(Vena’s POV) Monday morning.
The college campus buzzed with excitement.
Colorful banners hung across the entrance.
Students carried charts, models, laptops, and handmade projects in every direction.
The annual academic exhibition had officially begun.
For the first time since my rebirth…
I felt excited instead of anxious.
— “Vena!” I turned around.
Ananya was waving while carefully carrying the project chart.
“I thought I’d be late.” “You actually came early today.” I smiled.
“I didn’t want to keep everyone waiting.” Ananya laughed.
“Looks like our team leader is becoming responsible.” Before I could reply…
A familiar dramatic voice echoed across the courtyard.
“Attention, everyone!” Kabir marched toward us carrying three large bags.
“If anyone asks…” “I’m carrying the entire team’s future.” Riya looked at the bags.
“They’re just printouts.” “They’re *important* printouts.” “They’re heavy because of responsibility.” “No…” “They’re heavy because you printed everything twice.” Kabir looked offended.
“That’s called preparation.” Arther, who had just arrived, quietly took one of the bags from Kabir.
“I’ll carry this.” Kabir blinked.
“…You know…” “I was actually about to ask.” Riya smirked.
“No, you weren’t.” “I was emotionally about to ask.” Everyone laughed.
— We reached our assigned exhibition stall.
A white board displayed: “Group 4” “Animal Adaptation and Survival Strategies” Our project looked…
surprisingly good.
The charts were neat.
The diagrams were colorful.
The model stood perfectly in the center.
Ananya folded her arms proudly.
“I think this is my best drawing.” “It definitely is,” I said honestly.
She smiled brightly.
“Thanks.” — Arther checked the presentation once more.
“The facts are correct.” Riya organized the files neatly.
“We only need to practice explaining.” Kabir immediately stepped forward.
“I’ll go first.” Without waiting…
He stood in front of the chart.
“Good morning, respected judges…” “Our topic is…” He suddenly stopped.
“…What was our topic again?” Silence.
Then…
The entire group burst into laughter.
Riya covered her face.
“We worked on this for a week!” Kabir scratched his head sheepishly.
“I got nervous.” Ananya laughed so hard that tears formed in her eyes.
Even Arther let out a quiet chuckle.
I laughed too.
Not because he forgot.
But because…
For the first time…
I was laughing without worrying about what others thought of me.
— Just then…
A whistle echoed across the exhibition hall.
All conversations stopped.
Professor Mehta stepped onto the small stage.
“Good morning, everyone.” “The judges have arrived.” “I expect every group to give their best.” “Remember…” “Knowledge matters.” “But confidence matters too.” Students straightened their uniforms.
Some took deep breaths.
Others revised their notes one last time.
I looked at my teammates.
Kabir gave me a thumbs-up.
Riya nodded confidently.
Ananya smiled.
Arther simply said, “We’re ready.” For some reason…
Hearing those two words made all my nervousness disappear.
— Far across the hall…
Near the entrance…
A familiar face quietly watched Group Four.
Nikhil.
He wasn’t participating in the exhibition.
He had come for one reason only.
When he saw Vena laughing with her friends…
His expression darkened.
“…So…” “…you’re finally smiling.” He slipped both hands into his pockets.
A cold smile slowly spread across his face.
“Let’s see…” “…how long that smile lasts.” I didn’t notice Nikhil standing near the entrance.
I was too busy helping Ananya straighten the project charts.
— The exhibition hall gradually filled with visitors.
Students from other colleges walked around, stopping at different stalls.
Some judges carried clipboards.
Others asked questions while taking notes.
The atmosphere was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Kabir looked at the growing crowd and swallowed nervously.
“…There are so many people.” Riya looked at him.
“You were acting like a professional five minutes ago.” “I was.” “My confidence has now left the building.” Ananya laughed.
“It’ll come back.” “I hope it knows the way.” Even Arther smiled.
— Professor Mehta walked over to our stall.
“Everything ready?” “Yes, sir,” we answered together.
He looked over the display and nodded with satisfaction.
“Excellent.” “Remember one thing.” “If you don’t know an answer…” “Don’t guess.” “Think first.” “Yes, sir.” He gave us an encouraging smile before moving to the next group.
