Hina's heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she stepped onto the campus of Alliance University. This was the place where she had dreamt of studying for years, a sanctuary where she hoped to find not just academic knowledge but also lifelong friendships. Little did she know that the journey ahead would be filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Raised in a household dominated by strict and overbearing parents, Hina had yearned for the freedom and independence that college life promised. Her parents, though well-intentioned, were often quick to resort to violence and rigid rules to maintain control over their daughter. This only fuelled Hina's desire to break free and experience life on her own terms.
On her very first day at Hanako University, Hina's path crossed with a group of seemingly friendly individuals. Among them was Yuki, a charismatic and outgoing student who took an immediate interest in Hina.
Yuki: (smiling) "Hey, Hina! Welcome to Alliance University. We'll take care of you, alright?"
Hina: (grateful) "Thank you, Yuki. I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me."
Yuki claimed to understand the struggles Hina faced at home and offered to be a supportive friend. Grateful for the attention and kindness, Hina quickly bonded with Yuki and even fell for him.
As the weeks unfolded, Hina found herself surrounded by friends who appeared supportive and caring. Little did she know, they were wolves in sheep's clothing, using her for academic Favors and as a pawn in their pursuit of popularity.
One day, as Hina was engrossed in her studies at the university library, Yuki approached with a smile.
Yuki: "Hey, Hina! You're a lifesaver with this calculus stuff. Do you mind helping me out really quick? We've got that tough quiz tomorrow."
Hina: "Here, see, this is how it is done."
Yuki: (sincerely) "Hina, you're so smart. I was struggling so much."
Hina: (smiling) "Sure, I guess. We're friends, after all."
Despite subtle warnings from others, Hina dismissed the whispers of deceit. A fellow student named Kenta even approached Hina with concern.
Kenta: (whispering) "Hina, be careful. I've heard rumours that your friends might not have the best intentions."
Hina: (dismissing) "these are just rumours, right? Just go away (angry). I've had enough of this already. They are my friends, and we're very close to each other, and they've been really supportive. It's better that you find your own friends rather than just spreading fake rumours and breaking friendships."
Hina left.
Yuki: (smirking) "Hina, we're throwing a party tonight. You should come. It'll be a great way to let loose and make some new friends."
Hina: (hesitant) "I'm not sure, Yuki. I don't really do well in crowded places."
Yuki: (persuasive) "Come on, Hina! It's a college experience you can't miss. Plus, we'll be there to look out for you."
Against her better judgment, Hina agreed to attend. The night at the bar started innocently enough, with laughter and shared stories. However, things took a dark turn when a mysterious guy, seemingly from the bar, approached Hina.
Stranger: (smirking) "You're Hina, right? Yuki's friend? She told me all about you. We should go somewhere quieter."
Hina, feeling uneasy, tried to decline, but the stranger persisted. Before she knew it, he attempted to kiss her. Shocked, Hina pushed him away and ran toward Yuki, who was not far. The stranger vanished into the crowd.
Hina: (angry and confused) "What the hell? Is this some sick joke, Yuki?"
Yuki: (feigning innocence) "I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe you misunderstood what happened."
Hina: (crying) "There was a person here who tried to touch and kiss me."
Yuki: "I am so sorry this happened to you. Did you remember his face or something?"
Hina: (sobbing) "It was so dark here; I couldn't properly see his face."
Yuki: "Just forget about it then. Do you want me to drop you to the campus hostel or something?"
Hina: "No, I will take a cab."
Yuki: "Really, very sorry that happened to you."
Hina did not say anything, and as the cab arrived, she left. The stranger came back and put hands on the shoulder of Yuki. He was none other than his younger brother.
Yuki's brother: "That was not great."
Yuki: "Don't worry about that brother; she is going to pay for what she did, but for you, I have prepared a replacement, so enjoy!"
After Hina left in the College Boys Group
Yuki: "Did you hear about Hina? She's doing things no one expected."
Kenta: (laughing) "I always thought she was too innocent. This is just too juicy!"
Shota: (replied to Yuki's message): "Is it really true? Thank you; you saved me. I was going to confess to her."
Yoonwoo: (shocked) "I can't believe even she is not loyal. I am not shocked tbh she is not alone in our college, who provide these kinds of services for money."
Ren: "I knew that, every girl in college is a bitch."
The message in the group continued all night.
The next day, rumours about Hina began to circulate about Hina's supposed promiscuity outside college hours.
