COLLEGE CORRIDOR

(The college corridor is bustling with students. Taani and Sneha are walking side by side, Taani holding a folder and Sneha playfully nudging her. They're engrossed in conversation. Taani seems relieved yet thoughtful, while Sneha listens intently.)

"So, how did the interview go? " Sneha asked while smiling.

Taani signed , "Honestly, I was so nervous at the beginning, like my mind went blank. But as it went on, I started to relax, and my answers just flowed naturally."

" See, I told you! A little confidence, and even the hardest things become easy. You just have to believe in yourself." Sneha said while smiling proudly.

" Thank you, Sneha. Seriously, without you, I would've been a lost cause." Taani said with a grateful smile.

" Hey, don't say that. What are best friends for? We're here to help each other through the bad days and laugh together during the good times." Sneha mockingly scolded.

" Right..." Taani smiled.

(Suddenly, the D3 gang passes by, laughing loudly. Vicky, Simmi, and Vishakha stop, throwing a mocking glance at Taani.)

Vicky sarcastically said , " Oh look, the bhenji's back. Rey's finally free from her clutches."

" Yeah, she was dreaming of marrying him and holding him back from his passion.What a joke." Simi laughed.

" Well, what else do you expect from someone who has no dreams of her own? Just wanted to be a housewife." Vishakha sneered.

(The gang laughs cruelly. Taani's smile fades and she flinches, not because of their words but because Rey is nearby, silent. She glances at him, he's standing nearby with Swayam and Sharon, looking distant and lost in thought. realizing that their private conversations were shared carelessly. Sneha clenches her fists, ready to confront them.)

Sneha ,furious, stepping forward, "How dare you—"

*( Taani grabs Sneha's arm, stopping her.)*

Taani shakes her head, " No, Sneha. Let's go."

( They walk away, leaving the gang surprised at Taani's uncharacteristic silence. Vicky watches them go, confused.)

" What's up with her today? No lectures? " Vicky asked confusingly.

Bharat while laughing, " It's Great, right? No earfuls from Miss Boring."

"Leave it. Let's just go for practice." Swayam sternly said.

(Rey stays quiet, lost in thought. He wonders how the gang knew about Taani's thoughts on being a housewife and his passion—conversations he only shared with Sharon and Swayam. Meanwhile, Swayam, instead of defending his sister, avoids confrontation, prioritizing his friends over his responsibility as a brother. Swayam's eyes flicker with guilt, but he remains silent, unable to stand up for his sister. His silence reveals his misguided priorities, valuing his friends over defending Taani. This moment reflects how he often takes his sister for granted, always finding faults in her instead of confronting his friends or girlfriend when they are at fault. As the gang disperses, Rey glances at Swayam, troubled.)

Rey to himself, "How did they even know? I only told Swayam and Sharon."

(The scene shifts, reflecting the unspoken distance growing between Taani and those who should have protected her.)

(Sneha and Taani walk to Sneha's flat, still reeling from the earlier incident.Taani and Sneha sit together, the atmosphere heavy. Sneha finally breaks the silence.)

Sneha angrily said , "Why did you stop me, Taani? They deserved a lesson. Who are they to talk about you? "

Taani calmly yet sadly said,  " I stopped you because I didn't want them to drag you into this. I know you can handle them, but it's not worth it. Krishna Ji is watching, and karma will do its job. I didn't want them to insult you too. You can handle them, but there's no need to stoop to their level. "

Sneha angrily but understandingly, "But still! It's not even about Rey; I don't expect anything from him anymore. Swayam should've stopped them. He's spineless, Taani. One day, his gang will be his downfall. "

Taani sadly said ,  " He's my brother, but he's also blinded by his friends. I can't change that. I just need to focus on myself now. It's just a few more days—if I'm selected, I'll resign from the GS post and focus on my classes. If not, I'll find a new job.I'm moving forward, with or without their support. "

" You'll get this job, I know it. And we'll work together—it'll be amazing!No one deserves it more than you. We'll be working together soon, and we'll laugh about all this. "  Sneha softly said while hugging Taani.

*(They both smile, finding comfort in each other's presence.)*

"Thanks, Sneha. And hey, what brings you to college today? Aren't you supposed to be at work?"  Taani questioned.

"Sir gave me a day off since there wasn't much to do, and Anushka ma'am offered to handle things. So, I thought I'd come here and hear all about your interview."  Sneha replied and smiled.

Taani laughed, " That's great....How is Anushka ma'am in real life? She seems so sweet and goofy on camera."

Sneha in a dreamy tone , "She's exactly the same—childish, funny, always teasing Sir. But when it comes to her kids, she's the perfect mother. She handles everything herself, never leaving it to the workers, and Sir, even though he's busy, spends all his free time with their kids. They're quite the team."

Taani with the same dreamy tone, " She sounds amazing."

(Two days later, Taani anxiously checks her laptop, waiting for the email that could change her life. Sneha sits beside her, offering silent support.)

Sneha put her hand on Taani's shoulder , "Don't worry. You'll get it. There's no one better for that post than you."

*A notification sound rings, and Taani gasps. Her hands tremble as she clicks on the email.*

Taani while joining her hands, "Krishna ji, please let this be my first step towards a new beginning."

(Taani hesitates, then shuts her eyes tightly. Sneha, unable to contain herself, lets out an excited squeal.)

Sneha (eagerly), "Open your eyes, Taani! You did it!"

( Taani opens her eyes, sees the acceptance, and bursts into tears. The email congratulates her on securing the position, detailing the joining date and required documents, including proof of identity, academic certificates, and an offer letter attachment.)

Taani while crying and laughing, " I did it... We did it! Thank you, Sneha. You're my guardian angel."

Sneha while wiping Taani's tears and smiling encouragely, " Stop crying, silly! It's your hard work, your faith, and Krishna Ji's blessing. This is just the beginning of your journey—your path of self-discovery and growth. Now, go wash your face. We have a celebration to plan!"

(They both laugh, embracing each other in joy.)

(The scene shifts to Taani and Sneha at Marine Drive, enjoying street food. The vast Arabian Sea stretches out before them, reflecting the city lights.)

Taani while gazing at the sea, "This is just the beginning, Sneha. A new chapter in my story."

Sneha smiling, " And I'll be here, every step of the way."

(The camera zooms out, capturing Taani's determined expression as she stares into the horizon, ready to face whatever comes next. The lights of Mumbai flicker in the background, a symbol of hope, dreams, and endless possibilities.)

A/N : Hey Darlings 💛... Finally I published the chapter 1, I hope you will like it... Please leave your valuable votes and comments , so that I will be motivated to publish the next chapter and will improve more for all of you...