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🌸 Episode 3: Sparks and Clashes 🌸
The campus was buzzing with gossip after what happened in the corridor. Students whispered:
> “Did you see that? Rishi actually helped Mimi pick up her books!”
“And she… she teased him! And he didn’t even get angry!”
Mimi, of course, walked through the hallway with a victorious grin. Siya hurried behind her, panicked.
Siya:
“Mimi! Do you realize what you’ve done? People are already saying you’ve bewitched him or something. Do you want trouble?”
Mimi (smirking):
“Trouble? Please. He’s just a guy. A guy with very scary eyebrows, sure, but still just a guy.”
Siya groaned.
Siya:
“One day, those eyebrows are going to kill you.”
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📚 In the Library
Later that day, Mimi went to the library to return a book. She wandered between the tall shelves, humming under her breath. Then, without warning, she bumped into someone.
The book in her hand fell, and before she could react, the other person bent down, picked it up, and handed it to her.
It was Rishi.
Mimi (grinning):
“Well, well, you’re on a roll. Yesterday you ignored me, today you’re helping me twice. Should I be flattered?”
Rishi (flatly):
“Or maybe you should watch where you’re going.”
Mimi (playfully gasping):
“Was that… sarcasm? From you? I think I just witnessed a miracle.”
Rishi’s lips twitched, but he quickly shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to leave.
Mimi (calling after him):
“Hey! If you keep walking away like this, people will think you’re shy.”
That made him stop. He turned back, his eyes narrowing.
Rishi:
“I’m not shy. I just don’t waste words.”
Mimi (smiling wider):
“Good. I’ll waste them for you.”
The librarian shushed her, and Mimi stifled a laugh. Rishi shook his head and walked away.
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🏠At Mimi’s House
That evening, Mimi sat with her father in the living room. He was peeling potatoes while humming an old song.
Father (teasing):
“So… rumor has it my daughter is spending time with a boy. A very scary boy.”
Mimi’s eyes widened.
Mimi:
“What?! Who told you that?”
Father (chuckling):
“Fathers know everything. Besides, your giggles echo through the city, my dear.”
Mimi playfully swatted his arm.
Mimi:
“It’s not like that! He’s… different. Everyone fears him, but I don’t think he’s what they say.”
Her father gave her a knowing smile.
Father:
“Sometimes, the scariest people are the ones who need love the most.”
From the kitchen, her mother’s sharp voice cut in.
Mother:
“Mimi! Stop wasting time gossiping. Go study!”
Mimi and her father exchanged a look and burst out laughing.
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🌙 Rishi’s World
Meanwhile, Rishi sat at his desk in his mansion. His father’s voice echoed in his head:
> “Weakness has no place in our family.”
He clenched his fists. But then Mimi’s laugh floated into his memory, softening his expression.
For the first time in years, he felt… unsettled. And he didn’t hate it.
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🎠The Clash
The next morning, the classroom was unusually lively. Mimi sat near the front, doodling in her notebook. Rishi entered quietly and sat in his usual place at the back.
Halfway through the lecture, Mimi raised her hand.
Mimi:
“Excuse me, ma’am—uh, Mom—I mean, ma’am…”
The class burst into laughter. Even her mother glared.
Professor Arpita:
“Mimi! Focus!”
Mimi sheepishly sat down, only to glance back at Rishi. To her shock, he was smirking. A real, genuine smirk.
After class, she stormed up to him.
Mimi (accusing):
“You were laughing at me!”
Rishi (calmly):
“No. I was… amused.”
Mimi (hands on hips):
“Same thing!”
Rishi:
“Not really. One is mockery. The other is… interesting.”
Mimi blinked, momentarily thrown off.
Mimi:
“Wait… did you just call me interesting?”
Rishi (shrugging):
“Don’t let it get to your head.”
Mimi (grinning):
“Too late. It already did.”
Their banter drew stares from the other students, who couldn’t believe what they were seeing—Mimi and Rishi, trading words like equals.
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📌 Final Scene of Episode 3
As Mimi walked out of the classroom, Siya rushed over.
Siya (panicked):
“Mimi! Are you crazy? You just argued with him in front of everyone!”
Mimi glanced back at Rishi, who was still sitting at his desk, watching her with unreadable eyes.
Mimi (softly to herself):
“Crazy, maybe. But he’s not what they think. I know it.”
And for the first time, Rishi didn’t look like the untouchable mafia prince. For the first time, he looked human.
– Episode 3 Ends –