Sana sat on the steps outside the school building, her face buried in her hands. She tried to hold back the tears, but they flowed freely. Kabir's rejection still echoed in her mind, each word cutting deeper than the last. She felt utterly alone until a familiar voice broke through the silence.

"Sana?"

She looked up to see Sid standing there, his usually calm expression softened with concern. He hesitated before sitting down next to her, maintaining a respectful distance.

"Tu thik hai?" he asked gently, his voice unusually soft.

Sana tried to laugh, but it sounded more like a sob "Tujhe kya lagta hai, Sid? Kabir ne mujhe… mujhe reject kar diya" her voice cracked, and she quickly wiped a tear away.

Sid sighed, his jaw tightening. "Sana… Kabir ke liye tumhare feelings genuine thi, but agar usne tumhe nahi samjha, toh woh uska loss hai, not yours... And I'm sorry mujhe Kabir se confirmed karna chahiye tha"

He said and look down, she look at him.

"It's okay it's not your mistake", she said in low tone.

Sid’s jaw clenched slightly, feeling a pang of frustration toward his brother.

"No it's my mistake Sana, I'm really sorry. Kabir… sometimes he just doesn't realize what he has until it's too late"

She sniffled, trying to laugh, but it came out bitter "Aur tu kabse sorry kehne laga hai? Mujhe pata tha, yeh hone hi wala tha, aakhir main hu hi kon, koi herion thodi hu jo mujhe accept karta"

He reached over, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Kabir teri value nahi samajhta, Sana. Tu jitni pyaari aur caring hai, uske liye wo kabhi perfect match nahi ban sakta. Kabhi bhi nahi, aur tu khudh ko kam kiu samjhti hai tu hai heroin apni world ki heroine wo kya kehti hai tu Punjab ki Katrina kaif wo hai tu"

She looked up at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice "Mujhe acha feel karane ke liye ye sab bol raha hai na?" she said weakly, but he could tell her heart was still heavy.

Sid took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Bas tere liye, Meri Miss Queen of Chaos" he said softly, his eyes lingering on her longer than usual. A hint of something unspoken flickered there, but he quickly masked it with a smile.

Sana managed a small smile in return, leaning against his shoulder, feeling the comfort he brought. "Sid… thank you"

His heart skipped a beat, knowing how much more he wished he could be for her, yet holding back, respecting her feelings even though they weren't for him.

"Kabir jo bhi kehta hai kehne do, yaad rakhna… teri life me tere true friend hamesha tere saath hai. Aur agar kabhi tujhe koi doubt ho… main tere liye hamesha yahin hoon" he murmured, a promise hidden in his words.

As they sat there, a silent understanding passed between them, one that neither dared to break. For now, Sid was content just being there for her, even if his feelings would remain his secret.

"Chal ab" Sid stood up holding her hand.

"Kaha?" She asked him.

"Class me" he said casually.

"Tu pagal hai main kabir ko kese face karungi" she sat back.

"To kya yahi padhi rahegi? Kabhi na kabhi to usko face karna hi padhega na chal uth jaldi"

"Nahi Sid mu...mujhe dar lag raha hai" she said in low voice.

"Oye meri sherni dost ko kaha chupa liya tuna haan, meri she- meri jo dost thi na wo kabhi kisi se nahi darti thi ye darpok Sana kidhar se aai?" He said dramatically.

"Bakwas mat kar"

"Bakwas chhord ye bol ki tu dar gai" he said with a teasing smile.

She stood up angrily "main kisi se nahi darti samjha tu"

"Achaw to class me jakar bata"

"Oye mereko sab samjh me aa raha hai batao main mat fasa mujhe" she again sat down, he face palm himself and sat beside her.

"Batao main nahi fasa raha mujhe ek baat bata Kabir ne jabse tujhe reject kara hai tune saans lena chhord diya hai?"

"Ye to possible nahi hai, tu science ka student kese hai" she asked him angrily.

"Arey mera matlab hai ki uske rejection se apni life par kiu affect padhne de rahi hai i know feelings hai lekin uske chakkar me apni padhai chhord degi tere papa ne isliye bheja hai tujhe? Ek heartbreak ke chakkar me tere marks par asar padhega aur marks ka asar tere papa ke kiye disappointment ka reason banega hone degi tu aesa? Karne degi tere papa ko disappointment face?"

Sana thought about her father and said "Tu sahi keh raha hai Sid main kitni badi gadhi hu main mere papa ko disappoint nahi kar sakti, meri relationship me jo bhi hua ho uska affect me apni life par nahi hone dungi".

"That's like my girl" he patted her back. She smile with new determination.

.....................

Sana walked into the classroom with her head held high, determined to keep her emotions in check. She could feel the weight of rejection still lingering in her heart, but Sid's words of comfort echoed in her mind, giving her strength. She had made a choice, she wouldn't let Kabir see the impact he had on her.