— Kabir took a deep breath.
“Okay…” “Final practice.” He pointed at Vena.
“You start.” I nodded.
“Our project explains how different animals survive in different environments by developing physical and behavioural adaptations…” As I explained…
The others listened carefully.
Arther occasionally added a scientific point.
Riya corrected a minor sentence.
Ananya adjusted one of the diagrams.
For the first time…
We truly felt like a team.
— “Excuse me.” A girl’s voice interrupted us.
We turned around.
A student wearing another college’s ID card stood there with two of her classmates.
“Can we look at your model?” “Of course,” I replied.
She examined the display carefully.
“Did you make this yourselves?” Ananya smiled proudly.
“Yes.” “The diagrams are beautiful.” “Thank you.” The girl looked at me.
“Your explanation was really clear.” “I understood everything.” I smiled politely.
“I’m glad.” Kabir immediately whispered, “See?” “Our team leader is famous already.” Riya nudged him.
“Don’t start.” — The visiting students thanked us and walked away.
As they left…
A tall senior from another college approached our stall.
He looked around before stopping in front of Vena.
“Hi.” “I’m Aarav.” “I’m from Greenfield Science College.” He smiled confidently.
“I heard your explanation just now.” “It was impressive.” I smiled politely.
“Thank you.” “I’m Vena.” “I know.” He chuckled.
“I saw your name on the project board.” Kabir slowly looked toward Arther.
Then back at Riya.
A mischievous grin spread across his face.
Riya immediately recognized it.
“Oh no…” — Aarav continued, “Our exhibition ends around four.” “A few of us are planning to have coffee outside.” “If you’re free…” “You should join us.” Before I could answer…
Kabir suddenly stepped between us.
With a bright smile, he extended his hand.
“Hi!” “I’m Kabir.” “Her unpaid bodyguard.” Riya closed her eyes.
“…We’re so sorry.” Aarav looked confused.
“Bodyguard?” Kabir nodded seriously.
“Part-time.” “Very affordable.” Ananya couldn’t hold back her laughter.
Even I started laughing.
Aarav laughed too.
“I’ll take that as a no.” I smiled apologetically.
“We already have plans to finish our project.” “No problem.” “Maybe another time.” He waved politely and walked away.
— The moment he disappeared…
Kabir dramatically turned toward me.
“Coffee?” “Already?” “You’ve become popular.” I rolled my eyes.
“He was just being friendly.” Riya smirked.
“Someone looked disappointed.” “I was not!” Ananya laughed.
“Your ears are red.” “My ears are always this colour!” “They’re not.” The group burst into laughter.
— Vena instinctively looked toward Arther.
He was arranging the project files as if nothing had happened.
Completely calm.
Completely expressionless.
But when Kabir quietly whispered, “So…” “Should we have accepted the coffee invitation?” Arther answered without looking up.
“…The exhibition isn’t over yet.” His tone was calm.
Simple.
Yet…
Kabir noticed something.
For the first time since they had met…
Arther had answered a question…
That wasn’t directed at him.
Kabir smiled to himself.
“Interesting…” Just then…
The announcement echoed across the exhibition hall.
“Attention all participants.” “The judging round will begin in five minutes.” The laughter disappeared instantly.
Everyone looked at their project.
This was it.
The moment they had spent an entire week preparing for.
“Attention all participants.” “The judging round will begin in five minutes.” The exhibition hall instantly became quiet.
Students rushed back to their stalls.
Some revised their notes one last time.
Others whispered answers to each other.
I took a deep breath.
“This is it…” — Kabir rubbed his hands together nervously.
“I suddenly forgot everything.” Riya looked at him.
“Relax.” “You’ve practiced enough.” “I know…” “But what if they ask something I don’t know?” Ananya smiled.
“Then smile confidently.” Kabir blinked.
“That’s…
actually my specialty.” The tension eased as everyone laughed.
— Arther looked at each one of us.
“Remember.” “We don’t need to impress anyone.” “We just need to explain what we’ve learned.” His calm voice had an unexpected effect.
