The next day, Sara was determined to get the task over with. After a long night of working on Shubman's assignment, she finally had it ready. The whole situation still irked her, but a promise was a promise, and she wasn't one to go back on her word.

She headed to the college early, hoping to catch Shubman before classes started. As she walked through the corridors, her eyes scanned the groups of students, looking for any sign of him. Eventually, she spotted him leaning against the wall near the entrance, engrossed in a conversation with Abhishek.

Taking a deep breath, Sara squared her shoulders and approached them. Shubman noticed her first, his expression neutral as she walked up to him. Abhishek gave her a friendly nod, but it was Shubman who spoke first.

"Sara," he acknowledged, his tone indifferent. "What's up?"

Sara held out the assignment, her gaze steady. "Here's your assignment. I finished it last night."

Shubman glanced at the papers in her hand, then back at her. For a moment, there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes, but he quickly masked it. He took the assignment from her without a word, briefly skimming through it.

"Thanks," he said curtly, tucking the papers into his bag.

Sara hesitated, feeling the need to say something more. "Look, Shubman, I know you didn't ask for this... arrangement. But I'm not your enemy, okay? I didn't mean to cause any trouble with that post."

Shubman's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing as he looked at her. "Just don't do anything like that again," he said, his voice low. "I don't need more complications."

Sara nodded, understanding the underlying frustration in his words. "I won't. I'm sorry about what happened. I'll try to stay out of your way."

Before Shubman could respond, Abhishek chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, don't worry, Sara. Shub's just grumpy in the mornings. You did a good job on the assignment. Maybe he'll start to appreciate having you around."

Shubman shot Abhishek a look that clearly said "not helping," but Abhishek just grinned. Sara couldn't help but smile faintly at Abhishek's attempt to ease the tension.

"Well, I'll see you both in class," Sara said, turning to leave.

As she walked away, she could feel Shubman's eyes on her, but she didn't look back. She had done her part, and for now, that was enough.

During the break, Sara was walking down the hallway, lost in thought. She was still trying to wrap her head around the morning's encounter with Shubman when suddenly, she felt a rough hand grab her arm. Startled, she looked up to see a group of boys, their faces twisted in smirks that sent a chill down her spine.

"Hey, Sara," one of them sneered. "Why don't you come with us? We just want to talk."

Before she could react, they pulled her into an empty classroom, shutting the door behind them. Panic surged through her as she struggled to free herself, but their grips were strong.

"Let me go!" she shouted, her voice trembling.

The boys laughed, the sound cruel and mocking. "Don't be like that," one of them said, stepping closer. "We just want to have some fun. It's not like anyone's going to find us here."

Sara's heart pounded in her chest as fear took hold. She tried to push them away, but they were too strong. Just as one of them reached out to touch her, the classroom door burst open with a loud crash.

Shubman stood in the doorway, his expression dark and furious. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The boys froze, clearly not expecting anyone to interrupt. Shubman stepped forward, his presence intimidating. "Get away from her. Now."

One of the boys, trying to save face, scoffed. "What's it to you, Gill? This is none of your business."

But Shubman's glare was enough to make them think twice. He moved closer, his fists clenched, ready to throw a punch if necessary. "I said, get away from her. Or I'll make you regret it."

The tension in the room was thick, but the boys finally realized they were no match for Shubman. Reluctantly, they released Sara and backed away, their bravado quickly fading. They muttered curses under their breath as they hurried out of the room, casting nervous glances at Shubman.

As soon as they were gone, the adrenaline that had been keeping Sara together began to ebb away, leaving her shaken. She collapsed onto the floor, her legs no longer able to support her.

Shubman immediately crouched down beside her, his expression softening. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentler now.

Sara nodded, but the tears she had been holding back started to fall. She couldn't control them anymore. Without thinking, she threw her arms around Shubman, hugging him tightly. All the fear, the relief, and the overwhelming emotions she had been feeling poured out in her sobs.

Shubman stiffened at first, clearly not used to being hugged like this, but then he slowly wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He didn't say anything, just let her cry into his chest, offering silent comfort.

Sara clung to him, feeling safe in his arms, the terror of what had almost happened finally sinking in. She couldn't stop the tears, and for a moment, she didn't care that she was breaking down in front of him. She just needed to feel that someone was there for her.

"It's okay," Shubman murmured, his voice soft and soothing. "You're safe now. I've got you."

Sara nodded against his chest, her sobs gradually subsiding. She didn't know how long they stayed like that, but eventually, she pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice still shaky. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up."

Shubman looked at her, his expression serious but filled with concern. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad I got here in time."

For a moment, they just sat there, the tension of the past few minutes slowly fading. Sara felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Shubman, realizing that beneath his tough exterior, there was someone who cared, someone who would protect her.

