Nikambes' stood in their fighting position facing off against the gang known as 'The Killers'. Beside them, two kids from the school lay down with torn clothes crying loudly.
Shani and Jhansi immediately assessed the situation, their expression turning into utter rage. The balance formed after the past events was broken after a year. The consequences were going to be massive.
The two groups were hot-headed and no one was thinking straight. A small spark was enough to begin a fearsome fight.
Raman bellowed, " Why did you bully them?"
One of the boys said with a wicked grin on his face, "We just wanted the money that belonged to us. They refused us even after asking politely. This is what happens to those going against us."
Charan said, "A year ago, we made a deal formed after unwanted bloodshed. The older gang would never break the deal for such reasons. To break it without a thought, are you a newly established gang? "
"We are ' The Killers', the gang that will take control of all the territories in Mumba. We don't give a shit about your adeal. You can expect us to visit frequently and if you don't get what we want, we will bang you up even worse than them." He pointed at the school kids with torn clothes. " This will look like child's play when we are done. Tell them to comply next time, or we will give them a more brutal beating."
Ananya couldn't contain her emotions, "You rascals. What do you get from beating the weak and helpless? They did nothing wrong to you. So why?"
"Because we want to. We will do whatever we want and no one can stop us."
"'The Killers' group, eh? I have heard about you. A group of high schoolers bashing and making other gangs submit to them using their deadly tactics."
The Nikambes' turned backwards calling out, " Shani!"
"You have heard about us. You better start kneeling for forgiveness. If our boss feels generous, he may let your group work under us."
The member of the ' Killer' Gang felt a gust of wind followed by a kick hitting his balls with enough force to knock him unconscious, the pain making him fall flat on the hard road.
"Your tactics may have worked on other gangs, but we are not afraid. Tell your boss, if any of the people living on our turf are attacked again. We won't keep quiet, ' The Nikambes' will rumble."
The kick was so lethal it knocked the lights off one of 'The Killers', showcasing Jhansi's abilities. The other members looked at Jhansi with apprehension, they couldn't follow her movement proving the threat she was and they valued their balls too much. Also, it made them fear fighting against all the whole 'Nikambes'.
They ran away from Gyan Vidyagar Higher Secondary School in defeat and shame but promised, "When our boss, Mr Shark hears about this, he won't leave you alone. Let's see how brave you can be then."
'The Nikambes' sighed a big breath of relief, however, Shani had an odd expression and fell into deep thought. "The leader of 'Killers' calls himself Mr Shark?"
Raman said, "Haha, I can't believe someone is called Mr Shark. Perhaps, it's because of his long teeth."
Ananya cautioned, "Mr Shark must be a dangerous man to lead such an unethical and unscrupulous group. Cracking a joke about his name doesn't scare you? What if he finds out?"
"We are 'The NIkambes', no matter who the foe is we will never waiver from our intentions. So, why should I be scared of some random gang claiming to conquer Mumba? Besides, isn't the leader's name funny? Who in their right mind would be ok to be called as 'Mr Shark'."
Ananya couldn't contain a smile, laughing lightly, "It's funny."
The others also cracked a smile letting off all the tension build up moments ago. In unison, they thanked, "Shani and Jhansi, we are grateful for your intervening."
Jhansi waved her hand, "We are all one family. It's my responsibility to take care of all of you. There is no need to thank me." She made her way to Shani noticing his distant gaze. He usually did it when in deep thought.
"Are you worried about 'The Killers'?"
Shani blinked, focusing on Jhansi's face, surprised to spot her close to him. When did she come next to him?, " Mr Shark might be a big trouble."
"Trouble is not something new to us, 'The Nikambes' can deal with anything. Don't worry about a boasting gang trying to gain cheap fame."
"But, we should be more careful, if… "
Someone crossed the school gate, wanting to speak with 'The Nikambes'. It could only be one person, "Students, thanks for protecting our school. Now, come to class so we can begin."
Shani said, " Mam, the class doesn't need to wait for us. Please begin even if we haven't arrived."
"I can't do that. As your class teacher, it's my responsibility to make sure all of my students study well. I won't leave even a single student to struggle because of me. All must get equal knowledge. In your case, how can I leave students protecting the whole school single-handedly? Waiting for an extra few minutes hardly matters."
"It would make the other students unhappy to wait."
"Needing to sacrifice a few minutes to have guaranteed safety is a deal in their favour. Why would they mind? Come on, let's start with the classes."
One by one 'The Nikambes' entered their school readying themselves for 8 hours of school.
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At lunch break, the boys of 'The Nikambes' were in the assembly area chatting and enjoying food. Shani shifted his gaze, noticing his surroundings. Students formed groups eating together, occasionally their eyes would avert towards 'The Nikambes', filled with fear and respect.
They respected 'The Nikambes' for their protection and feared them because of the power they possessed.
A group of girls came upon the topic 'The hottest guy in their school'. The girls took turns telling their choice and most of them picked names from 'The Nikambes'. They were the most dangerous type of students, the most fascinating, of course, they were going to be picked the most. Shani was picked the most times and almost all the girls wanted to date him.
The prettiest girl from the group glanced towards Shani, coincidentally he looked her way. Their gazes met for a moment before she looked down in embarrassment. But she was very excited, " Shani just looked at me. I think he is into me. He is going to approach me and then make me his girlfriend. Oh my god, I can't believe it."
She made her life's worst decision by speaking out loud with Jhansi close by. A deadly look appeared on her face as she ruthlessly lifted the girl shoving her against a nearby wall, " I am giving your first and last warning. If you ever again have such thoughts, don't blame me for what happens next."
The girl had a horrified look on her face with her friends scattering away like scared pigeons shooed away. The other girls of 'The Nikambes' shook their heads. It was impossible to stop Jhansi when angered, especially when someone expressed romantic feelings towards Shani.
Ananya was a very close friend of Jhansi, the only one brave enough to converse with her. "Just tell Shani about your feelings. It would be so good if you both became a couple."
Jhansi's fierce expression deflated as she waved her hand in embarrassment, "Me and Shani as a co.. cou.. couple? He's just a good friend, I don't have any other feelings towards him."
"As his good friend, it's your responsibility to find him a girlfriend. That girl was a good candidate and motivated to become one, she could have been the perfect girlfriend for Shani."
Jhansi glared at Ananya, "If you say another word, I will kill you."
"My my, how much I enjoy teasing my dear friend, but I value my precious life."
The girls of 'The Nikambes' sat beside the boys.
Shani asked curiously, "Why did you make that girl cry, Jhansi? She did nothing wrong to receive such harsh treatment."
Jhansi got irritated thinking Shani was trying to defend the girl, " Shut up!"
"Woah."
An oversized heated discussion between Shani and Jhansi was stopped by the headmaster's peon who rushed towards panting heavily, " Principal has requested the presence of Team Leaders."
The members of 'The NIkambes' sighed thankfully they were saved from listening to a long discussion of nonsense that would have continued until either of them lost the energy to speak. It was a very exhausting task they never wanted to take place.
Shani nodded his head with understanding and held the hands of an irritated Jhansi, trying to calm her down. On a few occasions she lost her rationality but most of the time she was capable of rational thinking. (Actually, she lost rationality most of the time, but Shani always stopped himself from thinking in that direction. If he ever made the mistake of blurting it out, a horrible faith awaited him).
"The principal is calling us."
"I heard."
"Have you calmed down yet?"
She spoke with slight annoyance, "Of course, I never lost my cool."
"Yeah, sure you never did."
"Are you trying to make fun of me?"
"No."
"Then,.."
"The headmaster."
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