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The death of Rohan sent shockwaves through the school, leaving students and staff on edge. Conversations were muted, and suspicion hung thick in the air. For Maya, the tragedy only strengthened her resolve. For Sanaya, it was another reminder that her web of control was beginning to unravel.

---

The Investigation Intensifies

Detectives now made daily visits to the school. They were relentless, asking probing questions and digging into the lives of students who had any connection to Arjun, Rohan, or Sanaya.

Sanaya's alibi for the night of Rohan's attack held, but her name came up far too often. The detectives weren't convinced of her innocence, though they lacked concrete evidence to make an arrest.

Sanaya felt the weight of their scrutiny, but she wore her mask of composure flawlessly. In public, she was the picture of grief and concern, but behind closed doors, her mind raced with plans to maintain her control.

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Maya's Breakthrough

Maya combed through her notes, trying to connect the dots. Sanaya's manipulation of Tushar, her confrontations with Rohan, her proximity to Arjun-all pointed to a sinister pattern.

While revisiting the footage from her secret recording, she noticed something subtle: Sanaya's veiled threats weren't just meant to intimidate. They revealed a crack in her usually calculated demeanor-a sign that she was feeling the pressure.

Encouraged, Maya shared her findings with the lead detective anonymously. The recording wasn't enough for an arrest, but it added to the growing pile of suspicions against Sanaya.

---

Sanaya's Countermove

Sanaya wasn't one to let the walls close in without a fight. She knew Maya was working against her and had likely been feeding information to the police.

To regain control, she decided to turn the spotlight away from herself.

Her target: Tushar.

---

The Setup

During lunch, Sanaya approached Tushar with a plan already forming. Her tone was quiet but urgent, her expression one of feigned worry.

"Tushar, I think Maya's trying to frame me," she whispered, leaning close so no one else could hear.

Tushar looked at her, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"She's been spreading rumors about me," Sanaya continued, her voice trembling slightly for effect. "And I think she's been planting things to make me look guilty. She wants everyone to think I'm responsible for what happened to Rohan."

Tushar hesitated. He still didn't fully trust Sanaya, but her words stirred doubt. "Why would she do that?"

Sanaya sighed, as if the explanation pained her. "Maya's always been jealous. She doesn't like that people trust me, that I have influence. She's trying to destroy my reputation."

Tushar's resolve wavered. He wanted to believe Maya, but Sanaya's words had sown a seed of uncertainty.

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Maya's Warning

That evening, Maya confronted Tushar. She had noticed him talking to Sanaya and feared he was falling back under her spell.

"You're smarter than this, Tushar," Maya said, her voice firm. "Sanaya is manipulating you."

Tushar frowned. "How can you be so sure, Maya? What if you're wrong?"

Maya sighed, frustrated. "You've seen how she operates. She uses people, Tushar. First Arjun, then Rohan-and now you. Don't let her control you."

Tushar remained silent, torn between his instincts and the conflicting narratives.

---

The Anonymous Tip

The next day, the police received an anonymous tip claiming that Tushar had been seen near the science lab on the night of Rohan's attack. The tip also suggested that Tushar and Rohan had a falling out recently.

Tushar was called in for questioning, and though he denied any involvement, the suspicion cast a shadow over him.

When Maya heard about the tip, her heart sank. She knew this was Sanaya's doing-a calculated move to deflect attention.

---

The Web Closes In

Maya decided it was time to escalate her efforts. She gathered every piece of evidence she had-recordings, notes, observations-and arranged a meeting with the lead detective.

"You need to look at this," Maya said, sliding the files across the table. "It's not enough to convict her, but it proves a pattern. Sanaya isn't innocent."

The detective studied the materials, nodding slowly. "This is helpful. But we need something more concrete."

---

The Final Straw

Sanaya, meanwhile, was growing more desperate. Her attempts to shift blame onto Tushar had only bought her a temporary reprieve. The walls were closing in, and Maya was closer than ever to exposing her.

Late that night, Sanaya decided to take one last drastic step to protect herself.

She picked up her phone and dialed a number. "It's time," she said, her voice cold and resolute. "I need you to take care of something."

The game wasn't over. But now, it was personal.

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