𝟏𝟖. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 -𝟐

                                    

                                          
The next day, both Pihu and Raghav got ready to accompany Ritu to her college. As the clock ticked closer to the time of their visit, Ritu's nervousness visibly increased. Her face was pale, and her hands trembled slightly. Pihu noticed her state and gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry so much," Pihu said softly, her tone full of warmth. "Everything will be fine. We're here with you, so there's no need to be scared, okay?"
Ritu looked at her bhabhi and nodded hesitantly, feeling a small wave of calm settle over her.
Once they reached the college, the group headed straight to the principal's office. Raghav, Pihu, Ritu, and Anisha entered the room together. The principal greeted them with a formal tone, but her demeanor quickly changed as Raghav began explaining the entire situation. He detailed everything from the beginning-the harassment Ritu had endured, the emotional turmoil she faced, and how the professor had abused his power.
The principal was utterly stunned. Shocked would be an understatement-she was appalled that someone as reputable and celebrated as Professor Abhishek Basu, a distinguished member of the college faculty, could commit such disgusting acts. She lowered her gaze in shame and sincerely apologized, especially to Ritu.
"I am deeply sorry for what you have been through," she said earnestly, her voice filled with regret.
Raghav, however, was far from appeased. His anger simmered beneath the surface, but he maintained control. "An apology isn't enough at this point," he said firmly. "We need to confront this man directly. Call Abhishek Basu here right now."
The principal nodded quickly. "Yes, Mr. Singhania. I'll summon him immediately." Turning to her assistant, she instructed, "Raju bring Abhishek Basu from the ABC department to my office right away."
After a few minutes, there was a knock at the door. A voice followed, casual and confident, "Ma'am, you called for me?"
The moment Ritu heard his voice, a shiver ran down her spine. Her entire body froze in fear. Instinctively, she reached out and clutched her bhabhi's hand tightly, her terror evident in her trembling fingers. Pihu looked at her and gave a reassuring squeeze, silently promising that she was not alone.
Pihu protectively held Ritu by her shoulder, her presence a silent but strong assurance of support.
The principal's voice grew firm, her earlier politeness replaced with resolve. "Come in, Mr. Basu. Step inside."
As Abhishek Basu entered the room, his gaze swept over the unfamiliar faces. However, when his eyes landed on Ritu and Anisha, a flicker of realization passed through him. He immediately understood the situation but masked it with an air of feigned ignorance.
"Yes, ma'am, tell me," he said, deliberately ignoring the others in the room.
The principal, her voice strict and cold, responded sharply, "I have nothing to say to you. These people wish to speak with you. This is Ritu's family."
Abhishek turned to Ritu, his face breaking into a fake, charming smile. "Ritu, you-"
His words were abruptly cut off by the sound of a sharp slap that resounded across the room.
"Bhaiyaa!" Ritu gasped in shock as her brother, Raghav, stepped forward, his fury evident.
Raghav grabbed Abhishek by the collar, his voice low and menacing. "Shut up! Just shut up! Don't you dare utter my sister's name with that filthy mouth of yours. If you do, I'll tear out your tongue and feed it to the dogs. How dare you? How do you have the audacity to do something so vile and still show your face here?"