The classroom buzzed with muted whispers and the scratch of pens on paper as Miss Kajal paced near the blackboard, explaining the nuances of English literature. Madhav sat in the middle row, scribbling notes diligently, his brows furrowed in concentration. Despite the droning lecture, his focus remained sharp—until a stifled laugh broke his rhythm.
She turned slightly, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Raj and Mohit, seated in the last row, their heads bent together. Raj whispered something to Mohit, and the two burst into another round of suppressed laughter.
Miss Kajal (stopping mid-sentence, voice sharp):
"Raj! Mohit! What's so funny back there?"
The class went silent, all eyes shifting toward the back row. Raj and Mohit froze, their grins faltering under Miss Kajal's stern glare. Before they could respond, Miss Kajal's gaze swept over to Madhav.
Miss Kajal (sternly):
"And Madhav, why are you encouraging them? Don't think I didn't see you turn around."
Madhav (startled, protesting):
"Ma'am, I wasn't—"
Miss Kajal (cutting him off):
"Enough. All three of you, stand outside the class. Let's see if fresh air improves your behavior."
Groans echoed from the back as Raj and Mohit reluctantly stood up, smirking at each other. Madhav, caught in the crossfire, sighed and pushed back his chair, joining them.
Hallway Conversation:-
The trio leaned against the cold wall outside the classroom. Raj nudged Madhav with his elbow, still grinning.
Raj (teasing): "Lighten up, Madhav. You're always so serious. No wonder Miss Kajal loves picking on you."
Madhav (rolling his eyes): "Maybe if you two didn't act like clowns, I wouldn't be here."
Mohit (chuckling): "Relax, buddy. At least we get a break from her boring lecture."
Madhav shook his head, glancing at his watch. The hallway was eerily quiet, the faint hum of distant voices barely audible. He couldn't shake the sense of unease that had followed him since morning—like a shadow lingering just out of sight.
Raj (noticing Madhav's distraction):"Hey, you good? You've been acting weird lately."
Madhav (hesitant): "Yeah, just… tired, I guess."
Before Raj could go further, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. As students poured into the hallway, Madhav's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen: a message from his elder brother, Purav.
Purav's Message: "Got something for you, Madhav. Come home this weekend. It's important."
Madhav frowned, a mix of curiosity and apprehension stirring within him. Purav rarely reached out, and when he did, it was never without a reason. Little did Madhav know, the "something" waiting for him at home.
students gathered at tables,in canteen area the air filled with the aroma of fresh samosas, dosa, and steaming chai. Madhav, Raj, and Mohit strolled in, their stomachs growling after the long class. They queued up near the counter, discussing what to order.
Mohit (grinning): "I'm telling you, guys, nothing beats the samosas here. Best in town!"
Raj (smirking): "Sure, if you want to burn your tongue on that lava they call chutney."
Madhav (distracted, glancing at his phone):
"I'll just grab a poha or something light. Got enough heat from Miss Kajal today."
As they collected their trays, Raj nudged Madhav and gestured toward a nearby table. Priya and Rupali were seated there, laughing over their plates of dosa and poha.
Raj (whispering, teasing): "Look who's here. Priya's all smiles today. Maybe she's finally noticed your charm, Madhav."
Madhav (rolling his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassment):
"Shut up, Raj." The trio sat down at a table nearby, keeping their conversation low. Priya glanced over briefly, her laughter faltering when she caught Madhav's gaze. She quickly looked away, whispering something to Rupali, who chuckled softly.
Before the boys could dig into their food, Aman, (mocking tone): "Well, well, look who it is. The punishment squad! How's the fresh air outside the classroom? Did Miss Kajal teach you some manners, or are you still her favorite troublemakers?"
Mohit (grinning, playing along):
"Jealous much, Aman? You're just upset because you never get the chance to stand outside like us VIPs."
Aman (smirking): "Please, Mohit. At least I don't get blamed for jokes I didn't even crack, like poor Madhav here."
