The corridor had never felt this long.

Aaradhya stood outside her classroom, her fingers digging into her. The noise around her blurred, but the teacher’s words stayed clear, sharp and unforgiving.

She had tried to explain.
She really had.

But the teacher hadn’t listened.

New to the school. New authority. And an assumption she was far too ready to believe. The teacher’s words replayed in her mind:

“Homework nahi kiya aur jhooth bol rahi ho.”

“Tum jaise ameer bacchon ko lagta hai paisa sab kuch khareed lega.”

“Ghar ka naam kaafi hota hai, mehnat karne ki zarurat nahi padti hai na?”

“Tum log hamesha bach jaate ho, isiliye aadat ho gayi hai.”

It wasn’t discipline.

It was judgment.

When Aaradhya’s voice had cracked while explaining about her missing notebook, the teacher had scoffed.

“Excuses. Tum jaise log hamesha yahi karte ho.”

And then—

Laughter.

That was when the tears came.

Not loud. Not dramatic.
Just silent tears she couldn’t stop, slipping down her cheeks as she stared at the floor.

She had never been spoken to like this before.
Never doubted.
Never humiliated.

Anvi and Mahima rushed to her side instantly.

“Hey, Aaradhya look at me,” Anvi said softly, gripping her hand.

Mahima shot a glare at the classroom door. “She had no right. None.”

They were already standing outside for the same reason homework undone but that didn’t dull the anger in their eyes. They were just as furious as Aaradhya’s brothers when they reached her moments later.

And the moment they found out what had been said their usual carefree expressions vanished.

No teasing.
No laughter.

Only quiet, dangerous anger.

They instinctively forming a shield around her.

“Bas,” Advik said gently.

A little distance away, Yuvaan stood still.

Too still.

His jaw was clenched so tight it looked painful. His eyes were dark—not angry, but cold.

He hadn’t said a word.

But everyone felt it.

The teacher had crossed a line.

The Staff Room:

They didn’t barge in.

They walked in—calm, controlled, intimidating.

The teacher looked up, irritation on her face until she saw who stood there.

“Ma’am,” Arhan said evenly, “you crossed a line with our sister.”

“I disciplined her,” the teacher replied stiffly.

Yuvaan spoke then.

Quiet. Firm.

“Aapne sirf discipline nahi kiya.”

“Aapne uski character pe sawaal uthaya.”

Silence filled the room.

“She had done her homework,” Advik added. “Her notebook wasn’t with her. That doesn’t give you the right to insult her family or call her a liar.”

The principal arrived soon after.

The truth came out—quickly.

Ten minutes later, the teacher stood in the corridor, students watching.

“I’m sorry,” she said, voice tight. “I misunderstood.”

Aaradhya nodded.

No smile.
No argument.

Just a quiet acceptance.

Her eyes lifted on instinct—

And met Yuvaan’s.

Concern. Anger. Relief.

All mixed together.

She nodded once.

As if saying, I’m okay.

Something in his chest eased.

At Home:

The Rajvansh mansion was anything but calm.

“NEW TEACHER HAI TOH KYA KUCH BHI BOLEGI?”
“NAM BATAO.”
“PRINCIPAL KO PHONE LAGAO.”

Her whole family was furious. Her father looked ready to march into the school. Threats were thrown dramatically from every direction.

Aaradhya groaned. “Please, bas karo. Kuch nahi karna.”

Ahaan smirked. “Hum kar bhi rahe hote toh tujhe thodi batate.”

She rolled her eyes—but inside, she felt safe again.

That Night:

Her phone buzzed.

Yuvaan: Are you okay now?

She stared at the screen.

Typed a long reply.
Deleted it.

Aaradhya: Yes.

Three dots appeared.

Yuvaan:Good. Next time don’t stay quiet.

Her fingers paused over the screen.

Before she could reply, her phone rang.

A video call.

Her gang.

Ryan, Nakul, Kanika, Avni and Mahima. Too much noise. Too many jokes. Someone dramatically reenacted the staff room scene terribly.

“Our princess doesn’t cry, okay?” Kanika declared.

Aaradhya laughed.

A real laugh.

When the call ended, she glanced at her phone once more.

At his name.

She went to sleep thinking the worst was over.

She didn’t know yet—

Some words don’t fade.
And some silences mean everything.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hi Lovlies 🤍

Chapter 4 is finally out! This one was emotional and intense. I really tried to show Aaradhya’s humiliation, her brothers’ protectiveness, and Yuvaan’s quiet, dark presence.

I’d love it if you could comment and share your thoughts did this chapter hit the emotions right? What worked, and what can I do better? Your constructive criticism really helps me improve as a first-time writer.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting 💛

With love,
— Author