Everyone became a little more relaxed.
I smiled.
“Let’s do our best.” — A few moments later…
Three judges stopped in front of “Group Four”.
Professor Mehta accompanied them.
“This is one of our strongest groups.” One of the judges, a woman in her forties, smiled warmly.
“Who’ll be presenting first?” Before anyone could speak…
Kabir stepped forward.
“I’ll begin, ma’am.” Riya looked surprised.
“So much for being nervous.” Kabir whispered, “If I think too much…” “I’ll run away.” — “Good morning, respected judges.” “Our project is based on **Animal Adaptation and Survival Strategies**.” To everyone’s surprise…
Kabir spoke clearly.
He explained the introduction confidently before turning toward me.
“Vena will explain the desert adaptations.” I nodded.
I walked forward.
Holding the pointer…
I began explaining the camel’s physical adaptations, water conservation, and survival mechanisms.
One judge interrupted.
“Why does a camel store fat instead of water in its hump?” For a second…
The entire hall felt silent.
I smiled politely.
“Because storing fat provides an energy reserve.
If water were stored in the hump, it would make the animal heavier and wouldn’t serve the same metabolic purpose.” The judge nodded with satisfaction.
“Excellent.” — Arther continued with aquatic adaptations.
He didn’t speak loudly.
Yet every word was clear.
When another judge asked a difficult scientific question…
He answered it so simply…
Even the visiting students nearby understood.
One of them whispered, “He’s really good.” Another nodded.
“I wish he explained our classes.” Kabir quietly leaned toward Riya.
“I told you.” “He’s our secret weapon.” — Finally…
Ananya explained the diagrams.
Riya summarized the research findings.
The presentation ended.
For a few seconds…
The judges remained silent while writing notes.
My heartbeat grew faster.
Had we made a mistake?
Then…
The senior judge looked up.
“I have only one suggestion.” All five of us listened carefully.
“Next time…” “Speak with the same confidence from beginning to end.” She smiled.
“Your teamwork is excellent.” Relief washed over me.
“Thank you, ma’am.” The judges moved to the next stall.
Kabir let out the loudest sigh imaginable.
“I’M ALIVE!” Riya laughed.
“You were presenting…” “Not fighting a tiger.” “Felt the same.” Even Arther chuckled.
— Just as we started relaxing…
A loud, mocking clap echoed across the exhibition hall.
Clap…
Clap…
Clap…
We turned.
Walking toward our stall…
With that familiar arrogant smile…
Was **Nikhil**.
He looked at our project.
Then at me.
“So…” “This is the famous Group Four everyone has been praising.” His eyes met mine.
The smile on his face slowly became colder.
“Let’s see…” “…whether your knowledge is as impressive…” “…when everyone is watching.” The slow clapping stopped.
I turned toward the voice.
“Nikhil…?” For a brief moment…
I forgot we were standing in the middle of the exhibition hall.
He wasn’t wearing a college uniform.
He wore a black shirt with rolled-up sleeves and carried a small document envelope in one hand.
It looked as though he had come straight from work.
— Kabir looked at me.
“You know him?” Before I could answer…
Nikhil gave a small, polite smile.
“We’ve met before.” His tone was calm.
Almost too calm.
There wasn’t a hint of anger on his face.
Only familiarity.
— Professor Mehta noticed him standing near the stall.
“Can I help you?” Nikhil nodded respectfully.
“Yes, sir.” “I had to deliver some documents to the administration office.” “They asked me to wait for a signature.” “I was passing through the exhibition hall while waiting.” Professor Mehta smiled.
“I see.” “Feel free to look around.” “We’re happy to have visitors.” “Thank you, sir.” The explanation sounded perfectly reasonable.
— After Professor Mehta walked away…
Nikhil looked at our project.
“So…” “This is what you’ve all been working on.” Ananya smiled politely.
“Yes.” “Our exhibition project.” He nodded once.
“It looks well organized.” Kabir immediately grinned.
“Of course.” “We’re the best team here.” Riya whispered, “The results aren’t out yet.” “They will be.” “I can feel it.” — Nikhil’s eyes briefly met mine.
