*Shopnopur, the heart of **Biranhabesh was a city of relentless energy and contrast. Its streets were alive with the sounds of honking rickshaws, bustling markets, and the chatter of millions. Skyscrapers and modern malls rose beside old, crumbling buildings, reflecting its rapid growth. Traffic was chaotic, yet the city's spirit remained unshaken. From the aroma of street food to the call to prayer echoing through the air, Shopnopur was a place where tradition and modernity collided, creating an unforgettable urban experience.

The national university in Shopnopur was a lively hub of learning, energy, and diversity. Inside the gates, the chaos of the city faded, replaced by tree-lined pathways, open courtyards, and modern academic buildings. Students gathered in small groups, discussing lectures or enjoying tea from roadside stalls just outside the campus. The air buzzed with intellectual curiosity, laughter, and the occasional protest or cultural event. Despite the city's fast pace, the campus offered a space for growth, ambition, and the dreams of a new generation.

In the very same university, in the middle of the open backyard garden, a group of students were sitting cross-legged on the fresh green grass while their professor was lecturing about their respective topics. The blow of fresh air along with the cloudy atmosphere made the students feel refreshed and energetic as they catered their attention in class with great enthusiasm. Light gossips and murmurs were heard in between the students as their professor was lecturing. A boy was talking rather loudly, which disrupted the flow of teaching.

"I brought you all monkeys out of the zoo in this fresh air to clear your mind and focus better on writing. Not for you to display your true monkey nature." Their professor's calm, loud, and natural deep voice bloomed as she snapped at them. It was Ayaat Khan, their English professor, who was well-known for her strict and blunt aura. Her presence was magnetic. Ayaat's posture was straight, every inch of her radiating authority, as she stood in front of the students.

Her sharp eyes dug holes in the boy, making sure that the others were engaged and knew the consequences of foul behavior in between the lecture. Her fingers gently tapping the textbook in her hands. She was wearing a pair of loose jeans with a maroon kurti and a hijab covering her hair and head, which bore a lighter shade of red, matching with the kurti.

The boy stood up and muttered a small apology while looking down as he was unable to meet the piercing gaze of his teacher. "Be more attentive. Sit down." With that, she continued her lecture.

Ayaat Khan, it was the name everyone in that campus feared of. The lady was a terror within herself, a walking firecracker. Ayaat had sharp, black siren eyes; light brown hair, and a button nose; a moderate height with an undeniable adamancy. She was strict, fierce, and a strong despiser of unjust things. She feared no one except the Almighty Allah. She believed that if one was honest about their intentions and actions, no matter what, they would always be on the good end. She would bluntly smack the truth on people's faces rather than sugar-coating anything.

However, she was a great teacher; even though she had an unapproachable aura, she always made sure that her students were comfortable enough to enjoy the subject and seek help from her without any hesitation. Not only in academic aspects, but in life aspects too. She was a lady of great discipline and a black belt holder in karate. Therefore, the female students often looked up to her as a role model, while the male students admired her for her fearless nature. She was a beauty with a great presence of mind.

"Now, can anyone explain the underlying theme of moral corruption in Macbeth?" she asked, her voice calm but firm.

The students hesitated, caught off guard by the depth of the question. Ayaat was no ordinary professor. She did not just teach grammar or literature; she demanded her students understand the emotional and psychological landscapes of the texts. She believed literature was a mirror to society, a tool to dissect human nature.

Finally, a student raised their hand, and Ayaat nodded. Her eyes did not leave the student as they spoke, correcting a misinterpretation with a few precise words. "Remember," Ayaat said, her tone softening slightly, "it's not just about what they do, but why they do it. Understand the why, and the story becomes yours to tell."

Her students were captivated, drawn not just by the lesson but by her clarity, her passion, and the undeniable force of her intellect. Ayaat was more than just a professor-she was a guide, leading them through the layers of meaning in every text, pushing them to think beyond the surface.

The lecture was coming to an end as she spoke, "By the way, where is Tasmiha today? She did not attend the class. She rarely does that. Do any of you know about her?" Tasmiha was one of the bright students in her class. Thus, not seeing the said girl in the class made her question everyone.

Everyone visibly shifted uncomfortably and looked at one another, contemplating whether to reveal the reason or not. Ayaat noticed their hesitant body language. "Shuvo, you are her best friend, right? Come on, say it. I won't do anything if you just say the truth, you know, right?" She softly ushered for the boy to speak up.

"Ma'am, the thing is... you know Maruf, right?" Shuvo hesitantly started speaking.

Ayaat nodded in acknowledgement. "The insolent brat of the principal, right?" Everyone nodded in confirmation. "So, what about him?"

"He liked Tasmiha and confessed to her." Another student, Maria, spoke up, giving an indication to Ayaat already.

"And knowing Tasmiha, she rejected him, right? Which our so-called prince couldn't take well and did something? Am I right?" Ayaat directly got to the point, to which everyone nodded knowingly.

"He har-rassed Tasmiha, ma'am..." Shuvo revealed, his voice thick with emotions. Ayaat's eyes widened with shock and disgust.

"WHAT?!" Ayaat low-key growled.

