The school bell had rung long ago, signaling the start of the annual function in the auditorium. Laughter and music echoed faintly from down the hall, but in the empty classroom at the far end of the building, silence hung heavy. Mr. Rajesh Sharma, the stern history teacher and part-time tuition instructor, sat at his desk, grading papers. His student, Priya, a shy 18-year-old with wide doe eyes and a ponytail that swung innocently as she fidgeted, stood before him. She was failing history, and her parents had begged him to give her extra help. Today, with the school deserted, he saw his chance.

Priya clutched her notebook, her uniform skirt brushing her knees. 'Sir, aapne bulaya tha? Function mein sab log gaye hain,' she said softly, her voice trembling a bit. She was innocent, untouched by the world's cruelties, focused only on her studies.