---
The Next Day...
Shristi was still angry at Wick, but beneath that anger, a conflicting sense of sympathy lingered. She had seen his rage, his impulsive decisions, and yet, she couldn't ignore the weight he carried.
Meanwhile, Bhumi approached Wick with a serious expression.
"I need you to stop talking to Annu," she said firmly.
Wick raised an eyebrow, barely reacting. "What?" He let out a short chuckle, not taking her seriously. "What are you talking about?"
Bhumi crossed her arms. "I had to choose between her and me."
At that, Wick's amusement faded. His expression darkened as he stepped forward. "Don't talk nonsense," he snapped. "You don't get to do this. When you weren't here, she was the one who stood by me. She was like a sister to me. She supported me when I had no one. You have no idea what my life was like back then. And now you show up and tell me to cut her off?" His voice rose with frustration.
Bhumi's face remained impassive. "Okay," she said after a pause, "then I want one thing."
Wick frowned. "What is it?"
"A sorry."
His expression twisted in disbelief. "What?"
"I heard from someone that you never apologize to anyone," she explained, watching him closely.
Wick scoffed, his anger flaring again. "You actually think I'd apologize to you for nothing? Forget about it. And don't ever bring this up again."
Without another word, he turned and walked away, his temper barely under control.
---
Later That Day...
Wick sat on a bench beside Nick, lost in thought. The irritation from his earlier conversation with Bhumi still simmered inside him.
Shristi approached and took a seat next to him, but before she could speak, another voice interrupted them.
"Wick!" Tara called out as she walked up to him. "Are you coming to the canteen?"
Wick shook his head. "Not in the mood."
Tara smirked. "If you ever get in the mood, let me know. I'll order your usual."
At that, Wick let out a sigh and stood up. "Fine. I'll come."
Tara flashed a satisfied smile before walking away, leaving Shristi staring after her, irritation evident in her expression.
---
The Beauty Competition Begins...
The event hall buzzed with excitement as contestants prepared for the beauty competition. The stage was set, the music played softly in the background, and pairs walked onto the dance floor, each escorted by their partner.
Shristi, however, stood frozen near the entrance, scanning the crowd. Lalit was nowhere to be found. Panic crept into her chest as her name was announced.
"Ms. Shristi... escorted by Mr. Kashyap."
Her eyes widened. Mr. Kashyap?
She turned—and there stood Wick, extending his hand toward her.
He had only come to watch the competition, but when he noticed Lalit missing, he immediately stepped in. He knew if no one escorted Shristi, it would be humiliating for her. Since he and Vivaan shared the same last name, no one questioned the announcement.
Shristi hesitated. "Where's Vivaan?" she whispered urgently.
Wick shook his head. "No idea."
Seeing no other option, she took his hand. As they stepped onto the dance floor, murmurs spread across the hall. Everyone was shocked to see Wick and Shristi together, but the moment the music started, silence fell.
Their movements were effortless, as if they had practiced for weeks. Wick led confidently, his grip firm yet careful, while Shristi followed instinctively. The way they moved together was mesmerizing, their chemistry undeniable.
On the other side of the floor, Nick and Varsha were just as captivating.
Nick twirled Varsha gracefully and smiled. "So, how am I doing?"
Varsha's face lit up with a huge smile. "You're just perfect!"
They laughed, enjoying the moment as they continued their routine.
---
The Winners Are Announced...
As the judges prepared to announce the results, anticipation filled the room.
"And the winners of tonight's competition are..."
A dramatic pause.
"Vikram Kashyap and Shristi!"
A wave of shock rippled through the audience. Gasps and whispers spread like wildfire, but at the same time, most people had expected it. Wick's charisma and Shristi's grace made them an unbeatable pair.
Nick grinned and patted Wick's shoulder. "I told you, bro. You two were perfect out there."
Vivaan finally showed up after the competition, looking apologetic. "My uncle called me out of nowhere. I couldn't make it," he explained.
Shristi sighed but didn't argue.
As they walked back to the hostel, she turned to Wick. "My younger cousin brother is coming to visit me tomorrow. Please don't do anything reckless. And if Hamza shows up... Please handle it."
Wick barely reacted. "Don't worry about it," he said simply.
---
Late Night Conversations...
Later that night, Wick and Nick sat in their room, unwinding after the chaotic day.
Wick exhaled and leaned back. "Today's been frustrating, bro."
Nick smirked. "Yeah, but also fun. And dude, you just won the competition. Show some emotion! You and Shristi literally won without any practice. And why didn't you tell me about this before? Are you still mad at me?"
Wick waved him off. "Stop, stop, stop. You know me, brother—I can't stay mad at you. And honestly, it just happened. Vivaan went missing, so I stepped in, and then, well... the judges made a stupid mistake and gave us the win instead of you and Varsha."
Nick shook his head. "Nope! You both deserved it. I told Dipanshu before—if you enter, no one can beat you. You two were perfect together. No practice, no preparation, and still, you outplayed our two-day effort."
Wick shrugged. "Guess I got lucky." Then he smirked. "By the way, how'd you convince Varsha to come?"
Nick chuckled. "Honestly, I didn't think she'd agree. First, I asked her in person. Then, I sent her a letter with the dress—just like you once suggested."
Wick raised an eyebrow. "I don't remember that, but I'll take the credit anyway."
Nick burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Classic Wick."
As the night deepened, their conversation drifted into laughter and teasing, the day's frustrations momentarily forgotten.
To be continued...