"Y-yes, ma'am. She tried to complain, but you know the principal very well. Of course, he didn't do anything about his son and instead demeaned her. Due to which she is now afraid of coming to university as Maruf now disturbs her more." Shuvo revealed everything with tears pooling in his eyes. Everyone comforted the boy knowing his deep affection and love for the said girl.

"¹*Eto kichu hoye geche aar apnara ekhon amake bolchen?!" Ayaat was in disbelief; they did not say a word to her regarding the matter until then.

"Sorry, ma'am, we're scared an-" The students were cut off by her loud and angry tone.

"AND WHAT?! ²*APNARA KENO EITA HOTE DILEN? WHY DIDN'T YOU GUYS DO ANYTHING?!" She was furious at them. How could they let it happen? How?!

"Shuvo, go right now and bring Tasmiha to the campus. I don't know how, but you will bring her here. And you people, fill me in with the information on where I can find this Maruf." Her voice held conviction, and everyone knew better than to stop or disregard her.

Shuvo immediately got on his feet and ran towards the parking lot of the campus. Taking his motorbike, he went to bring Tasmiha there. While others showed her the place of Maruf's timepass. It was at the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was buzzing with chatter as Ayaat walked in, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Maruf, who was sitting with a group of friends at a table in the far corner. His usual smug expression was there, but soon it was laced with a hint of discomfort as he noticed Ayaat approaching.

Ayaat made her way toward him, her every step deliberate, carrying an air of authority. As she reached the table, Maruf's friends fell silent, sensing the tension in the air.

"Miss Ayaat Khan. What brings you to my humble domain?" Maruf smirked, leaning back in his chair, pretending to be casual. But Ayaat could tell that behind his cocky demeanor, he was already nervous. Good.

Ayaat took a deep breath and kept her voice steady, her words calm but firm. "Maruf, I know what you did to Tasmiha. I don't need to know the details, but I do know she's hurt because of you."

The smirk faltered for a moment before he shrugged nonchalantly, clearly trying to brush it off. "And? What's that got to do with me?"

Ayaat's eyes narrowed, but she kept her tone even, making sure her anger did not surface just yet. "You humiliated her. You harassed her. That's not something anyone should tolerate, especially not from someone like you. You are going to apologize to her."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Maruf's face, but he quickly masked it with arrogance. "I don't see the big deal. She rejected me. I'm allowed to be angry." He leaned forward, his eyes daring Ayaat to challenge him. "And you think I'm going to apologize to her? For what?"

Ayaat took a step closer, her voice soft yet piercing with controlled fury. "Yes, Maruf. You owe her an apology. You've caused her enough pain. I'm asking you nicely for her sake."

He scoffed, his friends chuckling around him. "You really think I'll apologize for something like that? Get real, ma'am. No one can tell me what to do. Not even you."

The moment those words left his mouth, Ayaat's patience snapped. Her expression darkened, and without warning, her voice grew sharper and colder. "You arrogant little brat."

Her words cut through the air like a blade, and before Maruf could respond, Ayaat's body shifted into a stance he had no time to process. In a blink, she reached out and grabbed him by the collar, yanking him up from his chair.

His friends gasped, taken aback by the sudden intensity. Maruf struggled but could not break her grip. Ayaat's eyes were burning with fury as she leaned in, her voice a low growl. "You think you can treat someone like that and get away with it?" she hissed. "You think just because your father is the principal, you're untouchable?"

Maruf's bravado faltered as he realized just how much he had underestimated her. Ayaat's grip tightened, but not enough to hurt him physically-yet. "I'm giving you one chance, Maruf. Apologize to her. By today itself. Or I will make sure you regret it."

He sneered at her, trying to break free, but Ayaat was unrelenting. Her eyes remained locked onto his, and it was clear that there was no room for negotiation. His arrogance started to crack, and for the first time, he was not sure how to respond.

Ayaat released his collar and stepped back, her body still tensed with fury. "I won't say it again. Apologize to her, or else. Consider this your last warning." Maruf stood there, glaring at her, but the arrogance in his eyes was slowly being replaced with doubt. Ayaat was not someone he could intimidate with his name or status. Not anymore.

She turned on her heel, her back straight and her movements smooth. "Think carefully, boy. Your next move decides everything." As she walked away, the cafeteria was silent, and Maruf stood frozen, his friends eyeing him nervously. For the first time, he was not sure if he could win that battle.

TRANSLATIONS / MEANINGS:

¹* Eto kichu hoye geche aar apnara ekhon amake bolchen?! - All this happened and you guys are telling me now?!

²* APNARA KENO EITA HOTE DILEN? - Why did you guys let it happen?

Assalamu Alaikum, Moongems. And here is the second chapter. Hope you all have an idea on how both the characters are going to be. And I will try my best to update the third chapter by this month. But no promises. I have certain goals and schedule planned for this story. Thus, I hope and pray that I can actually attain those with this. Do vote and comment your suggestions. I will be back with a new chapter soon. Till then stay safe and sound. Have a great day ahead. Take care. Allah Hafeez. Fi'amanillah.

── Author Ezzie.