3.1 Sorry, Not Sorry

It was my second day at college - well I spent half of my first day unconscious in the clinic. I got knocked out in just one punch after all that rant. Even though I didn't care what these imbecile creatures thought of me, it was my pride that made me balk.

I entered the class and there was... No response. I looked around. Most of the students were busy studying. I still attracted a few stares.

I saw Rahul waving at me and Aishwarya sitting in her seat, next to mine. But then I noticed someone familiar sitting in the same row as Aishwarya. The big guy from yesterday looked at me with a big smirk on his face. He is in the same class!? I kept walking without giving in to his sneering.

"Asura." A cute voice called me from behind. If I remember correctly, she is the only one who volunteered for the position of class leader.

She had big turquoise eyes and rosy cheeks. Her waist-long pink hair swayed along with her every movement. Short bangs covered her forehead. She had a mature body and way more curves for a teenage girl, like a fully grown woman.

"Karthik, stand up." She said to the big guy.

"I heard you two had some misunderstanding, which ended up in a fight."

"You call that a fight? It was a one-sided pummeling." added Karthik arrogantly.

"Karthik." She looked at him with furrowed eyebrows. Surprisingly, her look was enough to silence him.

She stepped closer. "Are you sure you are alright? Your cheek still looks a little swollen. Does it hurt?" She had a worried look on her face as she checked my blackened eye. I saw Karthik glowering at me, his face twisted in a disgruntled expression.

"Ohh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Maanvi Malhotra. Class Rep of NEAT batch MR04. Let's help each other and crack this exam together." She said cheerfully.

"Now. Shake hands and apologize to one another. We should all sojourn in harmony, because ultimately we're here, working towards the same goal! We might as well be friends, Right?"

"Friends with this guy? Never in a million years!" exclaimed Karthik.

Maanvi glared at him with her big mesmerizing eyes. Just a few seconds of her stare turned a beast-like Karthik blush red. Humans do have some weird powers.

"Okay, okay." He lifted his hand towards me.

I wanted to pass on the handshake but I also didn't want to drag this conversation any longer so I complied.

"Asura. You were unable to attend yesterday's lectures, so I made notes for you. Here." Maanvi handed me a bundle of papers and tilted her head to one side with a big smile on her face.

"Thank you. But you don't even know me. Why help me?" I asked.

"Hey! Don't say that." She pouted her lips, "We should all work together and help each other. This exam isn't something that you can crack on your own."

Even though we all have the same destination, there's only so much we can do to help one another. In the end, you are all alone.

"Maanvi, I need help with a question." A girl called her.

"Gotta go. See ya." She waved her hand and headed towards the girl's seat.

She helps everyone. The question was, whether she was doing it selflessly. The thought that she might ask a big favor in the future, scared me.

There were still a few minutes for the lecture to begin but the class was quiet, vigorously consuming information. I settled down on my seat.

"Maanvi sure is cute." commented Rahul, "She might be the only reason for me to attend college on gloomy days."

Apparently, it hadn't occurred to Rahul that the things he says, might sound eccentric to others. Maybe this is the reason he ended up alone, even after being a chatty person. He reminds me of someone I used to know.

"By the way, Asura. I heard something and I think you should know about it too."

"What is it?" I asked.

Rahul whispered, "Every year a student or two are expelled from the 11th Grade MR04 batch and rumors are all of them didn't get along with Mr. Piyush. After yesterday's events, Mr. Piyush might have his eyes on you. I am saying this because I don't want my only friend to get expelled." How does he get his hands on these rumors? I guess there are some benefits of being talkative.

"What do you mean students are expelled? He can't proceed with it, if not for a solid reason. Don't you think so?"

"I don't know how, but one way or another all of them ended up getting expelled." Expelled, huh? Well, I don't have any plans to get involved with him.

Mr. Sunil, the chemistry teacher, entered the class. Everyone stood up to greet him, and the lecture began.