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đ¸ Episode 1: A New Beginning đ¸
It was a bright sunny afternoon on campus. The college canteen was buzzing with laughter, gossip, and the smell of fried snacks mixed with steaming cups of tea.
Mimi, a 21-year-old with mischief in her eyes, walked toward the canteen holding her best friend Siyaâs hand. The two girls were inseparableâwherever Mimi went, Siya was there too.
Siya (laughing):
âGirl, the way you answered that math question todayâsir literally froze. I thought he was going to faint!â
Mimi (winking):
âOh please, that question was too boring. I had to make it interesting somehow!â
Siya (pretending to scold):
âBut Mimi, donât forgetâyour mom is the professor of that class! If she ever finds out how you fool aroundâŚâ
Mimi instantly straightened up, put on her innocent daughter face, and spoke in a soft, obedient tone.
Mimi:
âIn front of mom, I am Mimi the angel. Outside? Iâm Mimi the Naughty Queen!â
The two burst out laughing so hard that people nearby turned to look.
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đ Rishiâs Entrance
Just then, a shiny black car pulled up at the college gate. The sound of its engine alone was enough to silence the crowd. The atmosphere shiftedâstudents lowered their voices, some even moved aside.
From the car stepped out Rishi. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a sharp jawline and piercing eyes hidden behind black sunglasses. He wore a black shirt, his aura heavy, commanding, dangerous.
Everyone knew who he was. Rishiâs family had deep ties to the mafia. In this city, his familyâs name was enough to make powerful men tremble. Though he was officially a student at the college, he rarely attended classes. His presence alone was enough to stir whispers and fear.
Siya (whispering into Mimiâs ear):
âThere he is⌠Rishi. The guy no one dares to mess with.â
Mimi (raising her eyebrows):
âSo? Heâs just a person. Not a monster.â
Siya (shaking her head):
âMimi, you donât get it. People say his family has blood on their hands. No one looks him in the eye.â
But Mimi only smirked.
Mimi:
âI donât care how rude he is. Everyone has a story behind their eyes.â
As Rishi walked past them, the crowd parted. His steps were calm, heavy, as if he owned every space he entered. People bowed their heads, avoiding his gaze.
Mimi, however, didnât lower her eyes. She gave him a cheeky smile.
For a brief second, Rishi looked at her. His eyes, sharp as a blade, met hers. But he said nothingâjust walked on, leaving behind a wave of unease.
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đ Mimiâs Home
Later that evening, Mimi returned home.
Her mother, Professor Arpita, sat at the table, grading papers. Her face was stern, her glasses perched at the edge of her nose.
Mother (serious tone):
âMimi, I donât want to hear your name from students again. They say you laugh too much in class, that youâre not serious. Focus on your studies. Discipline is the only key.â
Mimi (sweet, obedient voice):
âYes, Mom. Iâll do better.â
Just then, her father emerged from the kitchen, wearing an apron. Unlike his wife, he was a soft, playful manâa househusband who spent his days cooking and managing the home.
Father (grinning):
âMimi, your mom scolds me more than she scolds you! Today I added too much salt in the curryâyour mom nearly declared World War III at home!â
Mother (raising her voice):
âIf Iâm not strict, this family will fall apart. Someone has to keep you two in line!â
Her father made a funny face at Mimi, pretending to shiver with fear.
Father:
âSee? I live in constant danger.â
Mimi couldnât help but laugh. That was her home: her mother, the fierce professor who ruled with discipline, and her father, the gentle, funny man who hid behind humor and fear.
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đ Rishiâs Family
Across the city, in a mansion guarded by tall iron gates, Rishiâs life looked very different.
In the grand living room sat his father, surrounded by men in black suits. His presence alone demanded respect. He was one of the most feared mafia leaders in the country.
Rishiâs Father (in a deep, commanding voice):
âRishi, never forget who you are. Our family is power. People bow their heads because they fear us. Weakness has no place here.â
Rishi (nodding):
âYes, Father.â
The words were automatic, his tone flat.
But inside, Rishiâs chest ached. Behind his cold, harsh exterior was a young man who longed for peace, for a life untouched by blood and fear. But in this family, he had no choice. His mask of rudeness was his shield.
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đ¸ First Eye Contact
The next morning, the college corridors buzzed with chatter. Mimi and Siya were walking, books in hand.
Then, suddenly, Mimi spotted himâRishi, standing by the wall, speaking to a senior.
Mimiâs lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Mimi (to Siya):
âToday Iâm going to talk to him.â
Siya (shocked):
âAre you insane?! Nobody talks to him. Not unless they want trouble!â
But Mimi didnât listen. She walked forward boldly.
Just then, one of her notebooks slipped from her hands and fell near Rishiâs feet. She bent down to pick it up, deliberately slow, and when she straightenedâher eyes locked with his.
Rishiâs gaze was intense, his brows furrowed.
Mimi, instead of flinching like everyone else, grinned at him playfully.
Mimi (teasing):
âDo you always look this serious? Youâll get wrinkles if you keep frowning like that.â
Rishi didnât respond. His jaw tightened, his silence louder than words. He simply stepped aside.
Mimi picked up her notebook, gave him a wink, and walked away.
Siya (rushing to her side):
âMimi! Youâre insane. You know he could have snapped at you?!â
Mimi chuckled.
Mimi:
âHis eyes might look angry, but I saw something else. Thereâs more to him than this scary act.â
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đ Final Scene of Episode 1
That night, Mimi sat on the balcony of her house, staring up at the stars. She replayed that brief momentâthe sharpness of Rishiâs eyes, the heaviness of his silence. Why did she feel drawn to him?
Meanwhile, in his mansion, Rishi sat by his window, the city lights flickering outside. He, too, thought of that girl with the mischievous smile.
Rishi (to himself):
âWhy didnât she fear me? Everyone avoids me⌠but she smiled.â
Neither of them knew it yet, but this silent pull between them was the beginning of a story that would change both of their lives forever.
â Episode 1 Ends â