Chapter 1: The Worst First Period Ever
Monday mornings were illegal. Aarav Verma was sure of it.
His alarm didn't ring. His uniform shirt was still wet. And his bag? Empty. Completely empty.
"Great," he whispered, sprinting toward school. "First day after vacation and I'm already failing."
The school bell rang just as Aarav came through the classroom door. Everyone turned.
"Late," said Mr. D'Souza calmly.
"Alive," Aarav replied.
Detention. Again.
That's when he noticed him—Kabir Malhotra—new student, tall, quiet, and sitting in Aarav's seat.
Their eyes met.
Something about that look screamed trouble.
Chapter 2: Comedy Comes with Consequences
Kabir didn't talk much. Aarav talked enough for both of them.
"So… new kid," Aarav whispered. "What's your talent? Fighting? Genius? Secret spy?"
Kabir smirked. "You talk a lot."
That should've been the end of it.
It wasn't.
During lunch, a group of seniors surrounded Kabir.
Aarav stepped in without thinking.
Bad decision.
Very bad decision.
Five minutes later, food trays were flying, teachers were shouting, and Aarav was running—for his life.
Kabir? He was laughing.
And fighting.
Chapter 3: Punches, Punchlines, and Problems
Aarav learned three things that day:
Kabir could fight.
Kabir enjoyed fighting.
Being near Kabir meant chaos.
"You didn't have to jump in," Kabir said, wiping blood from his lip.
"You didn't have to break someone's chair," Aarav replied.
Suspension loomed.
But instead, they were given a choice: join the inter-school combat sports program or get expelled.
Aarav nearly fainted.
Kabir smiled.
Chapter 4: Training Hurts (A Lot)
Training was pain.
Punching bags. Running drills. Falling. Getting up. Falling again.
Aarav complained every second.
Kabir trained silently.
"Why are you even here?" Aarav asked.
Kabir paused. "Because I don't get second chances."
For the first time, Aarav didn't joke.
Drama doesn't always shout.
Sometimes, it whispers.
Chapter 5: The Fight That Changed Everything
The first match arrived too soon.
Crowd. Lights. Noise.
Aarav's hands shook.
Kabir leaned in. "Just follow me."
The whistle blew.
What started as a school punishment turned into something bigger.
Aarav dodged. Kabir attacked. They moved together.
They won.
But as the crowd cheered, a man in the stands watched silently.
Kabir stiffened.
"We need to leave," he said.
"Why?" Aarav asked.
Kabir looked scared.
"Because this was never just a school fight."