Abhi sat alone in his room, his attention fixed on a photo frame resting quietly on the table. It was from his twelfth birthday-a moment frozen in time. Riddhima stood beside him in the picture, laughing as she tugged playfully at his cheeks. Just looking at it stirred something warm in his chest.

They had known each other since she was in first grade. So many years had passed, yet her presence still brought him the same sense of comfort. Around her, everything felt lighter. Safer.

He was aware of the age difference. He had always been aware. Still, it didn't change the connection he felt-deep, familiar, and impossible to ignore.

What existed between them was more than friendship, even if neither of them had ever named it. Abhi understood that much. But understanding didn't mean accepting it out loud. For now, he kept those feelings locked away, choosing silence over confusion.

She was the only one who made him feel this way. The only one he worried about constantly. Protecting Riddhima came naturally to him, as if it were instinct rather than choice.

Sometimes, when he saw Veer laughing with her or standing too close, jealousy crept in-sharp and unwelcome. He hated that feeling, so he buried it deep, reminding himself that Veer was their friend. He watched quietly, never letting his emotions slip.

The sudden ring of his phone shattered his thoughts.

"Hello?" he answered, sitting up.

"It's Veer,"

came the hurried voice.

"Some boys at Riddhima's coaching center are bullying her."

For a second, Abhi couldn't breathe.

"What?" he shouted, rage flooding his voice.

"I'm heading there right now,"

Veer said quickly.

"You come too. They need to be taught a lesson."

The call ended.

Abhi didn't waste another second.

By the time he reached the coaching center, Tanvi was standing outside, visibly shaken and in tears. He barely noticed her crying.

"Where's Riddhima?" he demanded.

Tanvi wiped her eyes.

"She's in the girls' restroom. She's crying... she doesn't want to see anyone."

His chest tightened.

Abhi ran straight to the restroom and knocked. No response.

"Princess,"

He said softly, his voice dropping.

"It's me. Open the door."

He knocked again-gentle, but firm.

A moment passed. Then the door creaked open.

Riddhima stepped out and immediately wrapped her arms around him, breaking down completely. Her sobs grew heavier, her grip tighter, as if she was afraid he might disappear.

"It's okay,"

Abhi murmured, holding her close and running his hand through her tangled hair.

"I'm here. No one can hurt you now."

He pulled back slightly. "Look at me."

When she lifted her face, his blood boiled. Her cheek was bruised, her eyes swollen and red.

"Who did this?"

He asked, his voice dangerously calm.

Between sobs, she whispered,

"Some ninth-grade boys... they always trouble younger girls."

That was enough.

Before he could say anything else, Veer stormed in, dragging three or four boys behind him. Their faces were pale with fear.

"These are the ones," Veer said sharply.

The boys started pleading.

"We're sorry. We won't do it again, Riddh-"

"Don't you dare take her name!"

Abhi roared.

They flinched.

"Veer, give me your phone."

Without hesitation, Veer handed it over.

Abhi turned the camera on them.

"Look into the lens and tell me exactly what you did."

"Please don't record us," they begged.

"You either confess,"

Abhi said coldly,

"or my guards outside will handle things their way."

That silenced them.

Shaking, the boys admitted everything. Abhi sent the recording straight to the principal.

"Remember this,"

He warned.

"If you ever bully someone again, the consequences will be worse."

He walked out with Riddhima and Veer.

Veer smirked. "You really scared them. Well done."

His phone buzzed. "Yeah, Dad. I'm coming."

He turned to Abhi. "You'll take her home?"

Abhi nodded.

Veer smiled at Riddhima. "You're strong. Take care."

After he left, Abhi looked at her.

"Chalein?"

[Shall we go?]

She nodded.

They sat quietly in the backseat of the car. Riddhima still looked shaken, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Abhi spoke gently, his voice steady.

"I promise I'll never leave you alone again. I'll always protect you. Just trust me."

Riddhima smiled-small, tired, but comforted.

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