Shubman reached the bustling college campus and made his way to his usual spot. He spotted Tunisha and slid into the seat beside her. "Where are the others?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Tunisha shrugged, glancing around. "I'm not sure, but I saw Abhi's and Kamlesh's bikes outside, so they must be around."

Just as she finished speaking, Abhishek and Kamlesh emerged from the canteen, their expressions stormy. Abhishek's eyes flashed with anger as he declared, "I will not leave that Sara and Avneet!"

Alarmed, Shubman looked at him. "What happened, Abhi?"

Kamlesh sighed heavily. "We were just sitting in the canteen when the principal called us to his office. He accused us of misbehaving with Sara and Avneet."

"What!?" Shubman exclaimed, disbelief etching his features.

Abhishek nodded grimly. "We're suspended for a week, Shub."

As they stood up to leave, Shubman's anger simmered. At that moment, Sara and Avneet walked in, flanked by Shivaay, Jannat, and Kartikey. Shubman couldn't hold back. "Aren't you ashamed of what you did?" he demanded.

Shivaay smirked. "No, we had fun."

Shubman's fists clenched, ready to lash out, but just then, the principal called Kamlesh and Abhishek back, announcing the suspension was canceled. With a glare, Shubman turned back to Shivaay. "Look, don't involve the girls in our issues, or I will lose control."

Avneet scoffed. "Then you'll end up behind bars, Malhotra."

Tunisha stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "Shut up, Avneet. What you did was shameful. Shame on you."

She grabbed Shubman's hand, pulling him out of the canteen. They headed to class just as the professor announced, "We have a trip to Manali this year, and we'll be leaving the day after tomorrow."

Excitement buzzed through the room as everyone nodded. After the lecture, the group gathered outside. Tunisha and Ashnoor were already planning. "Guys, we need to go shopping for the trip," Ashnoor suggested.

Shubman shook his head. "You guys go ahead. Tomorrow is bhai and bhabhi's anniversary."

Abhishek's eyes widened. "And you're not inviting us?"Shubman grinned. "Of course you're all invited."

Cheers erupted, and as college ended for the day, Shubman headed home, a mild headache forming. He found Kiara in the living room, focused on her laptop. "Bhabhi, where are the others?" he asked.

Kiara looked up with a smile. "Ma and Papa went to buy clothes for tomorrow, and Sid is at a Yodha promotion."

Nodding, Shubman changed into comfortable clothes and headed to the kitchen. "Bhabhi, want some coffee?" he offered.

"Yes, please," Kiara replied.

Shubman brewed two mugs of coffee, handing one to Kiara before settling down to enjoy his own. A while later, Sidharth came home. Kiara greeted him, "Sid, change and come, I'll get you some coffee."

Sidharth nodded, heading upstairs to change. When he returned, Shubman handed him a steaming mug. Sidharth gratefully drank it before laying his head on Kiara's lap. Shubman rolled his eyes playfully. "Bhai, are you for real?" he exclaimed. Standing up, he added loudly, "Always doing PDA and making others feel bad. Why am I the only single person in this house?"

Sidharth chuckled, and Kiara playfully slapped his arm. Shubman retreated to his room, flopping onto his bed and scrolling through his phone.

Meanwhile, Sara returned home to find Tiger lounging on the sofa. She rushed over and hugged him. "Bhai, you're here? This early?"

Shraddha appeared, smiling warmly. "Sometimes I feel like I third wheel your sibling bond," she joked.

Tiger pulled her close. "You'll never third wheel anything, baby."

Shraddha kissed his cheek, and Sara stood up with a sigh. "Always doing PDA and making others feel bad. Why am I the only single person in this house?"

With a resigned sigh, she headed to her room, changing into comfy clothes and settling onto her bed.

Sara felt a familiar tug of curiosity as she idly scrolled through her Instagram feed. With a quick search for Shubman Malhotra, she found herself immersed in his profile. Each photo seemed to tell a story, a glimpse into his world. Her thumb hovered over the first image of him with Abhishek, a pang of nostalgia washing over her as she clicked.

I clearly don't know how to take selfies😆😆. The person who knows how to take is busy on the phone. @abhisheksharma4.

As she delved deeper into his feed, Sara stumbled upon a picture featuring Shubman, Tunisha, and Ashnoor. A smirk crept onto her lips as she lingered on the image, memories flooding back.

With the two lifelines of our group. Happy Friendship Day @_tunisha.sharma and @ashnoorkaur

Further down, she stumbled upon a snapshot of Sidharth and Kiara, their happiness radiating from the screen. Despite herself, Sara couldn't help but feel a twinge of warmth at the sight. Yet, a voice within her admonished, "You hate him, Sara. He's dared to challenge you, to show you hell."

Just look at bhabhi's smile when bhaiyya surprised her.❤️ @kiaraaliaadvani @sidmalhotra

Meanwhile, Shubman found himself drawn to Sara's Instagram profile, his curiosity piqued. With a quick search for Sara Shroff, he found himself lost in her virtual world. The first image he clicked on featured her with Sidharth, he smirked at the picture as he gazed at the familiar faces.

With the best bestfriend on earth @shivaaynigam. #bestie #bestfriend.

Continuing his journey through the digital gallery, another picture surfaced, this one of Tiger and Shraddha, a couple that seemed to embody the very essence of unity and affection. He hesitated but ultimately viewed the image, their happiness piercing through the pixels, a stark contrast to the turmoil within him.

Spending time with @tigerjackieshroff. I love you so much bhai❤️❤️

(P.S. Please image Sara instead of Krishna Shroff.)

A sigh escaped his lips, a mix of frustration and a begrudging respect. "Stop it, Shub," he murmured to the silence of the room, a private admonition that echoed the conflict raging in his heart. "You hate her, and you've vowed to make her regret her actions. But why does this feel like a battle within?" He shook his head, trying to dispel the unwanted emotions that surged like a tide.

"Show her hell," he whispered, a challenge to himself as much as to her.

Interrupting his thoughts, Sidharth's call for dinner echoed through the house. Shubman descended to join his family, settling beside Rimma at the dinner table. "Mumma, we have a trip to Manali the day after tomorrow," he announced, excitement bubbling within him.

Sunil raised an eyebrow in interest. "How long will you be gone?" he inquired.

"Two weeks," Shubman replied, anticipation evident in his voice. The family conversation shifted to discussing Sidharth and Kiara's upcoming anniversary party, plans taking shape amidst the clatter of cutlery.

After dinner, Shubman retreated to his room, the warm spray of the shower soothing his senses. Clad in comfortable pajamas, he plugged his phone into charge before settling onto his bed. As the weight of the day began to lift, he closed his eyes, succumbing to the embrace of sleep, thoughts of the impending trip and unresolved tensions swirling in his mind.