Kabir sat near the back of the class, as always, casually chatting with his friends. When he noticed Sana enter, he looked up, expecting her to glance his way. But she walked past him without a single glance, her gaze fixed straight ahead as if he didn't exist. His brows furrowed slightly, the attention he usually received from her suddenly absent.

Sid was already seated near the window, watching the whole scene unfold. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride seeing her resilience, even though he knew it wasn't easy for her.

Sana slid into the seat beside him, flashing a small, determined smile "Aaj ke din ka mission: ignore Kabir" she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. Her eyes had a glimmer of newfound resolve, and Sid could not help but smile.

"Good plan" he whispered back, giving her an encouraging nod. "Lekin agar tujhe kabhi laga ke mission tough ho raha hai, toh tera secret agent yahin tere saath hai"

She chuckled, his playful tone lightening her mood "Secret agent toh tu hai, lekin kabhi kabhi mujhe doubt hota hai ke tu mujhse bhi zyada serious hai".

Before he could respond, the teacher entered, and the classroom quieted down. But Kabir kept glancing over, surprised by Sana's cold demeanor. Used to her friendly smiles and bright eyes always searching for him, he could not shake the feeling that something had changed.

As the lesson went on, Sana stayed focused on her notebook, taking meticulous notes and doing her best to ignore the prickling sensation of Kabir's gaze on her. Sid noticed and leaned over, murmuring, "Tere determination dekh ke lagta hai ki yeh mission successful rahega".

She gave a small smile, though the hurt was still in her eyes "Mujhe toh bas yahi dikhana hai ke uska decision mujhe matter hi nahi karta"

By the time class ended, Kabir's frustration was visible. As Sana stood to leave, he approached her, trying to catch her attention.

"Sana, ek minute?" Kabir called, his voice a mix of curiosity and impatience.

She paused, briefly considering turning around. But then she remembered the look on his face yesterday, the way he dismissed and insult her so easily. She forced herself to keep walking, pretending not to hear him.

Kabir frowned, stepping closer. "Sana, tu ignore kar rahi hai mujhe?"

This time, she stopped, turning just enough to look over her shoulder. Her voice was calm but cold "Ignore karne ke liye interest hona chahiye, Kabir. Aur ab woh interest nahi hai"

Kabir blinked, taken aback. He had not expected her to speak to him like this, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.

"Tu toh mujhe pasand karti thi na" he mumbled, more to himself than to her, as if he could not quite believe the change.

Sana's gaze did not waver. "Mujhe laga tha tum bhi kuch feel karte ho. Par woh meri galti thi. Ab wo chapter mere life mein khatam ho chuka hai, so it's better to stay away from me"

Sid, who had been watching from nearby, could not hide his admiration. Sana's strength made him realize just how deeply she was capable of caring, and how easily Kabir had overlooked her worth. She turned back to him, her expression softer, as if drawing comfort from his presence.

"Chal, Sid. Let’s grab some chai" she said, linking her arm with his as they walked out together, leaving a surprised Kabir behind.

As they exited the classroom, Sid whispered "Aaj toh tune sach mein Mujhe impress kar diya"

Sana smiled, the weight on her heart feeling just a little lighter. "Tera support ho toh mein kabhi bhi kisiko bhi ignore kar sakti hoon" she replied, letting out a laugh, and for the first time since her heartbreak, she felt the stirrings of genuine happiness.

Sana was sitting with Sid in the classroom, her focus wavering as she tried to review her notes. But her attention was constantly drawn to the corner of the room, where Kabir sat laughing, leaning close to their classmate Naina, his voice dripping with charm as he flirted openly. He seemed entirely unfazed, as if their history, her confession, and his rejection had meant absolutely nothing to him.

Sana's heart twisted painfully, and she bit her lip, trying to ignore the sting. She did not want Kabir to have this effect on her anymore, but seeing him like that, smiling and carefree, still hurt.

Sid noticed the tension on her face and followed her gaze to Kabir. A flash of irritation crossed his face. He reached over and lightly tapped her hand to get her attention.

"Sana, tu us par itna focus kyu kar rahi hai? Tujhe pata hai ke wo aisa hi hai"

Sana tried to smile, but it did not quite reach her eyes "Mujhe pata hai, Sid. Par phir bhi… pata nahi kyun dard ho raha hai. Shayad kyunki… maine kabhi socha nahi tha ki wo aise treat karega mujhe"

Sid looked at her sympathetically "Sana, tu itni achi hai, aur Kabir yeh kabhi appreciate nahi kar sakta ya phir wo ye jaan kar, kar raha hai.Usne tere emotions ke saath jo kiya, uske baad tujhe aur bhi strong banne ki zaroorat hai" He paused, his voice softening "Aur teri strength sirf tere liye nahi, teri family ke liye bhi important hai. Specially for your father"

His words caught her off guard. She thought about her father, his constant support, his belief in her. He had always been her rock, the one who reminded her of her worth whenever she doubted herself. She knew he'd be heartbroken if he saw her this way, hurting over someone who did not value her.

