---
Next morning, college.
Rony limped into class like a zombie, bag half open, hair a mess. He dropped into his seat and let out a low groan, he really didn't want to attend this class, he wanted to take a nap right now in the silent classroom.
Someone loud bounced into the chair next to him with enough energy to power a small city.
" Forget it." He said to himself, and gave up his sleeping plan.
"Morning, genius. Why do you look like you fought a printer all night? Anything new you are building?"
Rony tilted his head toward Sakshi, eyes barely open. "Working." He corrected her.
" I'm working on formula stuff. It's a gas reaction. Particle chains. Atmospheric air—"
"Okay, okay, stop," she cut in, waving her hand. "I don't speak Spanish ."
He blinked at her. "You asked."
"Yeah but not… that." She leaned in. "Anyway, what's DJ even working on? He said he's gonna make big money soon."
Rony straightened slightly, rubbing his neck. "Broker type thing. Resources. Deals. And yeah… next one might be big."
She nodded like she was pretending to understand.
"So," he said, giving her a sideways look. "Your date?"
That set her off. She started laughing before she even spoke, retelling everything—his bragging, the chef thing, Krishna walking in at the worst moment, DJ's face melting.
By the time she finished, Rony had his hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh too loudly.
"He's unbelievable," Rony said, shaking his head. "He brags like breathing. At least he should know the guy before bragging."
"Exactly!" she said, pointing at him.
There was a beat of silence.
Then:
"Hey… can you get me a pass for an event?" she asked casually.
Rony narrowed his eyes. " Why don't you ask the DJ if he might know someone there." and they both started laughing over it. Which soon Rony controlled and asked about details.
" Which event is it exactly?" he said taking out his laptop.
"Neighboring college. The finances one."
He raised an eyebrow. "…who are you hunting over there?" he said, flipping the laptop open.
"Ugh, why does everyone say that?"
He just stared.
She looked away. "…fine. I'm looking for Roy Shinghania."
Rony froze.
"The founder of Horseman?" he whispered, leaning closer. "Are you insane?"
"Are you giving me the pass or not?" she snapped.
"Why not ask your news channel? Isn't this their thing?"
She didn't answer. Her eyes said it all.
"They warned you, didn't they?" he said quietly.
Her silence was enough.
"You should listen to them, Sakshi. He's—"
She turned toward him with this half-sad, half-pleading look. "Do you think I'm not ready?"
Rony looked away instantly. "Don't. Don't do that. Stop with your eyes."
"Roooony," she said, leaning closer dramatically.
He groaned into his hands. " She is killing me."
He looked at his laptop and tapped something. "Fine. Here. One pass."
She lit up like Diwali. "You're an angel."
"But!" He held up a finger. "Keep me and your brother on speed dial. And use the camera I gave you. If something happens, signal."
"Fine, fine—hand it over."
She slid the modified camera across the table. Rony popped the old battery out and replaced it with a new one that had a thin blue glow on the side.
"This one's special," he said. "It won't die easily. But if it heats up—run."
" What's it made of?" She asked, looking at the camera.
" It's new thing Dj got from his deal, kindda works great."
She looked at the camera with real admiration. "You're the best brother that I could ever ask for."
The classroom fell silent.
Everyone turned toward them.
Rony froze.
"…no. No, no, don't say it like that," he whispered, sinking into his hoodie and tabel.
People started smiling at them. Someone even clapped.
Sakshi bolted out the door laughing.
Rony sat there alone, surrounded by grinning students.
He lowered his head onto the table.
"…I hate this life."