Bullies

The university gates stood open beneath the morning sun as freshers arrived for their first day. Groups of seniors gathered near the entrance, laughing while nervous students tried not to attract attention. At the centre stood Zoya, the influential Cultural Council President, with her longtime friend and right-hand, Yuvraj, beside her. Ritika, Zoya’s mischievous left-hand, watched the crowd with her phone ready. Nearby, Risha was being harassed by a few seniors. Their teasing had turned humiliating, but she kept her expression steady, hiding the anger building inside her. She wanted it to stop without becoming an even bigger spectacle. Then a new fresher arrived: Ishan. His striking looks drew curious glances, but his calm, confident presence caught the seniors’ attention. Ritika lifted her phone to record whatever happened next. Zoya looked him over, assuming he would be another newcomer who would quickly learn to obey. A senior stepped into Ishan’s path. “New admission? Here’s your first lesson. When a senior gives you an order, you follow it. Go over there and apologise for walking in like you own this place.” A few students laughed. Risha glanced at the newcomer, unsure whether he would help or make the situation worse. Yuvraj folded his arms, waiting to see what Zoya would do. Zoya wore the confident expression of someone used to getting her way, while Ritika kept recording. Nobody knew Ishan’s true family background or why it was kept secret. For now, he was simply a fresher who had been given an unfair order in front of an audience. The seniors waited for his response. Zoya watched with a challenging smile, Risha’s anger simmered, and Ritika’s phone captured every second. The first day had barely begun, yet the university already had a story to talk about.