Manan: Intended Love

"Watch out..."

The warning came too late. The next thing I knew, the polished floor of Space Academy met my backside with an unwelcome thud. My meticulously organized scholarship papers exploded outwards, scattering across the gleaming tiles like a burst of autumn leaves. A wave of stifled snickers rippled through the curious crowd, followed by an agonizing swell of outright laughter. My face burned, and tears, hot and humiliating, welled in my eyes. This wasn't how I'd imagined my first day at my dream college.

The laughter, thankfully, died down. I blinked through my tears, looking up to see the same voice from before – a guy, tall and imposing – now glaring at the onlookers, his gaze a silent command that sent them scurrying away without a protest. I was grateful for the reprieve, even as my embarrassment lingered. He extended a hand, and I took it, pulling myself up with his surprising strength.

"Are you fine?" he asked, his voice surprisingly gentle. I managed a small nod, my throat too tight to speak. He began helping me gather my scattered papers, his quiet assistance a balm to my frayed nerves.

"I'm Nandini Murthy," I finally managed, introducing myself. "First-year, Science Stream." I paused, waiting for his name. "And you?"

"Manik Malhotra. Science Stream. Second year."

The name struck me. Manik Malhotra. The infamous Manik Malhotra, leader of Fab 5, the very 'monsters' Navya had warned me about. My initial relief evaporated, replaced by a cold dread that settled deep in my stomach. This couldn't be happening. Not on my first day. Not him. The monster. But why was he helping me? And why did he seem so... kind? My mind raced, trying to reconcile the rumors with the gentle reality before me.