Madhav (calmly, but with a hint of irritation):
"Maybe you should try minding your own business for once, Aman."
Aman laughed, leaning closer.
"Relax, Madhav. Just saying, with friends like these, you'll always be in trouble. Maybe that's why Priya doesn't even look at you."
Raj's jaw tightened, but before he could retort, Mohit placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head. Aman, satisfied with his taunt, walked off, joining his group of friends.
Raj (muttering): "One of these days, that guy's gonna get what's coming to him."
Mohit (shrugging):"Let it go. Not worth it."
As they ate in silence, Madhav's thoughts drifted back to Purav's message. Something about it unsettled him, but he couldn't put his finger on why.
Meanwhile, at the next table, Priya and Rupali were chatting.
Priya (lowering her voice): "Did you see how Miss Kajal punished them? Madhav looked so serious, as always."
Rupali (laughing): "Raj and Mohit are the real troublemakers, but poor Madhav gets dragged along every time."
Priya (hesitating, glancing at Madhav's table): "Yeah… but he's different, don't you think? Quiet, but… something's always on his mind."
Rupali (teasing): "Don't tell me you're curious about Madhav now."
Priya smiled faintly but didn't respond, her thoughts lingering on Madhav's intense yet distant demeanor. As Madhav, Raj, and Mohit finished their food and stood to leave, the chatter of the canteen was interrupted by a voice. A girl with short hair with attitude stepped into the room, her expression tense. It was Nikki, a first-year student known for her sharp tongue and straightforward nature.
Nikki (loudly, addressing the room):
"Alright, listen up! Vice Principal Sir is furious. Someone thought it'd be funny to mess with his bike and spray-paint it red , yellow and green. If anyone knows who did it, you better come forward before things get worse."
The room fell silent for a moment before whispers broke out among the students. Raj turned to Madhav, a sly grin forming on his face. Raj (in a low voice, nudging Madhav):
"Do you see Mohit?"
Madhav glanced around and noticed Mohit slipping out of the canteen, his head down as if trying to avoid attention.
Madhav (raising an eyebrow, amused):
"He left pretty quickly, didn't he?"
Raj (smirking): "Classic Mohit. Always pulling pranks and pretending he's innocent. I bet he's the one who turned the Vice Principal's bike into a circus ride."
The two burst into quiet laughter, their earlier tension from the encounter with Aman momentarily forgotten.
Nikki : "Last warning. If I find out who did it, you're dead meat. Vice Principal Sir said he'd suspend anyone involved."
Hearing this, Raj couldn't help but chuckle.
"Suspension, huh? Mohit better start planning his apology speech."
Madhav (smiling, shaking his head):
"Let's hope he has a good excuse. That guy always finds trouble."
The sun had dipped below the mountains, and a cool breeze swept through the dimly lit corridors of the college hostel. Madhav and Raj walked silently to their shared room after a long day. The faint hum of students chatting and the occasional clatter of utensils from the mess hall filled the air, but Madhav seemed lost in thought.
Raj flopped onto his bed, stretching lazily.
"Man, today was wild. Miss Kajal's punishment, Aman's nonsense, and now the Vice Principal's green bike. What's next?"
Madhav didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the small desk by the window. The faint glow of his phone screen illuminated a single unread message from Purav: "Got something for you, Madhav. Come home this weekend. It's important."
Raj (sitting up, concerned):
"Hey, what's up with you? You've been acting weird all day. Why so quiet?"
Madhav sighed, sitting on the edge of his bed.
"Purav sent me a message earlier. He wants me to come home this weekend. Says he has something important for me."
Raj (raising an eyebrow): "Important? Like what?"
Madhav (shrugging): "No idea. But knowing him, it's probably not good. Purav and I… we're not exactly close. He's always been the favorite, you know? And now, out of nowhere, he wants to give me something."
Raj leaned back against the wall, thinking for a moment.
