The college campus was enveloped in an eerie silence. The usual buzz among the students had dulled, as the news of Sopan Sir being hospitalized in critical condition weighed heavily on everyone. The somber mood in the classroom reflected their concern.
One student broke the silence, suggesting, "We should visit Sir in the hospital. His condition is serious; I heard he has a fractured nasal bone."
Ankit dismissed the idea with a curt, "You all can go. I'm not interested."
Lakhi shrugged and replied, "Fine, I'll go then," before leaving with the rest of the students. Soon, only Ankit and Kanika remained in the classroom.
Kanika's eyes sparkled with a dangerous gleam. She had devised a new plan to eliminate Ankit. Hidden in her hair was a seemingly ordinary hairpin, her deadliest weapon. This was no ordinary pin—it had been her tool in taking several lives. Kanika had perfected the art of throwing the pin with such precision and force that it could pierce her target's windpipe.
She quietly slipped out of the classroom, her sharp instincts scanning the quiet campus for any witnesses. The emptiness of the grounds reassured her as she returned to the room, clutching the hairpin tightly.
Ankit was engrossed in reading a book, unaware of the approaching danger. Kanika took her chance and hurled the pin with all her might at his neck. What happened next stunned her. The pin struck Ankit's neck but harmlessly slid off and fell to the ground.
Ankit looked up, instantly alert, his stance shifting into a defensive position. His eyes were calm yet intimidating. Kanika stammered, "There... there was a mosquito on your neck. I was just trying to kill it."
Ankit frowned. "You could've told me instead."
"If I told you, it would've flown away. I wanted to catch it off guard," Kanika blurted in her defense.
Ankit sighed, his expression softening, before he chuckled. "Fine. But don't try something like this again, or I might actually retaliate."
Kanika forced a nervous laugh and retreated to her seat. Inside, her mind was racing. "What is this boy made of? That hairpin can puncture walls, yet it slid off him like it was nothing!"
When the rest of the students returned from their hospital visit, the day proceeded uneventfully.
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The Upcoming Picnic
A few days later, the students received exciting news. Savita Ma'am, their new sports teacher, had organized a picnic to a nearby forest. This announcement revitalized the college's atmosphere. Among the 50 students selected, Ankit, Kanika, Lakhi, Anjali, Muralidhar, Abhishek, and Vishal were grouped together. The picnic would also include three guards, a police officer, and two teachers—Savita Ma'am and Rajesh Sir.
As preparations began, Kanika's mind was preoccupied with a sinister plot. That evening, she received a call from her boss.
"Did you find the right moment to finish him?" the boss inquired sharply.
Kanika's voice was cold. "Tomorrow, in the forest. It'll be easy there."
"Ensure there are no mistakes this time," the boss ordered before disconnecting. Kanika spent the rest of the night refining her plan.
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Into the Forest
The picnic day arrived, and the students were buzzing with excitement. The bus ride to the forest was filled with laughter and chatter, except for Kanika, who silently sat, clutching a concealed weapon—a small gun hidden beneath her sweater.
Upon reaching the forest, the group pitched tents before Savita Ma'am guided them to a serene lake filled with blooming lotus flowers. The sight was mesmerizing, with the sound of a distant waterfall adding to the tranquility. A gentle breeze swept through the area, lifting the students' spirits.
Venturing further, the group stumbled upon a field of white lilies. The students eagerly wandered into the garden, taking pictures and enjoying the view. However, Kanika's thoughts were clouded with her mission. She watched Ankit, calculating the right moment to act.
Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by rustling noises from the bushes.
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The Attack
As the group neared the waterfall, a tiger leapt out from the undergrowth, its menacing growl freezing everyone in their tracks. Screams erupted as the students scattered, with the girls leading the frantic retreat. The teachers and guards, lagging behind, rushed to help but couldn't reach in time.
The tiger charged forward, its eyes fixed on Kanika. She froze, paralyzed with fear as the predator closed in. Shutting her eyes tightly, she braced herself for the end.
Moments later, she opened her eyes and gasped in disbelief. Ankit stood between her and the tiger, calm and unmoving. His piercing gaze met the tiger's, unflinching as the beast roared loudly, trying to intimidate him.
"Step back!" Ankit barked, directing his words at Kanika, who remained rooted in place. His commanding tone jolted her slightly, but she couldn't move.
Ankit raised his arms, ready to confront the tiger. The forest fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the impending standoff. The air was thick with tension as Ankit prepared to face the beast head-on.