NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: [ Intro ] Chapter 2- First Yandere
"How can I hate something you like?" Niharika calmly stated while her eyes kept noticing Akhil's body language. Slowly tracing her finger on the desk in a circle, she added, "But do you really like Laila that much?"
"Um, yeah. Of course, I love her," Akhil stated, busy writing down the lecture notes.
GASP
A unified gasp echoed through the classroom, signifying that everyone's attention was focused on the conversation between the two.
It seemed confusing for students from a renowned university to focus on trivial matters like this, but each one of them was already aware that such trivial matters could change their future.
Screeech~
A very small sound reverberated in the classroom as the delicate finger tracing a circle on the desk ensured to leave a shape etched on it.
Akhil's pen stopped mid-way after finishing the line he was writing. He turned towards Niharika and completed his sentence, "Like, I can't think of anyone who could hate her singing, her dance, and the way she presents herself. It just makes her the best."
Phew~
Once again, a unified exhaling sound resonated within the room, but it didn't go unnoticed by Akhil. Swiftly turning his gaze, he observed everyone, but each one of them was busy with their work.
'Are they doing some kind of cardiac exercise?' Not caring about them, he turned his focus towards Professor Banzihum.
As a student who had joined the university with a scholarship, he needed to score above 95% in every semester exam to afford his education.
Though he found it confusing since none of this was mentioned on the university's official website or other places, still, Niharika knew about the scholarship program.
From there, he realized she was helping him financially, not wanting to make him feel even more burdened. He also never revealed the truth about being aware of her help and tried to do what he could do best—work harder.
tap tap
'Should I kill that b****?' Niharika's fingers kept tapping on the desk, her mind slowly reaching its limit. The remaining patience wore thin, but still, to soothe her mind, she asked, "And what about me?"
"Sorry?" Akhil didn't understand the sudden question, making Niharika repeat herself, "I mean, do you like me too?"
thump thump
Even though in the heat of the moment, Niharika asked him, her heartbeat betrayed the cold demeanor she was maintaining from the beginning.
Within a few moments, several thoughts crossed her mind, along with possibilities of disappointment.
"Ah, that's..." Looking at her for a few moments, Akhil struggled to find the right words. There were just too many things he was grateful for.
After all, she was the only one who had remained by his side since childhood.
Until now, none of the girls had approached him due to his poor status.
Even though some tried to strike up a conversation with him, they either got into some accident or left the university.
Akhil understood one thing from all this—he was unlucky and a jinx for others.
But turning towards Niharika, who was always there for him, feeling genuinely happy, he finally voiced his true thoughts.
"Yes, I really....."
badump
'Is he really going to say that?' Niharika's eyes were fixed on Akhil's lips, not wanting to miss even a single word.
Since the speed of sound is slower than light, her mind did not want to delay even a single microsecond, processing his lip movements and translating them inside her mind faster than her ears caught his voice.
"You, Roll no. 44, focus in class or get out right now!" Professor Banzihum, watching two of his students gossiping inside the class while others were taking notes, called out Akhil, exerting his authority over the boy, knowing about the girl's status.
"Oh, forgive me, Professor. I will focus on the lecture. Please pardon me." Akhil swiftly stood from his seat, bowing 90 degrees in understanding of his mistake. He whispered, "Niharika, let's focus on studies first."
'Huh—' Niharika was frozen in her place, her mind in a trance, fixed on Akhil, who started focusing on his studies, ignoring her.
...
"So, it should be the end of the lecture. The next topics will be covered tomorrow." Professor Banzihum removed his microphone and collected his laptop and books, moving out of the classroom, followed by other students.
"Sigh, guess I need to ask him this question tomorrow." Akhil stood up, placing all his books inside his bag, turning towards Niharika, whose gaze was fixed downward, her hair hiding her facial expressions, while clasped hands were placed on the desk.
"You will go with me or—" Akhil didn't want to ask if Niharika wanted to accompany him on their way back home, but to the main gate of the university, since he was aware of the rows of luxury cars waiting for her outside.
"Hey, Akhil," Niharika mumbled. In response, Akhil replied in the same tone, "Yes."
Niharika lifted her gaze, looking towards him before stating, "You can ask your doubts to another professor. Mr. Banzihum will be on leave from tomorrow onwards."
"Oh, I see." Akhil nodded, believing her words since whenever Niharika informed him of news about someone taking leave or being absent, it always came true.
"Now, can we leave?" Akhil offered her his hand, which she accepted without rejecting, and stood before they both left the class together.
....
Arriving outside the gates of the academy, several black-suited men were standing, surrounding a lineup of Rolls Royce Phantoms, Bugattis, Mercedes, and even a limousine, creating a picture of dominance for Rajashekhar Corporations.
All these cars were just for Niharika to choose from. Even Akhil saw them for the first time since he had never seen the same cars parked there again.
"Bye. Let's meet at Laila's concert the day after tomorrow," Akhil waved before turning to take his leave.
"Wait. Why not take one of my cars?" Niharika stated literally, referring to ownership.
"Nah uh, you already know, I feel nauseous in expensive cars. Haha." Without turning towards her, Akhil left the place while humming some of Laila's songs.
"Miss, your realistic sandbag is prepared." A woman wearing a short black skirt, a white shirt with cleavage, and glasses arrived, informing Niharika about her boxing practice.
Niharika, whose ears caught the lyrics of Laila's songs, understood the meaning behind those words, intentionally sung in another language, specifically denoted to Akhil. Her mind snapped.
"Remove his records from the university's history. There shouldn't be any Banzihum even in this country's records." Without any delay, Niharika moved inside her limo, sitting down before changing her clothes, which she least favored, a blue knee-length outfit.
Changing into a black dress, her ruby red eyes added with a cold gaze gave off a dominating demeanor, the anger surging within her.
Turning towards her assistant, she gave an order.
"Send some assassins to deal with that Laila. I want her dead body within an hour."