A sudden vigorous shake woke me from my sleep. It was mom.

"Lunch is ready, come qui-what happened to your eyes?"

I opened my eyes slowly and began rubbing it due to intense itching. It was painful as well. A large amount of crust had formed in my eyes due to incessant crying.

"Wash your face and come outside," mom ordered and left the room.

Rubbing my eyes, I got off the bed and headed for the washroom. Looking at my reflection I was horrified.

My eyes were puffy and blood red all over. It felt like blood would stream out of them at any moment.

Slowly, I washed them with care. I tried my best not to rub while I took out the remaining crust and kept washing till I felt satisfied. My eyes were still puffy and blood red, but I had no option than to go out for the lunch.

When I stepped out, dad looked at me and flinched slightly but regained his composure in a moment. I sat at my chair as mom served us a typical Indian lunch.

Butter chicken with Parathas and some fried rice. Salad and some pickle added glamour to it. But I had no appetite. However, I knew better than to voice my wish.

Slowly, I ate my lunch and once I was done, washed my used utensils and went back to my room.

My mobile had been taken, which meant there was no means for me to keep myself engaged online. Television I was suspicious would be a right choice. Did not want to have anymore trouble.

To distract myself from the reality, I chose studying as the best option. I did have my laptop which meant I could access all the important documents and notes that I had made.

The day flew by with the blink of an eye since I kept myself engaged with studying. The night came, dinner was served and I slept again. Finally, Monday arrived.

I went to school with relief. Alas, I could get out of that house to somewhere better.

As usual, I met Stella at the school entrance. Before I could say anything, she gave me a bear hug.

"Nayan, how are you?" she asked out of concern.

"As good as I can be after what Sasha has done," I sighed.

A sudden rage was visible in Stella's eyes. I knew it meant trouble, not for me, rather for my foe.

"How's your wound?" she asked, touching my abdomen.

"It's good," I replied honestly. "I don't feel the pain anymore."

"What did your parents say?"

"They used hands more than words," I sighed as Stella's eyes widened in astonishment. "WHAT?"

I nodded. Thankfully, the bruises from the slaps were not visible anymore. "Let's go, I don't want to bring unwanted attention."

The two of us entered the school. Soon we met the others and I answered the same way I did for Stella. All were furious at Sasha, especially Stacy who was ready for a killing move as soon as Sasha would show up.

Ace wrapped me into himself and patted my back gently. He did not say much after I narrated what had occured. It seemed like he was at a loss of words which was visible in his gloomy expression.

And finally, Sasha arrived with her friends.

Before I could make a move, Stacy, Stella, Sandra, Jess and Cat all walked over to a confused Sasha.

"HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO NAYAN, YOU B*TCH!" Stacy yelled. "You had no rights to tell his parents about him and Ace."

Sasha crossed her arms over her chest. "Why shouldn't I have? After what he did to me, he more than deserved it!"

"He did not deserve any of it!" Jess exclaimed. She pointed her finger at Sasha. "You don't get to decide what others deserve."

"Back off!" Sasha's friend said. The other two stepped ahead menacingly. And then the fight began.

Stacy slapped across Sasha's face and she received the same. They began pulling and hitting one another while the other girls engaged in the same struggle with the others. Soon, Stacy, Jess, Sandra and Stella had overpowered Sasha and her friends.

Sasha was lying on the floor with a bleeding nose while Stacy sat on top of her. I was left baffled at the extent they had gone to. Ace had tried stopping the fight but was unsuccessful while I had stared in wonder. I felt kind of happy at watching my friends taking my side, even though it may harm them.

"What's going on here?" the Physical Education teacher barged in with a couple other teachers. They moved the girls apart and stopped the fight from escalating anymore.

"To the Principal's Office, now!"

All the girls were taken to the Principal's room. Ace and I followed behind and entered together.

"What's this ruckus about?" the Principal asked. The teachers explained the fight between the girls after which he questioned Sasha for the reason.

"I did nothing Mr. Henkins. It was her who slapped me first!" Sasha said pointing at Stacy.

"Why would you do that?" Principal questioned Stacy.

"Because she tried to ruin Ace's and Nayan's relationship. She told Nayan's parents about his sexuality and that he and Ace love each other. Nayan's parents have punished him for that."

"Sasha, when and where did you do that?" Principal asked further.

"I did it last Friday night when Nayan's parents had been working."

"So you mean to say that you informed them about it out of the school premises, is that correct?"

Sasha nodded. "Very well." Principal straightened. "Since this incident took place out of the school premises, we cannot blame Sasha for anything. While Stacy, you used physical force against Sasha in the school premises during school hours. That was not right of you."

Stacy began, "But Sir, how can you let Sasha-"

"I've heard enough," he slapped his palm at the table, "all of you, go to your respective classes. Stacy, I will contact your parents for them to know about your misbehaviour. Ace, you've got to look after your sister's behaviour. I'm letting her go for this time, but the next time, this won't be the case."

Ace nodded as we exited the room.

"What a jerk!" Cat complained. "Can't even see who's the wrongdoer here!"

"Absolutely," Henry agreed. "How does it matter if she did it outside the school? She obviously caused trouble to Nayan, who's a student of this school. They've got to take some action!"

"Are you guys feeling alright?" I asked the girls out of concern. "We can help you to the medical room if you feel like anything is wrong."

"We're okay," Jess replied. "Better if we get to our classes. Don't wanna get bothered by teachers as well."

Agreeing, our group parted and headed for our subjects, me walking together with Stacy for Algebra.