“You explained confidently.” I blinked.
“…You heard?” “I arrived just before your presentation ended.” There was no sarcasm.
No mockery.
Just a simple statement.
For some reason…
That made me even more cautious.
In my previous life…
Nikhil rarely revealed what he was truly thinking.
— Kabir extended his hand with his usual enthusiasm.
“I’m Kabir.” “Official representative of Group Four.” Nikhil shook his hand.
“Nikhil.” “Nice to meet you.” “I’m Riya.” “Ananya.” The introductions continued naturally.
Finally…
Arther stepped forward.
“Arther.” For the first time…
Nikhil’s smile faded slightly.
Only for a fraction of a second.
Then it returned.
“Nice to meet you.” Arther nodded politely.
“You too.” Neither of them spoke another word.
But something invisible…
Passed between them.
Not hostility.
Not friendship.
Just…
Recognition that the other person was carefully observing.
— A staff member approached Nikhil.
“Sir, the Principal has signed the papers.” “You can collect them now.” Nikhil turned.
“Thank you.” Before leaving…
He looked at Vena one last time.
“Congratulations on the presentation.” “I hope your team wins.” Then he walked toward the administration office without another word.
Kabir watched him disappear down the corridor.
“…He’s quieter than I expected.” Riya nodded.
“But he seems polite.” I remained silent.
Because I knew something they didn’t.
Sometimes…
The most dangerous people weren’t the loud ones.
They were the ones who never let you know what they were thinking.
Nikhil disappeared into the administration building.
For a few moments…
None of us spoke.
Kabir was the first to break the silence.
“…He’s different.” Riya looked at him.
“Different how?” “I don’t know.” “He barely spoke.” “But it felt like he noticed everything.” Ananya nodded.
“I felt the same.” I quietly looked toward the administration block.
“…Yes.” He always did.
Before the conversation could continue…
Professor Mehta’s voice echoed through the exhibition hall.
“Attention, everyone.” “Please gather near the central stage.” Students from every department slowly assembled.
Some looked excited.
Others whispered nervously.
Professor Mehta adjusted the microphone.
“First of all…” “Congratulations to everyone.” “The judges were impressed by the effort shown by every group.” Applause filled the hall.
He smiled before continuing.
“However…” “The exhibition isn’t over yet.” A wave of curiosity spread among the students.
“This afternoon…” “We’ll be holding a surprise academic challenge.” The hall erupted into whispers.
Kabir leaned toward Riya.
“…Surprise?” “I don’t like surprises.” Riya smiled.
“You don’t even know what it is.” “Exactly.” “That’s why I don’t like them.” Professor Mehta continued, “Each department will nominate one student.” “The selected students will answer rapid-fire scientific questions.” “No preparation.” “No books.” “Only your understanding.” “The winning department will receive additional points.” Excitement immediately spread through the crowd.
Students began discussing who would represent them.
Kabir looked horrified.
“Please don’t choose me.” “I suddenly remember I have stage fright.” Ananya laughed.
“You were just giving speeches this morning.” “That was different.” “There were fewer people.” Riya looked at him.
“There were almost a hundred people.” “I didn’t count.” Professor Mehta turned toward the faculty members.
“Please submit your nominations.” The professors gathered near the stage.
Quiet discussions began.
One by one…
Names were written on a sheet of paper.
A few minutes later…
Professor Dev walked over to Professor Mehta.
They exchanged a few words.
Professor Mehta nodded.
Then he looked toward our group.
His eyes stopped on me.
My heart skipped a beat.
“…No way.” Kabir whispered, “I think they’re choosing someone.” Ananya looked around nervously.
“Who do you think it’ll be?” Professor Mehta returned to the microphone.
“The Zoology Department has made its decision.” He unfolded the paper.
“Our representative will be…” The entire hall fell silent.
“…Vena.” For a moment…
I simply stared at him.
“…Me?” Kabir’s mouth fell open.
“That’s our team leader!” Riya smiled proudly.
“I knew it.” Ananya gently squeezed my hand.
“You’ll do great.” I looked toward Arther.
