chapter 2

The first day of the semester had barely begun.

Students filled the hallways, laughing, gossiping, and rushing to classes.

As always, the center of attention wasn't a celebrity.

It was Disha.

She walked through the corridor with Star on one side and Somi on the other. KTJ walked backwards in front of them, talking dramatically.

"I'm telling you, if the cafeteria serves that horrible pasta again, I'll file a human rights complaint."

Star looked at her without emotion.

"You'll still eat two plates."

"I will. But I'll complain while eating."

Somi shook her head, trying not to laugh.

Disha ignored their conversation, her hands tucked into her pockets.

Suddenly...

"KTJ!"

A soft voice echoed through the corridor.

KTJ turned around instantly.

"Maya!"

Maya came running over, smiling brightly. She had a backpack slung over one shoulder and looked completely out of place among the luxurious crowd.

"I found my classroom," she said happily.

"See? I told you you'd manage!" KTJ replied proudly.

She pulled Maya closer.

"Come, I'll introduce you properly."

"This is Somi."

Maya smiled politely.

"Hello."

Somi smiled back warmly.

"Welcome. If you ever need help with classes, just ask."

Maya nodded gratefully.

"Thank you."

"And this..."

KTJ pointed dramatically toward Star.

"...is Star."

Maya looked at the quiet girl.

"Nice to meet you."

Star gave a small nod.

"Mm."

KTJ whispered loudly,

"Don't mind her. That's her normal face."

"I heard that."

"I wanted you to."

Maya giggled.

Finally...

KTJ pointed toward Disha.

"And this is Disha."

Maya looked at her.

Disha's face remained expressionless.

No smile.

No greeting.

Nothing.

The silence stretched for several seconds.

Trying to be polite, Maya smiled.

"Hi. I'm Maya."

Disha simply looked at her for a moment.

Then...

"Move."

Her voice was cold.

Flat.

Without even a hint of emotion.

She walked past Maya without waiting for a response.

Maya stood frozen.

"..."

KTJ rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

"Don't take it personally."

"She's... like that."

Maya forced a smile.

"It's okay."

But somewhere deep inside...

She felt slightly hurt.

During lunch...

The four best friends occupied their usual table.

Nobody dared sit nearby.

Everyone knew it belonged to them.

Maya arrived carrying her tray.

She looked around.

The cafeteria was packed.

Only one chair was empty...

At their table.

She hesitated.

KTJ noticed immediately.

"Maya!"

"Come here!"

She happily pulled Maya to the empty seat.

"Sit."

Maya smiled.

"Thanks."

The moment she sat down...

Several students gasped.

"She actually sat there..."

"Doesn't she know whose table this is?"

"Poor girl..."

Maya looked confused.

"Why is everyone staring?"

KTJ shrugged.

"They're dramatic."

Disha continued eating silently.

Without even looking up.

A few minutes later...

A senior deliberately bumped into Maya.

Her juice spilled across her clothes.

"Oh!"

Maya stood up immediately.

"I'm so sorry—"

The senior smirked.

"You should watch where you're sitting."

"It isn't your place."

Maya lowered her eyes.

"I didn't mean—"

Before she could finish...

A loud bang echoed through the cafeteria.

Everyone turned.

KTJ had slammed both hands on the table.

"What did you just say?"

The senior scoffed.

"What? I only—"

"You spilled the drink."

"You apologize."

The senior laughed.

"And if I don't?"

Silence.

Star slowly stood.

Somi quietly removed her glasses.

Disha finally lifted her eyes from her food.

The cafeteria temperature seemed to drop.

She looked directly at the senior.

"Leave."

Just one word.

Cold.

Sharp.

The senior's confidence disappeared instantly.

Without another word...

He muttered an apology and hurried away.

The entire cafeteria remained silent until he disappeared.

Maya blinked in surprise.

She looked at Disha.

For the first time...

She noticed something.

Disha hadn't helped because she liked Maya.

She had helped because...

No one was allowed to create trouble in front of her friends.

KTJ sighed dramatically.

"There goes my chance to throw a chair."

Star took another bite of her lunch.

"You say that every week."

Somi handed Maya some tissues.

"Here."

"Thank you..."

Maya cleaned her clothes and glanced at Disha.

"...Thank you."

Disha didn't even look up.

"Don't misunderstand."

"I don't like unnecessary noise."

Maya's small smile faded.

"...I understand."

She quietly finished her lunch.

None of them noticed...

From the second floor of the cafeteria...

A group of unfamiliar men were watching Disha with unusual interest.

One of them spoke into his phone.

"So... the Kolkata heiress is here."

A cold voice answered from the other end.

"Keep watching."

"Don't make a move yet."

The man smiled darkly.

"Understood."

Far away...

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