The Beauty Competition Announcement
The night was alive with energy as students prepared for the upcoming selection tournament. The Shield was focused, strategizing their next moves, while others engaged in their own tasks. Amidst the routine, an unexpected announcement sent ripples of excitement through the college.
A message spread like wildfire across campus—this year's Beauty Competition was being held earlier than usual, scheduled for the day after the selection tournament. The change in schedule was due to the tournament's extended timeline, and for many, this was thrilling news.
The dormitories buzzed with chatter. Excitement filled the air as students speculated about the participants, past winners, and potential surprises. Among them, Shristi was particularly intrigued. Without wasting time, she sought out Annu, who was lounging in her room, casually scrolling through her phone.
Shristi perched on the edge of the bed. "Annu, what's this competition all about? What do we have to do?"
Annu put her phone aside and smirked. "The Beauty Competition? It's a big deal around here. Every girl who participates needs a partner. There's a classical dance performance, followed by a ramp walk. It's not just about looks—it's about elegance, grace, and how well you present yourself."
Shristi's brows furrowed in thought. "Sounds intense. Who won last year?"
"Tara you remember from that day?," Annu replied, stretching lazily. "She's definitely one of the most beautiful girls in college, but not the most. Technically, she won because of Nick. He was her partner, and let's be honest, Nick makes everything look effortless. His charisma played a big role in her victory."
A voice cut through their conversation. "Wait—Tara danced with Nick?" Bhumi, who had been listening from the doorway, stepped inside, looking curious. "Then didn't my brother get angry?"
Annu let out a laugh. "Do you even know your brother?" she teased. "Wick would never be angry at Nick over any girl. Besides, Wick isn't interested in Tara."
Bhumi's expression darkened slightly. "At least I know him better than you," she shot back, her tone edged with irritation.
Annu blinked, taken aback by Bhumi's sudden defensiveness. Before she could respond, Bhumi turned on her heel and walked out, leaving a palpable tension in the air.
Shristi sighed, glancing at Annu. "You should've seen that coming. Wick is her brother, after all."
Annu shook her head. "Yeah, yeah. So do I'm. Don't worry she'll cool down.
Shristi remembers the day Tara confronts her
Days ago:
The college courtyard was alive with chatter, students scattered in their usual groups, whispering about the upcoming tournament. But amidst the noise, a different conversation was about to steal the attention of many.
Shristi walked confidently, her heels clicking against the pavement, her sharp eyes scanning her surroundings. She wasn't the kind to shrink under scrutiny—if anything, she thrived under it.
That's when she heard a voice—smooth, calculated, dripping with amusement.
"Well, well… looks like we have a new queen in the making."
Shristi stopped mid-step and turned, locking eyes with Tara. The girl stood with effortless elegance, arms crossed, lips curved in a knowing smirk. Her beauty was undeniable, her aura screaming of someone used to being at the top.
But Shristi wasn't the kind to be impressed easily.
She arched a brow. "A queen in the making? That's funny. I wasn't aware there was a vacancy."
Tara's smirk didn't falter, but a flicker of interest sparked in her eyes. This was different. Most girls either avoided her or tried to be on her good side. But Shristi? She wasn't intimidated in the slightest.
"Oh, there's no vacancy," Tara said smoothly, tilting her head. "But I heard you were the first girl to sit next to Wick. That's quite… rare."
Shristi let out a soft chuckle. "Rare? That's just a word people use when they're too afraid to do something themselves." She took a step closer, lowering her voice slightly. "And if sitting next to someone is all it takes to stir up rumors, I can't imagine how boring things have been around here."
A few students nearby paused their conversations, their ears perking up at the subtle tension between the two girls.
Tara's amusement deepened, but there was something else now—a challenge.
"Confidence. I like that," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "But let me give you some advice, Shristi. People around here watch everything. And Wick? He isn't the type you just 'sit next to' without consequences."
Shristi tilted her head slightly, a smirk dancing on her lips. "Consequences?" She let out a low, amused hum. "Sweetheart, I don't fear consequences. I create them."
For the first time, Tara's smirk faltered, just slightly.
Shristi leaned in ever so slightly, her voice soft but firm. "If you have something to say, say it. But if you're just here to drop hints and warnings, save your breath. I don't play by anyone's rules but my own."
Tara studied her for a moment, her gaze searching, assessing. And then, with a slow, approving nod, she took a step back.
"Interesting," she murmured. "You're going to be fun to watch."
Shristi gave her one last confident glance before turning on her heel, walking away without another word.
As she disappeared into the building, the whispers around them grew louder.
Tara exhaled, a small smile playing on her lips. "Queen, huh?" she mused to herself.
"Let's see how long you can keep your throne."