Finally, Shubman stood up, offering her his hand. "Let's get out of here," he said. "You shouldn't be alone right now."

Sara took his hand, allowing him to help her to her feet. As they left the classroom together, she couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for Shubman—and perhaps, just perhaps, the beginning of something more.

Later that day, Sara was trying her best to focus on the lecture, but she could feel the familiar, gnawing pain in her lower abdomen. Her period had started, and the cramps were hitting her hard. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling increasingly weak and nauseous.

As the minutes dragged on, it became harder to concentrate on anything the professor was saying. Her vision blurred slightly, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. She wrapped her arms around her middle, trying to ease the pain, but nothing seemed to help.

Shubman, sitting a few seats away, couldn't help but notice how pale Sara had become. She looked like she was struggling, and something about the way she was hunched over caught his attention. His usual indifference gave way to concern as he kept glancing at her, trying to figure out what was wrong.

When the lecture finally ended, Sara slowly gathered her things, moving with a lethargy that was unlike her. She stood up, but the moment she did, a wave of dizziness washed over her, making her stagger slightly.

Shubman, who had been keeping an eye on her, saw this and immediately walked over. "Sara," he called, his voice low but firm. "What's wrong with you?"

Sara looked up at him, her face pale and drawn. "It's nothing," she said weakly, trying to put on a brave face. "Just... cramps. I'll be fine."

But Shubman wasn't convinced. He could see she was in real pain, and something about the way she was trying to brush it off didn't sit right with him. "You don't look fine," he said bluntly. "You're really pale. You need to sit down."

Sara opened her mouth to protest, but another sharp cramp made her wince, and she couldn't help but clutch her stomach. Shubman frowned, his concern growing. Without another word, he gently took her arm and guided her to a nearby bench just outside the classroom.

"Sit here," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Sara sank onto the bench, grateful for the support but still embarrassed that he had to see her like this. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, feeling vulnerable. "I didn't mean to make a scene."

Shubman shook his head, his expression softening. "You don't have to apologize. You should have said something earlier."

Sara nodded slightly, pressing her hand against her abdomen in an attempt to ease the discomfort. "I didn't want to bother anyone," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You're not bothering anyone," Shubman said, sitting down next to her. "You're in pain, and that's nothing to be ashamed of."

For a moment, they sat in silence. Sara was touched by his unexpected kindness, especially after everything that had happened between them. She had never seen this side of him before—this side that was caring and attentive.

Shubman glanced at her, his brows furrowed with concern. "Do you need anything? Water? Medicine?"

Sara shook her head. "I have some painkillers in my bag, but... I just need to rest for a bit. I'll be okay."

Shubman nodded, but he didn't move away. Instead, he stayed there, keeping her company in the quiet hallway. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to Sara. She hadn't expected this kind of support from him, and it made her feel a little less alone.

After a few minutes, Shubman spoke again, his voice softer this time. "If you need to go home, I can help you get there."

Sara looked at him, surprised by the offer. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it made her realize that maybe, just maybe, Shubman wasn't as cold and distant as he seemed.

"Thank you," she said, her voice full of gratitude. "I think I'll be okay in a bit. But... I really appreciate it."

Shubman simply nodded, and they sat there in companionable silence, the distance between them slowly closing as they began to see each other in a new light.

As they sat on the bench, the minutes stretched out, with neither of them feeling the need to break the silence. Sara's breathing gradually steadied, and the pain, though still present, became more manageable. She looked at Shubman, who was watching her with a quiet intensity, concern still etched on his face.

"I think I can manage now," Sara said softly, attempting to stand up. But the moment she tried, another wave of dizziness hit her, and she stumbled.

Shubman was at her side in an instant, steadying her with a firm grip. "You're not walking home like this," he said, his tone leaving no room for debate. "I'll drop you."

Sara hesitated, her initial instinct to refuse, but the truth was, she wasn't sure she could make it home on her own. The thought of trying to get through the rest of the day in this state seemed impossible. Finally, she nodded. "Okay... Thank you."

They left the campus together, and Shubman guided her to his car, opening the passenger door for her. Sara settled into the seat, her body still weak but her heart oddly lightened by Shubman's unexpected kindness.

The drive to Sara's house was quiet, the silence between them comfortable, almost soothing. Sara leaned her head against the window, watching the scenery pass by, but her thoughts were focused on the boy sitting next to her. She'd never imagined that the aloof and seemingly unapproachable Shubman Gill could be so considerate.

When they reached her house, Shubman parked the car and turned to her. "Do you need help getting inside?" he asked, his concern still evident.

