Anshika's grandmother house 

The soft glow of the early morning sun peeked through the thin curtains, casting warm patterns across the room. The scent of old books, sandalwood, and freshly brewed chai lingered in the air, a familiar comfort that belonged only to this house—the only place where Anshika ever truly felt at peace.

She turned in her sleep, but before she could drift back into the warmth of her dreams, a voice broke through the silence.

"Anshika! Wake up, beta," her Daddi's voice called from the doorway. "You need to go home. You always end up here."

Anshika groaned softly, rubbing her eyes as she forced herself to sit up. The weight of reality settled back onto her shoulders, dragging her away from the temporary safety of her grandmother's home.

"I was just missing you, Daddi," she said, stretching her arms above her head.

Her Daddi sighed, shaking her head with a knowing smile. "You're always missing me, but that doesn't mean you can avoid your own house forever."

Anshika didn't reply. What could she say? That she was tired of going back to a house that never felt like home? That every time she stepped inside, the walls closed in, suffocating her with the weight of expectations, disappointments, and cold indifference?

She didn't need to explain. Her Daddi already knew.

Instead of arguing, Anshika forced a small smile and hugged her grandmother tightly before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. By the time she stepped out, she had perfected the act of pretending everything was fine.

After slipping into a casual pair of jeans and a simple white top, she grabbed her bag and car keys. She checked her phone—already running late.

"Bye, Daddi!" she called as she rushed out the door.

"Drive safe, beta!"

She inhaled deeply before stepping outside, letting the crisp morning air calm her restless thoughts.

The Drive to College

On her way, she stopped by her best friend Ritika's house. As always, Ritika was already waiting by the gate, arms crossed, her foot tapping impatiently.

"You're late," Ritika complained as she slid into the car.

"Good morning to you too," Anshika muttered, rolling her eyes.

Ritika smirked. "Bad morning, huh? I can tell when you're in one of your moods."

Anshika didn't respond. She just focused on the road ahead, trying to shake off the unease that always crept in whenever she had to return to her parents' house.

The rest of the ride was filled with Ritika's chatter about assignments, weekend plans, and a new guy in college that everyone was talking about. Anshika barely paid attention, nodding at the right moments, letting Ritika's words fill the silence in her head.

At College

The morning passed in a blur of lectures and endless note-taking. By the time lunch break arrived, Anshika was more than ready for a distraction.

She sat with her group of friends in the crowded canteen, laughing at Ritika's ridiculous jokes and stealing fries from her plate. For a moment, she felt normal.

But normalcy was never meant to last.

As they exited the canteen, a small crowd caught her attention. A group of students stood near the staircase, their murmurs filled with amusement and mockery.

Anshika's eyes narrowed as she spotted the source of their entertainment—a boy, barely taller than her, pressed against the wall. His fists were clenched, but his shoulders were shaking. Three older students stood around him, their smirks dripping with cruelty.

"Look at that," Anshika muttered to Ritika. "Some so-called strong people trying to prove their strength by bullying someone weaker."

Ritika sighed. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

Anshika didn't answer. She was already moving.

She pushed through the crowd, stepping directly between the bullies and their victim. "Is there a problem here?" she asked, her voice firm.

One of the bullies scoffed. "This is none of your business, sweetheart."

Anshika crossed her arms. "Funny, because it looks like you're making it everyone's business."

The crowd murmured in agreement. The bullies exchanged looks, clearly annoyed by the unwanted attention.

Anshika pulled out her phone. "I suggest you walk away unless you want to explain this to the principal."

That was enough to make them hesitate. With a few curses under their breath, they walked off, leaving their victim behind. The boy gave Anshika a grateful look. "Thank you," he said softly.

"Next time, don't let them see your fear," she advised before walking away.

Ritika caught up to her, shaking her head. "You're always looking for trouble."

Anshika smirked. "Trouble finds me first."

At her Parent's House

By the time college was over, Anshika knew she had no choice but to go back to her parents' house.

The moment she stepped inside, the warmth of Daddi's home vanished.

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Things will get interesting from chapter 3.