Shristi didn't flinched walking her way "Not interested"
---
The Selection Tournament
Despite the drama, the tournament preparations continued without a hitch. When the day finally arrived, the atmosphere was electrifying. The entire college gathered in the sports arena, eager to witness the battle for dominance.
With Wick's presence, The Shield performed flawlessly, overpowering their rivals and securing victory. Every match showcased their strength, strategy, and teamwork. Their win reaffirmed their status as the most dominant force in college, and celebrations erupted across campus.
However, amidst the celebrations, a surprising decision was made—Wick opted out of Taekwondo, Wrestling, and Volleyball.
His choice left many questioning his motives. Some speculated he was injured, others wondered if he was strategizing for something bigger. Nick, observing his friend from a distance, could sense something brewing beneath Wick's composed exterior.
Shristi, too, noticed the shift. She approached him after the matches, concern laced in her voice. "You're pulling out of some of your best sports. What's going on?"
Wick merely smirked, his gaze unreadable. "Just shifting my focus."
It was a vague answer—one that did little to settle the unease growing within those who knew him best.
The next day, a tense atmosphere settled over the college as Hamza's men arrived, summoning the boys involved in the fight with his brother to Hamza's estate. Wick intended to go alone, but Nick insisted on accompanying him.
"I'll talk to him my way," Nick assured, though deep down, he knew the consequences wouldn't be in their favor.
The two made their way to Hamza's villa. Inside, Hamza sat in a large chair, his presence commanding, with Sam seated beside him. The air was thick with unspoken tension. Despite his usual bravado, even Nick felt a hint of nervousness.
Hamza's sharp eyes studied them as they entered. "Nice to meet you again Vikram. But unfortunately we have to start our conversation as first time to make it easier.
So Did you know Sam was my brother?"
Wick, unwavering, responded, "Yes."
Nick, attempting to ease the situation, added, "And we were scared too."
Hamza leaned forward. "Then you must have also known the consequences of laying a hand on him."
Wick met his gaze, head held high. "We knew."
Hamza's expression darkened. "Yet, despite knowing that, you not only touched him but sent him to the hospital."
Nick hesitated before replying, "We shouldn't have, but if you were in our place, you would've done the same."
Before Nick could continue, Wick interjected firmly, "If someone enters your home, disrespects you, and tries to harm the girl you like and your friend, anyone would fight back."
His unwavering gaze locked onto Sam. "And if he tries it again, I'll beat him again."
Sam, enraged, shot up from his seat, grabbing Wick's collar. Wick barely flinched and seized his wrist in return. In an instant, Hamza's security raised their weapons, aiming at Wick.
Hamza, however, lifted a hand, signaling them to stand down.
Sam scowled but returned to his seat. Hamza slowly rose and walked toward Wick and Nick, his voice calm yet threatening. "Tell me, will you always be there to protect them? What if Sam goes to your college again, and you're not there?"
Wick's response was cold and immediate. "Then Sam might not come back alive."
A smirk flickered across Hamza's face. "Interesting. I like your confidence." He crossed his arms. "Let's put it to the test. I have a small task for you—retrieve a file from my rival's house."
Wick said nothing, but Nick's jaw tightened.
Later, when Vivaan learned of the plan, he opposed it. "That's my uncle's house. I won't help you."
Wick barely acknowledged his refusal. It didn't change his course.
That night, Shristi and Vivaan approached him. Vivaan, hesitant but determined, said, "I'll help—for Shristi's sake."
Wick eyed him skeptically. He turned to Shristi and asked, "Can I trust him?"
Shristi held her ground. "I'm not afraid of you, so staring at me isn't going to work."
Wick's voice was calm, unwavering. "I'm not trying to scare you or force the truth out of you." He leaned slightly closer. "I just want an honest answer."
Shristi studied his face, surprised at his sincerity. "Of course, you can."
Without another word, Wick nodded. "Let's go."
Vivaan and Wick infiltrated his uncle's heavily guarded house while Nick remained outside as backup. The two moved cautiously through the shadows until—
A sudden noise.
Wick turned sharply to see Vivaan running. Betrayal flashed in his mind.
Vivaan had set him up.
With no choice but to escape, Wick swiftly maneuvered his way out, contacting Nick to inform him of what happened. He then pursued Vivaan, who had reached Shristi.
Vivaan smirked. "You failed."
But Wick stepped forward, revealing the file. His voice was laced with mockery. "You really thought I'd rely on you?"
Vivaan face fell.
Wick's eyes then flickered toward Shristi. "I never trusted him. But you?" A hint of disappointment crept into his voice. "You fooled me."
His words stung, and Shristi's heart clenched as she saw the pain masked behind his cold exterior. Without another word, Wick turned and walked away, leaving a lingering sense of regret in the air.
To be continued...