You Are Mine: When I Have To Fight For You

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The following day, I was supposed to deliver a speech to the class. I stepped forward, facing the students. I’m not someone who fumbles with words, and I was fully prepared for the speech.

“Good day, students!” I greeted. “Today, we’re going to discuss the concept of a Growth Mindset. As you might know, this concept has gained widespread attention in recent years as a key factor in personal and professional development,” I began.

“Can I ask a question?” Sidd raised his hand.

What? I hadn’t even started properly, and he already had a question. Was that why he sat in the front row? To distract me? Oh God, he’s probably going to take revenge for ruining his computer work yesterday. This speech was already doomed.

“What’s your question, please?” I asked, trying to sound polite.

“What did your mind tell you before deciding to deliver this speech to us?” he asked.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Nothing, go on,” he gestured casually.

I ignored him. “As I was saying, the term ‘growth mindset’ was coined by psychologist Carol Dweck. It refers to the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort, perseverance, and learning from failures.”

“Have you learned from your failures before?” Sidd interrupted, and the students burst out laughing.

“Sidd, I won’t let you ruin my speech. What’s wrong with you?” I scolded.

“Can’t I ask questions?”

“You’re asking silly questions.”

“Continue, Rani, we’re listening,” Aditya encouraged.

“Thank you, Aditya. In contrast, a fixed mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence are fixed traits that cannot be changed or improved. Understanding and adopting a growth mindset can have a profound impact on personal growth, academic achievements, professional success, and overall well-being.”

“Do you practice it yourself? Because I haven’t seen any signs of a growth mindset in you,” Sidd interrupted again, sparking more laughter.

“Sidd, do you want to take over?” I asked, annoyed.

“I’m just being honest. Your mind hasn’t changed since you were a baby, so I’m wondering why you haven’t started growing your mindset yet,” he said, causing another round of laughter.

I couldn’t continue. The laughter drowned out my thoughts, and I lost track of what I was saying.

“Continue, Rani,” Naomi urged.

Now what? I had completely lost my train of thought. “Um, like I was saying, when we are, um, I mean…”

“She’s confused because her mindset hasn’t grown out of confusion,” Sidd mocked, and the class roared with laughter. The speech was sabotaged. I hurried out of the class, frustrated. I should’ve known better than to volunteer. Sidd is a maniac.

The next day, I was at the campus gym, simply stretching, when Sidd and his friends walked in. He pretended not to see me, and I did the same. I continued with my stretches. I was wearing a sports bra and leggings—perfectly suitable workout attire.

Soon, two other guys walked in. I recognized them. They were part of the group known for bullying freshmen and harassing older students. I had never crossed paths with them and hoped it would stay that way.

Sidd positioned himself at the weightlifting station, while his friends started with dumbbells and weight-pulling machines. The two bullies also began lifting dumbbells. I moved to the treadmill, ignoring them, but deep down, my stomach was filled with butterflies. I was the only lady in the gym with four crazy men.

“Don't be scared. What will they do?" I composed myself.

After a while, Sidd stood up and called out, “Hey, guys!”

Everyone turned to look at him. I wasn’t interested in what he was about to say, so I didn’t glance his way, but my stomach twisted.

“Have you noticed we have only one lady here?” he asked.

Now I was interested. I looked over and saw all eyes on me. My heart raced, but I kept my composure.

“What should we do with her?” Sidd asked.

“She looks hot!” one of the bullies said.

“We could feast on her. No one’s here except us,” the other added.

“I was thinking the same thing,” Sidd agreed.

Now I was furious. I stepped off the treadmill and walked over to them. “Are you indirectly talking about me?” I asked, meeting their gazes one by one.

“Wow, she’s got confidence,” one of the bullies chuckled.

“And you, Sidd? What are you trying to do? What do you mean by ‘feast on me’? Do I look like a meal to you?” I demanded.

“Guys, I think we’ll leave her in your care,” Sidd said to the bullies as he stood up. Turning to his friends, he added, “Let’s go.”

I grabbed his arm. “You’re not going anywhere. Explain what you meant by feasting on me,” I demanded.

“Why don’t I answer? I was the one who said it,” one of the bullies interjected.

“Looks like your fight isn’t with me anymore,” Sidd whispered to me. “Guys, take care of her, okay?" He patted one of the bullies on the shoulder before walking away with his friends.

“Sidd! Have you lost your mind?" I called after him, but he ignored me. “Son of a b***h!" I cursed under my breath.

The bullies moved closer to me, their eyes boring into me. I took a step back, my heart racing. “Listen, guys, I don’t know what you want, but if I get a scratch on my skin, you’ll regret it,” I warned, hoping it scares them, but it didn't.

They kept advancing, and I stepped back in fear.

“Let’s see how that goes,” one of them said.

God, please help me. Just as one of them reached for my arm, Manu, Aditya, and Kimberly entered the gym.

“Hey, Rani!” they called, then stopped.

“What’s going on here?” Manu asked, noticing the tension.

The bullies glanced at them. Now we were four. Let’s see how they planned to handle that.

“Let’s go, dude,” one of the bullies said, and they quickly left.

I sighed in relief. “Come on, girls! Let’s rock the tools!” I exclaimed, and they cheered as they joined me.