He know handling heartbreak is not easy, he already felt it but he have to be strong for her.

..............................

"Tu aese kiu kar raha hai?" Sid asked Kabir entering inside his room.

"Kya ab game khelna bhi gunah hai kya" Kabir said while playing games.

"Ye tujhe bhi pata hai main game ki baat nahi kar raha hu"

"To sidha sidha bol na sana ki waqalat karne aaya hai"

"Tera zyda nahi ho raha hai? Kiu jaan ke hurt kar raha hai usko" Sid asked angrily.

"Are bhai maine kisi ko hurt nahi kiya ab feelings nahi hai to nahi hai na zabardasti thodi relationship me aa jaunga main aur uska bhi same hi hoga dekh liyo ye ladkiya aese hi hoti hai tu tension mat le"

"Dekh wo aesi nahi hai to thoda sambhal kar theek hai"

"Tu kiu uski side le raha hai like wike karta hai kya" Kabir said casually, but it hit Sid's heart.

"Shut up aur ye game aur flirting chhord padhai par dhyaan de" he said and left from there.

.....................................

"Chal na Sana kab tak aese zinda laash ke jese padhi rahegi" Reem said to her and trying to drag her from the bed. "Ashi samjha na"

"Main kya samjhau kabse bol rahi hu lekin ye lady devdas bani padhi hai uthne ko raazi nahi hai" Ashi said while doing her homework.

"Acha guys new movie lagi hai do dekhne chale?"

"Mera mood nahi hai" Sana said and cover herself with duvet.

"Yaar tu kabse boring ho hai chal na" Reem snatch her duvet.

"Maine bola na mujhe nahi jaana samjh nahi aata kya" Sana yelled at her.

"Ab tera zyda ho raha hai Sana us kabir ke liye tu humse aese baat karegi?" Ashi said disappointingly.

Reem throw her duvet on her face "Bhaad me ja tu, mari padhi reh us Kabir ke liye, ab aa mat jaiyo ab hamare pass" Reem said angrily and left the room.

"Reem yaar sun to" Ashi went behind her.

Sana's eyes filled with tears again she hurt her friends just because of Kabir. After some time she received a call from her father.

She clean her face and pick up the call "He... hello papa" her eyes again filled up hearing her father voice.

"Hello sana bacche kese hai tu? Sab theek hai na?"

"Hanji papa" she bite her lips to control her sobs.

"Sana bacche tu ro rahi hai?" He know she is crying he can tell her by her voice.

"Na.. nahi papa wo maine ice cream khai thi na to gala kharab ho gaya"

"Ab apne papa se jhoot bolegi bata na beta kya hua tujhe pata hai kal se mera dil kitna ghabra raha hai"

"I'm just missing you" she half lied to him "I'm sorry papa main ek achi beti nahi hu"

"Kisne bola tu achi beti nahi hai meri beti duniya ki sabse achi beti hai warna mere kehne par akele Mumbai rehne thodi jaati, you're just like your mother" he chuckle.

"Acha mumma jese kese?" she asked him, like this they talk half an hour, she felt light after talking to her father.

"Acha ab main rakhta hu lunch time over ho gaya okay dhyan rakhna apna love you".

She smile widely "love you too papa bye". She cut the call.

She pout sadly looking at the door "bohot hurt kar diya maine Reem ko sorry bolna padhega" she went downstairs and saw Ashi was sitting beside Reem holding a fan infront of her to cool down her anger.

"Are to maine bola tha jakar us Kabir ko propose kar puri class are class chhord pura school jaanta hai wo kesa hai aur wo nahi samjh paai pyaar me andhi ho gai thi kya jo hamari bhi nahi suni aur to aur-" Reem was talking non stop when Sana went near her and stand infront of her holding her ears.

"Sorry"

Reem turn her face "isko bol idhar se jaaye"

"Chhord na Reem yaar uski bhi to soch" Ashi try to sort out things between her friends.

"Sorry na Reem" Sana said with a cute face.

"Kya fyda tere sorry na jab tu wapas tu Kabir par chali jayegi to"

"Acha na nahi jaungi promise teri kasam" she pinch her throat.

"Mujhe marna nahi hai teri jhooti kasam se"

"Ahaaa sorry na"  Sana said in pleaded tone.

"Pakka us kamine ke pass nahi jayegi?"

"Pakka"

Reem smile and hug her.

"Main bhi" Ashi also joined them. The trio giggled.....

........................

Hope you liked this chapter.

Thanks for reading ❤️