"Maybe he's trying to make things right. Who knows? Don't stress about it, man. It could be nothing."
Madhav (hesitant): "Yeah… maybe. But it just feels off."
A brief silence hung between them before Raj suddenly sat up again, glancing around.
"Speaking of weird, where's Mohit? He usually barges in by now, cracking jokes or complaining about something."
Madhav looked toward the door, frowning.
"Good question. He slipped out of the canteen pretty quickly after Nikki's announcement. Think he's hiding from the Vice Principal?"
Raj (grinning):
"Wouldn't be surprised. But he usually can't resist showing off after pulling a stunt like that."
Madhav (nodding): "True. Let's give him some time. He'll turn up with some ridiculous story, as always."
Raj chuckled, but his laughter faded quickly.
"Still… it's not like him to stay out this late. You don't think he's in trouble, do you?"
Madhav glanced out the window, his unease growing.
"Let's hope not. We'll check with the warden if he doesn't show up soon."
The soft glow of the morning sun crept through the curtains as Raj and Madhav groggily stirred in their beds. The faint sounds of birds chirping outside mixed with the occasional distant chatter of students preparing for the day.
Suddenly, the door to their room creaked open, and in strolled Mohit, a wide grin on his face.
Mohit (cheerfully): "Good morning, sleepyheads! What's up, my dear friends?"
Raj (sitting up, frowning): "Where were you last night? You just disappeared without a word."
Madhav (crossing his arms): "Yeah, we were about to check with the warden. What's the deal, Mohit?"
Mohit (rubbing the back of his head, sheepishly):
"Relax, guys. I wasn't trying to ditch you. I just went to my uncle's restaurant. I needed to clear my head after Nikki's announcement. You know, what if the Vice Principal found out about the bike? Better safe than sorry."
Raj (grinning, teasing): "So, the great Mohit ran away in fear?"
Mohit (laughing): "It's fine now. Anyway, get ready! We've got to head to college, and I don't want to miss breakfast."
Madhav sighed but started gathering his books.
"Alright, alright. But next time, at least let us know where you're disappearing to."
As they were getting ready, Mohit turned to Raj, snapping his fingers.
"By the way, Raj, I need my notes. Need to catch up on my studies .
Raj froze, scratching the back of his head.
"Uh, about that… I kind of gave your notes to Anika yesterday. You know, the girl who sits in the first bench? She needed them for her assignments."
Mohit (groaning):
"Raj, seriously? Why her? She's always hogging the teacher's attention. Now I have to track her down!"
Madhav (grinning, teasing): "Maybe she's your soulmate, Mohit. You both share the same love for notes."
Mohit (mocking tone): "Ha, ha, very funny. You two are the worst."
Raj and Madhav laughed as Mohit grabbed his bag and headed for the door.
"Fine, I'll find her during the first lecture. Let's go, or we'll miss breakfast."
In class room most of the students were either chatting in small groups or scrolling through their phones. Madhav, Raj, and Mohit sat together on the middle bench, slouching lazily with nothing much to do.
Raj (leaning back, stretching):
"Man, free periods are the best. No lectures, no assignments. Just peace."
Mohit (grinning): "Speak for yourself. I'd rather be at the canteen stuffing my face with samosas."
Madhav (smirking): "You'll live off samosas one day, Mohit."
Raj (nudging Madhav): "Hey, so you're going home tomorrow, right? What time are you leaving?"
Madhav (nodding): "Yeah, tomorrow morning. I'll catch the first bus at 7 AM."
Raj (smiling): "That's nice. Bet your family's looking forward to seeing you."
Madhav hesitated for a moment, his smile faltering slightly. "Maybe. It's been a while since I went home."
Mohit (raising an eyebrow, curious):
"You don't sound too excited, Madhav. Something on your mind?"
Madhav (shrugging, trying to sound casual):
"It's nothing. Just been a weird few days, that's all."