Stranger 1: (mocking) "Did you hear? Hina's apparently entertaining clients after dark. The things people do for money, huh?"
Stranger 2: (laughing) "It's pathetic, really. She thought she could fit in with us."
Even Kenta, once a voice of concern, joined in the mockery.
Kenta: (sarcastic) "Hina, didn't expect you to have such a colourful nightlife. Is this the real reason you joined Alliance University?"
The bullying escalated, and Hina found herself cornered, both emotionally and socially, so she went to her dorm room,
Where Meera, her roommate, was dressed to meet someone, as Hina entered the room.
Meera: (sarcastic) "Hina, I thought you were different, but I was wrong. Even you have faces that you do not show. I have to clean myself and my room because of you. Well, I cannot be a roomie to a slut. I hope you understand. What would people think of me because of you, so do me a favor, take your stuff and change the room.
(Notification)
Meera: (Pick up the call) Oh! Hii, It's from Aarav. Yeah, I will be there. Okay, see ya! (call ended) Before I come back, you better leave this room.
Isolated and humiliated, Hina felt the weight of despair on her shoulders. She hadn't had her breakfast and lunch, so gathered the courage and decided to have snack but as he reached near the canteen front door, she got a call from her mother.
Hina's Mother: (strained voice) "Hina, I can't take it anymore. Your father and I are getting a divorce."
Hina: (shocked) "Mom, what? Why?"
The call suddenly cut off, leaving Hina in distress. She collapsed in a corner, tears streaming down her face, she could barely comprehend the avalanche of troubles that had befallen her. The weight of false accusations, betrayal from supposed friends, and now her parents' impending divorce crashed over her like a relentless wave.
As she sat on the quiet bench near a blooming cherry blossom tree, lost in thought, a new face approached her
Emily: (softly) " what happened, are you okay"
Hina: (teary-eyed) "I don't know what to do, everything is falling apart. Even my parents are getting a divorce and I don't know why people are spreading these fake rumours about me "
Emily: "I'm truly sorry to hear that. And about the rumours, they're just that—rumours. Don't let them define you."
Hina: "But everyone believes them. Even Meera, my roommate, asked me to leave."
Emily: "You can't control what others think or say, but you can control how you respond. Stand up for yourself, Hina. Don't let their words break you and as for the room (hold Hina's hand) come with me."
Emily goes to the girl's hostel attendee desk and adds Hina as her 3rd Roommate
Hina: "Thank you very much."
Emily: "Don't mention it, I didn't you were in law 1st year, would have been hard to have experience this shit on the very first year, at least for a 4 years course, this shit should have happened in the 2nd year, but now you know how toxic can this college can be right (smiles)
Hina: "Right"
(Hina enters the lift, Emily stops the lift by her legs)
Emily: "Okay so just shift your bags from your old room to our room and if I am not there, Keya will be there to help you, he is also in your batch."
Hina: "Okay, thanks again"
(Emily lifts her leg, and Hina goes back to her old room)
Feeling a glimmer of hope, Hina decided to confront the situation she was in.
In her old room, as she packed all her bags and was about to leave, Meera entered the room.
Hina: "Meera, I understand you heard some things, but before I leave this room, I want to make this clear, that all the rumours you've heard—they're not true. I'm not what they're saying. I won't force you to change your mind, but at least know the truth. I thought we were friends."
Meera remained unmoved.
Emily: "Don't waste your energy on her, Hina."
Emily and Keya entered the room
Keya: "Hi! I am Keya. Nice to meet you, and I'm glad to become your roommate, Hina." (smiles)
Meera: "You two are very famous in college for the services you provide."
Emily: (Moves towards Meera and whispers in her ear) "Shut up, or else I wouldn't be hesitant to tell everyone what I heard today in the university garden." (intimidating) "Did I make myself very clear?"
Meera: (shocked) "Yes, don't tell anyone what you heard." (whispers to Emily)
Emily: "Yes, as long as you don't make any trouble for Hina and Keya, your secret is safe with me." (aloud) "Hina and Keya, let's go to our room."
In the midst of chaos, Hina found unexpected allies who stood by her side, helping her overcome the challenges that had threatened to derail her dreams. As she faced the difficult journey ahead, she discovered an inner strength she never knew she possessed.
3rd Year
Stranger: "I only wanted to ask you?"
Hina: "Yes."
Stranger: "Was Keya really a slut?"
Hina: "It's up to you to decide." (smiles)
Hina left, determined to move forward with her life and is going to meet her Hospitalised friend and roommate Keya.