He met my eyes and gave a calm nod.
“You’ve already answered tougher questions today.” “Just answer one at a time.” His confidence in me…
Made me believe in myself.
I took a deep breath.
“…I’ll do my best.” As I stepped toward the stage…
I didn’t notice two people watching from opposite ends of the hall.
One…
Was Nikhil, standing quietly near the administration corridor after collecting his documents.
The other…
Was Professor Dev.
Neither of them spoke.
But both of them watched Vena walk toward the stage.
For entirely different reasons.
“…Vena.” For a moment…
The entire exhibition hall seemed unusually quiet.
“…Me?” Professor Mehta smiled encouragingly.
“Yes.” “You represented your group exceptionally well.” “I’m confident you’ll represent the department just as well.” I took a slow breath.
“…Thank you, sir.” Kabir immediately raised both thumbs.
“Go, Team Leader!” “Show them we’re the smartest group here!” Riya smiled.
“Don’t put too much pressure on her.” “I’m giving motivation.” “You sound like a cricket commentator.” Ananya giggled.
“It actually suits him.” Even I laughed.
The nervousness in my chest eased a little.
I walked toward the stage.
Students from the other departments were already standing there.
There were five participants in total.
Botany.
Chemistry.
Physics.
Microbiology.
And…
Zoology.
Me.
A table stood at the center of the stage.
Five buzzers had been placed neatly in front of the participants.
Professor Dev stepped forward.
“I’ll be conducting this round.” He looked around the hall.
“The rules are simple.” “I’ll ask a question.” “The first participant to press the buzzer gets the chance to answer.” “A correct answer earns ten points.” “An incorrect answer loses five.” “No discussing.” “No hints.” The audience nodded in anticipation.
Kabir folded his arms dramatically.
“I suddenly feel more nervous than Vena.” Riya smiled.
“You always do.” Professor Dev picked up the first card.
“Question One.” “Which blood cells are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the human body?” Before I could think…
BEEP!
The Physics representative pressed first.
“Red blood cells.” “Correct.” Applause echoed through the hall.
Professor Dev nodded.
“Question Two.” “Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?” BEEP!
The Chemistry representative answered.
“Mitochondria.” “Correct.” Again…
Applause.
I remained calm.
No need to rush.
There were many questions left.
Professor Dev glanced at the next card.
“Question Three.” “Which adaptation allows camels to survive for long periods in arid environments?” The moment the question ended…
My finger pressed the buzzer.
BEEP!
Professor Dev looked at me.
“Vena.” I answered confidently.
“They conserve water through several physiological adaptations, including producing highly concentrated urine, minimizing water loss, and storing fat in their hump as an energy reserve.” The hall became silent.
Professor Dev smiled.
“Excellent.” “Ten points.” The Zoology students cheered loudly.
Kabir jumped from his chair.
“THAT’S OUR TEAM LEADER!” Riya pulled him back down.
“Sit before you get us thrown out.” The questions continued.
Plants.
Genetics.
Ecology.
Human physiology.
Sometimes I answered.
Sometimes another participant did.
The scoreboard slowly changed.
Physics – 30 Chemistry – 30 Zoology – 30 A three-way tie.
Professor Dev lifted the final card.
“This question will decide the winner.” Everyone became silent.
He read aloud.
“Which biological principle explains why organisms with favorable heritable traits become more common in a population over successive generations?” I recognized the answer immediately.
But so did the Chemistry participant.
We both moved at almost the same time.
BEEP!
A fraction of a second separated us.
Professor Dev looked toward me.
“Vena.” I answered without hesitation.
“Natural selection.” He smiled.
“Can you name the scientist most closely associated with this principle?” “Charles Darwin.” “Correct.” For a heartbeat…
The hall was completely silent.
Then— Thunderous applause filled the exhibition hall.
Professor Mehta clapped proudly.
“Congratulations!” “The Zoology Department wins the Academic Challenge!” Kabir shouted so loudly that several students turned to look at him.
“I TOLD YOU WE’D WIN!” Riya laughed.
“This time…” “You actually did.” Ananya ran onto the stage and hugged me.