Raj go forward, lowering his voice.
"Come on, man. You've been acting off since you got that message from Purav. What's going on?"
Madhav sighed, glancing around to make sure no one was listening.
"Purav said he has something important for me. He wants me to come home this weekend to pick it up. But I don't know… it feels strange. Like he's hiding something."
Mohit (jokingly):
"Maybe he's giving you a old history book."
Madhav (forcing a laugh): "Yeah, right. Knowing Purav, it's probably just some old book or junk."
Raj (serious, patting Madhav's shoulder):
"Whatever it is, don't overthink it. Just go, see what he wants, and come back. We've got your back, okay?"
Madhav (softly):"Thanks, Raj."
Before the conversation could get heavier, Mohit clapped his hands together, breaking the tension.
"Alright, enough of this serious talk. Let's plan something fun for tonight. How about sneaking out to the market? I heard there's a food festival going on."
Raj (grinning): "Only you could bring food into every conversation, Mohit."
Madhav (chuckling): "Let's see how the day goes. We'll decide later."
In period stretched on. Madhav, Raj, and Mohit were still joking around when a boy with neatly combed hair and glasses approached their bench. It was Rohan, a classmate known for spending most of his time in the library.
Rohan (smiling politely):"Hi, Raj! How are you?"
Raj (grinning, leaning back): "Hey, Rohan! I'm good. What's up? You're actually in class during a free period? Isn't this prime library time for you?"
Rohan (laughing lightly): "Yeah, usually. But today, I found something interesting and thought I'd take a break."
Raj (curious): "Interesting, huh? What's got you out of the library?"
Rohan held up a thin, leather-bound book with faded gold lettering on the cover.
"This. It's called Two Choices. Found it while sorting through some old shelves."
Raj (leaning forward to get a better look):
"Two Choices? Sounds deep. What's it about?"
Rohan (sitting down on the bench beside Raj): "It's strange. The book doesn't have an author listed, and it feels… old. I skimmed through it, and it's filled with stories about people who had to make life-changing decisions. But the twist? Each decision came with a price."
Mohit (intrigued, leaning closer): "Price? Like what?"
Rohan (lowering his voice, as if sharing a secret):
"Well, one story talks about a man who could bring someone back to life but had to lose a part of himself in the process. Another was about a king who chose endless wealth but ended up losing everyone he loved."
The group fell silent, the lighthearted mood from earlier replaced by a sense of curiosity and unease.
Madhav (breaking the silence):
"That's… intense. What's the point of the book?"
Rohan (shrugging): "Not sure yet. But it feels like there's something more to it. Like the book itself is a choice."
Raj (trying to lighten the mood):
"Well, as long as it doesn't start talking to you or something, I think you'll be fine."
Everyone laughed, but Madhav couldn't shake the strange feeling the book's title gave him. Two Choices. It sounded eerily similar to the dilemma he felt looming over him.
As Rohan showed the mysterious book to Raj, Priya and Rupali sat nearby, quietly listening to their conversation.
Priya (whispering to Rupali): "I don't like horror or mysterious stories. They always give me nightmares."
Rupali (teasingly): "Then you'd hate this book. But honestly, I love horror stuff. Maybe I should borrow it from Rohan."
Just then, Anika walked over to their bench, her notebook clutched tightly against her chest. She had overheard their conversation and chimed in with a sly smile.
Anika: "Horror stories? I'm a fan! Movies, books, anything scary—I love it all."
Rupali (raising an eyebrow): "You've got a strong stomach, Anika. I'd probably scream my head off halfway through a scary movie."
Priya (laughing softly): "Same here. I prefer romance or adventure. Horror's just not my thing."
Rupali (suddenly curious): "By the way, Anika, do you have any idea who played that prank on the Vice Principal's bike? It's all anyone's been talking about."
Priya (nodding): "Yeah, we were just wondering about that earlier."
