Chapter 9: Results and Ruin

Without Ananya dragging me down, my grades improved quickly.

I poured myself into my studies, spending late nights hunched over textbooks, the sound of the pressure cooker whistling in the background. My mother brought me chai and biscuits, her pride evident in every gesture.

After the board exam medical, a piece of news caused a huge stir.

The entire school buzzed with rumours. The girls huddled in corners, whispering, while the boys exchanged knowing glances. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Everyone was gossiping.

The staff room was no different. Teachers whispered behind closed doors, their faces grim. The news spread faster than results after the board exam, whispered in the chai queue and even in the staff room.

"Did you hear? Ananya was found to be pregnant during the checkup."

The words hung in the air, shocking in their finality. The boys who once worshipped her now snickered behind her back, their admiration turned to scorn.

"She looks so pure and aloof, but she’s already Kabir’s woman, hahaha."

The laughter was cruel, the words sharper than any blade. I felt a wave of anger rise, but I bit it back, knowing there was nothing I could do.

Just then, the class prefect rushed in, out of breath. "Rohan, the class teacher wants to see you in the office."

My heart skipped a beat. The room went silent, all eyes on me. I gathered my things, trying to keep my face neutral.

I had no idea why.

A thousand possibilities raced through my mind. Had I done something wrong? Was I being blamed for Ananya’s choices?

Someone smirked, "No way, even you’re involved? You look so proper, but you’re not, are you?"

The accusation stung, but I kept my cool. The boys around me snickered, whispering behind their hands.

I frowned. "Watch your mouth."

I stood tall, refusing to let their words touch me. My dignity was all I had left.

He just laughed. "What, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. She’s the goddess, after all. You really hit the jackpot."

The words rang hollow, more mockery than admiration. I pushed past them, determined to face whatever came next with my head held high.

I ignored him and went to the office.

The corridor was empty, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the floor. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever storm awaited.

Just as I stepped out, I saw Ananya’s father storming towards me, face full of rage.

His eyes were wild, his fists clenched. The sight sent a chill down my spine. The world seemed to slow down, the only sound my own heartbeat thundering in my ears.

I instinctively greeted him, but he kicked me to the ground.

The blow landed hard, knocking the wind out of me. I gasped, tasting blood in my mouth. The humiliation burned hotter than any pain. As I struggled to sit up, I realised that sometimes, life gives you a second chance not to fix others—but to save yourself.

For the first time, I wondered if a second chance was just a crueler way to fail.