“You were amazing!” I laughed happily.
“I couldn’t have done it without all of you.” As I looked toward my teammates…
I realized something.
Winning didn’t make me happiest.
Standing beside people who genuinely celebrated my success…
Did.
But unnoticed among the applause…
Professor Dev quietly observed Vena with thoughtful eyes.
Not because she had won.
Because when she answered the final question…
For the briefest instant…
She had answered before he had finished reading the entire question.
It wasn’t ordinary confidence.
It was as if…
Her instincts had remembered the answer before her mind processed it.
Professor Dev lowered his gaze slightly.
“…Interesting.” “Congratulations!” “The Zoology Department wins the Academic Challenge!” The applause continued for several seconds.
I stepped down from the stage, still trying to process everything.
“…We won.” Before I could say another word— Kabir rushed toward me.
“Champion!” He dramatically pretended to wipe away tears.
“I always believed in you.” Riya folded her arms.
“You were panicking an hour ago.” “That was strategic panicking.” Ananya laughed.
“I’ve never heard of that.” “You have now.” The four of us burst into laughter.
Professor Mehta walked over with a proud smile.
“Excellent performance, Vena.” “You remained calm even under pressure.” “Thank you, sir.” “But remember…” “A good student never stops learning.” I nodded respectfully.
“I won’t.” He smiled and walked toward another group.
Students from different colleges began visiting our stall again.
One by one…
They congratulated our team.
“Your presentation was excellent.” “Congratulations!” “Your explanation really helped.” I thanked each of them politely.
For the first time…
Instead of feeling uncomfortable around strangers…
I found myself enjoying the conversations.
Maybe…
I really was changing.
Kabir suddenly whispered, “I think we’ve become popular.” Riya looked around.
“There are definitely more people at our stall now.” Ananya smiled proudly.
“Our hard work paid off.” Just then…
A first-year student approached us nervously.
“Um…
excuse me.” We all turned toward him.
“Can I ask something?” “Of course,” I replied.
“I couldn’t understand one point about desert adaptations.” Before I could answer…
Kabir proudly pointed toward me.
“You’ve come to the right person.” “Our team leader explains better than the textbook.” I laughed.
“Don’t exaggerate.” “I’m not.” I patiently explained the concept once again.
The student listened carefully.
When I finished…
His face brightened.
“Oh!” “Now I understand.” “Thank you so much.” “You’re welcome.” He left with a smile.
Ananya nudged me gently.
“You know…” “You’re really good at explaining.” Riya agreed.
“You make difficult topics sound simple.” Kabir nodded dramatically.
“You should start charging tuition fees.” I laughed.
“I think I’ll stick to helping for free.” From a distance…
Arther quietly watched the conversation.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Not because Vena had won.
But because…
She no longer lowered her eyes while speaking to people.
The frightened girl from a month ago…
Was slowly disappearing.
Just then…
The principal walked onto the stage.
He picked up the microphone.
“May I have everyone’s attention?” The exhibition hall gradually became silent.
“I’ve discussed today’s performances with the judges.” “There were many outstanding presentations.” “So…” “We’ve decided to introduce a special recognition.” Students looked at one another curiously.
“A recognition?” “What does that mean?” The principal smiled.
“It won’t be based only on marks.” “It will be awarded to the student who best demonstrated confidence, teamwork, and clarity of explanation.” Whispers spread across the hall.
Kabir leaned toward Riya.
“…That sounds like Vena.” Riya smiled.
“It does.” I immediately shook my head.
“There are so many talented students here.” Kabir grinned.
“Maybe.” “But today…” “You were one of the best.” The principal unfolded a small card.
“The recipient of the Student Excellence Recognition is…” The entire hall waited.
I unconsciously held my breath.
Just before the principal spoke…
A loud crash echoed from the far end of the exhibition hall.
BANG!
Everyone instinctively turned.
A tall display stand had toppled over near another department’s stall.
Students stepped back in surprise.
For a moment…
The cheerful atmosphere vanished.
No one knew…
Whether it had fallen by accident…
Or if someone had pushed it.
