Chapter 3: Unsettling Realities

Tara returned home with red, puffy eyes, her tears still fresh from the encounter with Daniel. She desperately tried to compose herself, determined not to let her aunt, Santhra, see her vulnerability.

As Tara entered the house, Santhra glanced at her with a disapproving look. She had never been thrilled about Tara living with them, and today's emotional state only fueled her resentment further.

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Uncle Mahesh, on the other hand, was a kind-hearted man who had welcomed Tara into their home. He noticed Tara's red eyes and concerned expression. "Tara, my dear, what happened? Are you alright?"

Tara forced a smile, trying her best to appear composed. "Oh, it's nothing, Uncle Mahesh. Just had a long and tiring day at college. That's all."

Uncle Mahesh frowned, sensing there was more to the story. "Are you sure? You know you can always talk to me, right?"

Before Tara could respond, Santhra cut in, her voice filled with annoyance. "Oh, please! Don't encourage her drama, Mahesh. She's just being overemotional, as always. Can't you see I'm trying to eat in peace?"

Tara's face paled, her sensitive spirit shattered by Santhra's harsh words. She lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of her aunt's disapproval. It was a constant reminder that she was unwanted in this household.

Excusing herself from the table, Tara retreated to her bedroom. She closed the door behind her and sank onto her bed, the images of the day replaying in her mind. But what struck her most was Daniel's face—those captivating hazel eyes filled with disdain and arrogance. He was all she could think about.

Tara lay in bed, tossing and turning, trying desperately to find sleep. But sleep evaded her, slipping through her fingers. Her mind continued to race, consumed by thoughts of Daniel and the encounter that had left her feeling so small and insignificant.

The following morning, Tara jolted awake, her eyes widening in alarm as she glanced at the clock. Now she was running late for college. Panic surged through her veins as she hastily got ready, rushing to make it in time.

As she reached the gates of the college, murmurs and whispers filled the air. A group of students had gathered, their gazes fixed on Tara as she approached. The whispers grew louder, carrying snippets of their conversation.

One of guy named Tom said , "Hey, look! It's the girl Daniel shouted at yesterday."

Another girl named Jazzel said, "Can you believe it? After everything he did to her, she still shows up like nothing happened!"

"How shameless. She must have no self-respect."

Tara's heart sank, her sensitive nature unable to withstand the judgments and ridicule. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

Unbeknownst to Tara, Daniel was lurking nearby, listening to every word. Seeing the opportunity to inflict more pain, he made his way towards a particularly mean-spirited girl in the group. His lips curled into a sinister grin as he approached her, startling her.

"Hey, baby! It's been a while since I've made another girl cry," Daniel taunted. The girl's face turned pale as she realized the danger she was in. She pleaded, "Please, Daniel, let me go! I was just trying to make her smile, I didn't mean any harm. Tara is my friend, please."

Tara, still reeling from the hurtful comments, overheard the girl's desperate pleas. Something inside her stirred, a compassionate instinct she couldn't explain. She stepped forward, confronting Daniel. "Daniel, leave my friend alone now."

Daniel smirked, his eyes flashing with amusement. "Fine, have it your way," he conceded before walking away, leaving the girl named Jezzel visibly shaken by the encounter.

Filled with gratitude and admiration for Tara's unexpected defense, Jezzel mustered the courage to apologize. "Tara, I am so sorry for what I said. I was wrong, and I didn't mean any of it. Thank you for standing up for me."

Tara, still unsure why she had intervened, smiled softly at Jezzel. "It's okay. We all make mistakes. Just remember to think twice before joining in on someone else's pain."

Jezzel nodded, genuine remorse etched on her face. From that moment on, a bond formed between the two girls, each recognizing the strength and kindness within the other.

As Tara walked towards her first class, she couldn't help but contemplate the unexpected turn of events. Daniel's presence continued to cast a dark shadow over her life, but in the midst of it, she had found solace in an unlikely friendship.