The First Strike

Avni stared at Anirudh’s outstretched hand, her pride stinging more than the fall itself.

She slapped his hand away and pushed herself up.

"Again," she said through gritted teeth.

Anirudh smirked. "As you wish."

This time, she was prepared—or so she thought.

She lunged, aiming to strike, but Anirudh effortlessly sidestepped. Before she could react, he twisted her arm behind her back and pinned her in place.

"Too slow," he muttered before letting her go.

Avni stumbled forward, frustration boiling inside her.

Aryan laughed. "This is hilarious!"

Ayush smirked. "She’s getting humbled real quick."

Arnav, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"Enough playing around. Avni, do you know why you lost?"

She turned to him, glaring. "Because he’s a cheating lawyer!"

Anirudh raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Arnav shook his head. "No. You lost because you act before you think. You don’t observe. You don’t plan. You just react."

Avni clenched her fists.

"Then teach me how to win."

Painful Progress

For the next hour, Arnav made her practice her stance, footwork, and reflexes.

Anirudh continued sparring with her, but this time, she was learning.

She was still losing—badly—but each time, she lasted longer.

She dodged one of Anirudh’s attacks and managed to land a weak punch on his shoulder.

Ayush and Aryan gasped dramatically. "She actually hit him!"

Anirudh smirked. "Not bad."

Avni grinned—right before he flipped her onto the ground again.

She groaned. "I hate you."

Anirudh chuckled. "You’re getting better."

Arnav walked up to her, looking down with his usual cold expression. "That’s enough for today."

Avni sat up, wiping sweat from her forehead. "So… did I pass?"

Arnav’s gaze softened—just a little.

"For today."

Avni smiled, exhausted but… oddly proud.

Maybe—just maybe—she was getting stronger.

To Be Continued…