Regret

Adil asked Rocky, "You were absent for two days, right." Rocky replied that he wasn't feeling well. Adil then told him that a new student had joined their class. Rocky remarked, "Oh, really." Adil added, "Yes, buddy. She is extremely cowardly." Rocky smiled, realizing that meant they were going to have some fun. Adil then noted that Naina already knew her and was her friend. Rocky dismissed it, saying they would see, just as the new girl walked in.

Rocky walked up to her with his friend and asked what her name was. When she replied it was Masooma, Rocky laughed, mocking her name. Masooma asked if he had never heard it before. Rocky replied that he had just heard it from her. Masooma felt uncomfortable and told him to move back. Rocky challenged her, asking what she would do if he didn't. She told him to move out of his way, but Rocky refused to budge.

Naina stepped in and asked Rocky why he was blocking Masooma's path. Rocky claimed he did it just because he felt like it. Naina asked what he meant by that, reminding him that he knew who she was, and told him to tell Masooma about him too. Naina then told Rocky to leave her alone for now because she needed to go to the café. Rocky agreed and backed off.

Masooma went and sat at her seat. Naina asked her why she hadn't answered him back. Masooma replied that she did answer him, noting that he hadn't been seen in class for two days. Naina explained that he had been absent, which was why the class had been so peaceful. She warned Masooma that he often bothered others. When Masooma asked if he troubled everyone like that, Naina said he targeted many people. She told Masooma to focus on their studies because the teacher would be arriving soon, and asked if her presentation was ready. Masooma said it was, and they decided to quickly revise.

In the meantime, Sir Faris arrived. Everyone gave their presentations one by one. When it was Rocky's turn, he received low marks, though he didn't seem concerned about his grades.

Masooma was a student from a middle-class background who worked hard toward her dream of becoming a doctor. When her matriculation results came out, she was pleased to see that she had secured the first position. Because of this achievement, she received a scholarship to a prestigious college in her city. Masooma had one married sister, and her father worked as a government employee. On the other hand, Rocky was from a very wealthy family and was used to getting his way.

Later, Naina approached Masooma and told her that Rocky was calling her near the café. Masooma asked why, and Naina explained that a message had been delivered. Masooma admitted she was feeling nervous, but Naina reassured her, saying she was right there with her. They decided to go together.

As soon as they arrived, Rocky and his group played a mean prank on Masooma, making a mess of her clothes. Naina angrily asked Rocky if he had any sense of decency, but Rocky remained indifferent, reminding her of his reputation. Naina told Masooma to come to the washroom to clean up.

Inside, Masooma was upset and told Naina that she wanted to leave the college. Naina encouraged her to stay strong and not let a single incident discourage her. Masooma expressed her fear of future encounters. Naina told her to just clean her uniform, not to think too much, and to come back to the classroom while she went ahead.

As Naina left and Masooma was about to step out, Rocky appeared and blocked her path again, continuing his intimidation. Masooma was distressed and asked why he was targeting her. Rocky mocked her, stating he found the situation amusing.

Feeling cornered, Masooma finally stood up for herself and confronted Rocky directly. Rocky was left stunned as a small crowd of students began to gather nearby. Feeling his pride wounded in front of others, Rocky warned her that there would be consequences for challenging him.

She hurried back to the classroom, visibly shaken. Naina was concerned to see her and asked what had happened. Masooma shared the story. Naina supported her, telling her she was right to stand up for herself. Although Masooma expressed fear about the future, Naina promised to stay by her side. Naina, you are so brave. I wish I could be fearless like you,” Masooma said, her voice trembling slightly.

“You don’t need to be afraid of him at all,” Naina replied, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Becoming a doctor is your biggest dream. Don’t you want to fulfill it?”

“It is my dream... but I am terrified of Rocky,” Masooma confessed, looking down. “By the way, what is his real name?”

“His real name is Salaar, but everyone calls him Rocky by his nickname,” Naina explained.