Anika ( lowering her voice): "I know exactly who did it. I saw Mohit hanging around near the Vice Principal's bike yesterday, just before it happened."
Rupali (eyes widening): "Seriously? Mohit? That's bold, even for him."
Priya (frowning): "Are you sure, Anika? Mohit wouldn't do something like that… would he?"
Anika (shrugging, smirking): "I saw what I saw. He looked pretty suspicious to me."
Rupali (laughing): "Well, if it was Mohit, he's got guts. Let's just hope the Vice Principal doesn't find out."
As Priya, Rupali, and Anika continued their conversation, Aman leaned silently against the wall beside the classroom door, hidden just out of sight. He wasn't particularly interested in their chatter at first, but the mention of the Vice Principal's bike prank caught his attention.
Aman (thinking to himself): "So Mohit's the prankster, huh? Interesting…"
He stayed perfectly still, not wanting to miss any more of their conversation.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the free period.
In hostel room was dimly lit, with the hum of crickets faintly audible through the window. Madhav sat on his bed, neatly folding clothes into his bag, preparing for his trip home the next morning. Raj lounged on the opposite bed, flipping through a magazine, while Mohit paced the room, visibly restless.
Mohit (groaning): "Man, I'm so bored. How can you two sit there so calmly?"
Raj (grinning): "Not everyone's as hyper as you, Mohit. Why don't you go bug Anika again?"
Mohit (laughing): "Funny you say that. I did see her earlier today when I went to get my notes."
Madhav (looking up from his bag): "Did she give them to you without any drama?"
Mohit (grinning mischievously):
"Not really. At first, she refused, acting all high and mighty. But I wasn't about to leave without my notes. So, I forced her a bit—you know, just grabbed the notebook out of her hands. She finally gave in after that."
Raj (raising an eyebrow): "Seriously, Mohit? You could've just asked nicely."
Mohit (shrugging): "Where's the fun in that? Anyway, I got my notes, so who cares?"
Madhav zipped up his bag and sat back on his bed, watching Mohit with a slight frown.
"You know, Mohit, you could try being a little less… aggressive. People might actually like you more."
Mohit (laughing it off): "Oh, come on, Madhav. Don't lecture me like an old man. I'm just having fun."
Raj (teasing): "One day, that 'fun' of yours is going to land you in serious trouble."
Mohit (mocking): "Yeah, yeah, as if you're the picture of perfection."
The room fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound being the rustling of Madhav's bag.
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft golden glow over the college hostel. Madhav zipped up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder as he gave one last glance at his room. Raj leaned against the doorframe, already dressed, waiting to accompany him to the bus stand.
Raj (clapping Madhav on the back):
"Don't overthink it, man. Just enjoy the break. And don't forget to bring back some sweets."
The usual chatter and noise of the college were absent, replaced by the occasional chirp of birds and the distant hum of vehicles.
At the bus stand, a small group of people were already gathered, some loading luggage while others sipped on steaming cups of tea from nearby stalls.
Raj (nudging Madhav): "Looks like your chariot's almost ready."
Madhav (nodding, checking his ticket):
"Yeah, bus number 8. Should leave in about ten minutes."
They stood in silence for a moment, watching the bus attendants load bags onto the roof. Raj broke the quiet, his tone more serious.
Raj: "Hey, Madhav… about Purav's message. You sure everything's okay? You seemed a little off last night."
Madhav (hesitating):"I don't know, Raj. Purav sending me cryptic messages about coming home? It doesn't feel right."
Raj (trying to lighten the mood):
"Well, Either way, don't stress. Call me if you need anything."
Madhav (smiling faintly): "Thanks, Raj. I'll let you know."
The conductor shouted, " Madhav and Raj exchanged a quick hug.
Raj (grinning): "Take care, bro. And don't forget—sweets!"
Madhav (laughing): "Got it. See you then.
As Madhav boarded the bus and found a seat near the window, he looked out to see Raj waving.