The sprawling college set was alive by 8 a.m., buzzing with bright kurtas, half-open backpacks, and spot boys balancing plastic tea trays like acrobats. Overhead rigged lights hummed. A huge placard reading "PRATAP UNIVERSITY WELCOMES YOU" stretched across the main gate façade.
Sidharth adjusted the sleeves of Kabir's olive kurta, rolling them twice neatly, brushing imaginary lint off his jeans. The slight ritual steadied him before each shoot. He watched Shashank getting touch-ups in a checkered shirt — Roop's more playful look — while Donal fussed with Ishika's dupatta pleats nearby.
Today they were filming the fresh college admissions scenes. In the story, Roop and Kabir had just returned from military school, trying to blend into campus life. Ishika was the new girl, full of spark and hesitant curiosity.
And Ranveer, Roop's younger brother, was already enrolled here — cocky, popular, flaunting a more aggressive brand of masculinity. The script had him constantly taking sly digs at Roop's gentler nature, with Kabir often stepping in, calm but protective.
"Quiet on set! Roll camera… and… action!"
Roop and Kabir walked side by side through the college arch. Roop's eyes darted everywhere, half-nervous, half-excited. Kabir moved with quiet, disciplined grace, scanning the grounds almost like old habit from drill days.
Suddenly, a bike revved nearby. Ranveer rode in, sunglasses perched on his head, hair stylishly tousled, wearing a slim maroon shirt that hugged his gym-trained frame. A couple of juniors whooped and slapped his back.
He parked with a showy skid, jumped off, and sauntered over.
"Well, well… look who decided to finally act like normal boys instead of jungle commandos," Ranveer drawled. His grin was wide, but the edge in his tone couldn't be missed.
Roop forced a smile. "College is for everyone, bhai."
"Yeah. As long as you don't start joining the cooking club again. Or knitting."
Kabir's eyes narrowed slightly. "Ranveer," he said in a level tone that made a couple nearby students hush. "Ease off."
Ranveer smirked, raising his hands in exaggerated surrender. "Arre wah, look at you — still playing bodyguard. Be careful, Kabir bhai. Sometimes standing so close to Roop, people might start doubting your manliness too."
Kabir didn't blink. Just took a slow step forward. "Or they might start learning what real strength looks like."
Ranveer's smirk faltered. Then he laughed, slapped Roop's back — a bit too hard — and swaggered off, arm slung around a classmate.
A few minutes later, the script had Ishika entering campus with her friend, bright salwar fluttering in the breeze. She paused at the notice board, brows furrowed adorably.
Roop stiffened. Kabir caught it immediately.
"Bas kar. Wipe that lovesick look off your face."
Roop shot him a sheepish grin. "She's new. Might need help."
"Mhm. You mean you need help."
Kabir's lips twitched despite himself. Together they approached. The camera framed them with Ishika turning, startled, then smiling shyly.
"Hi, can I help?" Roop asked.
Ishika hesitated, then nodded. As they leaned closer to look at the notice board, Kabir stood just behind — posture loose but eyes far too intent on her smile, the way a stray hair curled near her ear.
A subtle pain curled in his chest.
Don't be foolish, he told himself. Some stories aren't yours to rewrite.
Ranveer returned, circling them like a lazy wolf. "Roop! New admission? Introduce properly, na." His eyes danced with amusement.
"This is Ishika," Roop said simply.
"And this…?" Ranveer drawled, gesturing to Kabir with an exaggerated flourish.
"Kabir. Roop's friend from military school," Ishika supplied with a small smile.
"Ah. Army man. Strong and silent — girls must go crazy." Ranveer's grin was wide, but his eyes flicked challengingly at Kabir.
Kabir just held his gaze, giving a faint half-smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Not interested in crowds. Or showing off."
"Oh?" Ranveer chuckled. "Then watch your heart, fauji. College crushes get messy."
Kabir didn't answer, only shifted slightly to stand closer to Roop, a silent line of support.
"Beautiful, hold, aaand… cut!"
The director burst out laughing. "Sid, that little flicker in your eyes when Ranveer teased you? Perfect. Shows Kabir's quiet turmoil. Keep that undercurrent running."
Sidharth nodded, breathing out. Shashank gave him a conspiratorial shoulder nudge.
"You're killing it, bro. The fandom's going to go mad shipping you and Ishika, even if it's a tragic angle."
Donal smiled too, gently patting Sidharth's arm. "It's honestly so moving. Kabir's type of silent love — it hits differently."
Later, after wrap, Sidharth, Shashank, and Donal sat on a prop bench eating samosas, out of character at last.
"So how does it feel being the tragic second hero?" Shashank teased.
Sidharth stretched his legs, leaning back, smile soft. "It's strangely satisfying. Kabir's love isn't about possession. It's about wanting her happy — even if that's with Roop."
Donal sighed, resting her chin on her palm. "Honestly, it's kind of every girl's fantasy. The best friend who loves you so deeply he lets you go. Also: the protective side is hot."
Sidharth laughed low. "Great. Now I'm going to get more fan edits than Roop."
Shashank shoved him playfully. "Just don't start liking it too much. This is still my show."
As they packed up for the day, the next script scene was handed out. Ranveer's arc was soon to darken — envy twisting into harsh sabotage. Kabir would become Roop's shield, not just from society, but sometimes from his own brother.
Sidharth glanced at the lines, a strange anticipation building. This was more than just surface drama. It was love in many shapes: brotherhood, loyalty, and that sad, tender ache of knowing your heart beats for someone who will never be yours.