(Vena’s POV) “Congratulations!” “The Zoology Department wins the Academic Challenge!” The applause continued for several seconds.
I stepped down from the stage, still trying to process everything.
“…We won.” Before I could say another word— Kabir rushed toward me.
“Champion!” He dramatically pretended to wipe away tears.
“I always believed in you.” Riya folded her arms.
“You were panicking an hour ago.” “That was strategic panicking.” Ananya laughed.
“I’ve never heard of that.” “You have now.” The four of us burst into laughter.
Professor Mehta walked over with a proud smile.
“Excellent performance, Vena.” “You remained calm even under pressure.” “Thank you, sir.” “But remember…” “A good student never stops learning.” I nodded respectfully.
“I won’t.” He smiled and walked toward another group.
Students from different colleges began visiting our stall again.
One by one…
They congratulated our team.
“Your presentation was excellent.” “Congratulations!” “Your explanation really helped.” I thanked each of them politely.
For the first time…
Instead of feeling uncomfortable around strangers…
I found myself enjoying the conversations.
Maybe…
I really was changing.
Kabir suddenly whispered, “I think we’ve become popular.” Riya looked around.
“There are definitely more people at our stall now.” Ananya smiled proudly.
“Our hard work paid off.” Just then…
A first-year student approached us nervously.
“Um…
excuse me.” We all turned toward him.
“Can I ask something?” “Of course,” I replied.
“I couldn’t understand one point about desert adaptations.” Before I could answer…
Kabir proudly pointed toward me.
“You’ve come to the right person.” “Our team leader explains better than the textbook.” I laughed.
“Don’t exaggerate.” “I’m not.” I patiently explained the concept once again.
The student listened carefully.
When I finished…
His face brightened.
“Oh!” “Now I understand.” “Thank you so much.” “You’re welcome.” He left with a smile.
Ananya nudged me gently.
“You know…” “You’re really good at explaining.” Riya agreed.
“You make difficult topics sound simple.” Kabir nodded dramatically.
“You should start charging tuition fees.” I laughed.
“I think I’ll stick to helping for free.” From a distance…
Arther quietly watched the conversation.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Not because Vena had won.
But because…
She no longer lowered her eyes while speaking to people.
The frightened girl from a month ago…
Was slowly disappearing.
Just then…
The principal walked onto the stage.
He picked up the microphone.
“May I have everyone’s attention?” The exhibition hall gradually became silent.
“I’ve discussed today’s performances with the judges.” “There were many outstanding presentations.” “So…” “We’ve decided to introduce a special recognition.” Students looked at one another curiously.
“A recognition?” “What does that mean?” The principal smiled.
“It won’t be based only on marks.” “It will be awarded to the student who best demonstrated confidence, teamwork, and clarity of explanation.” Whispers spread across the hall.
Kabir leaned toward Riya.
“…That sounds like Vena.” Riya smiled.
“It does.” I immediately shook my head.
“There are so many talented students here.” Kabir grinned.
“Maybe.” “But today…” “You were one of the best.” The principal unfolded a small card.
“The recipient of the Student Excellence Recognition is…” The entire hall waited.
I unconsciously held my breath.
Just before the principal spoke…
A loud crash echoed from the far end of the exhibition hall.
BANG!
Everyone instinctively turned.
A tall display stand had toppled over near another department’s stall.
Students stepped back in surprise.
For a moment…
The cheerful atmosphere vanished.
No one knew…
Whether it had fallen by accident…
Or if someone had pushed it.
(Continues in Part 3B – End of Chapter 15…) Part 3b Chapter 15 – The Exhibition Begins Part 3B – The First Instinct (End of Chapter 15) (Vena’s POV) BANG!
The sound echoed through the exhibition hall.
Students instinctively stepped back.
“What happened?” “Someone’s display fell!” For a moment…
Nobody moved.
Dust rose into the air.
Charts and models scattered across the floor.
Then— “Look out!” Someone shouted.
A large wooden frame, knocked loose by the first stand, began tipping toward a first-year student.
The boy froze.
His face turned pale.
He couldn’t move.
Everything happened in a heartbeat.
Before I had time to think…
My body moved.
