Boy (challenging): "Nahi jaaunga. Kaunsi badi baat ho gayi?"

The tension rose: Abeer’s fists clenched.

Abeer: "Seedhi tarah uth jaa. Aakhri baar keh raha hoon."

Reet turned, sensing what was happening.

Reet (anxious): "Kya ho raha hai, Abeer? Mat karo... please."

The boy smirked at her, and that was the final trigger.

Abeer grabbed him by the collar.

Abeer (angrily): "Aaj ke baad agar is taraf dekha bhi na, toh haath tod dunga."

Boy (shocked): "Pagal ho gaya hai kya?!"

Others started turning to look. Preet stood up in shock. A few teachers from the back began to approach.

Reet (whispering, urgent): "Abeer, please... mat karo yeh sab. Sab dekh rahe hain."

Abeer released his grip with one hard shove. The boy stumbled back into his seat.

The teachers arrived.

Teacher: "What is going on here?"

Abeer (calm but cold): "Nothing, sir. Just a seat misunderstanding."

Teacher: "Sort it quietly, or we’ll send you both back to the hostel."

Reet looked down. Abeer sat down beside her. Neither spoke a word. But his presence now sat like a wall between her and that boy.

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That night, when they returned to the hostel building, Reet stopped outside the staircase and looked at Abeer.

Reet (softly): "Thank you..."

Abeer didn’t respond. He just gave a small nod and walked ahead.

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Thank you for reading Chapter 10!💫

Will Reet begin to see Abeer differently now? Will their bond finally start to grow beyond a secret?

See you in Chapter 11!✨