The Dean Knows Something

Professor James – “Good morning, everyone. I'm glad to see you all present. Before we proceed, I’d like to address some recent concerns and clarify a few rumours.”

He gave a slight pause, scanning the crowd with clinical precision.

Professor James – “First of all—congratulations. You’ve all done well in your exams. As recognition, we have organized a series of academic excursions based on your ranks. Students ranking in the top 15 will attend a three-day camping trip to Leh. Ranks 16 to 30 will head to Goa for two days, and those between 31 and 45 will take part in a one-day village excursion. The remaining students will join an educational trip to a local factory.”

He allowed a moment for the students to absorb the news before continuing.

Professor James – “Next, we will be announcing the new Student Council. Please welcome Mr. Axel and Miss Catherine to the stage to assist in badge distribution.”

Polite applause followed as two well-dressed students stepped up.

Professor James – “President: Rivaan Mehra. Vice President: Rudra Pratap Singh. Secretary: William Crook. Treasurer: Myra Kundra…”

In the back rows, Fa leaned over and whispered to Jane.

Fa – “Look at that. Not a single girl made it to the top spots.”

Jane – “You’re forgetting Myra. She still made Treasurer.”

Fa – “True. Still, feels like the boys always take the crown.”

Jane – “Last year, the former president became Head of the Council. Wonder if the same thing’s happening again this year.”

Before Fa could answer, Jiya and Riya turned around with exasperated looks.

Jiya & Riya (in unison) – “Can you two keep it down? We’re trying to hear!”

Just then, Professor James's voice cut through the auditorium.

Professor James – “…and this year’s Head of the Student Council is none other than last year’s President—Jiya Malhotra.”

The room erupted into applause and surprised murmurs. Jiya blinked, stunned for a split second, then composed herself and stepped forward with quiet confidence. Applause followed her as she walked to the stage, where her new badge was pinned onto her blazer—solidifying her leadership once again.

But before the cheers could settle, a deep, charismatic voice echoed from the wings.

An elderly man, around 65, stepped into view. Though age touched his face, his posture was upright, and his presence commanded the room.

Dean Reyansh Rajvansh.

Dean Reyansh- "Good morning, my dear students."He began, voice steady but playful. "And, of course, greetings to all the other attendants here. For those who don't recognize me, I am your Dean—Reyansh Rajvansh. It’s been a while since I’ve stood before you. Oh goodness, how much you've all changed. It feels like watching chicks grow into hens and roosters." He laughed gently. "Each and every one of you are my students, and I appreciate your achievements. Hinting about some fun, I guess. Let me screw it. How have you been? I see the worry on your faces—don’t look so horrified just yet."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

He gestured to someone off-stage, signalling for a video to be played. A recording rolled — a recent incident, showing Tina as the victim. A stunned silence filled the room. Other students were left shocked and murmuring odds of that event. Dean Reyansh calms them.

Dean Reyansh- "Let me get straight to the point. There’s been a lot of rumours lately—about a vacant building on campus. Stories floating around, saying it’s cursed or haunted, that people who go near it don’t return and all. That's the reason why I am here."

He paused, and looked around.

Dean Reyansh- "That building isn’t cursed. It’s simply overdue for renovation. But unfortunately, we never got a chance to do it. Here is a news most important to listen to."

His expression darkened.

Dean Reyansh- "Tina Sharma—a top-ranking student from the Chemical Engineering department—passed away the day before. Please, play the second video."

Another clip appeared, this time of Tina, visibly distressed, accusing herself.

Dean Reyansh- "Tina suffered from a severe case of dual personality disorder. She struggled to keep up with her studies, and in desperation, turned to cheating—trying to maintain her position, trying to hold onto something slipping through her fingers. It wasn’t something demonic, but rather, a tragic mental struggle."

He glanced at the students, his tone softening.

Dean Reyansh- "Apart from nonsense, we are here to show some respect to her."

He nodded toward the exit.

Dean Reyansh- "Outside the auditorium, we’ve arranged a space where you can pay your respects. But first, I ask you all to stand for a minute of silence."

The hall fell quiet, heads bowed.

Dean Reyansh- "Listen carefully, my lovely children Each of you is unique in your own way. Never choose the wrong path to achieve success. If you do so, you may temporarily gain—but it could cost you severely."

He gave a small smile.

Dean Reyansh- "I wish you all to be healthy and the best until you reach my other session of addressing you. Till there Fare ya well."

Professor James- "All the council members kindly come to the council office after the program. Thank you, students. You may go further to your classes."

The crowd slowly dispersed. Outside, the girls paused at Tina’s memorial, offering silent prayers, folding their hands.

Riya – “So… you’re off to the council office now?”

Jiya – [Sighing] “Yeah. Guess I’ll have to let go of my dream of napping today.”

Riya – [Smirking] “Afterwards, meet me at the first class—or near the statue if you’re running late?”

Jiya – “Deal.”

With that, Jiya turned and walked toward the council office.

Then her gaze landed on a graceful woman in a soft grey suit—Miss Catharine, the university’s renowned heartthrob. With a gentle smile, she offered Jiya a glass of water and motioned toward a plush seat.

Meanwhile, Mr. Axel, the calm and commanding council advisor, stood near a desk, holding a stack of printed brochures.

Mr. Axel – “Everyone, take one. These contain your designated roles and expectations. Read them carefully.”

As the brochures circulated, Mr. Axel glanced at Jiya with a firm, measured look.

Mr. Axel – “Also—get ready. The council photoshoot starts in ten minutes.”

The photoshoot went on smoothly—camera clicks echoing as each member posed with poise and pride, the weight of new responsibilities settling in their posture.

When it was done, Mr. Axel called Jiya aside.

Mr. Axel – “Jiya, now that you’re Head of the Council, certain expectations come with the title. You’ll need to be consistent with attendance. Skipping classes should be a rare exception.”

His tone wasn’t harsh—just straightforward.

Mr. Axel – “Understood?”

Jiya – “Yes, sir. Right now, I’m feeling very—”

Before she could finish her sentence, a voice sliced through the air, confident yet laced with warmth. It was paired with a charming, almost teasing grin.