I rushed forward.
“Move!” I grabbed the boy’s arm and pulled him sideways.
The wooden frame crashed onto the floor exactly where he had been standing.
CRASH!
The entire hall fell silent.
The first-year student stared at me, still trembling.
“I…” “Thank you…” “I couldn’t move.” I smiled gently.
“You’re okay.” “That’s what matters.” His friends quickly rushed over and helped him stand.
Professor Mehta hurried toward us.
“Is anyone injured?” Everyone shook their heads.
“No, sir.” The maintenance staff immediately lifted the fallen stand and checked the area.
One of the judges examined it.
“It looks like one of the support screws became loose.” “It was an accident.” The tension in the hall slowly faded.
Students began talking again.
Kabir walked over, looking both shocked and relieved.
“Vena!” “You ran so fast.” “I didn’t even see you move.” “I…” I looked at my own hands.
“…I didn’t think.” “I just reacted.” Riya smiled.
“And because of that…” “No one got hurt.” Ananya hugged me tightly.
“You scared me.” I laughed softly.
“I’m sorry.” Standing a few metres away…
Arther quietly watched the scene.
His expression remained calm.
But inside…
His thoughts were racing.
“That wasn’t luck.” “She moved before everyone else even understood what was happening.” It wasn’t supernatural.
Not yet.
It was something else.
Years of instincts…
Buried deep inside her subconscious.
Instincts that had survived…
Even after rebirth.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
“You’re changing faster than you realize.” The principal returned to the microphone after confirming everyone was safe.
“I’m glad no one was injured.” He looked toward Vena.
“And we’d also like to thank the student who reacted without hesitation.” The hall erupted into applause again.
Heat rushed to my cheeks.
“Please…” “It wasn’t anything special.” Kabir immediately whispered, “It was.” Riya nodded.
“You didn’t think about yourself.” “You thought about someone else first.” For once…
Even I didn’t know how to reply.
The principal unfolded the card he had been holding earlier.
“As I was saying…” “The recipient of this year’s Student Excellence Recognition is…” He smiled.
“Vena, from the Zoology Department.” The applause became even louder.
Ananya clapped excitedly.
Kabir pumped his fist into the air.
“I knew it!” Riya smiled proudly.
“Congratulations.” Professor Mehta handed me a small certificate and a medal.
“You’ve represented the department well today.” “Thank you, sir.” As I accepted the award…
I looked toward my teammates.
They weren’t clapping because I had won.
They were clapping because they were genuinely happy for me.
For the first time in both my lives…
Success didn’t feel lonely.
Far outside the exhibition hall…
Nikhil started his motorcycle.
He adjusted his helmet and glanced once toward the college building.
His phone vibrated.
A message appeared.
Meeting location changed.
Come immediately.
He slipped the phone back into his pocket.
Without another glance…
He rode away.
He never noticed…
That another black car had been parked across the road since morning.
Inside it…
Someone quietly watched the college gate.
Not Vena.
Not the exhibition.
Only…
Arther.
The person lowered a pair of binoculars.
Then spoke softly into a phone.
“We’ve confirmed his identity.” A calm voice replied, “Good.” “From now on…” “…watch him instead.” The call ended.
Who was “him”?
And why had the attention suddenly shifted from Vena…
To Arther?
Instead of focusing only on mysteries, I wanted Vena to experience something she never had in her previous life—a genuine victory she could share with friends.
Sometimes, changing destiny doesn’t begin with defeating a powerful enemy.
Sometimes…
It begins with finding people who celebrate your success instead of feeling threatened by it.
Many of you may have noticed that some familiar faces quietly appeared throughout this chapter.
Every character has their own purpose, even if it isn’t obvious yet.
Some are watching to protect, some are watching to understand, and some are watching for reasons that will only become clear much later.
From here onward, the pace of the story will gradually change.
There will be more college life, stronger friendships, light-hearted comedy, emotional moments, and yes…
the action everyone has been waiting for is getting closer.
But remember one thing…
Sometimes the calmest day becomes the one that changes everything.
See you in Chapter 16.Creation is hard, cheer me up!
VOTE for me!