The bell sounded and Punit’s heart thumped hard in his chest. It was fight or flight. As far as ‘fight’ was concerned, he was outnumbered.

In one quick move, he attempted to bolt through them to haven.

They smoothly botched his attempt.

“Whoa-whoa-whoa! Where do you think you’re going, huh? Huh!!?” Sibal barked at him while the cronies held him in place.

“The bell... the bell...” Punit was sweaty and breathless.

“The bell. What bell?” Sibal teased him. He was inches away from Punit now.

“The bell. N-N-Need to get to class...” Punit struggled to stay calm.

“Or else what? Hmm?” Without any warning, Sibal threw an ear-splitting slap and...