So, two weeks passed nicely with Maryam. She hadn't been bullied yet. On this one day, some seniors sneaked in a free period and picked a few newcomers including Maryam from 11th grade. They were told a teacher had called them. They were secretly taken to the library. On the way, Maryam felt suspicious,
'Why are we hiding like this? '
They reached the library. Some students were sitting on the seats, studying. Some were on the stage, and in the middle of the stage, on the librarian's chair, a tall, wide man was sitting. The juniors were in a queue. One of the seniors who took them there shouted very formally, 'Dear Abdul, the train number. 11D has arrived at its final destination, that is, Library Junction. ', and they broke into laughing.
Some of the students in the queue were already shivering. Maryam was in the rear of the line, but could hear what was being said on stage. Abdul hopped out from the chair. He looked cunning.
'Guys and girls in here, hello! And, welcome to Indonesia! We are not bad men. Yeah, we do look like (chuckles), but we're not. We're your seniors, and I'm Abdul Shallar, one of the best students who "lives" in the goodbooks of all the teachers, even the Principal's. But... let's not talk about me! Let's talk about you guys. We people don't harm, we examine you. It's simple. You all are going to introduce yourselves to us right now, and answer the few questions we ask you... Any questions? '
'Yes! ', Maryam instantly called out loud. She couldn't clearly see Abdul. Everybody awed for her bravery.
'Where's the teacher? '
Abdul chuckled and said, 'Well, I can't see where you are, but I can hear you. So... do you know the meaning of "substitute"? Yeah, I'm that right now. '
So, the introduction procedure started. One by one, the juniors walked on stage and spoke little details about themselves. Abdul and his friends kept interfering and making fun of the kids. They asked them weird and hurtful questions that they were embarrassed to answer.
A guy was simultaneously checking on Abdul and his friends. He was Mihran. Due to Farman's absence due to typhoid fever, Mihran was quite upset and his mood was off. And, Abdul was making it worse, on purpose. Mihran was trying to focus in studies. He was frustrated on them, but his ego and rage didn't let him move it.
When Maryam was first third in the queue itself, a very pretty girl was on a stage telling about her. She made herself confident to face them. As she completed her speech and watched her way down, one of the Abdul's mates patted on her thighs! With light speed, Mihran flew to the scene and went ferocious. He started slapping and punching the guy as if he was a punching bag! Abdul went to rescue his mate and also fought with Mihran. It was a total WWE kind of mess. The juniors went back to their class as requested by Ayesha who had just entered the library. She asked them kindly not to discuss it with anybody. Maryam saw the faces of all the men in the fight. She saw Mihran, though he didn't see her. She immediately recognised him. She was shocked and speechless. She walked back to her class with everybody else. After that period, the school was over. Mihran would have killed Abdul and the guy who teased that girl.
On the way back to home, Raza asked with concerns, 'Hey! Are you okay? Did they hurt you? '
She was indulged in thoughts, thinking if he really were the same guy who saved her life, and if he was, he was such a kind-hearted dare-devil. She was heartfully impressed. Raza shook her shoulder, 'Maryam! '
She returned from her thoughts, ' Yeah! What? What? '
'Oh, I'm just asking if you are okay. '
He looked protective.
'I'm fine. They didn't do anything. '
'Thank God! Uff! I was so stressed about you. '
'You were? '
'Obviously! '
'Then, why didn't you join us there? '
'Huh? ', he asked.
She chuckled and said, 'You really are not that brave. '
'When are you going to trust me, now? I care about you. ', he complained. 'But, I can't fight. '
She nodded in sarcasm and said, 'You got to be a dare-devil to do that. '