Sara shook her head, offering him a small smile. "I'll be fine from here. Thank you, Shubman. You didn't have to do all this, but... I really appreciate it."

Shubman looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Just take care of yourself, okay? Don't push yourself too hard."

Sara hesitated, biting her lip as she gathered the courage to say what was on her mind. "Shubman," she began, her voice a little shaky. "Can I ask you something?"

He raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"

She took a deep breath. "Can we... can we be friends? I know we haven't exactly gotten along before, but after today... I just feel like there's more to you than what I first thought."

Shubman's expression softened, and for a moment, he seemed to be considering her words. Finally, he gave a slight smile, one that made him look more approachable than she'd ever seen him. "Yeah, we can be friends," he said, his tone sincere.

Sara's smile widened, a sense of relief washing over her. "Thank you," she said again, feeling like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

As she stepped out of the car, she turned back to him one last time. "I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

Shubman nodded. "Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, Sara made her way inside, feeling exhausted but oddly content. She never thought she'd find herself befriending Shubman Gill, but today had shown her that people could surprise you in the best possible ways.

Shubman returned home after dropping Sara off, the quiet of his house once again enveloping him as he stepped inside. The stillness was something he usually relished, a reprieve from the constant noise of his public life, but tonight it felt different—almost suffocating.

He tossed his keys onto the kitchen counter and made his way to his room, his mind still replaying the events of the day. The look of pain on Sara's face, her vulnerability, and the way she'd trusted him to help her had left an unexpected mark on him. He wasn't used to people depending on him for anything other than cricket, and even less to being the one who offered comfort.

He sat on the edge of his bed, running a hand through his hair. The room was dimly lit, the shadows creeping along the walls, a stark contrast to the brightness that seemed to follow Sara wherever she went. Shubman had spent so long in the darkness of his own mind, haunted by his secrets and the weight of his unresolved anger, that the idea of someone like Sara entering his life felt almost surreal.

As he stared at the floor, his thoughts began to spiral. "Could she be the light I've been searching for?" he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible in the silence. "Could she pull me out of this darkness?"

The idea was both terrifying and tantalizing. He had kept everyone at arm's length for so long, convinced that no one could understand the turmoil that plagued him. But Sara... there was something about her, something that made him feel like he could breathe a little easier when she was around.

He sighed, leaning back against the headboard, his eyes closing as he allowed himself to consider the possibility. "What if she's the one who can help me escape this... this darkness?" he whispered, almost afraid to speak the words aloud.

But as much as he wanted to believe it, there was a part of him that resisted. He was so used to hiding behind his walls, to keeping his emotions in check, that the idea of letting someone in—especially someone as kind and warm as Sara—felt like a risk he wasn't sure he could take.

Shubman opened his eyes, staring up at the ceiling as if it held the answers he was searching for. "She doesn't deserve to be dragged into this," he muttered, his tone conflicted. "But... maybe she's what I need. Maybe she's the light that can finally chase away these shadows."

His mind was a battlefield of doubt and hope, each thought clashing with the next. He knew he couldn't keep living in the darkness forever, but the fear of what might happen if he let someone in was overwhelming.

For now, all he could do was wait and see if the light that Sara brought into his life would be strong enough to banish the darkness that had held him captive for so long.

Shubman remained in his room, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him like a heavy blanket. He had never been one to dwell on emotions, preferring to bury them deep beneath layers of indifference and focus on the things he could control—his cricket, his public image, the carefully curated life he allowed others to see. But today, something had shifted.

He sat up, rubbing his hands over his face, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in his chest. "What am I doing?" he muttered to himself, frustrated. "I'm losing focus, getting distracted by things that shouldn't matter." But even as he said the words, he knew they weren't true. It did matter. Sara mattered. And that was what scared him the most.

His thoughts drifted back to the look in her eyes when she'd asked him if they could be friends. There had been a vulnerability there, a tentative hope that he hadn't expected. He had seen how she struggled with her own issues, yet there was a strength in her—a light that seemed to shine through despite everything. And for the first time in a long time, Shubman had felt a spark of something he had almost forgotten—hope.

But hope was dangerous. Hope could lead to disappointment, to pain, to the very emotions he had spent years trying to avoid. He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar surge of anger rise within him, the anger that had been his constant companion, the thing that kept the world at bay.

"She's just a girl," he told himself, his voice rough with frustration. "Just another person who'll eventually see the mess I am and walk away. Why should I let her in?"

But even as he tried to convince himself, he knew he was lying. Sara wasn't just another person. There was something about her that drew him in, something that made him want to be better, to fight the darkness that had consumed him for so long.