Meanwhile, a little far away, Rocky whispered to Wahaj, “Wahaj, I will take revenge.”

“But how?” Wahaj asked.

“When college ends today, you will keep her busy talking. Got it? I will handle the rest myself. Alright, let’s go...”

As soon as the college bell rang, signaling the end of the day, Naina and Masooma began walking out of their classroom. Suddenly, Wahaj blocked their path.

“Masooma, please,” Wahaj pleaded, holding out a notebook. “Could you write down the questions for tomorrow’s presentation quiz for me?”

Naina stepped in front of her friend. “Go and get them from some professor.”

“Please, Masooma, I really need them,” Wahaj insisted, looking desperate. “Don’t you understand? I am Rocky’s friend, but I am not a bully like him.”

Masooma softened. “Alright, I will write them down for you.”

“Masooma, we are going to be late,” Naina warned, checking her watch.

“Just ten minutes, Naina, please,” Masooma requested.

Naina looked outside and sighed. “My van is already here. Alright, fine. You stay, I’m leaving. Mark the quiz questions for him quickly.”

While Masooma was still busy marking the questions, Rocky suddenly appeared.

“Thanks, Wahaj. You can leave now,” Rocky commanded.

Wahaj quickly shut his notebook. “But the questions are still left—”

“I said leave. Sorry, Masooma. Best of luck,” Rocky interrupted. Wahaj immediately turned around and walked away.

Masooma tried to leave, but Rocky blocked the exit. “Let me go!” she cried out.

“Wait here for the morning. Bye-bye,” Rocky replied coldly as he stepped out and locked the door.

Masooma ran to the door, banging her fists against the wood. “Please, Rocky! Open the door! I need to go home!” But her cries were ignored as Rocky walked away.

Meanwhile, at Masooma’s house, her mother sat near the door, staring anxiously outside. By 6:00 PM, there was still no sign of their daughter.

Masooma’s father walked into the room. “What are you thinking, Kalsoom? Our daughter will be fine. I have already informed the police.”

“No... I feel a terrible dread in my heart,” Kalsoom wept.

Her husband sighed. “We have searched everywhere we could. Now we must wait for news.”

Back in the locked classroom, Masooma huddled in a corner. What must Amma and Abba be thinking right now? What should I do?

Wiping her tears, she felt a wave of determination. She had to survive the night and wait for the morning dawn.Masooma waits for the morning but her condition gets very bad. She doesn’t know when she finally falls asleep.

Meanwhile, Rocky tells everything to Wahaj on a phone call. “Bro, you made an amazing plan! She raised her hand against Rocky, she deserved exactly this. Now she will never dare to raise her hand again. Alright, fine, I need to sleep now. I want to see her face in the morning; it’s going to be so much fun. Alright, catch you later.” The call disconnects.

In the morning, when the college guard opens all the classroom doors, he spots Masooma lying on the floor. The guard asks her how she ended up there. The poor girl explains the entire situation. The guard says, “He is the spoiled child of a rich father. Son, you should have stayed away from him.”

Masooma replies, “Guard uncle, he is extremely ill-mannered.”

“Go wash your face and head home now, otherwise your family will be worried sick,” the guard advises.

“Yes, okay.”

Just as she is about to leave for home, Rocky approaches from the front. Seeing him, she gets terrified. “Please, I need to go home now. You have taken your revenge.”

The guard steps in, “Son, let her go home. Look at her condition.”

Rocky snaps, “Oh, her savior! Step back. Let’s go to the classroom and talk, then you can go home.”

“No, I want to go!” Masooma cries out.

Rocky grabs her hand and drags her back into the classroom. “Rocky, please!”

“Fine, I will let you go on one condition. When you come to college tomorrow, you will apologize to me in front of the whole class for trying to slap me.”

“Okay, I will apologize. Now please let me go.” Hearing this, Rocky finally lets her go. To be continue......