The classroom buzzed with murmurs as students packed their bags, eager to leave after the last lecture of the day. The professor stood at the podium, tapping the microphone to get their attention.

"Before you all leave, I have an announcement," he said, clearing his throat. The room quieted down. "As you all know, our annual Cultural Fest is coming up next week. This will be your chance to showcase your talents—whether it's dance, singing, drama, or anything else you want to perform."

Excitement rippled through the classroom, students exchanging glances and whispers.

Anshika turned to Ritika with a knowing smile. "We should sign up for dance."

Ritika grinned. "Obviously. But let's do something different this time—something no one expects from us."

Anshika nodded thoughtfully. "How about a mix? A fusion of classical and modern dance."

Ritika's eyes lit up. "With an instrumental opening—our whole group could join for that part!"

"Exactly," Anshika agreed. "Then you and I will take over with the main dance."

Ritika clapped her hands. "Done! This is going to be amazing."

They were still discussing ideas as they exited the lecture hall. But just as they reached the corridor, a hand shot out, blocking their way.

Anshika's body tensed.

It was him.

The same bully from the canteen—whom Anshika had reported to the principle. He stood there with his usual cocky smirk, his eyes dark with suppressed anger.

"Going somewhere, ladies?" he sneered, looking between them.

Anshika rolled her eyes and stepped forward. "Move."

He chuckled. "You think you can humiliate me in front of everyone and walk away like nothing happened?" His gaze flickered to Anshika full of resentment. "You should have thought twice before laying your hands on me, bitch."

Before Anshika could react, Ritika was already in motion.

She didn't hesitate—her fist flew straight into his stomach.

The guy stumbled back, gasping for breath. The shock in his eyes was almost comical.

"You never learn, do you?" Ritika said, stepping forward again. "Want another lesson?"

A crowd started forming around them, murmuring and whispering excitedly. Fights were rare in college, and this was becoming a spectacle.

The bully, recovering from the blow, growled in frustration and lunged at Ritika. 

Big mistake.

Ritika dodged, grabbed his arm, and twisted it behind his back in one swift motion. He yelled in pain as she pushed him down, his knees nearly buckling.

"You talk big," Ritika taunted, "but you fight like a coward."

The murmurs grew louder. Some students even cheered.

Anshika, while enjoying the scene, quickly realized that this was getting too much attention. If someone reported it, Ritika could get into trouble.

She leaned in close and whispered into Ritika's ear. "Do you want to be exposed?"

Ritika froze.

For a moment, she looked conflicted, her grip still firm on the bully's arm. Then, with a deep breath, she let go.

The guy stumbled away, glaring at both of them. "This isn't over," he spat before storming off, humiliated once again.

Ritika sighed, shaking her head. "He's an idiot."

Anshika smirked. "And you? You're reckless."

Ritika shrugged. "Guilty as charged."

They left the growing crowd behind, laughing as they headed out of the college gates.

At Ritika's House

After the heated encounter, Anshika and Ritika focused on their upcoming performance. This dance had to be perfect.

They spent the evening finalizing their routine—a blend of classical Kathak footwork combined with modern hip-hop elements. The transition would be smooth, the music a mix of traditional Indian instruments with a powerful, upbeat remix.

"We'll start with the entire group on stage," Ritika suggested. "Just the instrumental part—something grand, something that pulls the audience in."

"Then," Anshika added, "we'll take center stage for the fusion dance. We have to make sure the movements are sharp but still have the grace of classical dance."

Ritika nodded. "Exactly. It's going to blow everyone's minds."

By the time they were done planning, it was already late at night.

Anshika glanced at her phone. "Shit, I need to get home."

Ritika's parents had bought a house near college so that she can live there comfortably.

Anshika envied that a little. At least Ritika had parents who cared.

Unlike her.

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