He stood up abruptly, pacing the room, trying to outrun the thoughts that were chasing him. "This is stupid," he hissed, angry at himself for even entertaining the idea that she could be the one to change things for him. "She doesn't know anything about me, about what I've done, about the things that haunt me every night. How could she possibly help?"

But deep down, in the quietest part of his mind, there was a whisper of doubt. Maybe, just maybe, she could. Maybe Sara was the person who could see past his defenses, who could reach the parts of him that he had hidden away for so long. But that meant letting her in, and the thought of that vulnerability terrified him.

Shubman stopped pacing, his breath coming in short, sharp bursts as he wrestled with his emotions. "I can't do this," he whispered, the fear and uncertainty overwhelming him. "I can't let her see me like this."

But even as he spoke the words, he knew he was already too late. Sara had already started to slip through the cracks in his armor, and no matter how hard he tried to push her away, she had found her way into his thoughts, into his life.

He sank back onto the bed, his head in his hands, feeling more lost than he had in a long time. He wanted to push her away, to protect himself from the pain he knew would come if he let her in. But at the same time, there was a part of him—a small, fragile part—that wanted to hold onto her light, to see if it could finally banish the darkness that had held him captive for so long.

"Maybe... maybe she could be the one," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Maybe she could help me find my way out."

But as he sat there, alone in the dark, the doubts and fears continued to swirl around him, leaving him uncertain and afraid. All he could do was hope that, somehow, he could find the strength to let her in, to allow her light to guide him out of the darkness. But for now, the battle within him raged on, with no clear victor in sight.

Shubman remained lost in his thoughts, the silence of his room pressing down on him like a suffocating weight. He didn't realize how much time had passed until his phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling him from the depths of his mind. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was Shahneel, calling.

He stared at the phone for a moment, hesitating. He knew she had probably been trying to reach him for a while, but in his current state, he wasn't sure if he could talk to her. Still, the thought of ignoring her filled him with guilt, so he finally swiped to answer.

"Hello?" His voice was hoarse, drained of the usual energy he put into masking his true feelings.

"Shub! Finally!" Shahneel's voice was a mixture of relief and worry. "I've been calling you for an hour. Why weren't you picking up? Is everything okay?"

Shubman took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... had a long day." But even as he said it, he knew his attempt at sounding normal was falling flat.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Shubman could almost hear the wheels turning in Shahneel's mind as she picked up on the vulnerability in his voice. "Shub... you don't sound fine. What's going on?"

Shubman closed his eyes, leaning back against the headboard. He didn't want to worry her, but at the same time, he didn't have the energy to put up his usual front. "I'm just... tired, Di. Really tired."

"Is this about cricket? Or something else?" Her voice was soft, coaxing, as if she were trying to draw him out without pushing too hard.

He hesitated, debating how much to tell her. Shahneel had always been the one person he could talk to about anything, but he had never shared the full extent of his struggles with her. "It's... everything, I guess," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just feeling... lost."

The concern in Shahneel's voice deepened. "Shub, you know you can talk to me about anything, right? I'm here for you, always. If something's bothering you, I want to help."

Shubman swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to speak. "I know. It's just... hard to explain. Sometimes it feels like there's this... darkness, and I don't know how to get out of it."

"Shub..." Shahneel's voice was filled with a mix of sadness and worry. "You've never talked like this before. You don't have to go through this alone, okay? Have you thought about talking to someone—someone professional?"

He shook his head, even though she couldn't see him. "No... I've just been trying to deal with it on my own. I don't want to burden anyone."

"You're not a burden, Shub," she said firmly. "You're my brother, and I love you. Whatever you're going through, we can figure it out together. You don't have to face this alone."

Her words brought a small measure of comfort, but the overwhelming sense of isolation remained. "Thanks, Di. I appreciate it. I just... I don't know if I'm ready to talk about everything yet."

"That's okay," she replied gently. "Whenever you're ready, I'll be here. Just promise me you won't shut me out, okay? You've been so strong for so long, but it's okay to let someone else help carry the load."

Shubman felt a tear slip down his cheek, the emotions he had been suppressing all night finally breaking through. "I promise," he whispered, his voice trembling.

"Good," Shahneel said softly. "And remember, you're not alone. We'll get through this together, Shubman. You're stronger than you know."

They talked for a while longer, Shahneel doing her best to lift his spirits and distract him with stories from her life in San Diego. By the time they hung up, Shubman felt a little lighter, the darkness that had been pressing down on him receding just enough for him to breathe easier.

But as he lay back down, his mind drifted back to Sara, and he couldn't help but wonder if she might be the key to finding the light he so desperately needed. The thought was both terrifying and comforting, and as he finally drifted off to sleep, he hoped that maybe, just maybe, he could find the courage to let her in.